Leanne Zacharias

The meeting included key discussions on the Brandon University 2026-27 budget, the audited financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2026, and the annual public sector compensation disclosure report. Other major topics included compliance with special audit procedures for the 50/50 raffle, adherence to the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, amendments to By-Law 8 regarding signing authorities, and the establishment of a research administration framework. Additionally, reports were reviewed concerning safety and security initiatives, the Gulliver Dome project, the Indigenous Peoples Centre initiative, and the Brodie Science Building renewal.

The Board of Governors discussed several key items, including a report from the President regarding university consultations and engagement with government officials. New business included the approval of the Research Centres and Institutes Policy and Procedures, revisions to multiple accessibility policies following a compliance audit, and updates to Senate award policies involving monetary awards. Additionally, the Board approved curriculum revisions for the Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies program and discussed upcoming professional development opportunities at a governance conference. Motions raised from a closed session included the selection of an award recipient and the ratification of a collective agreement with the Public Services Alliance of Canada.

The Board of Governors addressed several key business items during the open session. Reports were received from the Vice-Presidents regarding research and graduate studies, and administration and finance, including an overview of provincial grants and staffing updates. The board also reviewed reports from the Audit & Risk Committee, the University Senate, and the Board Chair. New business included the approval of the 2026 Report Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains and the authorization of unrestricted endowment fund allocations for faculty research and student entrance scholarships.

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.