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Office of the Secretariat

Our mission is to create the conditions for good governance in pursuit of preserving and protecting institutional autonomy. We will do this through guiding and supporting the University’s bicameral governance system in accordance with legal requirements and obligations, the Algoma University Act, the bylaws and regulations of Board and Senate, policies and accepted and emerging best governance practices. The Secretariat will also support the University through developing and maintaining the institutional policy and privacy frameworks.

Our Role is

  • Enhancing Decision Making: Aiding and supporting the decision making processes of Senate, Board and their committees to ensure decisions are made appropriately in accordance with legal requirements and obligations established in law and by the policies, procedures, and regulations approved by Board and Senate.
  • Supporting Governing Body Composition: Ensuring that the Senate, Board, and their committees are duly constituted and that their members receive the information and assistance they require to make good decisions
  • Advancing Transparency: Ensuring that information about the decisions taken are available to the University community.
  • Advancing University Values: Ensuring the work of the Secretariat is consistent with and advances the values of the institution, and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
  • Advancing Reconciliation: Ensuring that the work of the Office of Secretariat is guided by the strong commitments to Algoma University’s Special Mission, to Truth and Reconciliation, to the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
  • Providing Advice: Supporting the Board, Senate and administration through providing advice and assistance leading to governance related decision making processes that are clear and effective. 
  • Developing and Maintaining Compliance Frameworks: Supporting the University through ensuring the development and maintenance of the appropriate frameworks for policies, information and privacy in accordance with legal requirements and obligations. 

Services Provided

  • The Secretariat Office supports efforts to preserve the University’s autonomous governance structure as set out in legislation through good governance practices by providing:
    • Interpretation of, and compliance with, the University’s governing documents (i.e. University Act, By-Laws, policies, procedures, etc.)
    • Professional development and training with respect to university governance
    • Coordination, and facilitation of Board of Governors and Senate activities. 
  • Support the governing bodies and administration to provide the institutional framework, oversight and governance that guide the development, review, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies through collaborations with functional unit policy owners.
  • Guidance and advice on interpretation of university policies.
  • Communication and training to ensure policy development and management aligns with standardized best practices. 
  • Development and oversight of compliance and monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Provide the framework for safeguarding and handling personal information ethically within the University.
  • Develop, implement and maintain privacy compliance and procedures ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Provide training to promote privacy awareness and policy compliance among the University.
  • Handle access to information requests and privacy incidents
  • Guidance and advice on privacy matters such as best practices and regulatory changes. 
Board of Governors

The board is responsible for governing and managing the affairs of the University.

Senate

The Senate is responsible for determining and regulating the educational policy of the University.

Team