President's message reaffirms commitment to students
Sharing a common purpose in ensuring the best learning experience for our students
In the debate on the Quebec government’s university funding plan, it is important to ensure that universities remain havens of higher learning and civil discourse. As a diverse community representing one of the most open, accessible and dynamic universities in Canada, Concordians have shown a spirit of collaboration on issues such as governance and improving the student experience.
Concordia is doing well. Working together, we completed innovative research infrastructure projects and adopted a new Academic Plan. Our research profile is rising, along with our reputation for community outreach, and an innovative approach to teaching and learning.
The Quebec Minister of Education’s announcement last week of a $2 million penalty related to severance payments made to senior managers at Concordia came as a surprise to the university. We had already taken steps to address this matter when the Board of Governors unanimously agreed on March 2 to seek an external review of our human resources practices regarding senior administrators.
We are committed to responsible fiscal management and to implementing recommendations from the review to improve our practices in a timely fashion.
I also want to reassure our community that the penalty will not adversely affect our ability to carry out our core academic mission, including implementation of the Academic Plan.
We will pursue discussions, as planned, with the Quebec government on partnership agreements under the university funding plan related to the use of revenues provided to universities. We will also continue to solicit support from donors and friends to fund scholarships to support students.
While there is a range of viewpoints, our first priority, as always, is to dedicate our available resources to teaching and learning, and we are committed to working with the government to ensure sustainable long-term funding for universities.
Whatever the issue, members of our community have shown that we remain respectful of each other and are mindful of the well-being of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors. I believe that we all share a common purpose in ensuring that our students enjoy the best learning experience in a safe and secure environment, and that we continue to work together to maintain the considerable progress being made at Concordia.
Frederick Lowy
President and Vice-Chancellor