Steven Crema

The meeting began with the establishment of quorum and acknowledgment of the traditional lands. Key actions included the swearing-in of three new Board Members and the approval of the meeting agenda, which encompassed the approval of the May 21, 2025, Open Session Minutes and the 2025 Mandate Letter. In the reports section, the Board Chair provided updates on contract renewal for the President, committee activities, and the review of the 2024/25 Audited Financial Statements, which were subsequently approved. The Board also approved revised Bylaws Relating Generally to the Conduct of the Affairs of Okanagan College. Under Education Council reports, two new Microcredential programs related to Solar Photovoltaic Systems were approved, and revisions to the Tourism Management Diploma were also approved. New Business focused on the approval of the Okanagan College Capital Plan 2025, which includes accessibility audits and aligning with the Inspire Plan. Finally, under Other Business, the Board received a presentation from the Okanagan College Faculty Association addressing morale, transparency, and the need for greater faculty involvement in financial decision-making.

This document outlines an Inclusive Community Plan Actions Roadmap focusing on four strategic pillars: Community and Culture (We Gather), Learning and Teaching (We Grow), Knowledge in Action (We Share), and Shared Accountability (We Hold). The plan details specific actions for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, including piloting initiatives for student engagement, creating employee resource groups, implementing professional development for inclusive learning, developing data evaluation frameworks, and establishing governance for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The objective is to cultivate a culture of participation, connection, and inclusion.

The Regular Open Session meeting included an acknowledgement of the meeting being held on unceded traditional Indigenous lands. Key actions involved the approval of the meeting agenda and consent agenda items, which included the Institutional Accountability Plan and Report 2023/24, the 2026 & 2027 Board Meeting Schedules, and the 2026 Board Workplan. Reports were presented by the Acting Chair, Finance, Audit and Risk Review Committee, and Governance Committee. The Governance Committee recommended, and the Board approved, revisions to the Naming Policy and the Board Appeals Policy. The President's Report detailed updates on provincial and federal political landscapes, risk trends related to international enrollment challenges, and thriving trades programs. Program revisions for the Commercial Aviation Diploma and Commercial Helicopter Certificate were approved based on Education Council recommendations. Financial projections indicated that the College was on track to budget, anticipating a smaller deficit than initially projected for the first quarter.

The Okanagan College Inclusive Community Plan outlines a vision for fostering a welcoming and inclusive community where all members are supported to thrive through sustainable growth, creativity, and innovation. The plan is structured around four pillars: 'Gather' for community and culture, 'Grow' for learning and teaching, 'Share' for knowledge in action, and 'Hold' for shared accountability. It aims to integrate principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice into all aspects of the college, ensuring accessibility and success for all learners and employees, and positioning the institution as a leader in inclusive community building.

This plan outlines commitments to equity, inclusivity, and accessibility, guided by the organization's vision and mission, with a strong focus on strengthening its role as a leader in equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice (EDISJ). The plan is structured around four Inclusive Community Pillars: 'We Gather: Community and Culture,' 'We Grow: Learning and Teaching,' 'We Hold: Shared Accountability,' and 'We Share: Knowledge in Action.' Key objectives include fostering a learning environment that values respect and EDISJ, increasing equitable participation of all diversity groups, and ensuring inclusive and equitable access by removing systemic barriers to post-secondary education for marginalized populations, ultimately building vibrant, strong, and diverse communities.