The role of an internal Governor on the Board of Governors is a fiduciary one, requiring them to act in the best interests of the University as a whole, rather than advocating for any specific group, including staff, faculty, and students. Governors must act honestly, in good faith, and with reasonable care and diligence in their decision-making. While the internal Governors provide valuable insights and perspectives related to the operational needs, academic policies, governance issues, and challenges faced by the University, their primary responsibility is to ensure that all decisions made at the Board level align with the University’s overall mission and strategic goals.
As members of the Board, which is an independent corporate governing body, the internal Governors engage in high-level discussions regarding the University’s strategic direction, financial oversight, and long-term planning. The University administration presents information to the Board, seeking advice, input, and approval on key initiatives. In this context, the internal Governors play critical roles by evaluating proposals, questioning assumptions, and raising informed concerns based on their unique perspectives and expertise. Nevertheless, internal Governors must always prioritize the broader interests of the university over those of their constituencies.
Their insights into the student experience are invaluable to the Board’s deliberations, helping to ensure that decisions reflect a balanced understanding of how strategic choices impact students, faculty, staff and the University as a whole. Ultimately, the internal Governors aid the Board in making informed, well-rounded decisions that support the University’s long-term success.
Expectations of Governors
The Board of Governors is collectively responsible for overseeing the operational, financial and business affairs of the University. Governors play a valuable role in supporting the University’s current and future success by advancing and upholding the mission of the University and by performing the duties as set out in the Algoma University Act.
Some of the fundamental duties of Governors include:
Fiduciary Duty (Duty of Loyalty): Governors must put the interest of the University before their own personal and professional interests or the interest of any particular group, including students, and must act honestly and in good faith with a view to serving the best interests of the University.
Duty of Compliance: Governors must comply with all applicable laws and regulations and with University policies and procedures applicable to Governors.
Duty of Care (Due Diligence): Governors must exercise the degree of care, skill, and diligence reasonably expected from a person having their knowledge and experience. This principle requires Governors to devote reasonable time and attention to the affairs of the University in order to exercise informed business judgment.
Desired Skills and Attributes of Governors
Passionate about Algoma’s well-being (i.e. compelling interest in supporting Algoma University; advocates for higher education’s values and contributions)
Strong relationship building (i.e. capacity to connect with diverse communities and partners)
Integrity (i.e. putting the good of the University first; avoiding conflicts of interest; maintaining confidentiality)
Diversity of thought/perspective (i.e. international and/or cross-cultural understanding/perspective)
Related governance experience (i.e. experience on or with board structures)
- Strategic leadership (i.e. forward planning, change management, strategic analysis/experience, critical thinking)
- Effective communication skills (i.e. constructive tone; good facilitation skills)
1 Internal Governor positions include the following: Student Governors, Non-Teaching Staff Governor, Teaching Staff Governor, and Senate Member.
General Eligibility
All internal candidates MUST meet the General Eligibility Requirements. General Eligibility Requirements are set out in the Board of Governors By-law No. 2 Section 2, as follows:
- Must not be under 18 years of age;
- Must not have the status of bankrupt;
- Must not have been found to be incapable of managing property under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992, or Mental Health Act;
- Must not have been found to be incapable by any court in Canada or elsewhere;
- Except for an individual who is Governor by virtue of their office, to must not have been found, by resolution of the Members at a Special Meeting, to have committed a material breach of a policy or procedure of the University or their fiduciary or other legal duties and responsibilities to the University;
- Must not hold a position as Governor and/or are a member of a Board of Directors of any other degree-granting university, college or other institution of higher learning;
- Must not have failed to comply with any other applicable qualifications set forth in legislation for governors of a university of Ontario and/or the Algoma University By-laws.
Individuals must also meet the role-specific eligibility requirements outlined in each category below.
Teaching Staff Governor: Dr. Dwayne Keough
Term: July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028
Specific Eligibility Requirements:
- Be teaching staff, as defined in the Act, Part I
- Be in full-time employment in good standing;
- Not hold a position on the executive committee or council within their constituency’s Union or Association, nor be a member of the bargaining team representing their constituency; and
- Have a minimum of two years of continuous service at the University.
Non-Teaching Staff Governor: Heather Douglas
Term: July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028
Specific Eligibility Requirements:
- Be non-teaching staff, as defined in the By-law No. 1;
- Be in full-time employment in good standing;
- Be a member of the staff bargaining unit;
- Not hold a position on the executive committee or council within their constituency’s Union or Association, nor be a member of the bargaining team representing their constituency; and
- Have a minimum of two years of continuous service at the University.
The Call for Applications is now closed. Expressions of Interest were accepted until February 2, 2026 for a one year term starting on July 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2027.
Elections will be held on March 11-12, 2026 to fill the Student Governor (AUSU) position on the University’s Board of Governors. Elections will be conducted via the web-based voting platform Simply Voting. Eligible voters will receive an email containing a link to the voting platform as well as a password.
Student Governor (AUSU) Candidates
Kevin Monpara
Vani
Important Dates and Deadlines
- March 4-10, 2026: Campaign Period
- March 11-12, 2026: Election/Voting Period
- March 13, 2026: Draft Results of Elections Published
- March 30, 2026: Final Results Published
- June 23, 2026: Ratification of Election Results by the Board at AGM
Accessibility
The voting process will accommodate eligible voters, including those with special needs or accessibility requirements. Please contact [email protected] by noon on Monday, March 9, 2026 to request accommodations.
Specific Eligibility Criteria
- Be a registered full-time student, as defined in the Academic Calendar, pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate from an undergraduate or graduate program at the University (excluding students from affiliated institutions).
- Be in and maintain satisfactory academic standing and non-academic conduct, as defined in the Academic Calendar and student conduct policies.
- Be a member of AUSU.
- Not hold a position on the executive committee or council within their constituency’s Union or Association, nor be a member of the bargaining team representing their constituency; and
- Stay in the same constituency from which they were elected until their term ends, unless permitted otherwise by the Act.
The Call for Applications is now closed. Expressions of Interest were accepted until February 2, 2026. No candidates came forward at this time. Please stay tuned for future updates and opportunities to fill this position.
Specific Eligibility Requirements
- Meet the eligibility criteria for being a member of Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association.
- Be a registered full-time student, as defined in the Academic Calendar, pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate from an undergraduate or graduate program at the University (excluding students from affiliated institutions).
- Be in and maintain satisfactory academic standing and non-academic conduct, as defined in the Academic Calendar and student conduct policies.
- Not hold a position on the executive committee or council within their constituency’s Union or Association, nor be a member of the bargaining team representing their constituency; and
- Stay in the same constituency from which they were elected until their term ends, unless permitted otherwise by the Act.
NOTE: Anishinaabe (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) students of Algoma University are members of the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association (SASA). This Student Governor (SASA) role will be voted on from among the full membership of SASA (not the SASA Executive Committee).
Commitment to Active Participation
Membership on the Board of Governors requires Governors to have the desire to serve, as well as the willingness and ability to commit the time and effort required for preparation and active participation. Meetings hosted hybridly from the Sault Ste. Marie campus with options to join remotely.
- Approx. Hours: Board Meetings = 3.5 meeting / 2 prep
- Board Meetings: Usually 5 per cycle (SEP/NOV/FEB/APR/JUN) on Mondays from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Board Retreats: Two per year (OCT/MAY), typically a full Saturday
- University Engagement: Participate in other university events and activities as needed.
- Conduct: Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.
- Term Length: One year.
2 Must be an Anishinaabe (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) student of Algoma University and have completed the Voluntary Self-Identification Survey for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Students on the Student Portal under the PROFILE tab.
Senate Member Governor: Dr. Nikki Shaw
Term: February 17, 2025 to June 30, 2027
Specific Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a member of the teaching staff, as defined in the Act, Part I;
- Be in full-time employment in good standing;
- Be a current member of Senate and have served on the Senate for a minimum of one year; and
- Have a minimum of two years of continuous service at the University; and
- Not hold a position on the executive committee or council within their constituency’s Union or Association, nor be a member of the bargaining team representing their constituency.
Internal Candidates Campaign Rules
Internal Candidate Campaign Rules Opens in a new tabComplaint/Dispute Resolution Process
If you have concerns or wish to dispute the election of a member to the Board of Governors, we encourage you to share your feedback through our official dispute resolution form. Please use the link below to provide the necessary details regarding your dispute. All submissions will be carefully reviewed to ensure a fair and transparent process.
Election Complaint / Dispute Reporting Form Opens in a new tabBoard’s Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community. The Board of Governors invites and encourages interest from individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our Institution, including equity-deserving groups that are traditionally underrepresented: Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons.