The Carleton University Board of Governors met on December 4, 2019. Dan Fortin, Vice-Chair, acted as Chair of the Board at the meeting. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Board of Governors website once available. The following are highlights:
Presentation by Mayor Jim Watson
The Board was pleased to welcome Mayor Jim Watson, proud alumnus and former member of the Board of Governors. Mayor Watson spoke to his experience and relationship with Carleton as well as how the university and the city can continue to partner together to further benefit the greater Ottawa community.
2020/2021 Operating Budget Framework Approved
Carleton has been able to maintain a balanced budget for a number of years and expects to do so again in 2020-2021. The planning process has started and is designed to end with the approval of the operating budget by the Board in April. Planning assumptions for 2020-2021 include conservative enrolment growth, stable revenues from government and tuition fees, and possible strategic reinvestment in key priorities such as student success, research excellence and reputational initiatives.
Re-appointment of Vice-President (Students and Enrolment)
The Board was pleased to approve the re-appointment of Suzanne Blanchard as Vice-President (Students and Enrolment), in line with the unanimous recommendation of the Re-appointment Advisory Committee that conducted a full review process this fall. The Board noted that Suzanne is a pillar of strength in the Carleton community, citing her numerous accomplishments within the Students and Enrolment portfolio over the last five years.
CUISIC Calls to Action Presented
The Board of Governors was pleased to receive the Carleton University Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Committee (CUISIC) Calls to Action and offer thanks to the committee members. As this process moves into implementation, any action under the purview of the Board of Governors will in due course be brought back to the Board for approval.
Strategic Integrated Plan Update
An update on the Strategic Integrated Plan (SIP) process was presented by the SIP Co-Chairs. The presentation included a summary of the activity timeline, including over 40 consultation sessions, and the preliminary strategic directions that are emerging from the process.
Strategic Mandate Agreement Update
President Bacon and Lorraine Dyke, Deputy Provost (Academic Operations and Planning) provided an update on the third Strategic Mandate Agreement (SMA-3) negotiations with the provincial government, which are occurring in parallel with the Strategic Integrated Plan process. Carleton met with government representatives in early November and discussions were productive. Negotiations will unfold in the new year and the process is expected to be concluded by the end of March 2020.
President’s Report
President Bacon provided an update on recent activities and accomplishments that have taken place throughout Carleton since the September Board meeting. You can access the full report on the President’s website.
Governor Spotlight: Kim Furlong
The Board of Governors consists of 32 volunteers representing the Carleton community, like Carleton alumna Kim Furlong. A trusted advisor to governments, associations and corporations, Kim joined the Board of Governors in 2019 as a community-at-large member. Learn more about Kim.
Next Meeting: March 12, 2020
The next Board of Governors meeting is March 12, 2020. More information on the items approved as well as minutes from previous meetings can be found on the Board of Governors website.
Sincerely,
Dan Fortin
Vice- Chair, Carleton University Board of Governors
To learn more about the Carleton University Board of Governors, including membership, meeting schedule and official minutes, visit carleton.ca/boardofgovernors