T.J. Babey

The board discussed key operational and policy matters, including the approval of a balanced budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year and a review of the sexual violence policy implementation. Key topics addressed encompassed cyber security initiatives, strategic plan progress, and institutional governance procedures. Additionally, the meeting included a presentation on territorial acknowledgments and an update on student success monitoring metrics.

The Board of Governors discussed reports from various internal and external bodies including the Foundation, Education Council, and the Pacific Institute for Sport Education. Key agenda items included the revision and approval of the Board Operations By-law, a presentation by the Ministry on post-secondary board governance, a session on the importance and personalization of territorial acknowledgments, and the acceptance of the annual Board Monitoring Report on Student Success, which highlighted positive student outcomes and program satisfaction within the BC post-secondary sector.

The Board of Governors discussed various reports, including the President's report and committee updates from the Audit, Executive, Finance, and Governance Policy Review committees. Key actions included the approval of the audited financial statements for the year ending March 31, 2023, the reappointment of the external auditor, and the authorization of a statutory right of way for the District of Saanich. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved updates to governance policies, including the Board Operations By-Law, out-of-pocket expense policies, and procedures for student suspension appeals, as well as the dissolution of an ad hoc committee. New business included the Institutional Accountability Plan and Report for 2022/23, discussions on Indigenization at the board table, the election of the Chair, and farewells to departing board members.

The Board meeting commenced with the Acknowledgement of the Territory. Key discussions included recognizing the recent passing of Dr. Laura Gover and Knowledge Keeper Victor Underwood, and the submission of the 2024/2025 Institutional Accountability Plan and Report to the Ministry. The President reported on the provincial government's $241M investment in trades programs and discussions with Seaspan regarding training needs. The Education Council highlighted curriculum changes, including a new Digital Content Creator course and a new certificate for the Hospitality Management program. The Risk and Audit Committee reviewed the risk register, noting the Lansdowne Student Housing Project as a new risk, and received an annual update on cybersecurity performance. The Executive Committee reviewed and approved updates to the President's Goals for 2025 and 2026, noting the split of Sustainability into Financial Sustainability and Climate Resilience. The Finance Committee discussed the positive management of Base Operations but noted projected deficits in PROSit and Camosun Innovates due to declining international student numbers, forecasting a $2.1M deficit by March 31, 2026, requiring immediate cost reduction measures. Finally, the Board accepted the Strategic Plan Update Report for Year Three, which outlined progress across six strategic priorities.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and acknowledgement of Coast Salish Territory. Key discussions included reports from the Education Council Chair, the Board Member, and committee reports from the Executive Committee and the Education Council Policy and Standards Committee. The Integrated Curriculum Committee (ICC) reported on curriculum matters, recommending full approval for the Hospitality Management (Certificate) curriculum. A significant motion directed the Chair to draft letters to the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, and to Don Avison, advocating for legislative review concerning the addition of a voting Indigenous seat on the Council. Additionally, the Council acknowledged the retirement of Peter Moroney.