Dawson College

The board discussed and took action on several items including the endorsement of values related to academic freedom and inclusive community standards. Various academic program revisions for Social Science, Liberal Arts, Arts, Literature and Communication, and Visual Arts were approved. The board also reviewed and approved academic standing and advancement policies, revisions to bylaws, and the 2026-2027 academic calendars. Additional actions included authorizing a capital budget, withdrawing an appropriation of surplus, electing a new member to the executive committee, and awarding service contracts for translation and SALTISE agreement management.

The primary discussions focused on two agenda items following the adoption of the meeting agenda. The first significant topic involved the acquisition of a replacement digital X-ray machine for the Diagnostic Imaging Program, as the existing unit was unreliable and no longer met quality standards. A sole, compliant bid from Apexium Groupe Médical Inc. for $396,000 (excluding taxes) was approved, necessitated by a tight capital spending deadline of March 31, 2026. The second item addressed the necessary delegation of the Director General's authority to Donna Varrica during the Interim Director General's scheduled vacation period.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on the Director General Selection Committee, noting the need to appoint an interim Director General, and a report on an academic grievance case. The Director General reported on the Town Hall regarding new space rental requirements, the preferred landlord withdrawing due to cost overruns, and the recommendation to close the college bookstore due to declining sales and to transition to an external online supplier. The Academic Dean reported on final enrolment figures, noting a shortfall of approximately 100 students, and discussed revised course drop deadlines and efforts to support Indigenous students. Business arising from previous minutes included an update on the external auditor selection process, where only one bid was received, and an update on an ad hoc committee reviewing a motion from Senate regarding an investigation. New business involved the adoption of the CRISPESH Annual Report 2024-2025, CRISPESH Audited Financial Statements, and Dawson College Annual Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2025. The Board also approved the abolition of a permanent management position in Human Resources effective December 1, 2025, approved the Dawson College Annual Report 2024-2025, revised Bylaw 10 concerning procurement, and authorized the awarding of contracts for Translation and Linguistic Revision Services across five lots. Finally, a 5-year service contract for snow removal and landscaping was awarded to "LES PAYSAGISTES DAMY & PAT INC."

The key discussions during this special meeting focused on the adoption of the agenda, the appointment of an interim Director General following the upcoming retirement of the current one, and an update to the selection process for the permanent Director General. Specifically, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of Leanne Bennett as Interim Director General, effective from January 1st to August 1st, 2026. Furthermore, the Board addressed the selection process timeline and confirmed the appointment of Danica Meredith to the selection committee, replacing Karina D'Ermo.

The meeting included reports from the Executive Committee, the Chair of the Board, the Director General, and the Academic Dean, covering topics such as research project fund transfers, administrative position changes, budget revisions, rental options for a new facility, and discussions on academic freedom and generative AI. The Board addressed summer graduates, program accreditation for Diagnostic Imaging Technology, appointments to the Research Ethics Board, and a protocol agreement with the SPVM for judicial record verification. Revisions to the Policy to Stem Violence, Discrimination, Harassment and the Abuse of Power were adopted, and the selection of an external auditor was authorized. A motion from the Senate regarding an investigation was discussed, and a committee was formed to review the motion for further consideration.