Board receives update on major research award

President highlights major research award

In his opening remarks to the Board at its October 22 meeting, President Alan Shepard expressed his sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo who was killed earlier in the day, noting it was a very sobering moment for all of us. He echoed similar sentiments made by Board Chair Norman Hébert, Jr.

Shepard shared the good news that Concordia has been awarded $6 million under the Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program, which partners academic researchers with industry to propel innovation. He highlighted the work of Concordia researcher Adrian Tsang who will collaborate with Elanco Animal Health to develop new enzyme supplements for livestock producers. This project will contribute to achieving more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

He also provided an update on the strategic directions process, saying it is still in the planning stages with a launch slated for early next year. The purpose of this process is to engage the Concordia community in a dialogue about the future of the university.

Student clubs given permission to use Concordia name

The Board approved the use of the Concordia name by three student groups, in line with the Policy on the Use of Concordia University’s Name, Logo and Related Insignia and the Governance of its Visual Character:

• Concordia Real Estate Club, comprised of students interested in learning more about the real estate industry;
• Concordia Safe Cosmetics Club, whose mission is to educate and promote awareness regarding the health risks associated with the chemicals found in many personal care products; and
• Music Undergraduate Students in Concordia (MUSIC), which will represent undergraduate music students and promote and support music-related activities.

New member appointed to Real Estate Planning Committee

The Board approved the appointment of Johanne Mullen to the Real Estate Planning Committee. Ms Mullen is a national infrastructure and project finance leader of PricewaterhouseCoopersLLP. Membership on this standing committee is open to non-governors to provide for input from people who have experience and expertise in real estate matters and capital projects.

Webster Library Transformation project enters construction phase

In June 2013, after reviewing preliminary plans for the renovation and expansion of the R. Howard Webster Library, the Board and gave its approval for the preparation of detailed design plans.

Now the project — known as the Webster Transformation Project — has reached another milestone with the approval by the Board, during its closed session, to proceed with the next phase. This includes the awarding of the construction, professional and supply contracts following  tender process.

The majority of project funding is coming from the Government of Quebec under budget envelopes earmarked for university infrastructure projects and equipment. The project will create an intellectually stimulating learning environment for students, expand the number of study seats as well as improve the quality, variety and functional of spaces, and enhance technology. Construction is to begin in January 2015 and be completed by spring 2017.

A series of consultations will be held during the project’s lifecycle to obtain feedback on furniture and technology. The first of these consultations of furniture and is currently under way in the Webster Library until November 7.