Chair's report - November Board meeting
This report contains general updates and a summary of the topics discussed at the November 30 meeting. Items discussed at this meeting represent matters of importance at the highest level of the institution, and these reports will help provide context and clarity around the progression of major projects and decisions.
You can read President Johnson’s report from the meeting here.
Trip to Victoria
At the end of October, I travelled to Victoria as part of an SFU delegation that also included President Johnson and student representatives—the first formal delegation to Victoria in several years. We went to advocate on behalf of SFU and highlight how we continue to make a difference for B.C. and be a great partner for government. I was especially pleased to have productive meetings with deputy ministers and other senior leaders in the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, and to hear the enthusiasm and consistency with which government representatives recognized SFU as being an innovative, collaborative partner.
Budget
These continue to be difficult financial times for SFU and for the post-secondary sector as a whole. The Board continues to closely monitor the financial state of the institution and broader operating environment, and is engaged with the executive team on the upcoming budget.
Upcoming Board/Senate retreat
I am looking forward to our joint Board/Senate retreat in January, building on successful collaboration with Senate earlier this year. The retreat will have a focus on relationship building and best practices for collegial governance within the University Act’s bicameral governance model, using the SFU Medical School as a case study. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
Thank you
I want to thank all Board members, the executive team, students, faculty, staff and members of the SFU community for their work this year. We advanced many institutional priorities in 2023 and saw community members lean in on very challenging work. I believe we have laid the groundwork for the challenges and opportunities ahead of us in 2024. Wishing you all happy holidays and hoping you get the chance to unwind with family, friends and loved ones.
Community members are invited to attend our next Board meeting in January. More details and a full schedule of upcoming meetings and locations for 2024 are available on our website.
Angie Lamarsh
Chair, Board of Governors
Simon Fraser University