Tom Brown

Key discussions and approvals during the meeting included the revision of the Protected Disclosure Policy, which was approved to be effective upon the appointment of Internal Audit leadership. The Board also approved statements on Skills and Competencies and the Overview of Time Commitment for the 2026 Alumni Elections. A significant governance adjustment was approved: the creation of a new committee combining the current Governance Sub-Committee and the Human Resources Committee. Amendments to the Constitution of the School of Pharmacy were also approved. In the closed session consent agenda, appointments and reappointments for C-Core's Board of Directors were noted for information, and the appointment of Dr. Christine Arnold as Associate Vice-President (Academic) and Dean of Students, along with extensions for two other interim appointments, were approved. The Board approved the reporting plan for the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) for the Physical and Digital Infrastructure Committee, including regular IT project portfolio updates and cybersecurity reports. Furthermore, the Board approved the principles and eight-year plan for Deferred Maintenance funding allocation, utilizing debt relief funds, and approved the major capital project for the Primary Data Centre Replacement with a budget of $15.2M, contingent on bids within 5% of the class A estimate. The Board received for information updates regarding enrolment reporting using Functional Full-Time Equivalent (FFTE) calculations, an endorsement for reviewing the Memorial University Act to increase parking fines, and deferred action items concerning the sustainability of the Harlow Campus, the potential sale of the Signal Hill Campus asset, and the sale or transfer of the Johnson Geo Centre, pending future review in 2026. Finally, the Board approved the Graduate Students' Union (GSU) membership fee increase retroactive to Fall 2025 and approved the premium rates for the GSU health plan for 2025-2026.

The document records the proceedings of the 2025 President’s Awards celebration, which recognizes exceptional individuals within the Memorial community for their talent, dedication, and ingenuity. The event celebrated the university's 100 years of teaching, learning, research, service, engagement, and partnership. Awards were presented in multiple categories, including Distinguished Teaching, Outstanding Teaching for Faculty, Outstanding Teaching in the Lecturers and Instructional Staff category, Outstanding Graduate and Post-graduate Supervision, Outstanding Research, and University Research Professor. Specific highlights included recognizing Dr. Diane Ford and Dr. Vicky Howlet for distinguished teaching, Dr. Jeff Crane for outstanding teaching, Mr. Gonzo Bennett (accepted by proxy) for outstanding teaching in instructional staff, Dr. Joshua Rash for outstanding graduate supervision, and Dr. Katherine Hagen and Dr. Ashlin Swedgand for outstanding research. The designation of University Research Professor was awarded to Dr. Andrew Lane and Dr. Andrew Stinland. Finally, Mr. Thomas Osmond received the Champion of Service Award for his exemplary service as a 3D printing technician in the faculty of medicine.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics, such as the Board of Regents Continuing Education and Professional Development Policy, amendments to the Development, Approval and Administration of University Policies, and the Policy on the Use of Copyright Materials. There was also a discussion regarding the change of the Department of Biochemistry name to the Department of Human Biosciences. The board received updates on the 2023 Auditor General Report, senior leadership position vacancies, executive position vacancies, academic appointments, health and safety, major capital projects, and the 2025 Canada Games at Memorial University. The board also discussed the 1st Quarter Financial Report and Update on Enrolment, President's Goals and Objectives, Fall 2025 enrolment data, appointment of a student representative, and Board and Committee Meeting Dates for 2026. Updates were also provided on the work of the Committee to Hear Appeals on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault.

The town hall addressed concerns about Memorial's financial reporting and budget issues. Key topics included the accuracy of financial data reported to the Canadian Association of Business Officers (CABO), the impact of budget reductions, and the cost per student. Adjustments to the cost per student were discussed, highlighting the exclusion of Marine Institute students and industrial response training. Comparisons were made with other universities, particularly Dalhousie, to contextualize Memorial's financial situation.

The employee town hall covered topics such as updates on the provincial budget, the post-secondary education review, and the premier's economic recovery team report. Discussions included the modernization of the university act, tuition fees, equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization, fundraising, development efforts, and the economic impact of Memorial. The return to work and campus for employees and students in September was addressed, emphasizing safety measures and the importance of vaccination.