2022 Statements

Last week, I shared an update about what we’ve heard to date so far as part of SFU: What’s Next?, and today I want to provide more information about important work that is already underway to address your feedback and create change at the university.

I hope you are having a great start to the term! I have really enjoyed seeing so many students on campus again and meeting many of you in person during our Month of Welcome.

Since we launched SFU: What’s Next? in March, I’ve spent many hours reading feedback from and listening to faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners on the future of SFU.

I became president of SFU in September 2020, several months into the global COVID-19 shutdown. Because of that, I’ve spent most of my time as president connecting with the SFU community and our partners through Zoom screens, phone calls and emails. As the world has slowly opened up over the past year, I have enjoyed getting to spend more time on our campuses, seeing people face-to-face again—and most recently, travelling.

I am pleased to share that at the last Board meeting, the SFU Board of Governors approved a motion that will see SFU pursue certification to become a Living Wage Employer through Living Wage for Families BC.

One of my favourite parts of my job is getting to connect with the people who make our SFU community so special.

June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day. Today, across the university we honour the history, culture, resilience and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

As president of SFU, one of my jobs is to tell the story of this university—to explain to the world who we are, where we’ve been, and perhaps most importantly, where we’re going.

Yesterday evening, I was deeply concerned to hear news about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since then, many world leaders have called for an immediate end to the conflict. SFU echoes those calls for peace.

I was honoured to speak at the Vancouver Institute about how embracing difference at all levels of the university—from teaching and research to community engagement—can help universities carve out that path and contribute to the larger public good as we enter a post-COVID world.

Over a long and meaningful connection with SFU, Chris (Syeta’xtn) Lewis has served in an ever-growing list of roles and been a deeply valued counsellor and advisor to senior leadership at SFU. In his newest role, Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation, Syeta’xtn will continue to advise the President and senior leadership.

Following extensive community consultation, an international search, and approval of the SFU Board of Governors, Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson will be SFU’s first Vice-President, People, Equity and Inclusion (VPPEI). She will begin April 15, 2022.