Brad Arkison

The Board discussed economic and financial challenges, the college's revised strategic framework, and the development of the strategic plan and budget for the upcoming year. The meeting featured a presentation on the Fresh Food Market, an overview of the President and CEO report including enrolment projections, and an in-depth discussion regarding the NorQuest 2030 Strategic Plan and priority initiatives. Additionally, the Board approved the Investment Management Agreement metric targets for 2025-2028 and held discussions regarding the President and CEO's mid-year performance status.

The board meeting agenda focused on governance and strategic planning, including reports from the Academic Council, Governance Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, and Human Resources Committee. Key discussion and approval items included the President and CEO report, enrollment trend analysis, the 2025-26 strategic plan status, the NorQuest 2030 strategic plan revised placemat, an investment management agreement, and an exceptional tuition increase proposal. The meeting concluded with in-camera sessions involving the President and CEO.

This refreshed strategic plan outlines NorQuest College's roadmap to 2030, aiming to position the institution as Alberta's most workforce-aligned college. It is structured around five strategic focus areas: Learner, People, Connection, Investment, and Transformation. The plan's objectives include providing future-ready, inclusive education; cultivating a thriving, adaptable workforce; fostering high-value partnerships for economic and community impact; ensuring long-term financial stability through diversified revenue; and enhancing operational excellence via campus expansion, technology, and data-driven insights. The ultimate vision is to transform lives and strengthen Alberta's talent pipeline.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the October 14, 2025 session. Key informational updates included the Executive team's approval of the Academic Council Terms of Reference on November 12, 2025, which stipulated that Academic Council will no longer approve Tuition & Fees, although the committee will still provide feedback on the topic. Discussions and approvals covered the launch of the Academic Awards Suite, for which nominations were opened with specific closing dates set for December and January, and recognition planned for May 2026 across various categories. Furthermore, the Council approved proposed program changes for the Therapeutic Recreation Diploma, effective Fall 2027, which included adjusting theory and lab hours for ASCL 1000, establishing a pathway for ITA graduates, reallocating credits for specific Year 2 courses, and removing one elective in Term 4 to reduce the overall program load from 76 to 73 credits. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda for October 14, 2025. The primary discussion focused on the proposed 2026-2027 Academic Schedule, which included defining term dates for Summer 2026 through Spring/Summer 2027. Specific adjustments were detailed regarding the New Payment Line (tuition due date clarification) and the New FTR (Fail to Reporting) Line procedures. Break periods, including Faculty and AUPE December Break and Interim Breaks, were reviewed, along with instructional day counts per term. Following clarification on typographical errors concerning 'PD Day' and confirmation about Culture Day, the council motioned to approve the entire proposed academic schedule.