The Carleton University Board of Governors acknowledges that the location of Carleton’s campus is on the traditional, unceded territories of the Algonquin nation.
In compliance with Ontario’s Essential Services Order, the Board met remotely on Sept. 30, 2021. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Board of Governors website once available. The following are the highlights from the meeting:
Orange Shirt Day
The Board of Governors acknowledged that its meeting occurred on Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. In respect of this day, governors wore orange ribbons and the meeting was opened with a moment of silence to commemorate and honour the victims, survivors and all those affected by the residential school system.
New Student Residence Breaks Ground
Construction of a new 456-bed student residence is set to begin in Fall 2021, at an estimated cost of $90M. The building will consist of 168 single-rooms and 142 double rooms with shared semi-private washrooms and increased privacy in the design of double bedrooms. The new building addresses the rising demand for student housing over the last 10 years, since the addition of the Lennox and Addington residence building.
Audited Financial Statements & Findings Report Approved
The Board approved the Audited Financial Statements for the year ending April 30, 2021, as well as the Audit Findings Report and management and independence letters. The Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared by management and audited by Carleton’s external auditing firm, KPMG, which then prepared the Audit Findings Report. The report explains the audit process, pinpoints risks and results and highlights internal control observations.
Kinàmàgawin Progress Update
The Carleton University Strategic Indigenous Initiatives Committee (CUSIIC) co-chairs shared the progress of the Kinàmàgawin (Learning Together) strategy’s 41 Calls to Action. The Board thanked the co-chairs and everyone involved in the significant progress achieved and reaffirmed its commitment to Kinàmàgawin and to conciliation. Governors will be taking part in a Kinàmàgawin education session this October at the annual strategy retreat.
Inaugural Digital Strategy
David Hornsby, Associate Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) provided a presentation on the development of Carleton’s inaugural Digital Strategy. The strategy aims to help optimize the role of digital technology in achieving the objectives of the Strategic Integrated Plan (SIP). A broad, inclusive and consultative process was initiated in May 2021 and the data collected will inform the areas of focus. Further consultations are scheduled this fall, with a planned rollout expected in early 2022.
Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Term Extended
The Board is pleased to confirm the extension of Jerry Tomberlin as Provost and Vice-President (Academic) for an additional year, until June 30, 2023. Tomberlin has remarkably fulfilled his role as Provost, serving the Carleton community in an exemplary manner through very challenging circumstances. Notably, he revitalized the Provost portfolio, renewed and mentored a strong Decanal team, ensured academic excellence through the continued pandemic, skillfully led the development of the annual operating budgets in challenging fiscal circumstances, and played leading roles in the development of Carleton’s Strategic Integrated Plan, Kinàmàgawin Indigenous Initiatives Strategy and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.
Return to Campus
An update was provided on the Return to Campus Plan. Carleton’s vaccination policy and screening protocols were key measures towards keeping the Carleton community safe. In addition, all courses this fall are delivered with physical distancing and classes are capped at 60 students. Carleton has also invested in updated ventilation systems in all buildings, rigorous water testing protocols, signage, traffic flow, hand sanitizing stations and enhanced cleaning protocols.
Carleton’s plans continue to evolve with health and safety as the primary focus, and always in compliance with all regulations. Looking to the future, the Carleton University Scenario Planning (CUSP) Working Group is working towards a recommendation for the Winter 2022 term.
Senate Annual Report
Clerk of Senate Elinor Sloane presented Senate’s Annual Report to the Board of Governors.
President’s Report
President Bacon provided an update on recent activities and accomplishments that have taken place at Carleton since the June Board meeting. Please have a look at the full President’s Report.
Governor Spotlight: Harjit Kaur, Graduate Student
Harjit Kaur is an international student who is completing her Masters of Civil Engineering. Due to the pandemic, Harjit’s first year was completed online from India but now in year two, Harjit has safely arrived in Canada. Harjit is excited to immerse herself in Canadian and Carleton culture while sharing the voice of graduate and international students as a representative on the Board of Governors. Learn more about Harjit.
Next Meeting: Dec. 3, 2021
The next meeting of the 2021/2022 Board year is scheduled for Dec. 3. 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