Frances Helen Billingsley

The meeting of the Board of Governors included discussions and approvals related to several key areas. The Board considered and approved amendments to the Board of Governors Terms of Reference and a new Board of Governors Code of Conduct, alongside updates to the Conflicts of Interest Policy. Also discussed was the Data Governance Policy, which aims to establish rules, standards, and responsibilities for data usage at the University, aligning with the University's Data Governance Framework.

The meeting included key items reported from the Closed Session, such as the appointment of Dr. David Peters as Dean of the School of Medicine, the re-appointment of Sham Madhok, endorsement of the Efficiency and Accountability Fund Review Implementation Plan, and approval of the $14.5 million budget for the renovation of the Victor Philip Dahdaleh Building to serve as interim space for the School of Medicine. An honorific naming of a plaza for President Lenton was also approved. The Executive Committee reported on discussions regarding the collective bargaining mandate, the Presidential Search Principles, and the approval of the amended Board of Governors Terms of Reference, the Board Code of Conduct, and the Data Governance Policy. The President provided an update on strategic planning context, budget targets influenced by enrolment and government policy changes like Bill 33, and highlighted program advancements. The Finance and Audit Committee secured approval for 2026-27 mandatory Meal Plan rates (averaging 14% increases), 2026-27 undergraduate residence rate increases (ranging from 3.8% to 12.7% average), and 2026-27 rental rate increases for York Apartments. Approval was also granted for entering into laboratory supplies and equipment agreements. The Governance, People and Culture Committee highlighted attention to Board recruitment and leadership transition.

The meeting included acknowledging Dr. Lenton's accomplishments and leadership, particularly the launch of the Markham Campus, the creation of York's new School of Medicine, and the development of York's first Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. Sham Madhok was re-appointed to the Board of Governors, and David Peters was appointed as Dean of the School of Medicine with an extension of his term as Dean of the Faculty of Health. The Board discussed the Presidential Search Principles, endorsed the York University's Efficiency and Accountability Fund Review Implementation Plan, and approved a project budget for the renovation of the Victor Philip Dahdaleh Building. The naming of "The Rhonda L. Lenton Plaza" was also approved. Updates were provided on the strategic planning framework, federal and provincial funding, AI initiatives, budget progress, major initiatives, and academic innovation activities. Brief reports were given from various committees, and remarks were made expressing thanks to Loretta Lam for her contributions to the Board of Governors. Amendments to the Banking Resolution were discussed to reflect changes in signing officers on University bank accounts. Meal plan and residence rates for 2026-2027 were also reviewed and updated.

Key discussions included the appointment of Michael Eubanks to the Board of Governors and confirmation of the Board nominees for the 2026 Presidential Search Committee. The Board approved the establishment of The Irving Abella Chair in the Social Scientific Study of Diaspora Jewry in Canada. Financial matters addressed were the 2026-2027 domestic and international tuition fees, a 6.0% increase to centrally collected ancillary fees, revised 2026-2027 parking rates (including changes to evening flat rates and EV charging rates), and the implementation of a levy on the endowment fund targeted to support the Advancement Division's activities. Other items included a revised Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures (SIPP), a grant application submission by AMPD, and amendments to the Banking Resolution. Presentations covered provincial/federal developments, updates on the School of Medicine, and the Interim President's leadership vision. Reports were received from various committees, and the extension of the Dean of the Faculty of Education was noted.

The meeting included the Chair's Items, noting the 491st meeting, the Land Acknowledgement, and welcoming new Board members and acknowledging leadership changes, including interim appointments. The Executive Committee reported on actions taken on behalf of the Board, such as approving a negotiated settlement for the renewal of the collective agreement with CUPE Local 1356 and OHFA, and appointments of interim executive roles. The President addressed factors shaping planning, highlighting the York University Forward Action Plan to address financial challenges and the SHARP budget model. Discussions covered leadership appointments for the School of Medicine, enrolment at the Markham campus, and the implementation of SHARP 2.0. The Academic Resources Committee reported on enrolment updates and the approval of the Clinical Faculty Appointments Policy, effective October 1, 2025, in support of medical school accreditation requirements. The External Relations Committee provided an update on strategic fundraising for the School of Medicine and alumni engagement growth. The Finance and Audit Committee reviewed the preliminary Efficiency and Accountability Fund (EAF) report, Q1 results, and approved the amended Whistleblower Policy. The Governance, People and Culture Committee discussed pension plan updates and labour relations. The Land and Property Committee focused on infrastructure related to the School of Medicine and deferred maintenance. The meeting concluded with an In Camera Session.