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NORTHERN COLLEGE BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING NO. 466

Second Vice-Chair Cindy Reasbeck called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the Moosonee Campus.

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NORTHERN COLLEGE BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING NO. 466

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 1:00 p.m.

Moosonee Campus

S

PRESENT:

Board :

C. Stringer, Chair

C. Reasbeck, Second Vice-Chair

A. Jalbert

E. Poulin

M. Metatawabin, Governor-at-Large

A. Penner, President & CEO

K. Bird

J. Harrington

Staff:

  • L. Hanes, Executive Assistant, Office of the President and Board of Governors

  • M. Dumas, Senior Vice-President Corporate Services

  • S. Hunter, Chief Cultural Officer, Marketing, Communications and External Relations

  • A. Klooster, Senior Vice-President Academic & Student Success

  • F. Nickner, Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology

Regrets:

  • J. Molyneaux, First Vice-Chair

C. Ellis

D. Naveau

K. Wojtus

L. Innes

P. Hamilton

1. CALL TO ORDER

1.1 Remarks from the Chair

Second Vice-Chair Cindy Reasbeck called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the Moosonee Campus.

1.2 Acknowledgment of Territory

We begin by acknowledging that we are on the traditional and territorial lands of the Cree, Oji-Cree, Ojibway, and Algonquin homelands. We acknowledge these ancestral lands that we are gathered on, which continue to interconnect us all and remind us that we are all treaty people. First Nation communities now located on these lands include: Moose Cree, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Attawapiskat, Weenusk, and Metis Peoples Region #3.

2. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Second Vice-Chair Reasbeck called for disclosures of actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. She declared a conflict with item 5.5.

3. AGENDA

The Second Vice-Chair asked if there were any additions or modifications to the agenda. None received.

Moved by:

J. Harrington

Motion

Seconded by: C. Stringer

24-05-23

THAT the agenda for the Northern College Board of Governors Meeting #466 dated May 9, 2023, be adopted as presented. Carried

The Second Vice-Chair asked if any governor wished to comment on or remove any items from the Consent Agenda. None noted.

  • 4.1 Receive Board Committee Minutes
  • 4.2 Program Advisory Appointments
  • 4.2.1 Social Service Worker PAC
  • 4.2.2 Early Childhood Education PAC
  • 4.2.3 Health Sciences PAC 1
  • 4.2.4 Health Sciences PAC 2
  • 4.3 Board of Governors’ Work Plan
  • 4.4 Board Goals Update
  • 4.5 Correspondence and Information Report

Moved by:

E. Poulin

Motion

Seconded by: C. Stringer

25-05-23

THAT the Board of Governors approve Consent Agenda items, including all applicable motions. Carried

4.1 Receive Board Committee Minutes

THAT Board Committee Minutes be received.

Carried

4.2 Program Advisory Appointments

THAT the Board of Governors approve the following Program Advisory Committee appointments:

Mélanie Ciccone to the Social Service Worker Program Advisory Committee Jennifer Peekhaus to the ECE Program Advisory Committee Crystal Millette to the Health Sciences Program Advisory Committee Megan Theriault to the Health Sciences Program Advisory Committee

5. DISCUSSION ITEMS

5.1 Approval of Minutes of Meeting #465 held March 16, 2023 and E-vote held March 23, 2023

President Penner assumed the chair for this item.

Discussion held on the events following the March 16 th Board meeting. The Board Executive had further discussions with Dr. Penner on her performance report and recommended a motion to be presented to the Board. The minutes have been amended to reflect these changes.

Moved by:

C. Stringer

Motion

Seconded by: C. Reasbeck

26-05-23

THAT the Board of Governors approves the minutes of meeting #465 held March 16, 2023 and e-vote held March 23, 2023, as amended.

Carried

5.2 Business Plan

Senior Vice-President Klooster reviewed the internal Business plan report and guided the Board through the public narrative version. He credited Melissa Lalonde in Academics and the Marketing team for the writing and design of the Business Plan. Chair Stringer commented that the branding looks fantastic. She appreciated that Northern College is developing a formalized protocol for communication with indigenous communities and groups.

No amendments are recommended.

Moved by:

J. Harrington

Motion

Seconded by: C. Stringer

27-05-23

THAT the Board of Governors approves the 2023-2024 Business Plan as presented. AND THAT the approved Business Plan be submitted to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and posted to the college website, as required.

Carried

Carried

5.3 FY24 Budget

Senior Vice-President Dumas presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 24. He provided a verbal update on the major changes. Changes to Revenues include: an increase to projected tuition revenues due to increased international enrollment; an increase to contract training funding to reflect special projects that were not previously accounted for; and an increase in Government Contract Services, as a result of Employment Options and Youth job Connect services being offered in Moosonee. Changes to Expenses include: Academic expenses, relating to new positions created in IT, AREI, LEID, and Academic Operations; Contract training expenses increased in relation to the special projects now allocated for in the revenues; Student Services increases mainly relating to an increase in services and staffing required to support the significant increase in international students enrolled; and Government Services Contract expenses due to the new services offered in Moosonee.

Moved by:

E. Poulin

Motion 28-05-23

Seconded by: C. Stringer

THAT the Board of Governors approves the 2023-2024 projected operating budget as presented.

AND THAT the approved budget be submitted to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, as required.

Carried

5.4 Appointment of Officers

President Penner explained that officers are appointed on an annual basis. With the exception of the President, officers are not members of the Board and need to be appointed. Officers assume their responsibilities on the 1st of September each year.

Moved by:

J. Harrington

Motion

Seconded by: E. Poulin

29-05-23

THAT the following positions be appointed as Officers of the Corporation for 2023-2024:

President

Executive Assistant to the Board / Secretary

Senior Vice President, Corporate Services / Treasurer

Senior Vice President, Academic and Student Success Carried

5.5 Approval of Governor Appointment Recommendations

Governor Reasbeck declared a conflict with this item and did not vote. Dr. Penner assumed the chair for this item.

The Board Vacancy Nominating Committee met on April 27, 2023. The committee is recommending the reappointment of Cindy Reasbeck. The annual student governor selection process was carried out and the selection committee is recommending the appointment of Dhruvraj Chaudhari.

Following the discussions on diversity and representation on the Board held at the Board planning meeting in September 2022, the BVNC considered the governor applications received. The committee is recommending the appointment of Daisy Bains, Lisa Neil, Connor Crawford and Dixitkumar Patel for 3-year terms, effective September 1, 2023. Also, the BVNC is recommending Conor Crawford and Dixitkumar Patel to the Lieutenant Governor in Council appointment process.

Moved by:

J. Harrington

Motion

Seconded by:

E. Poulin

30-05-23

THAT the Board of Governors approve the following appointments, effective September 1, 2023:

The reappointment of Cindy Reasbeck to the Board of Governors for a second 3-year term.

The appointment of Dhruvarj Chaudhari as the Student Representative for a 1-year term.

The appointment of Daisy Bains to the Board of Governors for a 3-year term.

The appointment of Lisa Neil to the Board of Governors for a 3-year term.

The appointment of Connor Crawford to the Board of Governors for a 3-year term.

The appointment of Dixitkumar Patel to the Board of Governors for a 3-year term.

Carried

5.6 Election of 2023-24 Board Executive

President Penner assisted with the election process and invited nominations for four elected Board Executive positions from its appointed members: Chair, First Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair and Governor at Large. Following their election, the officers will assume their responsibilities on the 1st of September each year.

Governor C. Stringer nominated Governor J. Molyneaux for the position of Chair, seconded by Governor J. Harrington.

Governor Molyneaux accepted the nomination in absentia.

The President put out two more calls for any further nominations.

As there were no further nominations, nominations were closed.

The Board sent congratulations to Governor Molyneaux.

Governor E. Poulin nominated Governor C. Reasbeck for the position of First Vice-Chair, seconded by Governor K. Bird.

Governor Reasbeck accepted the nomination.

The President put out two more calls for any further nominations.

As there were no further nominations, nominations were closed.

Congratulations to Governor Reacbeck.

Governor C. Reasbeck nominated Governor D. Naveau for the position of Second Vice-Chair, seconded by Governor C. Stringer.

Governor Naveau accepted the nomination in absentia.

The President put out two additional calls for any further nominations.

As there were no further nominations, nominations were closed.

The Board sent congratulations to Governor Naveau.

Governor J. Harrington nominated Governor M. Metatawabin for the position of Governor at Large, seconded by Governor K. Bird.

Governor Metatawabin accepted the nomination.

The President put out two additional calls for any further nominations.

As there were no further nominations, nominations were closed.

Congratulations to Governor Metatawabin.

Moved by:

C. Stringer

Seconded by: K. Bird

THAT the Board of Governors approve the appointment of:

Chair -Jeff Molyneaux

First Vice-Chair -Cindy Reasbeck

Second Vice-Chair -Devin Naveau

Governor at Large -Mike Metatawabin

to the Executive Committee of the Board, effective September 1, 2023, for a one-year period.

Carried

Second Vice-Chair Reasbeck resumed the chair.

Motion

31-05-23

5.7 Strategic Plan Measurement

President Penner presented the interim report on the strategic plan measurements. The Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for the graduate employment rate was not achieved. This was due to the way this indicator is measured, employment must be in the field in which they completed their studies. Dr. Penner noted that many of Northern College’s grad are entrepreneurs and apply their learned skills in adjacent fields. There are several KPIs noted as ‘to be determined’, which will be related in the final report.

This report is a means of providing accountability to the Board. It shows the progress towards the Strategic Plan objectives.

Governor Harrington asked how the Community Leadership assessment was conducted. Dr. Penner explained that the Community Climate Survey, which is conducted in June of each year, includes questions used to calculate this measure.

5.8 Program Approvals

Sr.VP Klooster presented two programs for Board approval:

5.8.1 Indigenous Art Fundamentals

5.8.2 Indigenous Fine Arts

Both programs were developed through the process of creating programs that would be appealing to indigenous students. While there was already a General Arts & Sciences program with compulsory courses with Indigenous subject matter, they wanted something that would stand out. With a partner in northern Alberta, the Indigenous arts programs were developed.

While these programs were developed and designed with an outside partner, they were reviewed in-house by the quality assurance team (to determine the potential for CVS accreditation) and the Northern College Indigenous Council for Education (to determine what value this program would have for the College and the Indigenous community it serves). It was a truly collaborative model of program development with the community partners.

While this program is not a strong revenue stream, it fills a large gap in Northern College’s programming. It also fulfills our commitment to Indigenous students to be a college of choice.

Governor Reasbeck sees the potential for dual-credit programs. Chair Stringer noted that it was definitely in the spirit of commitment to indigenous students. Chief Cultural Officer, Susan Hunter, remarked that Dian Ryder found ties to the fine arts programs through an interest in arts in Moosonee.

Governor Harrington asked about the campus location. This program is being considered for other campuses, but will begin to build momentum by being offered uniquely in Timmins at this time.

Moved by:

J. Harrington

Motion

Seconded by: K. Bird

32-05-23

THAT the Board of Governors approve the Indigenous Art Fundamentals -Ontario College Certificate program and recommend it for application for MCU funding. AND THAT the Board of Governors approve the Indigenous Fine Arts -Ontario College Diploma program and recommend it for application for MCU funding.

Carried

5.9 NOHFC funding Robots and Machine Vision System

Sr. VP Klooster explained that the Department of Applied Research, Entrepreneurship and Innovation has identified robotics and machine vision technology as strategically important to the College for both applied research and academic programs. These technologies will be useful for students in Technology and Trades courses. Discussions are being held with industry partners to explore the potential application of these technologies in the manufacture of various products.

Usually, the requested funding would fall within the signing authority of the Senior Management Team. However, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation required support from the Board of Governors to accept the application and match funding.

Moved by:

E. Poulin

Motion

Seconded by: A. Penner

33-05-23

THAT the Northern College Board of Governors approves the application for NOHFC Robots and Machine Vision System funding, including Northern College’s contribution of $60,517.84 and confirm Northern College’s commitment to cover any cost overruns, should they occur.

Carried

5.10 Approval of Board Policies

The Board Policy Review Committee met on April 13, 2023 and recommended changes to several of the policies it reviewed, as well as material changes to By-law 2. The main changes were regarding grammar, editorial and to apply consistency in formatting. Dr. Penner reviewed the major changes.

Moved by:

A. Penner

Motion 34-05-23

Seconded by: C. Stringer

THAT the Board of Governors approve the following policies, as revised,

Bylaw 2 College Council

A-1 Vision-Mission

B-9 Conflict of Interest

B-10 Complaints to Board Members

B-11 Health and Safety

B-15 Recruitment and Orientation of New Governors

B-17 Protocol for Naming Facilities

  • B-20 Board Member Attendance

  • C-1 Delegation to the President

  • C-2 Appointment Interim President

  • D-3 Partnerships and Collaborative Initiatives

  • D-8 Purchasing Policy

  • D-9 Facility Leasing Policy

Carried

These policies will be updated with the motion and date of adoption, then posted to the Board portal and the Northern College public website.

5.11 2023-2027 Academic Plan

Sr.VP Klooster presented the 2023-2027 Academic Plan for informational purposes. This plan has been expanded to include all academic delivery and student success. Highlights include recognizing new ways of knowing and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The intersection of the Academic Plan, Business Plan and Strategic Plan is where all parts of the College come together to achieve goals. Every person at the College is reflected in these plans.

5.12 Board of Governors Annual Survey

The Board routinely completes surveys on its best practices and performance evaluation. President Penner explained that a change to the format of the Board survey was approved last year; only one survey would be conducted at the end of the academic year, rather than an interim and final survey. The recommendation from the ad-hoc committee was that the same questions and the same baseline so that results could be compared year over year.

The results will be available for the fall planning meeting in September.

Moved by:

A. Penner

Motion 35-05-23

Seconded by: E. Poulin

THAT the Board of Governors approve the launch of the 2023 Board of Governors Annual Online Survey.

Carried

6. REPORTS AND INFORMATION

6.1. Financial Reports: Verbal Report on the 2022-23 Fiscal Year

SrVP Dumas delivered a verbal report on the 2022-23 fiscal year. While the initial projected surplus for the year was forecast to be $13.8M, the close-out surplus will be much higher than anticipated. This was due to a much higher than predicted return on investments due to higher interest rates and a significant increase in private-partner enrollment.

The Finance team and auditors are still working on the financial statements and will present these to the Board at the June meeting.

6.2. Report from Northern College Indigenous Council on Education

Governor Bird submitted a written report to the Board. It touched on the indigenous program approval process and her representation of NCICE at CICan. At the conference, hot topics included how indigenous knowledge has been taken over by academia. There was a strong caution to make sure students understand the definitions of appropriate and the appropriate use of the indigenous knowledge they gain.

Northern College signed the Indigenous Education Protocol, which includes seven statements to protect and promote Indigenous knowledge. Governor Bird was happy to note that many activities at the College put these statements into action.

Dr. Penner thanked Governor Metatawabin for recommending the College’s participation in CICan and to Governor Bird for attending to represent the College and NCICE.

Governor Stringer asked for an update on the recent Powwow held at the College. CCO Hunter reported that it was widely successful and very well attended. While last year’s Powwow was hosted outside and was weather-dependent, it was hosted inside the College this year. The date for next year’s event is under consideration, to avoid conflicts with CICan and move-in dates at the student residence.

6.3. President’s Report

President Penner supplied her report. She did not add any additional notes.

6.4. Business Plan

6.4.1. Business Plan Initiatives

6.4.1.1 Initiative 1.1.1

CCO Hunter presented on:

’ Pilot flexible delivery training regarding Indigeneity awareness, TRC directives, and decolonization for all FT employees.”

She clarified that this initiative is not about teaching about local culture or traditional knowledge, but about confronting racism and acknowledging the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples.

While this program is available to staff, it has not been made mandatory in an attempt to avoid encouraging resistance and to engage those with interest.

Many people were consulted on where Northern College stands and what work has been done to gain internal insights on indigeneity awareness. Once the new Indigenous Services Manager has been hired, they will be reaching out to external rights holders.

Chair Stringer inquired as to whether this course would be available to all staff. CCO Hunter expressed that it would in the future and that creative ways of encouraging participation were also being explored.

6.4.1.2 Initiative 3.1.1

CIO Fred Nickner presented on:

’ Increase the activities/experiences at each campus, by one activity, to allow learners access to the natural environment .’

He explained that it is all about the location of Northern College campuses, which gives access to the natural environment. This proximity to nature encourages engagement with the College and community. It also fosters a better experience at the College. One of the strategic plan measurements aims to measure the impact of these experiences on students.

Governor Reasbeck noted that she has seen students taking advantage of the natural environment and it is encouraging.

6.5. Reports from Board Advisory Committee Representatives

No reports.

Governor Reasbeck reported that she has recently heard several radio advertisements from Northern College in Kapuskasing. The marketing strategy is working, and the reach is wonderful. She is noticing engagement.

7. MOVE TO IN-CAMERA MEETING

Moved by:

C. Stringer

Motion 36-05-23

Seconded by: J. Harrington

THAT the Board of Governors move in-camera at 3:08 p.m.

Carried

8. REPORT FROM IN-CAMERA MEETING

Moved by:

A. Penner

Motion

Seconded by: E. Poulin

37-05-23

THAT the Board resume the open session at 3:54 p.m. AND THAT matters discussed proceed as presented.

Carried

9. NEXT MEETING

10.1 Date and Location:

Board meeting Tuesday, June 13, 2023 -1:00 p.m. at Timmins Campus

10.2 Future Agenda Items

Governors are invited to send any requests for agenda items to Executive Assistant, Leslie Hanes.

10. ADJOURNMENT

Moved by:

J. Harrington

Motion 38-05-23

THAT the meeting be adjourned.

Carried

Time noted at 3:55 p.m.

Leslie Hanes Executive Assistant to the Board

Source: https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/BoardMeeting466.pdf