Simaan AbouRizk

The convocation ceremony focused on the celebration of the 2026 graduating class and the recognition of their academic accomplishments. The event featured addresses emphasizing the university's commitment to truth, reconciliation, and the responsibility of graduates to address global challenges such as economic and political uncertainty. Key highlights included the conferring of degrees, an honorary doctorate of science presented to Dr. Richard Sutton for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence, and reflections on the importance of integrity, resilience, and serving the global community.

This document outlines the University of Alberta's new institutional values, launched as part of its 'forward together people strategy.' Inspired by the principle that 'Knowledge shall not be the concern of scholars alone. The uplifting of the whole people shall be its final goal,' these values guide actions, behaviors, and decision-making within a complex and diverse organization. The four key values—unwavering curiosity, shared community, accountability, and impact through excellence—aim to foster academic freedom, promote open dialogue, and ensure the university's enduring relevance and positive societal contribution.

The Board of Governors considered several items during the open session. Key discussions and approvals included establishing new Mandatory Student Instructional Support Fees, changing existing ones, deleting an outdated fee, and proposing a new Nomination Fee, all related to various faculties/departments. The Board also approved the transfer of $881,982 of unrestricted net assets to permanent restricted endowment net assets, specifically for the Rangeland Ecology and Management Endowment and the Oilseeds Breeding Endowment. Furthermore, the revised Internal Loan Policy was approved, eliminating the requirement for annual reporting of internal loan details to the Board Finance and Property Committee. The Endowment Management Policy and Procedure was also approved. Finally, the Board approved the appointment of Ms. Gitta Kulczycki to the Public Sector Pension Plan Sponsor Board for a three-year term. Approvals related to tuition fees for 2019-20 included setting domestic student tuition and mandatory non-instructional fees at 2014-15 rates as directed by the Government of Alberta, and approving a 2.77% increase to international tuition fees. The Board also approved rate increases for the 2019-20 University of Alberta Residence and Meal Plan rates and approved the 2019-20 Consolidated Budget. Delegations of authority regarding tuition and fees were also established. Lastly, approvals were granted for two Code of Conduct updates concerning conflicts of interest for employees and Board members, effective July 1, 2019.

The Board of Governors considered multiple agenda items during the Open Session. Key actions included the establishment of a Board Ad Hoc Group for the 2018 Board Strategic Retreat. The Board also approved the termination of several academic programs and routes, including the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion from the School of Public Health, various Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts (Honors) programs within the Faculty of Arts (covering Italian Studies, Russian Language and Literature, Ukrainian Folklore, Ukrainian Language and Literature, French and Italian, German and Scandinavian, Italian and Spanish, and Russian and Ukrainian), the Bachelor of Arts Individualized Major and Minor, the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts (Honors), and the Certificate in Middle Eastern and African Studies (MEAS), and specific routes of the Bachelor of Music (Music History, School Music, and World Music). Furthermore, the Board approved and adopted the University of Alberta 2017-18 Annual Report to the Government of Alberta, approved the University of Alberta Comprehensive Institutional Plan (CIP) for 2018-2021, accepted the recommendations of the Board Working Group - 2018, and approved Board Committee appointments.

The Board of Governors considered multiple agenda items during this meeting, primarily focused on approving tuition fee proposals for the 2014-2015 academic year, effective September 1, 2014. Key approvals included a 1.0% general tuition fee increase for domestic students, a 1.0% increase to base program differentials, course differentials, and market modifier fees, and specific increases for international students (5.0% effective increase for undergraduate international fees and MBA international program differentials, and a 1.0% increase for graduate international tuition fees). Additionally, the Board approved the 2014-2015 Residence Rate Proposal, rescinded the UAPPOL Indirect Costs of Research Policy to replace it with a new Procedure, approved the disposition of land for road widening to the City of Edmonton, authorized a borrowing resolution for the Envision energy management program, approved committee appointments, and approved proposed changes to the Search and Review Procedures for the President.