BOG Meeting Summary: April 29
In compliance with Ontario’s Essential Services Order, the Carleton University Board of Governors held its meeting remotely on April 29, 2021. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Board of Governors website once available. The following are highlights:
Carleton University Scenario Planning Working Group Update
The Carleton University Scenario Planning Working Group (CUSP) provided the Board with a presentation on the upcoming fall 2021 semester. The main planning priority continues to be the health and safety of Carleton’s staff, faculty and students. CUSP communicated that the fall term will likely follow a mixed model of course delivery; a combination of on-campus activity and online learning. A flexible fall term will serve the entire Carleton community, including students (both international and domestic) who may be unable to travel to campus. All decisions are subject to change as government regulations and public health guidelines evolve.
Board Award for Outstanding Community Achievement
The Board congratulates Millie Close from the Faculty of Science on being selected the recipient of this year’s Board Award for Outstanding Community Achievement. This award is presented annually to a graduating student who has shown excellence in volunteerism and philanthropy. Throughout her time at Carleton, Millie has displayed unparalleled dedication and commitment to the well-being and empowerment of her fellow students. While maintaining academic excellence, Millie served on a number of science committees, including the Carleton Science Student Society of which she is President and CEO. Millie has also served the greater Carleton community through her role as a student Senator since 2018 and as a volunteer peer mentor for the past four years.
2021/2022 Operating Budget
The Board approved a balanced operating budget for the 2021/2022 year with total revenue and expenses of $514.9 million. In addition to responding to the COVID-19 health crisis, the budget prioritizes the three main axes of Carleton’s Strategic Integrated Plan: Share Knowledge, Shape the Future; Serve Ottawa, Serve the World; Strive for Wellness, Strive for Sustainability. The budget has set aside a COVID-related contingency fund to address any further impacts caused by the ongoing public health crisis.
Coordinated Accessibility Strategy Report
Annually, the Board of Governors receives a report on Carleton’s Coordinated Accessibility Strategy. Leadership in accessibility is an integral part of the Strategic Integrated Plan, and Carleton remains committed to creating a more accessible campus, country and world for all. This year, Carleton made great strides in accessibility, including the landmark launch of the Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN), which falls under the leadership of Carleton’s READ Initiative.
Student Association and Miscellaneous Fees
The Board approved the 2021/2022 Student Association and Miscellaneous Fees. These costs either remained unchanged from the previous year, or were increased subsequent to student referenda or the ancillary fee committee. The new fees will come into effect on Sept. 1, 2021.
Tory Lab renamed “Lacks Lab”
The Board approved the renaming of Tory 130 Lab to “Lacks Lab.” The renaming initiative originated from a group of Carleton students nicknamed “Team Hela” and strives to honour Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose cancer cells are the source of the HeLa cell line – the first immortalized human cell line and one of the most important discoveries in medical research.
President’s Report
President Bacon provided an update on recent activities and accomplishments that have taken place at Carleton since the March 2021 Board meeting. You can access the full report here.
Governor Spotlight: Beth Creary
The Board of Governors consists of 32 volunteers representing the Carleton community, like Beth Creary, Vice-President Assistant General Counsel; Corporate Counsel, Assistant Secretary at Ligado Networks. Beth joined the Board in 2018 as a community-at-large representative. Learn more about Beth.
Next Meeting: June 1, 2021
The next Board of Governors meeting is June 1, 2021. 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,
Dan Fortin
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