Naomi Andrew

The Board of Governors discussed several critical items, including the university's 2026-2027 capital plan and residence and meal plan rates. Key agenda items included the adoption of a Freedom of Expression Statement, reviews of reports from the Finance and Infrastructure Committee and the Audit and Risk Management Committee, and deliberations on proposed changes to student admission targets for dentistry and education programs. The Board also reviewed updates on the implementation of the university's strategic plan and ongoing commitments to truth and reconciliation.

The Board meeting agenda covers the approval of tuition and course fees for the 2026-27 academic year, including adjustments to domestic and international tuition, lab fees, technology fees, and the discontinuance of the distance education surcharge. Additionally, the Board is set to consider the approval of the 2026-2027 annual budget for all funds, encompassing revenues, expenses, and a capital spending plan aligned with the University's strategic priorities.

The board meeting featured a presentation on the university's Arctic research agenda, focusing on climate change impacts, research infrastructure in Churchill, and collaborative efforts in Arctic aerospace and health care. The President's report highlighted institutional priorities, fundraising goals, research chair applications, and strategies for navigating financial challenges. Additionally, the Board reviewed requests regarding program admission suspensions and target increases. The Executive Committee and the Governance and Board Development Committee provided reports, resulting in the approval of revisions to standing committee terms of reference. The board also approved several items via unanimous consent, including the closure and establishment of various programs and policy updates.

The agenda for the Board of Governors open session includes several key items. Announcements will be made, followed by the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting. Presentations will cover UM's Arctic Research Agenda. New business features the President's Report, a request for the suspension of admissions to the Ph.D. in Applied Health Science Program, and a request for an admission target increase for the Bachelor of Social Work program. Committee reports include the Executive Committee and the Governance and Board Development Committee, which includes the final report review for standing committees. The Unanimous Consent Agenda contains various approvals and information items from the Senate, such as program closures and the establishment of new centers/institutes. The President's February 24, 2026 report details progress on strategic priorities, including MomentUM implementation, government relations, financial sustainability, and community engagement, highlighting achievements such as surpassing fundraising goals and launching a new Capital Plan. A separate submission details the recommendation to suspend admissions to the Ph.D. in Applied Health Science Program for one year to facilitate administrative transfer.

Key discussions during the meeting included an enrolment update for Fall 2025, noting predicted increases in domestic student enrolment alongside a decrease in international students, and the subsequent development of a Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) Plan. An update was provided on the 'MomentUM: Leading Change Together' Strategic Plan implementation, focusing on baseline data collection and target setting. The President's Report covered progress on the Affirming Indigenous Citizenship policy, anticipated changes in Government Relations staffing, advancements in transparency, fundraising achievements, and early discussions regarding an Anaerobic Digester project at the Glenlea Research Station. A significant portion of the discussion involved the draft Freedom of Expression Statement for the University of Manitoba, prompted by a recent external speaker event, and the need to balance free expression with institutional values. The Board also acted on recommendations from the Governance and Board Development Committee, including the disbandment of the Advancement Committee. Consultation covered requests from the Asper School of Business regarding admission targets, including a one-time increase and the extension of suspensions for certain majors. Approvals were granted for proposals from the Max Rady College of Medicine to establish new Professorships.