Resilience in the Face of Adversity
My first term as your Board Chair has been anything but ordinary. It has been an honour to be part of our community’s resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.
Thanks to the university’s leadership as they provided clarity in a time of uncertainty, and the unwavering commitment by the members of the campus community, we can now begin to see on the horizon a bright and promising tomorrow as the vaccine roll out continues. While it has not been an easy year, one that forced everyone to pivot in their efforts, the pandemic has also allowed us to gain new insights into teaching and learning, student support and wellness; long-term trends that will enhance the Carleton experience moving forward.
As with all aspects of university life, our governance systems fully adapted to online meetings in order to continue our work. Throughout the past year, the Board was kept appraised of all COVID-19 news that directly affected the university, received updates on the 2020/21 budgets, enrolment statistics and listened to presentations from the Carleton University Scenario Planning (CUSP) Working Group. Through our committee work, the Board monitored the progress of Carleton’s capital projects and deferred maintenance including the completion of the Health Sciences and ARISE buildings. Additionally, we are proud of our continued commitment to diversity and inclusion through our 50 – 30 Challenge pledge and are pleased to have approved the leadership renewal of Carleton’s Chancellor Yaprak Baltacioğlu as well as President and Vice-Chancellor Benoit-Antoine Bacon.
With the academic year coming to a close, I would like to extend my appreciation to you, the Carleton community. Thanks to all of you, I am confident that we will emerge from the pandemic with a renewed strength to pursue new ideas and enhance the values we cherish. Your determination to strive for excellence in all circumstances has made my first year as Board Chair a very positive and rewarding experience.
May this next year be one of return, growth and prosperity.
Sincerely,
Dan Fortin
Chair, Carleton University Board of Governors