Richard Dixon

The agenda for the open session meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda, which comprised reports from the Audit & Risk, Finance & Property, Governance, and Honorary Awards Committees, as well as the General Faculties Council Report. Key discussion items involved a conflict of interest declaration, the President's Report, review of the 2025-2026 Second Quarter Variance Report, and motions to approve amendments to the 2025-2026 Tuition & Fee Matrix and the full 2026-2027 Tuition & Fees structure. Further items included a motion to rescind the Use of University Legal Services Policy and a motion to approve revisions to The Governors of Athabasca University Remuneration Policy. The agenda concluded with business arising from the consent agenda and the Board Chair's report.

The open session of the 273rd regular meeting focused on several key motions. The Board approved the agenda and consent agenda. No conflicts of interest were declared by members. Key discussion and action items included a review of the 2025-26 First Quarter Variance Report. The Board approved Athabasca University's Annual Report to the Ministry of Advanced Education for the year ended March 31, 2025, which included reporting on programming, research, and collaborations. Additionally, the Board approved revisions to the Policy Framework - Governing Policy and revisions to The Governors of Athabasca University Mandate & Roles Document. The Board Chair acknowledged his reappointment and reflected on the university's transition.

The agenda included the review of the 2024-25 Fourth Quarter Variance Report, the approval of the reclassification of Non-Credit Fees revenue, and the approval of the transfer of funds. The board also approved the 2024-25 Financial Statements and revisions to the General Bylaws and Board Committee Terms of Reference & Membership. Additionally, the board approved the Annual Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act Report and appointments to the Universities Academic Pension Plan Board of Trustees and Sponsor Group.

The 2018-2022 Strategic Research Plan for Athabasca University outlines the university's research vision, strategic research directions, and goals. It focuses on investments in research, scholarship, and creativity, aiming to foster research excellence and enrich the social, environmental, and economic value of research. The plan identifies four broad themes: environmental and societal dynamics of sustainability; disruptive pedagogies; society, culture, health, and well-being; and digital futures. It aims to build a sustainable research infrastructure, integrate research and teaching, and promote knowledge transfer for the benefit of society.

The meeting included the President's report, which highlighted the appointment of a new Provost and appreciation for the outgoing Provost. The Board reviewed the 2024-25 3rd Quarter Variance and Year End Forecast Report, focusing on key drivers and year-end projections. They also approved the 2025-26 Integrated Resource Plan and the 2026-2028 Athabasca University Capital and Infrastructure Plan. The Board Chair provided updates on proposed revisions to the Board General Bylaws, committee terms of reference, memberships, and the provincial government's recent budget.