The Board met in person on October 10, 2024. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Board of Governors website once available. The following are the highlights from the meeting:
Board Approves Loeb Building Envelope Remediation and Replacement Project
The Board has approved the Loeb Building Envelope Remediation and Replacement Project Implementation Report and Class A Estimate, with a project cost not to exceed $40.6 million. This includes lobby upgrades funded by the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs.
The project will be executed in three phases, and will modernize the Loeb Building by addressing safety issues, enhancing its aesthetic appeal, and improving energy efficiency and sustainability. The refurbishment of the third-floor lobby will create a focal point and gathering space for faculty, students and staff.
Annual Financial Statements and Audit Findings Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024
The Board received and approved the university’s 2023-2024 Consolidated Financial Statements and the Audit Findings Report. For the fiscal year ending April 30, 2024, the university reported a deficit of $50.1 million, which had been forecast as a result of continuing provincial funding caps/shortfalls. Despite this, the university maintains $1.16 billion in net assets and $638.4 million in cash and current investments.
The Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared by management and audited by KPMG LLP. The Audit Findings Report, prepared by KPMG, outlines the audit process, identifies audit risks and results, and highlights internal control observations. The report confirmed that there were no significant changes or differences requiring adjustment, and the statements were presented fairly in all material respects.
Senate Annual Report
Elinor Sloan, Clerk of the Senate, presented the 2023-24 Senate Annual Report, offering a comprehensive review of the year’s activities. Throughout the academic year, the Senate:
- Received eight community presentations
- Approved 6,470 graduates
- Recognized 257 medalists
- Conferred eight honorary degrees
- Introduced eight new programs
- Established three new minors, concentrations, streams, and specializations
- Completed 16 cyclical reviews
- Revised two policies
2023-2024 Annual Report on Sexual Violence
As required by the Carleton University Sexual Violence Policy, the Board received the annual report on Sexual Violence. From May 2023 to April 2024, the Carleton University Sexual Assault Support Centre (CUSASC) provided 87.5 hours of training to over 1,580 community members.
The policy is scheduled for review in 2025 as per Ontario’s Bill 132 and Bill 26, in addition to the mandatory revision date as noted in the Policy itself. Reviewing the Policy every three years helps ensure the Policy is responsive and supportive. Due to the successful previous consultation processes, a similar process will be undertaken for the 2024-2025 review.
The Board also reviewed the Honouring Each Other Annual Report, which includes updates to the “Honouring Each Other: Building Consent Cultures on Campus, Together” document for 2023-2026. Moving forward the Equity and Inclusive Communities (EIC) and the Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Committee (SVPEC) will review and update the strategy and workplan every 90 days, which will now correspond to the academic year instead of the calendar year.
EDI Action Plan Progress Report 2024
The Board received an update on Carleton’s EDI Action Plan. Key highlights of the plan’s progress included Phase 1 of the collective actions taken by the Carleton community since the plan’s release in 2023. These actions include the creation of faculty-specific EDI Action Plans, advancements in research opportunities, the integration of EDI into daily programming, and the launch of the Self-Identification Survey.
The University continues to make significant strides in its strategic initiatives and the implementation of its EDI Action Plan.
President’s Report
Interim President Tomberlin provided an update on recent activities and accomplishments that have taken place at Carleton since the June Board meeting. Read the full President’s Report.
Governor Spotlight: Julie Carr, Community-At-Large
Julie Carr, CPA, is a business professional, currently serving as Vice President, Finance at BioTalent Canada.
With extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, Julie has a proven ability to drive results across financial, business development, sales, and other executive roles. A Chartered Professional Accountant, Julie holds an MBA and is highly skilled in change management, strategy development, and cross-functional leadership. Learn more about Julie
Next meeting: December 4, 2024
The next meeting of the 2024/25 Board year is scheduled for December 4, 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.
Sincerely,
Beth Creary
Chair, Carleton University Board of Governors