As is the normal practice at Canadian universities, Algoma University has a bicameral governance system (Board and Senate). The power and duties are outlined in the Algoma University Act, also referred to as our Charter. The Charter includes a special mission “to be a teaching-oriented university that provides programs in the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs, primarily at the undergraduate level, with a particular focus on the needs of Northern Ontario; and cultivate cross-cultural learning between Aboriginal communities and other communities, in keeping the history of Algoma University and its geographic site.”

Both the Charter and the Algoma University By-Laws 7.4 (PDF) mandate the size of the Board, the composition of the Board and length of terms for Board Members. The By-Laws contain an indemnity excerpt (PDF) that will be of particular interest to board members.

The Board of Governors is responsible for governing and managing the affairs of the University. In particular, the Board: determines the mission, vision and values of the University; appoints the chancellor and the president; holds the authority to appoint and remove all employees on the recommendation of the president; fixes duties and salaries of the employees and approves the annual university budget; establishes and collects fees and regulates the conduct of all persons who use the property of the University.

The guidance of talented, strategic and engaged Board members is critical to Algoma’s success with reaching the goals that the Board has set for the institution. This orientation will guide Board members to information and resources available online to assist you in your work.

Thank you for your on-going support of Algoma University! To find out how to become more involved, visit our Board Committees section.

The Senate is responsible for the educational policy of the University, and in particular: has the power to make recommendations to the Board to establish, modify or terminate programs and courses of studies; advises the president on faculty staffing needs; appoints the Academic Dean and Faculty and Department chairs; determines curriculum and academic standards; conducts examinations and hears appeals; awards bursaries and scholarship.

The Chancellor of the University is the titular head of the institution and confers all degrees. The Chancellor is a Board member and acts as an ambassador for the University.

The President is the chief executive officer of the University and has supervision over and direction of the academic and general administration of the University, its students, managers, teaching staff and non-teaching employees. The President reports to the Board and the Board may confer or assign other powers and duties to the President. The Board Executive (with the Board of Governors) conducts the formal Presidential Performance Review (PDF).

The institution’s Academic Plan (PDF) is developed and approved every year by Senate as a five-year rolling plan. The Academic Plan directs the work of Senators as they shape the academic programming of the institution. The 2016 Academic Plan seeks to encourage and support the expansion of experiential learning to make it a strong feature of an Algoma University education.

Algoma University’s Strategic Research Plan is also developed and approved by Senate, and is updated every four or five years. The current Strategic Research Plan (2015) recognizes four major research clusters: Anishinaabe and Indigenous communities; Cultures and Creativity; Life and the Environment; and Socio-economic Issues of Northern, Rural and Remote Area. The plan emphasizes the importance of linking Algoma University’s research initiatives with the community and of training highly qualified personnel. These initiatives are instrumental to enhancing the reputation of our programs and to positioning Algoma University as a key driver of research and development in the region.

The Board of Governors has extended the Strategic Plan through a refreshed approach to better reflect the current context. The Strategic Plan Extension 2021-2023 builds upon the previous Strategic Plan 2016-2021 (PDF). The documents, approved by Senate and by Board, outline the major directions of development for the university over the listed time periods. Initiative are grouped under the headings: Campus Culture; Vibrant Programs; Research and Innovation; Anishinaabe Inendamowin; Institutional Excellence; and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Board, Senate and the university community are kept up to date on progress implementing Strategic Plan initiatives through regular reports from Administration.

Ministry regulations require all Ontario universities to publicly disclose certain information for public accountability and transparency. The links on this page will direct you to these documents.

Other Resources:

• Strategic Mandate Statement (PDF)
• Strategic Mandate Agreement (PDF)
• Multi-Year Accountability Agreement Report Back, 2013-2014 (PDF)
• Audited Financial Statements

Algoma University staff are organized as Algoma University Support Staff District 35, with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF).

Algoma University faculty have two bargaining units, the Algoma University Faculty Association (AUFA) part-time contract faculty and full-time faculty, both with the Ontario Public Service Employees union (OPSEU).

• Full-time faculty Collective Agreement
• Part-time faculty Collective Agreement
• Support staff Collective Agreement
• Bargaining updates

• Directory of employees