Rachel Berger

The joint meeting addressed the approval of the agenda, which included moving item 5.1 to the Regular Agenda. Key discussions included approving committee nominations for the Employee Benefits, Part-Time Employees Benefits, and Pension Committees. The Board approved premium adjustments for Health Care (+15%) and Dental Care (+8%) effective January 1, 2026, along with a deficit reimbursement to Sun Life Financial. Several student fee levies were approved for increases, including CASA, Concordia Food Coalition, CSU Daycare and Nursery, CSU Clubs Department, and Hive Café Cooperative, with various implementation dates in 2026. The Finance Committee's recommendation to implement fees related to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) was approved, clarifying that Indigenous students are exempt due to tuition waivers. The President's report highlighted faculty achievements, significant research funding secured from federal and provincial sources ($5M from CFI/MEIE for Genomic Foundry, $1.12B federal investment for researchers), and concerns regarding proposed provincial Bills 1 and 9, which threaten university autonomy and affect prayer spaces and academic freedom. The annual report from the Ombudsperson noted 565 files received, with recommendations accepted regarding posting residency requirements and a recommendation under review to review the Dean of Students position profile.

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the Agenda and the appointment of Pierre McNicoll to the Administrative and Support Staff Tribunal Pool. The Audit Committee presented several items for approval, specifically the Système d'information financière des universités (SIFU) for the year ended April 30, 2025, the audited 2024-2025 Interfund Transfers, and the statement of salaries for the same period. The Board also approved the merger of the Music, Theatre, and Contemporary Dance departments to establish the School of Performance, based on recommendations from the Finance Committee and University Senate. The President's report detailed the successful hosting of the fall Open House, concerns regarding provincial and federal policies impacting international student recruitment and overall university registration numbers, which have resulted in a cumulative revenue loss of $110M. The report noted a shift in the student body demographic toward a higher percentage of Québec students and a significant decline in international student applications and new registrations. Furthermore, the Board approved the consolidated audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025.

The primary focus of the Senate meeting scheduled for February 6, 2026, is the Open Session, as there is no Closed Session planned. Key items for discussion and approval include the agenda itself and the adoption of the Minutes from the Open Session meeting of December 12, 2025. The Consent Agenda features committee reports and approval requests for an Academic Programs Committee (APC) recommendation regarding regulation changes for readmitted students, and the approval of the Policy on Research Entities (formerly Policy on Research Units and Infrastructure Platforms). The Regular Agenda includes remarks from the President, an academic update, the annual report from the Office of Rights of Responsibilities, and several APC recommendations seeking approval for new and changed programs, including a BCom in Business Analytics, a Master's in Traductologie cheminement, a Master's in Science degree in Athletic Therapy, and a dual-option model for the Master of Supply Chain Management. The President's remarks extensively covered budget situation updates, federal and provincial research funding announcements, implications of proposed provincial legislation (Bill 1 and Bill 9) on university autonomy and religious accommodations, and the ongoing department consultation tour led by the Interim Provost regarding revenue generation strategies.

The Board of Governors meeting agenda for February 5, 2026, includes a call to order, President's report, and the annual report from the Office of Rights and Responsibilities. The supporting documents also detail the minutes from the Joint Meeting of the Open Session of the Board of Governors and the Corporation held on December 11, 2025. Key discussion points from the December meeting covered approving the agenda, committee appointments (Employee Benefits, Part-Time Employees Benefits, Pension), approval of Group Insurance Plan renewals with premium adjustments, and authorization for increased student fee levies for various associations and services (CASA, Concordia Food Coalition, CSU Daycare and Nursery, CSU Clubs Department, Hive Café Cooperative). Furthermore, the December meeting addressed the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) fees and provided updates from the President on extensive topics including research funding achievements, provincial legislation (Bill 1 and Bill 9), budget situation discussions across university units, and significant advancements in research across various fields, alongside major philanthropic contributions.

This document outlines the public launch of Concordia University's 'Campaign for a New Millennium,' a strategic fundraising initiative aiming to raise $55 million. The campaign is designed to support the university's evolution by fostering academic excellence, enhancing technological capabilities, improving research and teaching facilities, and elevating its national and international standing. Key objectives include establishing a $2 million endowment for library acquisitions, funding a $1 million community outreach program, attracting eminent scholars, and expanding student aid with a target of $15 million in scholarships and fellowships to ensure access and support for talented students, thereby creating an environment that encourages excellence, innovation, and collegiality for the future.