The Board met in person on April 29, 2025. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Board of Governors website once available. The following are the highlights from the meeting:
Update on University Financial Accountability Framework & Action Plan
The Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security has mandated Carleton’s participation in a third-party “efficiency and accountability” review due to its ongoing budget deficit and medium risk rating in the Province’s Financial Accountability Framework. Since last year, twelve Ontario universities have been selected for review; Carleton is among five additional universities recently identified for this process.
The review, funded by the Province’s Efficiency and Accountability Fund, will identify efficiencies in governance, services, programming, facilities, procurement, and revenue generation. Carleton will also continue to implement its Mission Sustainability Framework to address the deficit and to protect the integrity and viability of the academic mission.
Community consultation details will be shared when finalized. Despite financial challenges, Carleton remains committed to its academic and research excellence.
2025-26 Tuition Fees
The 2025-26 Tuition Fees adjustments were approved as per the Ontario Tuition Framework and include the following updates:
- Domestic tuition for Ontario residents remains frozen, while out-of-province domestic students’ tuition will increase by 5%.
- Approved programs with tuition anomalies (Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of International Business, MBA) will increase by up to 7.5%.
- International tuition increases, approved for two years, include an 8% rise for undergraduate and professional master’s programs.
- Full Cost Recovery (FCR) programs, not subject to provincial regulations, will see varied increases. The adjustments are meant to ensure that programs are supported appropriately to maintain competitiveness and viability.
2025-26 Operating Budget
The Board of Governors approved the 2025-26 operating budget of $547 million in total expenditures and total revenues of $515 million with a projected $32 million base operating deficit due to factors such as declining international student enrolment and salary adjustments from the repeal of Bill 124.
The budget includes modest increases in government grants, and investments and other income, but faces rising costs in salaries and campus infrastructure. The University plans to invest in identified areas of strategic priority, including research and academic programs.
Updates related to the operating budget will be posted on the Provost’s website.
Coordinated Accessibility Strategy (CAS) Annual Report
The Board received an annual report on Carleton University’s Coordinated Accessibility Strategy (CAS) which has inspired over 175 initiatives across seven focus areas (Coordination and Leadership, Education and Training, Information and Communication, Physical Campus, Employment and Employee Supports, Student Support Services, and Research and Development) with many activities spanning multiple areas and recommendations.
As of April 2025, 33 of the 40 recommendations in the CAS were either completed or ongoing. Key achievements include the launch of the Professional Education for Accessibility Competence (PEAC) program, installation of new door openers, and enhanced web accessibility.
The next iteration of the CAS, launching in spring 2025, will guide Carleton toward 2030 and reflect our ongoing dedication to accessibility, emphasizing inclusivity, innovation, collaboration, commitment, and collective responsibility.
Read the CAS Annual Report for more highlights on the success of the strategy.
Kinàmàgawin Progress Report
The Board received an annual report on the Kinàmàgawin Indigenous Initiatives Strategy, which aims to transform our campus into a safe and welcoming environment for Indigenous students, staff, and faculty.
The report highlighted the significant advancements by Carleton’s faculties and departments and shows a deep dedication to implementing the 41 Calls to Action.
Key updates include partnerships for land-based learning, targeted fundraising, and the creation of Indigenous-focused spaces. The report also details initiatives to support Indigenous students, enhance Indigenous experiences, and integrate Indigenous ways of teaching and learning. Notable achievements include the establishment of policies to verify Indigenous identity, reserved housing for Indigenous students, and the development of an Indigenous Research Ethics Board.
Explore the 2025 Progress Report to learn more about the remarkable collective efforts taking place across Carleton.
President’s Report
President Tettey provided an update on recent activities and accomplishments at Carleton since the March Board meeting. For more details, read the full President’s Report .
Governor Spotlight: Nathalie Laporte, Community
Nathalie Laporte, CPA/CA, is an accomplished executive with nearly 30 years of experience in higher education administration. She has made significant contributions to the sector, particularly through her role as the Executive Director of CAUBO. Nathalie is driven by her commitment to upholding the core values of community, curiosity, and impact, which she brings to her role on the Board of Governors. Learn more about Nathalie
Next meeting: June 4, 2025
The next meeting of the 2024/25 Board year is scheduled for June 4, 2025. Open session meeting materials will be posted one week in advance. For more information on approved items and minutes from previous meetings, please visit the Board of Governors website.
Sincerely,
Beth Creary
Chair, Carleton University Board of Governors