Marco Biermann

The meeting agenda included the adoption of the open session agenda and the consent agenda as amended, with the 2025-2026 Tuition Fee Report and Policy EL 60 Admissions being removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion. Key presentations covered the West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot and a history of Selkirk College. The President's report highlighted submissions made regarding a sectoral review, emphasizing recommendations to lift tuition caps while protecting low-income learners. The Quarterly Forecast Report indicated that tuition revenue is exceeding estimates, projecting a surplus which will be used to repay the accumulated deficit. An update on the 2026-2027 Budget Planning noted efforts to reduce a projected deficit. The Board granted approval in principle for the proposed Certificate in Medical Lab Assistant program. A clarification was made regarding program suspensions, confirming that future suspensions will require Board approval. Finally, the 2025-2026 Board Goals were approved.

The open session agenda for the Board of Governors meeting included several key items structured around the Strategic Plan Dimensions. Discussion items featured a presentation from the Students' Union, the President's Report, and updates on the 2026-2027 Budget Planning and Provincial Grant Funding. A major motion involved the approval for the cancelation of the Community Support Worker Program. Other agenda items included additions to the agenda and reports from the Board Chair and Board members.

This document provides an overview of the Digital Fabrication and Design (DEFAB) program at Silker College. The intensive two-year program equips students with industry-relevant training in digital fabrication technologies, software, and human-centered design. It emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning, bridging the traditional gap between manufacturing and design/engineering fields to prepare hybrid professionals. The program integrates various disciplines, including technology, art, engineering, and mass timber, fostering creative problem-solving and collaboration for roles as designers, fabricators, researchers, and innovators in the evolving manufacturing landscape.

The Board of Governors meeting agenda for the open session included a territorial acknowledgement, adoption of the agenda, and adoption of the consent agenda, which covered previous committee minutes, enrolment dashboards, board policies, and tuition/fee reports. Key presentations covered the RCIP Funding Update and a history of Selkirk College. Reports were given by the President and the Executive Director of Finance/CFO, including the Quarterly Forecast Report and the 2026-2027 Budget Planning Update. The board considered an approval in principle for a new Medical Lab Assistant Certificate program and discussed program suspensions. The session concluded with a motion to approve the 2025/2026 Board Goals before moving into the closed session.

The meeting involved adopting the open session agenda as amended. Key discussions included an interim Enrolment Dashboard update, which required explanation due to changes in reporting and early winter 2026 registration influencing FTEs. A presentation was given on the Education Council (EdCo), covering its structure and workflow. The President's Report noted ongoing collaboration with community groups regarding KSA programming, the province's plan to double trades training funding over three years, student concerns about transit service hours, and an upcoming independent post-secondary review. The Executive Director Finance/CFO reviewed the second quarter forecast report and provided an update on 2026-2027 budget planning, highlighting a projected $3.5 million deficit for fiscal year 2027 and mitigation strategies. The Board Chair reported on upcoming provincial meetings.