Emilie Ahrens

The convocation ceremony focused on the celebration of graduating students and the granting of degrees and diplomas in the faculties of business, communication studies, and aviation. Key agenda items included land acknowledgments, an invocation by the elder-in-residence, addresses from the Chancellor and the President regarding the importance of community and collaboration, and the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon Deborah Tomlinson, who also delivered remarks regarding her career in social work and advocacy.

The event celebrated and honored indigenous graduates, recognizing their academic achievements and contributions to their families and communities. Key discussion topics included the importance of cultural identity, the value of education as a tool for personal and community growth, and the ongoing commitment to reconciliation and supporting indigenous student success. Leadership from the university provided messages of encouragement and pride regarding the students' resilience and perseverance through their academic journeys.

The Board discussed and approved tuition rates and mandatory fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, emphasizing student affordability and financial sustainability. Updates were provided regarding the Investment Management Agreements with the Ministry of Advanced Education, including amendments to Domestic Enrolment performance targets. The board also received reports on the University Strategic Plan, including employee engagement and enrolment progress. Further reports were reviewed from the Board Chair, Chancellor, President, and General Faculties Council, alongside committee reports from the Audit and Risk, Finance and Property, and Governance and Nominating committees. Additionally, the board approved annual reports from university institutes and received financial and ethics board reports for information.

The meeting included the approval of Mount Royal University's updated mandate statement. The Board received updates regarding the 2025-2028 Investment Management Agreements with the Ministry of Advanced Education and reviewed the 2024-2025 Annual Report. Discussions were held regarding the Fairness and Safety in Sport Policy, addressing feedback from the General Faculties Council and compliance with provincial law. Reports were presented by the Board Chair, Chancellor, President, and various committees, including the Audit and Risk Committee, Finance and Property Committee, and Governance and Nominating Committee. Additionally, the Board approved updated banking authorities and received first-quarter financial reports.

This report proposes innovative collaboration models for nonprofits, governments, and charities to address systemic social problems. It introduces 'The Big Three' tools—social procurement, outcomes procurement, and community bonds—as mechanisms to shift traditional funding paradigms. The aim is to unlock resources, generate new revenue streams for nonprofits, reduce governmental workload, and scale effective social interventions to achieve better outcomes in areas such as homelessness, poverty, crime, and climate change.