In compliance with Ontario’s Essential Services Order, the Carleton Board of Governors met remotely on June 2, 2020. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Board of Governors website once available. The following are the highlights:
Strategic Integrated Plan Approved
The Board approved the final draft of the Strategic Integrated Plan (SIP). This document is the product of an extensive consultation process that launched in September 2020 and engaged the entire Carleton community, including the Board of Governors. The plan captures the best of the university today, and will act as a road map for future ambitions. The plan is articulated around three main strategic directions: Share Knowledge, Shape the Future; Serve Ottawa, Serve the World; and, Strive for Wellness, Strive for Sustainability. The Chair thanked everyone involved in the development of this strategy, including the task force members and co-chairs: Betina Appel Kuzmarov, Lorraine Dyke, Patrice Smith and Cindy Taylor.
Sexual Violence Task Force Report
Michael Charles, director of Equity Services and Inclusive Communities, spoke to the Sexual Violence Task Force Report. The document was mandated by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, and outlines the competence of Carleton University’s sexual violence policy, the effectiveness of current programs on campus, and further steps Carleton will take to combat sexual violence. More information regarding Carleton’s ongoing commitment to this critical issue is available within the Campus Prevention Strategy for Sexual Violence, titled Honouring Each Other.
Accessibility Strategy
Boris Vukovic and Adrian Chan, co chairs of Carleton University’s Coordinated Accessibility Strategy, provided a presentation to the Board. The strategy development process was launched in October 2018 with various consultations, including open and online feedback sessions, meetings with key stakeholder groups, and individual interviews. This document will guide Carleton’s ongoing commitment towards an accessible campus, and further foster a university culture of inclusivity. The seven key principles of the strategy are: coordination and leadership, education and training, information and communication, physical campus, employment and employee support, student support services, and research and development.
Chair’s Remarks
In his final meeting as Chair, Nik Nanos expressed gratitude to the Board, senior executive team, and everyone who had a hand in making his tenure such a positive and rewarding experience. As outlined in his Annual Chair’s report, Nik identified the last two years as a renewal for Carleton. During his term, he had the honour of recruiting and installing President Benoit-Antoine Bacon and Chancellor Yaprak Baltacioğlu. Additionally, as part of his oversight, the Chair saw a shift in the board composition to a more diverse and well-balanced group, as well as a more recalibrated and streamlined committee structure.
The Chair thanked the Carleton community for the resilience shown in the face of the COVID-19 storm, and expressed confidence in the university’s ability to adapt to any future obstacles. Next, Nik looks forward to his role as Past Chair. See all of the Board of Governors highlights of the 2019/20 academic year in the Annual Chair’s Report.
President’s Report
President Bacon began his remarks by speaking to the University’s statement on Racial Violence in the U.S and Canada and Carleton’s participation in #BlackOutTuesday. He reiterated Carleton’s deep commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and reminded everyone that assistance was available through both Health and Counselling and the Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities.
The President updated the Board on current efforts to prepare for a successful fall semester, including the implementation of the 10 recommendations of the recently released report of the Carleton University Scenario Planning (CUSP) Working Group.
He added that as we plan for the fall, we should not forget to celebrate all the positive things Carleton has accomplished throughout the 2019/20 academic year. Notably, Carleton was named the second most sustainable university in Canada, saw momentum in both health and wellness and Indigenous initiatives, and recorded $81.7 million in research funding – the highest to date. More highlights of this year can be viewed in the annual President’s Report.
Governor Spotlight: Dan Fortin
The Board of Governors consists of 32 volunteers representing the Carleton community, like Dan Fortin. Dan first joined the Board in 2016, and became Vice-Chair in 2018. Commencing July 1, 2020, he will begin his term as Chair of the Board. Learn more about Dan.
Next Meeting: September 29, 2020
The first meeting of the 2020/2021 Board year is scheduled for Sept. 29. Open session meeting materials are posted one week in advance of each meeting. More information on items approved, as well as minutes from previous meetings, can be found on the Board of Governors website.
Sincerely,
Nik Nanos
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