BOARD OF GOVERNORS
PUBLIC SESSION MINUTES 9-14-2006/07 PS Meeting No. 9-14-2006/07 Grant MacEwan College Governors’ Boardroom 7-218, City Centre Campus Thursday September 14, 2006 5:15 p.m. 1030-02
PRESENT:
RESOURCE:
E. Young, Chair P. Byrne, President & CEO C. Hoffmeyer, Faculty Association B. Johnston J. Kuruvilla, Students’ Association O. Lennie S. McAuley, MacEwan Staff Association T. Melton R. Seidel G. Sydenham M. Baptista, Executive Assistant to the Board/President D. Currie, Executive Director, Human Resources C. Heslep, Vice President, Student Services J. McGrath, Chief Technology Officer J. Paterson-Weir, Executive Vice President Academic B. Quinton, Vice President Finance & Corporate Services G. Turtle, Director Communications & External Relations A. Vladicka, Executive Director Strategic Planning D. Bayley, Vice President Fund Development C. Cohen, member of the general public S. Edwards, Executive Director Alumni Association S. MacLean, Director Facilities M. Mark, member of the general public T. Moser, Coordinator Security Services I. Ryder, Department of English J. Brick H. Kingston
Guests:
Absent with regrets:
Chair Young welcomed Oryssia Lennie, Dr. Bill Johnston and Shawn McAuley as the most recent board appointees.
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA/CONSENT AGENDA 01-9-14-2006/07 M/S/C That the Board of Governors approve the agenda and the following items on the consent agenda: 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Minutes of the June 8, 2006 Regular Board Meeting President’s Report Correspondence Students’ Association MacEwan Staff Association Items Approved Public Sessions 2005-06
It was noted on page seven of the agenda (President’s Report) that the phrase “research projects” is missing from paragraph five. II STRATEGIC PRESENTATION & DIALOGUE No items were presented. III FOR APPROVAL 3.1 FOIP Head Noting the position of Vice President Resources has been discontinued as of September 30, 2006, Brent Quinton presented a recommendation to change the College’s FOIP Head to Vice President Finance & Corporate Services. 02-9-14-2006/07 M/S/C That the Board of Governors authorize the President to appoint the Vice President Finance and Corporate Services as the (FOIP) Head of the College effective September 14, 2006 as defined and required under the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and authorize the FOIP Head to perform any duty or exercise any function under that Act. 3.2 College Coat of Arms Cathryn Heslep provided background on the work of a cross-College Task Team exploring the potential for creation of a Coat-of-Arms for the College. She requested a formal resolution from the Board to submit a written request to the Chief Herald. 03-9-14-2006/07 M/S/C That the Board of Governors authorize the College to pursue development and registration of a Coat-of-Arms which will be maintained along with a separate brand/visual identity. Responding to a question as to why the College is pursuing a Coat-of-Arms at this time, Heslep indicated MacEwan has evolved significantly in terms of its scope, size and mandate. The objective is to have the Coat-of-Arms in place for the College’s first graduation ceremony scheduled for June 2008.
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3.3
Post Diploma Certificate: Executive Leadership in the NonProfit Sector Janet Paterson-Weir reported on the process undertaken to review the College’s Voluntary Sector Management Program (VSMP) and presented a proposal for a post-diploma certificate program focused on executive leadership in the voluntary sector. She note the proposal has been reviewed by and received support from the Curriculum Committee and Academic Council as well as several external organizations in the not-for-profit sector. 04-9-14-2006/07 M/S/C That the Board of Governors approve the Executive Leadership in the NonProfit Sector proposal for submission to the Minister of Advanced Education. Responding to questions regarding the various timelines in the proposal and the difference in cohort calculations, Paterson-Weir noted the timelines allow for flexibility and the calculations differ based on criteria used for FLE and headcount. She further noted the proposal will have no impact on space as it is a small program focused on a niche market.
3.4
Robbins Health Learning Centre Underground Parkade Borrowing Resolution Brent Quinton presented a recommendation for a borrowing resolution for construction of the underground parkade at RHLC. He noted College policy requires that ancillary services have to be self-funded and funding will be sought from Alberta Capital Finance Authority (ACFA) as it offers the best rates. He further indicated one of the criteria for ACFA financing is that the project provides a revenue stream and this will be done through associated parking fees. There is no impact on the current budget for construction of the RHLC. 05-9-14-2006/07 M/S/C That the Board of Governors approve the long term borrowing resolution for construction of the Robbins Health Learning Centre underground parkade.
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OTHER REPORTS 4.1 Board Chair’s Report Welcoming everyone to the new academic year, Chair Young reflected on the recent incident at Dawson College and expressed condolences for the College and its community. He commented on the safe environment which MacEwan emphasizes for employees and students and noted an emergency protocol is in place. He highlighted a letter on the Board’s correspondence list, from the Ministers of Advanced Education and Infrastructure/Transportation indicating support for MacEwan’s new South Campus strategy. He recently met with Minister Herard and Advanced Education staff who indicated they understand the necessity of acquiring the property in the near future to ensure planning timelines are met. This will be a topic of discussion at the upcoming Board retreat. On July 26th, Minister Herard was on campus to announce approval of the College’s latest undergraduate degree proposal, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Chair Young expressed appreciation to Janet Paterson-Weir, Susan May, Sharon Bookhalter, Gerri Nakonechny and staff in the Faculty of Health & Community Studies for their efforts in developing the proposal. He further commented on the success of the College with its strategy for recruitment of PhD faculty for the degree programs.
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Noting the impact of the College’s mandate change, its campus development activity and other factors, the topic of ‘cultural change’ will be also on the Board retreat agenda. 4.2 Campus Planning Committee 4.2.1 Robbins Health Learning Centre Update
Tim Melton briefed the new board members on the role of the Committee and provided a progress report on construction of the Robbins Health Learning Centre. Stuart MacLean reported the project has been impacted by the current labour shortage in the province. In June, it was decided to adjust the methodology for construction of the facility so as to focus on the east and central sections of the building to open in August 2007. It is anticipated the remaining west wing will be complete by January 2008. The schedule will meet the fall 2007 intake and there has been no additional financial impact. Responding to questions regarding the section that will be delayed, MacLean indicated it includes 200 classroom seats and the 50-70 seat computer commons area. Arrangements are being made to accommodate these space needs through the CN Lecture Theatre and the City Centre Campus LRC computer commons, respectively. As well, he noted a contingency plan is being developed for the west wing that contains an itemized risk mitigation plan as well as critical milestones for October and December. President Byrne observed the primary envelope of the building will be available for August 2007 and contingency plans are in place to meet student and faculty needs until the west wing is complete. He noted the new nursing program will move into the building based on September and January cohort intake. 4.3 Faculty Association Chery Ann Hoffmeyer provided a written report highlighting: ⇒ The recent visit of MacEwan Task Team members to Malaspina University College to examine their academic governance model. ⇒ A letter sent by ACIFA to the Minister of Advanced Education regarding the provincial consultation process for Bill 55. ⇒ The status of a Faculty Association grievance regarding closure of the Dance program. ⇒ Issues the Association is addressing on behalf of three faculty members related to decisions that have impacted their function. ⇒ The current review of the Aquatics Centre. ⇒ An orientation luncheon for new faculty held on August 22nd. ⇒ Scheduling of meetings between the Faculty Association Executive and College Executive Committee. Chair Young requested that any correspondence received by the Faculty Association regarding the Aquatics Centre be forwarded to Cathryn Heslep so as to be included in the input being considered.
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4.4
Bill 55 Task Team President Byrne reported Advanced Education advises that the Bill 55 regulation has been approved and more details will be forthcoming shortly. The College’s task team continues its work toward development of a recommendation for consideration by the Board regarding a model for increased academic participation in academic decision making.
4.5
Aquatics Centre Update Cathryn Heslep provided an update on the review being undertaken of the Aquatics Centre. She noted some issues related to the centre came to light a couple of years ago through the budget process and it was decided to review the operation. She extended appreciation to the Board for input provided at the June meeting. In July the task force was reconstituted to include representation from each of the Faculty, Student and MacEwan Staff Associations as well as representatives from the Physical Education faculty. Over the summer months, the financial information, various analyses and a mechanical report have been reviewed by the task force. A meeting was held with the CEO of the downtown YMCA to gain an understanding of their parameters, timelines, potential partnership opportunities, staffing issues, etc. The Kinsmen Pool is currently closed for renovations. Throughout the process, the College is responding to letters and emails received from individuals and groups.
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UPDATE ON ISSUES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS President Byrne reported • Update on residence occupancy and finances: 2006/07 occupancy rates are up 100 from last year (650 compared with 550) and it is anticipated this will increase by a further 40-50 students in the January term. Residence capacity is calculated at 668 (without including the second floor) and 750 (including the second floor). Access has been opened up to students from other post-secondary institutions including NAIT and the University of Alberta. For 2006/07 a negative $1.5 million cash flow is projected which could change downward with additional occupancy. An aggressive marketing strategy is in place and the College is exploring various options for operating the facility (self-operation, contracting out, etc). Quinton reported rental rates remain unchanged with the exception of oversubscribed quads and bachelor units, incentives have been provided for returning residents, and a ‘super-bachelor’ room has been created to meet demand. • Aquatics Centre review: An update was provided in item 4.5. • Bill 55 Task Team: Robert Seidel will serve as the public Board member on the team.
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GO FORWARD ITEMS • Aquatics Centre Review/Recommendation ADJOURNMENT/NEXT MEETING The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Thursday, October 26, 2006 in the Governors Boardroom 7-218 at City Centre Campus (note: change of venue from South Campus as published in original meeting schedule). Margo Baptista Executive Assistant to the Board and President
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