Board Notes: May and June 2019
MAY BOARD NOTES: Board hears the president’s roundup of recent campus highlights
President's remarks
In his remarks at the Board of Governors meeting on May 28, 2019, Concordia President Alan Shepard welcomed Vannina Maestracci, who recently started in her role as the university’s new spokesperson.
Among other recent highlights, he pointed to the launch of the Academic Leadership Institute this summer and a new partnership between Concordia’s District 3 and the Fonds de recherche du Québec. Shepard also mentioned Senate’s resolution regarding proposed Bill 21 and welcomed Ursula Eicker as Concordia’s new Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities.
Shepard drew attention to Concordia’s latest Trudeau Scholars, Banting Postdoctoral Fellows and Joan Donaldson CBC News Scholar, as well as the university’s 10 new Public Scholars. He also extended his congratulations to the organizers of B/OLD: Aging in our City and the PERFORM Centre Research Week.
He concluded his remarks with a reminder that Concordia recently received the largest donation in its history, a $30 million planned gift to support students, and that the university recently announced its spring 2019 honorary doctorates.
Quarterly report on health and safety
Roger Côté, vice-president of Services, noted in his report to the Board that there were 57 injuries on campus in this year’s first quarter. He said there were no increases in any category, which include slipping and falling, getting struck by something, coming into contact with an object that causes injury and exertion.
Of those injuries, Côté remarked that 14 were work-related, one of which resulted in days lost.
Search for Concordia’s next president
The Board approved the position profile for the university’s next president and vice-chancellor. The search committee developed the profile and then circulated it to the Concordia community in March for feedback.
Finance committee recommendations
In light of the Quebec government’s policy concerning funding for international students, the Board approved a new tuition fee model for international students in deregulated programs. The fee model will be in effect from the fall 2019 term to the summer 2024 term.
The Board also approved the collection of an increased administrative fee of $10.92 per credit from all students starting in the fall 2019 term, as well as the collection of an increased technology infrastructure fee of $5.23 per credit from all students starting in the fall 2019 term.
JUNE BOARD NOTES: Board learns about Summer@Concordia, sends well wishes to Alan Shepard
President’s remarks
Alan Shepard welcomed members of the Board of Governors to the June 17 meeting, which was his final Board meeting as Concordia president before his departure on June 30.
He added a few points in addition to those available in the Board materials. He reported that Concordia held another highly successful series of convocation ceremonies for more than 6,000 graduating students from June 10 to 12.
Finally, he extended his thanks to the Board members — especially Chancellor Jonathan Wener and Chair Norman Hébert — for their great support through the years.
Anne Whitelaw presents on Summer@Concordia
Anne Whitelaw, vice provost of Planning and Positioning, talked about the diverse activities on campus during summer at Concordia.
Beginning in 2018, the university began an effort to take advantage of its facilities, resources and talent throughout the typically quieter months between the winter and fall terms.
As a result, students and others now can tap into courses and seminars, professional development opportunities, field schools and graduate summer schools and institutes. There are also popular child and youth camps, conferences and events, such as the Fantasia Film Festival.
The Grey Nuns Building offers visitors reasonably priced accommodations in the summer months.
Whitelaw said that the university is looking to further its international graduate school offerings, expand the number and range of professional development courses and workshops and grow its summer camp options.
Before the meeting wrapped up, Ted Stathopoulos asked fellow Board members to formally acknowledge and thank Alan Shepard for his seven outstanding years as head of Concordia.
