Message from Concordia's new president and vice-chancellor

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Colleagues:

Today, February 2, is my first official day as President and Vice-Chancellor. As you know, I received a mandate of up to 18 months to lead the University during the interim period until a new President can be selected and take her or his place. This is a good time for me to share with you the initial impressions that I have had about the state of our university. These impressions, admittedly tentative, are the result of meetings I have had and observations I have made during the past week when, as President – designate, I met a number of you.

First and most important, I was able to confirm for myself that the University is continuing to do well in all its essential functions. Since I was last at Concordia in 2005 there has been impressive progress in many areas, especially with respect to research and scholarship. Our academic programs seem to be humming along, student enrolment is up, finances are in good shape, and there seems to be a broad positive consensus about the Strategic Framework.

At the same time, it is clear that there is a worrisome degree of turbulence at the moment. Motions, sometimes expressing anger, have been passed by the Senate and many academic departments. Faculty, staff members, students and Board members – all of whom have a shared devotion to Concordia and its future – feel aggrieved and misunderstood. Some alumni and loyal donors have expressed their deep concerns. Adversarial relationships have developed where there is usually a collaborative spirit. Misunderstanding and mistrust are evident.

Clearly, it is in the interests of everyone that this demoralizing state of affairs be reversed so that we can turn the page and return to productive pursuits. Questions about a perceived lack of transparency and governance issues must be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

The Board of Governors, as concerned about this situation as are all other sectors of the University, has asked me to assist our institution to regain its equilibrium. This I will try to do and, with your help, I am confident that this can happen soon. Personally, I am grateful – at times overwhelmed – by the warmth with which I have been welcomed back.  Widespread loyalty to Concordia is evident everywhere once one looks beyond the current hypercharged atmosphere. But it is necessary to take certain steps immediately and these are in progress:

1. I have begun to hold meetings, as many as can be crammed into my schedule, so that I can quickly gain a better understanding of the problems and concerns, leading to further action.
2. Greater transparency will be our policy. As an example, I intend to make my own employment contract public to our entire community as soon as it has been presented to the Board of Governors at their next meeting.
3. A joint meeting of the Board’s Ad-Hoc Committee on Governance and the Senate’s Steering Committee will shortly be scheduled. A joint meeting of the Board and Senate is under discussion.
4. We will arrange to fill vacant senior positions as soon as possible.

These steps will be followed by a serious examination of how we can collectively achieve a climate of increased sensitivity with a view to fostering a convergence of visions on how the university can best function, keeping in mind the roles assigned to different sectors by the University’s charter and traditions.  I believe we can do this and I very much look forward to working with you again.

Frederick H. Lowy

President and Vice-Chancellor