Steven Batt

The 2023-2024 Annual Report for Canadore College outlines the college's progress and strategic objectives guided by the Canadore 2026 strategic plan. Key areas of focus include student success, program and service excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship, connection to the community, and financial and environmental sustainability. The report highlights Canadore's role in workforce development, partnerships with Indigenous communities, and commitment to sustainability, including a goal to become carbon neutral by 2031. It also addresses financial performance, strategic initiatives, and alignment with provincial priorities.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various topics. Additional feedback was provided on the technology survey, with a recommendation to include voluntary demographic questions. A subgroup was created to advance the survey, and Student Success Services was suggested as a resource for Office 365 suite training for students. Updates were given on water station replacements, gender-free washrooms, and sanitary napkin supplies. Ideas for increasing the College Council's exposure were discussed, including open houses, PD sessions, orientations, and a Valentine's Day table. The council aimed to reduce food waste at meetings, and it was confirmed that small recycling bins in individual offices are not recycled. International students presented concerns, and committee members were asked to review these issues for potential recommendations. Feedback on the Academic Strategy survey was requested, and members were asked to provide input by January 31. The council also touched upon CSC activity, health and safety, contract faculty processes, COVID-related issues, sustainability, technology, and strategic direction.

The meeting included updates on workplace inspections, student summer hiring, and safety training. The council discussed resources, rotating campuses for in-person meetings, recording meetings, and publishing agendas. A survey will be circulated to relevant departments for feedback. The council confirmed that international student health insurance coverage is back-dated. Succession planning was discussed, with a call for nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair. There was a discussion around promoting the College Council in September. Updates were provided on CSC events, including Saturday movie nights. Concerns were raised about Commerce Court signage for the elevator and triple parking. The council discussed circulating information to Sustainability, ITS, and the Academic Centre of Excellence for review. Suggestions were made for more CSC representatives in international student orientations. The council discussed confirming bussing schedules on holidays and a bus waiting area for Commerce Court. CSC will provide input on the bussing contract renewal.

The meeting addressed student concerns regarding the CAN100 course, busing issues, the need for quiet study spaces, and the lack of events at certain campuses. Discussions also covered cafeteria hours, cashless payment options, health and safety updates, sustainability initiatives, and support for international students. New business included promoting a PD Symposium, student printing access, addressing food waste, and updating the Open House booth. The committee also addressed the Recorder/Secretary position.

The meeting included updates on previous action items, succession planning, and reports on standing issues such as CSC activities, health and safety, sustainability, technology, and strategic direction. Discussions were held on how to better support international students and new business included inspiring new idea generation and the purpose of the College Committee.