Kirk Johnson

The agenda items indicate that the meeting included a Closed Session followed by an Open Session. The Open Session reports covered the minutes from the Board of Governors meeting dated January 26, 2026, the President & CEO's report, the Students Representative Board Member's report, and the Employee Representative Board Member's report. Other business included scheduling the next meeting for March 23, 2026.

The meeting commenced with a welcome, land acknowledgment, and holiday greeting, followed by the call to order after establishing a quorum. One conflict of interest was declared regarding an agenda item concerning the Financial Update. In the closed session, an information report on Monthly Communications and Government Relations was received, noting the resignation of the Director of College and Public Relations and the introduction of the Acting Director. A Comprehensive Campaign Report for Q2 was also received. During the open session, the agenda for December 15, 2025, was approved. Key discussions included the Annual Legislative Compliance Report, a brief summary of the Investment Committee meeting, and a Financial Update. The President & CEO provided an extensive report highlighting recent staff engagement, government advocacy, institutional achievements such as ranking first among Canada's medium-tier colleges in completed research projects, and updates on international education, including the strengthened partnership with the Shenyang Institute of Engineering. The Students Association President reported on student engagement initiatives, including the Holiday Hamper program and consideration of a Varsity Athletics program. The Employee Representative reported on RRC Polytech Council discussions and appointments, leading to the approval of an appointment to fill one vacancy on the RRC Polytech Council. The next meeting was scheduled for January 26, 2025.

The meeting convened following a land acknowledgment, with the Chair welcoming a new student representative member. Key discussions during the closed session included the Monthly Communications and Government Relations Report and the Comprehensive Campaign Report for Q4. New business featured the Early Childhood Education Centre Expansion, which resulted in authorization for the signing of individual contracts over $500,000, and an update on a Property Tax Appeal. In the open session, institutional updates were provided by the President and CEO, covering program recruitment, international education trends, and advocacy efforts. The Student Association President also presented an update on recent activities. During the in-camera session, the Board approved the regular Board Meeting schedule for 2025/26 and the President's performance objectives for 2025/26. The Board also approved the President's Annual Performance Evaluation Report for 2024/25 in a closed in-camera session.

The regular meeting commenced following a Land Acknowledgement and quorum confirmation. Key discussions during the closed session included a report on the Comprehensive Campaign, effects related to the new Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts for Manitoba, the ORE Financial Report for Q1 2024/25, the process for the 2025/26 preliminary estimates submission, the selection of the Financial Auditor for FY 2024/25, and a review of conflict of interest policies. In the open session, institutional updates were provided, including fall enrollment numbers, efforts in attracting Indigenous students, and status of nursing programs. The Board also heard reports from the Student Association President and the Employee Members regarding College Council discussions. Business concluded with an in-camera session where the appointment of Lynn Zapshala-Kelln as Board Treasurer was rescinded, and Giselle Martel was appointed as the new Treasurer.

The Board convened, confirmed quorum, and approved the meeting agenda. Discussions in the closed session included receiving an information report on Monthly Communications and Government Relations, reviewing the Cybersecurity Quarterly Report concerning training and compliance, and receiving the Strategic Plan KPIs: 2025 Winter Term Report, which covered student retention, demographics, and Indigenous employment initiatives. New business involved receiving reports from the Finance & Audit Committee and external auditors KPMG regarding FY 2024/25 Audit Findings, followed by the approval of the FY 2024/25 Audited Financial Statements and the FY 2024/25 Compensation Disclosure Report. The Board also approved the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA) annual report and authorized the signing of individual contracts exceeding $500,000. In the open session, the President & CEO provided updates on institutional activities, including spring convocations, community support during wildfire evacuations, and involvement in community events. The Student Association President reported on executive onboarding and collaboration efforts, while the Employee Representative Board Member provided an update as his term concluded.