Board holds first meeting of academic year

Remarks by Concordia president: an exciting year ahead

At the September 19 meeting of Concordia’s Board of Governors — the first for the academic year —  President Alan Shepard delivered some good news: the university welcomed 8,200 new students, an all-time high.

He provided governors with an update on recent senior leadership appointments that will contribute to strengthening the university’s academic mission and enhance the student life experience. This summer, Benoit-Antoine Bacon joined Concordia as provost and vice-president of Academic Affairs and Lisa Ostiguy assumed the new role of deputy provost.

Two new vice-provosts were also appointed: Catherine Bolton, vice-provost of Teaching and Learning, and Jorgen Hensen, vice-provost of Faculty Relations. As part of an effort to better tap into internal faculty expertise and develop leadership, several new faculty fellows were appointed to key portfolios. Read more.

Shepard said Concordia will also be working to better support students in their academic life and student life. This is reflected in the move of Student and Enrolment Services to the Office of the Provost, now reporting to Ostiguy, and the recent appointment of former Habs executive Patrick Boivin as the director of Recreation and Athletics. Read more.

Other senior leadership changes include the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, which now reports to Bram Freedman, vice-president, development and external relations, and secretary-general, and the Human Resources Department, which now reports to  Roger Côté, vice-president, services. Read more.

Charter of values

President Shepard took the opportunity to consult with governors about the Government of Quebec’s proposed charter of values. The Board remains committed to respecting the diversity of the Concordia community and supports the statement issued by the president on September 18. The president will continue to consult with members of the Concordia community. The Board will take a position on the proposed charter once draft legislation is tabled. Read more.

New members attend first meeting

The following new Board members were welcomed to their first meeting, representing faculty: Sandra Betton, associate professor in the Department of Finance and Maria E. Peluso, part-time faculty member. Edward Little, professor in the Department of Theatre, has returned to the Board after a one-term sabbatical.

Undergraduate students also have a new member: Melissa Kate Wheeler, president of the Concordia Student Union (CSU). Melanie Hotchkiss, also from the CSU, is the alternate.

There are two new external members: Georges Paulez, managing director and CEO of Mirabaud Canada Inc., and Suzanne Sauvage, president and CEO of the McCord Museum.

Membership of standing committees ratified

The Board of Governors ratified the membership of its standing committees, approved this summer by the Board’s Executive Committee.

Memberships of advisory search committees announced

Memberships of three separate advisory search committees for three senior leadership positions were presented to governors for information. Concordia is actively seeking a new dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, a dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, and a university librarian.

Paula Wood-Adams appointed dean of Graduate Studies

Governors approved the appointment of Paula Wood-Adams as dean of Graduate Studies with her term ending June 30, 2018. Wood-Adams was recently the interim dean of Graduate Studies; she served as associate dean from 2010 to 2012.

Wood-Adams joined Concordia in 2001 and served as graduate program director of mechanical and industrial engineering from 2006 to 2012. Read more.

Agreements-in-principle for CUUSS-TS and CULEU ratified

Two agreements-in-principle reached with the Concordia University Union of Support Staff – Technical Sector (CUUSS-TS) and the Concordia University Library Employees’ Union (CULEU) were ratified by the Board.

Following the signing of the two collective agreements by all parties, which will take place shortly, the documents will be posted on Concordia’s website in English and French.