Ken Fowler

The document records the proceedings of the 2025 President’s Awards celebration, which recognizes exceptional individuals within the Memorial community for their talent, dedication, and ingenuity. The event celebrated the university's 100 years of teaching, learning, research, service, engagement, and partnership. Awards were presented in multiple categories, including Distinguished Teaching, Outstanding Teaching for Faculty, Outstanding Teaching in the Lecturers and Instructional Staff category, Outstanding Graduate and Post-graduate Supervision, Outstanding Research, and University Research Professor. Specific highlights included recognizing Dr. Diane Ford and Dr. Vicky Howlet for distinguished teaching, Dr. Jeff Crane for outstanding teaching, Mr. Gonzo Bennett (accepted by proxy) for outstanding teaching in instructional staff, Dr. Joshua Rash for outstanding graduate supervision, and Dr. Katherine Hagen and Dr. Ashlin Swedgand for outstanding research. The designation of University Research Professor was awarded to Dr. Andrew Lane and Dr. Andrew Stinland. Finally, Mr. Thomas Osmond received the Champion of Service Award for his exemplary service as a 3D printing technician in the faculty of medicine.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics, such as the Board of Regents Continuing Education and Professional Development Policy, amendments to the Development, Approval and Administration of University Policies, and the Policy on the Use of Copyright Materials. There was also a discussion regarding the change of the Department of Biochemistry name to the Department of Human Biosciences. The board received updates on the 2023 Auditor General Report, senior leadership position vacancies, executive position vacancies, academic appointments, health and safety, major capital projects, and the 2025 Canada Games at Memorial University. The board also discussed the 1st Quarter Financial Report and Update on Enrolment, President's Goals and Objectives, Fall 2025 enrolment data, appointment of a student representative, and Board and Committee Meeting Dates for 2026. Updates were also provided on the work of the Committee to Hear Appeals on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault.

The town hall addressed concerns about Memorial's financial reporting and budget issues. Key topics included the accuracy of financial data reported to the Canadian Association of Business Officers (CABO), the impact of budget reductions, and the cost per student. Adjustments to the cost per student were discussed, highlighting the exclusion of Marine Institute students and industrial response training. Comparisons were made with other universities, particularly Dalhousie, to contextualize Memorial's financial situation.

The employee town hall covered topics such as updates on the provincial budget, the post-secondary education review, and the premier's economic recovery team report. Discussions included the modernization of the university act, tuition fees, equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization, fundraising, development efforts, and the economic impact of Memorial. The return to work and campus for employees and students in September was addressed, emphasizing safety measures and the importance of vaccination.

The document outlines the research goals and strategic themes for the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University. The primary objective is to make a significant positive impact on the community, economy, job creation, and environment, ultimately enhancing the standard of living and quality of life for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. This is achieved through innovative research, focusing on new discoveries for products and systems, and improving existing processes for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reduced environmental impact. A key ambition is to be a leading global research institution, with strategic themes including energy technology, ocean technology, environment and sustainable infrastructure, and information and communication technology. The plan emphasizes collaboration with industry to solve technical challenges and foster future prosperity.