The Board met in person on December 5, 2023. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Board of Governors website once they are available. The following are the highlights from the meeting:
Strive for Sustainability Annual Report 2022-2023
The board received the Strive for Sustainability Annual Report, which highlights Carleton University’s significant progress in its sustainability initiatives for 2022–2023. The university’s Strive for Sustainability Plan outlines its strategy for reducing emissions, with the goal of achieving a carbon-neutral campus by 2050, while the Carleton Energy Master Plan provides a roadmap towards this goal. Carleton has also become a signatory to the Net-Zero Challenge and a Nature Positive University. In 2022, Carleton earned a Gold Certification from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education and has been recognised as a Top Performer in the AASHE Global Sustainable Campus Index. Read the report.
Major Capital Plan
The university received a report on the Major Capital Plan, which, guided by the Strategic Integrated Plan (SIP), the Campus Master Plan, the Outdoor Space Master Plan, and the Strive for Sustainability Plan, helps to ensure the university has the right facilities and open spaces to support student success, the academic mission, and future initiatives.
Operating Budget 2024/25 Framework
The Board approved Carleton’s budget planning framework for the fiscal 2024–25 year. Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Pauline Rankin outlined the current fiscal situation for the Ontario Higher Education sector and emphasised that management remains confident in Carleton’s overall financial health. Slowed growth in revenue and increasing costs, however, are expected to place financial pressure on the University in the short term and until government policies allow for revenue growth.
2023-2024 Ancillary Services Budget Update
Carleton University’s ancillary services play an essential role in supporting the campus community through a wide range of activities, enhancing the overall student experience. The Vice President (Students and Enrollment), Suzanne Blanchard, was pleased to inform the Board that the ancillary revenues have returned to pre-pandemic levels and the majority of pandemic-related deficits have been eliminated. For 2023–24, it is anticipated that the university’s ancillary units will meet their budget expectations.
President’s Report
Interim President Jerry Tomberlin provided an update on recent activities and accomplishments that have taken place at Carleton since the October Board meeting. Please have a look at the full President’s Report.
Responsible Investment (RI) Report – Endowment and Non-Endowed Funds
The Board received a report on Responsible Investment of Endowment and Non-Endowed Funds. In March 2022, the Board of Governors approved the new Responsible Investing policies. Since then, the university has committed to decarbonization and has set a target for the portfolio’s carbon footprint to reach net zero by 2050. The university has also partnered with leading investment coalitions such as the Principles of Responsible Investment and the University Network for Investor Engagement. The report also restated the RI priorities, which focus on climate change, indigenous rights, human rights, diversity, equity and inclusion, mental health, and wellness.
Governor Spotlight: Georgette Morris
Georgette, a PhD candidate at Carleton University, specialising in Law and Legal Studies, joined the Board of Governors on July 1, 2023. Georgette has a diverse array of experiences across different levels of government, including within the House of Commons. She has worked extensively in strategic policy and research in the Privy Council Office; Employment and Social Development Canada; Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada; the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council; and Canada Revenue Agency. She holds a BA in Human Rights and Equity Studies, a BA in Social Science, and an MA in Public Policy Administration and Law from York University. Learn more about Georgette Morris.
If you know a student who could contribute to the Board of Governors, encourage them to submit a nomination to serve on the Board.
Next Meeting: March 6, 2024
The next Board of Governors meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2024. 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.