(BRAMPTON/ SAULT STE. MARIE/ TIMMINS- June 24, 2021): Members of the Algoma University Board of Governors gathered virtually this evening for both their Annual General Meeting and the final regular meeting of the 2020-21 academic year. In addition to an overview of key achievements from the past year, the Board approved a refreshed Strategic Plan that will guide efforts over the next two years while receiving an update on the University’s renewed commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
University President and Vice-Chancellor, Asima Vezina, presented Board members with a year-end report highlighting the accomplishments of 2020-21. Vezina thanked the various teams across the university for their outstanding work. In her report, she highlighted the 7.5 percent increase in enrolment above projection, new programming and research initiatives, $20 million plus in external funding, including the recently announced Mukqua Waakaa’igan cross-cultural centre, and recent amendments to the Algoma University Act proclaimed on May 21st which provided expanded degree granting authority to the university, including graduate-level degrees.
The Board also approved the 2021-2023 Strategic Plan extension developed following a retreat held between the Board of Governors and the Senate Executive. Chair Shelley Schell shared her support for the work done by the committee, indicating that “the extension of the 2016-2021 Strategic Plan will help maintain the positive momentum at the university while providing a refresh of core strategic objectives to better reflect the current context of the University.” A new Strategic Planning process will commence in 2022.
“We are proud of our progress and accomplishments over the past year. Through the challenge of the pandemic we have continued to grow momentum based on problem solving, creativity and innovative thinking, sound strategy, strong partnerships and the support of the broader community, ” said President and Vice-Chancellor, Asima Vezina. “Algoma’s long-term efforts are supported through prudent multi-year planning, and the adoption of our 2021-2023 Strategic Plan extension provides the framework for our continued success.”
The Board also unanimously supported and approved the University’s renewed commitment to the TRC’s Calls to Action. Over the past six months, a team of representatives from across the University worked together to articulate a renewal of Algoma University’s commitments to action resulting in the release of Honouring our Commitment that will guide the work over the next several years.
During the Annual General Meeting, Shelley Schell, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer for the City of Sault Ste. Marie was appointed as Chair for a second term for the upcoming 2021-2022 board cycle. Similarly, Mike Moraca, Treasurer at Algoma Steel Inc., was appointed as Vice-Chair for a second term.
“The Board of Governors continues to be pleased with the tremendous progress that has been made over the past year,” said Shelley Schell, Chair of the Board of Governors. “The strategic planning of the Board, the Senior Team and the Academic Senate and associated committees will ensure we are well prepared to support the continued enrolment growth, programming and research expansion, academic and social needs of a growing and diverse student body.”
Vezina extended words of appreciation to all members of the Board of Governors for their guidance and leadership during a year of continued institutional growth and development within a sector that continues to deal with the wide ranging impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Governors is scheduled for September 30, 2021.
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