Kristen Fisher

The Board of Governors discussed the proposed Indigenous Peoples' Centre expansion concept, including design elements and fundraising requirements. Reports were provided regarding recent institutional events, philanthropic contributions, and financial staffing updates. The board approved revisions to the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) policy to enhance compliance and clarity. Additionally, the board approved a tuition and course fee waiver for self-declared Indigenous students enrolled in Indigenous language courses to support reconciliation efforts and language revitalization. Finally, a new member was appointed to the Governance and Nominating Committee.

The meeting commenced with an opening prayer, smudge, and land acknowledgement, recognizing the meeting's location on Treaty 1 and Treaty 2 lands. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda, with an acknowledged correction noted for the ORE Overview and Budget Proposal regarding the Department of Business Administration. The President provided an update on her Listening Tour, recent significant donations, the nearing completion of the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower) Policy review, and the ongoing search for the Dean of Music. New business focused on the approval of the 2026-2027 Budget Estimates, which projected a deficit of approximately $1.7M against consolidated revenues of $88M, driven primarily by staffing costs, followed by discussions on financial sustainability strategies. The Board also approved the recommended endowment earnings distribution rate of 4.6% and passed the annual borrowing resolution authorizing the operating line of credit with CIBC.

The agenda for the open session of the Board of Governors meeting included opening proceedings, approval of the current agenda and previous consent items, including reports from the Vice-President (Research & Graduate Studies) and Acting Provost & Vice-President (Academic), as well as transactions over $100,000. Key discussion items involved a presentation on the Indigenous Peoples' Centre Expansion Concept, a report from the President, and new business motions concerning revisions to the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act Policy and approval of a Tuition and Course Fee Waiver for Indigenous Language Courses. Reports detailed various activities such as research initiatives, community engagement, endowment performance, and updates on campus planning and IT services.

The meeting included an opening prayer, approval of the agenda and consent agenda, and reports from the Board Chair and Vice-Presidents. Discussions covered the 2026-27 budget estimates, allocation of unrestricted endowment funds, and a borrowing resolution. The Board also reviewed the Trust Agreement, Statement of Investment Policies & Procedures (SIPP), and Actuarial Valuation Results for the BU Retirement Plan. Updates were provided on internal engagement, government relations, and community engagement, including the signing of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and funding for the Gulliver Observatory.

The meeting included a land acknowledgement and welcomed new members. The agenda was approved with amendments, including the removal of a report from the consent agenda and its addition to the open session agenda. Reports were presented by the Acting President and the Acting Provost & Vice-President, covering topics such as Brodie Building renovations, upgrades to the Gulliver Observatory, budget management, and the Academic Strategic Plan. The Board approved the 2026 meeting schedule and the appointment of individuals to various committees. Discussions were held regarding the annual signing of the Fiduciary Duty & Conflict of Interest Agreement and the rescheduling of the Board retreat. A virtual University Governance Training workshop was announced. The meeting moved to a closed session, and motions were raised from the closed session, including the election of the Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Board of Governors, as well as the approval of a term extension for the Acting Dean of Health Studies.