Heidi Wendt

The Board of Governors discussed various institutional matters including the President's updates on provincial and federal legislative developments, international relations, and university achievements. The Annual Report on University Advancement was presented, highlighting fundraising campaign progress and strategies for donor management. A presentation on library strategic priorities for 2025-2030 was also delivered. During the closed session, the Board endorsed the 2025-2028 IT Strategic Plan, received updates on the Horizon McGill project, and reviewed the External Audit Plan for fiscal year 2026 and the Internal Audit Strategic Plan for 2026-2029.

The board discussed and took action on several items recommended by the Audit and Risk Committee, including the approval of a declaration of compliance with Quebec Treasury Board reporting requirements regarding public procurement contracts, and an amendment to the Emergency Management Policy to rename the Policy Group to the Executive Emergency Group and update EOC Director responsibilities. The board also received information regarding the declaration of compliance for the period ended April 30, 2026, and approved a delegation of authority concerning non-audit services for fiscal year 2027. Other administrative reports and updates, including financial results, risk management plans, and committee meeting dates for the upcoming year, were also provided.

The board meeting addressed several key areas, including the approval of appointments to the Panel for the Investigation of Research Misconduct, the Committee on Staff Grievances and Disciplinary Procedures, and the University Appeals Committee. Discussion topics for information included proposed revisions to the Constitution of the Faculty of Education, the report of the Working Group on Board of Governors-Senate Cohesion, a presidential update on priorities, and the approval of recommendations from the Senate Nominating Committee. The meeting also received various annual reports regarding research performance, the policy on research entities, the policy on harassment and discrimination, and the policy against sexual violence, along with reports from various university standing and advisory committees.

The Board of Governors received a report from the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee concerning recent committee activities. Key discussion topics included the approval of new subcommittee terms of reference, a presentation regarding the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and the implementation of its calls to action, and reviews of annual reports related to anti-Black racism, strategic EDI plans, harassment and discrimination policies, and sexual violence policies. The committee also held its annual general meeting to discuss institutional integration and governance structure reviews.

The board discussed and received the Budget Report III, which included the FY2026 forecast and the proposed FY2027 budget. The report highlighted the need for strategic revenue generation and expense reduction due to projected operating deficits in future years. Additionally, the board considered the proposed Identification Policy for Access to Properties Owned, Occupied, or Used by the University, which aims to establish a consistent framework for managing access across physical and virtual university environments while maintaining safety and security.