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NORTHERN COLLEGE

Chair McGirr moved the meeting into the General Session, time noted at 2:00 p.m.

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NORTHERN COLLEGE

BOARDOFGOVERNORSMEETINGNO.398

GENERAL SESSION

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

2:00 p.m.

PRESENT:

Board:

  • D. McGirr (Chair)

  • R. McBean (First Vice-Chair)

  • D. Wyatt (Second Vice-Chair)

  • D. Bérubé (Governor at large)

  • F. Gibbons (President)

  • M. Milinkovich

  • G. Kemp

  • R. Pineault

  • M. Scott

  • S. Louttit

  • C. Bender

  • J. Brunski

  • J. Plaunt

  • P. Fortier, Executive Assistant, Office of the President and Board of Governors

  • P. MacLean, V.P., Academic and Student Success

  • L. Charbonneau, V.P., Finance, Administration and Aboriginal Services

  • B. Mack, V.P., Community, Business and Employment Services

REGRETS:

N. Bolduc

  • T. Rosko

  • M. Miller

  • L. Irvine

1. OPENING PROCEDURES

(a) CALL TO ORDER

Chair McGirr moved the meeting into the General Session, time noted at 2:00 p.m.

(b) CHAIR’S REMARKS

On behalf of the Board, Chair McGirr welcomed everyone to the General Session.

Porcupine Campus - G130

Videoconference and Teleconference

Staff:

2. AGENDA

(a) MODIFICATIONS/ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Item 6 (e) Tuition Fee Increase was added to the agenda.

(b) ADOPTION

Moved by:

G. Kemp

Motion

Seconded by:

M. Scott

15-12

THAT the agenda for the Meeting No. 398 of the Board of Governors of Northern College of Applied Arts & Technology dated January 10, 2012 be adopted as amended.

Carried

3. CONFLICT OF INTEREST - DECLARATIONS

The Chair called for disclosures of actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest. Governor Scott declared conflict with items 6b. Compulsory Ancillary Fees and 6e. Tuition Fee Increase.

4. COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS

President Gibbons welcomed and invited Ms. Maureen Laughren, EEFHT Manager and Mr. Vic Power, member and Chair of the EEFHT Advisory Council, to make a presentation on the East End Family Health Team. The presentation is also posted for members to view on the college network.

On behalf of the Board, Chair McGirr thanked Ms. Laughren and Mr. Power for the presentation.

5. STANDING ITEMS/BUSINESS ARISING

(a) APPROVAL OF GENERAL SESSION MINUTES NO. 397

(Meeting Held November 1, 2011)

Moved by:

M. Milinkovich

Motion 16-12

Seconded by:

D. Berube

THAT the minutes of Meeting No. 397 dated November 1, 2011 be adopted as presented.

Carried

Motions from the Committee of the Whole minutes of Meeting No. 397, dated November 1, 2011 follow.

Moved by:

T. Rosko

Motion 89-11

Seconded by:

D. Wyatt

THAT the Committee of the Whole Agenda No. 397 dated November 1, 2011 be

adopted as presented.

Carried

Moved by: D. Berube Motion Seconded by: G. Kemp 90-11 THAT the Committee of the Whole Minutes No. 396 dated September 23, 2011 be approved as presented. AND THAT motions 71-11 to 78-11 be recorded in the General Session of the minutes. Carried Moved by: B. McBean Motion Seconded by: T. Rosko 91-11 THAT the Board of Governors receive the minutes of the Board Executive Committee Meeting held September 15, 2011 as presented. Carried Moved by: D. Wyatt Motion Seconded by: M. Milinkovich 92-11 THAT the Board of Governors receive the minutes of the Board Executive Committee Meeting held October 6, 2011 as presented. Carried Moved by: M. Milinkovich Motion Seconded by: B. McBean 93-11 WHEREAS the selection process has been duly followed; THAT the Board of Governors of Northern College appoint Mr. Manny Scott to the Board as the student representative, effective November 1, 2011 to August 31, 2012 . Carried Moved by: D. Berube Motion Seconded by: M. Scott 94-11 THAT the Board of Governors receive the 2011-2012 Board Goals report, as presented. Carried Moved by: N. Bolduc Motion Seconded by: G. Kemp 95-11 THAT the Board of Governors accept the recommendation of the Board Vacancy Nominating Committee to submit the names of Rachel Pineault and Don Wyatt to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for appointment by Order in Council. Carried Moved by: D. Berube Motion Seconded by: T. Rosko 96-11 THAT the Board move into the General Session, time noted at 1:35 p.m. Carried

(b) BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

(i) Institutional Differentiation - College Sustainability

President Gibbons explained the genesis of two reference documents developed for the Committee of Presidents and provided to the Board. While health and education remain a priority for the government, the province is faced with fiscal challenges. The Ontario government proposes to create 60,000 new postsecondary seats (anticipated to be split 2/3 university and 1/3 college), 3 new university campuses in the GTA area, and has recently announced a 30% reduction in tuition fees for college and university students, within a mere 1% growth projection for education. Though new MTCU Minister Glen Murray has been appointed to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for some months, there have been no new announcements nor has a new postsecondary plan been presented.

The document on financial sustainability of Ontario colleges represents well the reality for a small college such as Northern and with fiscal challenges ahead of us, we have undertaken discussions internally, challenging our thinking about the kind of college we want to create for the future. The strategic plan will provide a 3-year focus moving forward; while we envision a postsecondary plan reflective of longer term planning going up to 10 years. We are questioning ourselves with doing business from a status quo standpoint and are having tough discussions. The Board will be kept apprised as the budget is being developed and about progress through our March and May meetings.

The differentiation paper suggests that the government would achieve greater efficiencies if all postsecondary institutions were not clones of their sector e.g. 24 colleges offering 24 business programs across the province-should there be a few specialized business schools? Northern College’s comprehensive program mix allows us to be responsive to the needs of our communities; however, time has also seen us differentiate ourselves with selective niches such as Mining, Welding and health care programs. The government picking up on differentiation would be highly politically charged and whether it creates policy to this effect remains to be seen.

President Gibbons encouraged members to read through the documents and monitor the media as it relates to the postsecondary sector so we may have a discussion should the government move forward to introduce changes in postsecondary education as we know it.

(c) FINANCIAL REPORT

Ms. Loran Charbonneau, V. P., Finance, Administration and Aboriginal Services presented the financial report for the period ended November 30, 2011. Ms. Charbonneau explained changes that have occurred since the September 30 report. The college is on track with its budget and expects to break even at end of year.

6. NEW BUSINESS

(a) APPROVAL OF BOARD POLICIES

Moved by:

G. Kemp

Motion

Seconded by:

D. Wyatt

17-12

THAT the Board of Governors approve policy B-9 Conflict of Interest, D-11 Asset Protection and D-12 Financial Management, as presented.

Carried

(b) PROTOCOL AGREEMENT - COMPULSORY ANCILLARY FEES

Having declared conflict, Governor Scott remained in the room but abstained from voting.

Moved by:

B. McBean

Motion

Seconded by:

D. Berube

18-12

THAT the Board of Governors approve the Ancillary Fees Schedule for 2012-13 and the Protocol Agreement for Compulsory Ancillary Fees as presented.

Carried

(c) BROADER PUBLIC SECTOR / COLLEGE TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY POLICY

The President explained that with the introduction of Broader Public Sector directive, the Board falls under these guidelines and is held to the same standards as the college as far as rates and receipts requirements. A new internal policy on College Travel and Hospitality policy was developed and provides greater detail as to what is permitted. The policy is being provided for the Board to review and be aware of.

(d) ACCC PAN CANADIAN PROTOCOL FOR SUSTAINABILITY

President Gibbons explained that as identified in our Business Plan, we have developed and are preparing to implement our college policy on sustainability. ACCC has invited institutions across the country to sign a protocol which confirms their commitment to sustainability. Much like applied research, the support of institutions could lead to ACCC seeking federal funding and investment in support of sustainability initiatives. There is no financial obligation in signing the protocol.

Moved by:

M. Milinkovich

Motion

Seconded by:

S. Louttit

19-12

THAT the Board of Governors supports Northern College becoming a signatory to the ACCC Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability as a means of formalizing its commitment to a sustainable future. Carried

(e) TUITION FEE INCREASE

Having declared conflict, Governor Scott remained present and abstained from voting.

President Gibbons explained that a new framework has not yet been developed by the government; however, the college has historically implemented increases as recommended by the government. Thus, based upon this practice, a motion is presented.

Moved by:

B. McBean

Motion 20-12

Seconded by:

J. Plaunt

THAT the Board of Governors approve a tuition fee increase for the 2012-13 academic year as determined by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.. Carried

7. ROUTINE ITEMS

(a) CORRESPONDENCE AND VERBAL REPORT BY CHAIR

Chair McGirr commended the Board on the productive strategic planning session held earlier today and recognized the College’s contribution to the success of a proposal from Detour Gold and an upcoming announcement that will lead to increased training activity.

(b) NORTHERN COLLEGE ABORIGINAL COUNCIL ON EDUCATION

As Governor Miller was unable to attend today, the item was deferred. President Gibbons informed the Board about Mr. Miller’s new position as Executive Director at Kunuwanimano Child & Family Services. The President expressed his hopes Mr. Miller will be able to continue in his role as Chair of NCACE and as a Board member.

(c) PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The President’s Report is provided in the Board package. The President also provided further information relative to new opportunities in the form of collaboration with another college in the North in the areas of postsecondary programs and corporate training.

(d) EXECUTIVE TEAM REPORTS AND STRATEGIC PLAN PROGRESS

Ms. Loran Charbonneau, V.P, Finance, Administration and Aboriginal Services shared that further to 2010 Climate Survey results, an initiative to improve marketing and communications was implemented and was pleased to introduce Ms. Crystal Bresson, Marketing and Communications Manager. Also, to improve internal communications, new communication guidelines were developed and shared with all staff. The guidelines provide protocols on communicating within departments and inter-campus.

Under the pillar of Focus on Learners, the College has been utilizing a tool called CARISM to help students determine their path and achieve success. We have been invited to make a presentation on CARISM at the Great Moon Gathering in February.

Loran also clarified that due to the magnitude of the Tipi project, an RFP for its construction will be re-issued this spring and we look forward to seeing new submissions based on a few modifications of the design. This will be a significant addition to Porcupine campus.

Mr. Bob Mack, V.P., Community Business Development and Employment Services reported on Business Plan initiatives that have been met and partially met including:

  • offering a course through videoconferencing entitled Compassion Fatigue Syndrome, tying-in with other agencies’ video equipment; the division plans to expand on this format of delivery;
  • expanding the number of short-term programs and number of partnerships, one of which is with Niska Academy to offer various truck driving and heavy equipment operation programs;
  • creating a partnership with Cabo Drilling in the Hamlet of Arviat, Nunavut where a Surface Diamond Drilling program was successfully completed;
  • negotiating another partnership with GoldCorp to offer an underground mining program, as well as proceeding to offer a 10 th underground mining program in Dubreuilleville;
  • expanding into health care programming with a partnership to offer a PSW program in Moosonee in partnership with the Red Cross and Community Care Access Centre;
  • submitting a proposal to Heritage Canada in partnership with the Kapuskasing Native Women’s Group to build leadership skills in Aboriginal women, to be offered in Moosonee;
  • working to receive accreditation from the Mining Industry Human Resource (MiHR) Council which would position Northern College’s Surface Diamond Driller program as the first program accredited in Canada.

Mr. Peter MacLean, V.P., Academic and Student Success provided an update on initiatives under the Focus on Learners pillar where the college is increasing its use of learning technologies in the classroom. In addition to introducing new equipment and providing training, additional specialized faculty training is being planned for the spring with Dr. Lance Ford. Our Learning Excellence and Innovation Department (LEID) continues to provide support to our staff and has developed an online course for professors to take. Other technologies are being explored including Blackboard Collaborate, which will facilitate greater interaction between the professor and student, and thereby improve student success.

(e) REPORTS FROM BOARD ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES

Governor Kemp attended the inaugural meeting of the Law Clerk Program Advisory Committee on November 15 th . The committee is comprised of a good mix of members representing the field. Governor Kemp also elaborated on challenges with the Law Society of Upper Canada relative to offering some courses in the Paralegal program by distance. Members are working with their contacts to assist in resolving the matter.

Further to the presentation on our EEFHT Clinic and challenges in recruiting a new physician, Governor Wyatt commented on the trend for new physicians to become incorporated and that this is expected to become the norm.

President Gibbons indicated that the Health Sciences Advisory Committee recently endorsed the moving forward to introduce a Massage Therapy program in Kirkland Lake. PAC support is required in the program development process. A request for approval for the new program will be coming to the Board.

(f) ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE

As provided in the package.

(g) ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

The appointment of Mr. Alain Comtois to the Paramedic Program Advisory Committee and Mr. Cesar Trillo and Mr. Rick Racicot to the Civil, Construction and Mechanical Engineering Program Advisory Committee were recommended:

| Moved by: | D. Wyatt Motion | |

Source: https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/BoardMeeting398.pdf