It's a wrap!

It’s impossible for anyone to know everything about university affairs, but Open to Question has made it easier to know more about different areas outside one’s usual realm at the university.

The series gives Concordians the opportunity to attend presentations by key members of the university to learn about issues of importance for Concordians, and for the higher education sector as a whole.

Open to Question was created by University Communications Services (UCS) and was launched in support of Concordia’s strategic framework.

Chief Communications Officer Philippe Beauregard explains, “The discussions aim to foster a culture of dialogue within Concordia. Topics are chosen for their timeliness for universities in general and for Concordia in particular.”

The NOW news and events website, as well as related newsletters to faculty, staff, students and media, is another facet of UCS’s drive to support the strategic framework and to communicate our success locally, nationally and internationally.

The open, relaxed format of Open to Question saw a range of presentations: some were entirely discussion-based; others saw a question period follow a more formal presentation.

President Judith Woodsworth opened the series in a broad way, responding to questions on a wide variety of topics. This allowed employees to raise issues of concern directly with the President.

Provost David Graham held more of a philosophical and academic discussion on the role of universities. Patrick Kelley, Chief Financial Officer, demystified university finances and funding to a large audience.

University Librarian Gerald Beasley held a fascinating discussion on the Open Access initiative, as well as Concordia’s research repository, Spectrum.

Bradley Tucker, Director of the Institutional Planning Office, shed light on the complex world of university rankings. Who knew that rankings only started in 1983?

All presentations were recorded and are available on podcast. Listen to Tucker's presentation: