Leanne Makinson

The meeting included the approval of the operating budget, the capital budget, and capital infrastructure priorities. The Board also addressed domestic tuition increases and mandatory non-instructional fees, along with updates to the signing authority procedure and the capital governance policy. Furthermore, the Board reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule, discussed the federal artificial intelligence strategy, and reviewed the SAITSA President's report, which raised concerns regarding governance and transparency practices. Finally, the Board received an update on academic program planning and potential changes to program offerings.

The board conducted an e-vote to review and approve the creation of a new Dental Hygiene diploma program intended to prepare students for professional licensure in Canada, effective for the 2026/27 academic year.

The Board of Governors discussed several key items, including the approval of program redesigns and name changes, a proposal for an exceptional tuition increase for domestic programs, and the allocation of funds from the Financial Aid Taskforce. The board also reviewed and approved its own terms of reference and those for its committees, authorized the Investment Management Agreement targets for 2025-2028, and appointed a new Vice-Chair. Additionally, reports were provided by the Chair, the President, the SAITSA President, and the Academic Council covering topics such as government funding models, budget deliberations, student advocacy, and program development trends.

The discussion focused on leadership skills, specifically delegation and leading without doing everything personally. Key topics included addressing common challenges in delegation, such as control issues, perceived overload, and ego concerns, particularly when an individual might perform a task better. The speakers emphasized differentiating between short-term delegation (dumping) and long-term delegation as a leadership development opportunity. They also discussed setting clear expectations for outcomes versus dictating instructions, the importance of creating time investment through calendar blocking, and recognizing employees' strengths to fuel their engagement. Further discussion touched upon painting the 'finish' or success vision, avoiding micromanagement by delegating outcomes over instructions, and recognizing the efforts of those who take on delegated tasks.

The open session of the Board of Governors covered several key agenda items. Under the consent agenda, approvals were sought for the Board of Governor Minutes from May 21, 2025, Board Committee Key Issues Plans, and policy approvals for Signing Authority and Investment of Funds. New business included approval for a $1 million expenditure from the John Ware Capital Reserve contingency to fund necessary flooring replacement in the Highwood and main floor kitchens. The Board also reviewed and approved revisions to the institutional Mandate Statement for submission to the Minister of Advanced Education. A deeper review was conducted on the AD.2.17 Fairness and Safety in Sports Policy, driven by legislative changes, with management tasked to develop a communication strategy. Furthermore, the Board approved revised Bylaws to align with recent legislative changes and approved the 2024-2025 Annual Report. Finally, appointments were made to Academic Council. Reports indicated confirmation of funding support for campus centre clinics and $7.8 million for boiler rejuvenation work, alongside enrollment trends showing a decrease in international students.