# Board of Governors #479 June 10, 2025 01:00 PM Timmins Campus, Room A106 | | | |---|---| | Type | PDF | | Size | 311 KB | [Open original PDF →](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/BoardMeeting479.pdf) Referenced from: [Board of Governors](/pages/about/board-of-governors/) ## Document text ## Board of Governors #479 June 10, 2025 01:00 PM Timmins Campus, Room A106 ## Attendance: ## Board: Bélanger-Corbin, Danielle Bird, Kimberley Dumas, Mitch Fortin, Gary Gibbons, Fred Lachance, Mikayla Molyneaux, Jeff Naveau, Devin Ollila, Eliisa Patel, Dixitkumar ## Guests: Fyfe, Kate Sharma, Gauri Loon, Loretta Liposcak, Christina Belisle, Amanda ## 1. Call to Order ## 1.1. Remarks from the Chair Board Chair Jeff Molyneaux called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the Timmins Campus for the final Board Meeting of the term. He introduced Christina Liposcak, Manager of Community and Business Development, Loretta Loon and Gauri Sharma, recently appointed governors who will begin their terms on September 1st. ## 1.2. Acknowledgement of Territory We acknowledge 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 located on these lands include: Temagami, Timiskaming, Matachewan, Mattagami, Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, Taykwa Tagamou, Beaverhouse, Flying Post, Moose Cree, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Attawapiskat, Weenusk, and Metis Peoples Region #3. BOARD OF GOVERNORS STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The Northern College Board of Governors is responsible to govern effectively: - to ensure Northern College is successfully managed; - to achieve Northern College's mission; and - to remain responsive to community need and emerging opportunity. ## Staff: Baghdady, Ahmed Dicks, Jaret Hanes, Leslie Lessard, Dean MacDougall, Glenn Moorlag, Jennifer ## Regrets: Ansari, Abdullah Crawford, Connor Fournier, Samantha Grenke, Kraymr Kaur Bains, Kanwaljit "Daisy" The Board of Governors is accountable to students, employees, employers, Indigenous Peoples, the communities Northern College serves, and the citizens of Ontario because the college is publicly funded. ## Declaration of Conflict of Interest Chair Molyneaux called for disclosures of actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. None declared. ## 2. Approval of Agenda The Chair asked if there were any additions or modifications to the agenda. None requested. Motion: 37-06-25 Moved by: D. Patel Seconded by: D. Naveau THAT the agenda for the Northern College Board of Governors Meeting #479 dated June 10, 2025, be adopted as presented. Carried ## 3. Presentation: Annual Report on Applied Research Christina Liposcak is the Community and Business Development Manager, overseeing the Applied Research, Entrepreneurship and Innovation department. She presented the Annual Report on Applied Research. The AREI department has been undergoing restructuring over the last year and focusing on new initiatives. When pursuing funding, the team understands the cycle of grant scheduling; they have created a repository to track deadlines and compiled a guide of approaches for grant writing. They are building awareness of what the department can do for industry and the community using multimedia campaigning and marketing materials. AREI is focusing on its research capabilities in areas of strength that have support from faculty and industry partners. They are working with the academic deans to engage with faculty and students, and approaching past partners to re-engage and explore new projects: helping to develop funding applications, linking with industry experts for project analysis. The Board Chair thanked Ms. Liposcak for the report and the AREI team for their ongoing contributions to innovation at Northern College. ## 4. Consent Agenda The Chair asked if any governor wished to comment on or remove any items from the Consent Agenda. No items were removed from the consent agenda. Motion: 38-06-25 Moved by: G. Fortin Seconded by: E. Ollila THAT the Board of Governors approves the Consent Agenda items, including all applicable motions. Carried ## 4.1. Receive Board Committee Minutes Motion: THAT Board Committee Minutes be received. Carried - 4.2. Program Advisory Committee Schedule - 4.2.1. Board Members Assigned to PACs ## 4.3. Program Advisory Appointments Motion: THAT the Board of Governors approve the appointment of Brittany Roberge, Jen Davies, and Kelsey MacDonnell to the SSW/AMHW Program Advisory Committee. THAT the Board of Governors approve the appointment of Jay Meunier to the Law Clerk Program Advisory Committee. THAT the Board of Governors approve the appointment of Eric Lapajne to the Computer Engineering Technician Program Advisory Committee. THAT the Board of Governors approve the appointment of Rob Cormier to the Welding Engineering Technology Program Advisory Committee. Carried - 4.4. Board Goals - 4.5. Board Work Plan - 4.6. Correspondence and Information Report ## 5. Discussion Items ## 5.1. Approval of Minutes Chair Molyneaux asked for any changes to the Minutes presented. None received. Motion: 39-06-25 Moved by: D. Patel Seconded by: M. Lachance THAT the minutes of Board Meeting #478 held May 13, 2025, be approved as presented. Carried ## 5.2. Approval of Draft 2024-25 Audited Financial Statements SVP MacDougall reported that these financial statements and the Auditor's report were presented to the Board Executive Committee, which acts as the Board Audit Committee, on May 29, 2025. There was a change a few years ago in how PURES revenue is reported; it no longer looks out of place to see the significant amount of tuition revenues later being expensed out as the portion belonging to PURES is repaid. In investments, equities and GICs, a considerable investment was cashed in and reinvested. The surplus was initially projected at $12M, but was reduced to $8M due to lowerthan-expected international enrollment at Northern College and the PURES campuses . Approximately 50% of Northern's pr ograms are no longer post-graduate work permit-eligible, which also decreases the enrollment projections. The Executive commends the Auditor for a concise and engaging presentation and recommends the adoption of the financial statements. Motion: 40-06-25 Moved by: M. Lachance Seconded by: D. Bélanger-Corbin THAT the Board of Governors approve the Audited Financial Statements as at March 31, 2025, for submission to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, and posting to the College website, as required. Carried The Financial Statements will be included in the Annual Report and posted to the College website. ## 5.3. Approval of the 2024-2025 Annual Report The Annual Report is an account of Northern College's accomplishments throughout the 2024-25 academic year and highlights significant achievements. All photos included in the report feature Northern students, emphasizing our commitment to supporting student success. Additionally, we have incorporated student testimony regarding recruitment and retention efforts. Improvements have been made in technology and campus upgrades to enhance the overall educational experience. The financial statements will be added to the report for transparency and accountability. Motion: 41-06-25 Moved by: K. Bird Seconded by: M. Lachance THAT the Board of Governors approve the Northern College 2024- 2025 Annual Report; AND THAT this document be submitted to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security and be posted to the College website, as required. Carried ## 5.4. Annual Report on Sexual Violence and Harassment Mr. MacDougall presented the 2024-25 Sexual Violence Report, which includes all incidents and the steps taken to remediate, the services and supports available, as well as initiatives to reduce the incidence of sexual violence on campus. He clarified that definitions are created in the policy and legislation. Governors inquired about potential trends in the incidence of sexual violence at Northern College. However, the data have only been reported for a few years, and no longitudinal study is available. Motion: 42-06-25 Moved by: E. Ollila Seconded by: D. Patel THAT the Board of Governors receive the 2025 Sexual Violence and Harassment Report. AND THAT this document be submitted to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security and be posted to the College website, as required. Carried ## 5.5. Affirm College Legal Representation The Board is responsible for approving the appointment of legal representation for Northern College. SVP MacDougall reminded the Board that in July 2024, BLG was appointed for general, corporate and student-service legal services for a five-year term. They recommend Hicks-Morely be appointed for labour relations arbitration for a one-year term. And that a local firm be utilized when it makes sense to do so. These appointments are not arranged on a retainer basis, and any agreement always includes an out clause. Motion: 43-06-25 Moved by: M. Lachance Seconded by: G. Fortin THAT the Board of Governors approve the appointment of Hicks Morley for labour relations and arbitration, for one year, effective September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026. Carried ## 5.6. Draft Board Meeting Schedule 2025-2026 Chair Molyneaux presented the draft schedule for next year's Board meetings. The Executive Committee has recommended that the Board Planning Session occur in Haileybury next term. The meeting will occur on campus, but the planning meeting will be off-site. Colleges Ontario has decided that the Higher Education Summit will be paused this year, given the financial situation of the college sector. The College Centre for Board Excellence will host the Good Governance training virtually instead. The Board strongly associated with the value of being "present" during the strategic planning, with a particular interest in participating in events in the Moosonee community. The Board meeting in June will be aligned with the Moosonee graduation ceremony so that the Board can celebrate the success of our students in Moosonee. The Board discussed the timing of the Board meetings and how to accommodate travelling time. The consensus was that there would be no change to the time that meetings would be scheduled. Motion: 44-06-25 Moved by: D. Patel Seconded by: D. Naveau THAT the Board of Governors approve the 2025-2026 Board Meeting Schedule as presented. Carried ## 5.7. Summer Recess 2025 President Dumas explained that a summer recess is declared by resolution at the June meeting, with the Executive Committee being empowered to act on behalf of the Board during the recess. The Executive Committee deals with any general items requiring Board approval during the recess. There may be a few tenders for capital projects that will require approval from the Executive on behalf of the Board. If needed, these will be communicated by email. In the case of an extremely unusual circumstance, a Special Meeting of the Board would be called. Motion: 45-06-25 Moved by: E. Ollila Seconded by: G. Fortin THAT the Board of Governors declare a summer recess for the months of July and August 2025; AND THAT the Executive Committee be empowered to act on behalf of the Board of Governors during such recess; AND THAT the Executive Committee call a Special Meeting, if required, by the matter under consideration. Carried ## 6. Reports and Information ## 6.1. Financial Reports ## 6.1.1. Verbal Financial Report for the period ended May 31, 2025 Mr. MacDougall reported that the 2025-26 budget was approved at the May 2025 Board meeting and has since been posted. There is currently a projected surplus of $800K. The Finance and Registrar's Office have been holding regular meetings to review the enrollment funnel, which remains strong, although visa approval rates are lower and are taking longer than expected. However, they are still confident in meeting the enrollment targets. ## 6.1.2. Investment Report as of March 31, 2025 The investment returns were not strong in January and February 2025, but began recovering in March. The College maintains a conservative mix of investments per the specified equities range. ## 6.2. Quarterly Risk Management Report SVP MacDougall presented the updated Risk Management report and announced the formation of a Corporate Risk Taskforce made up of administrators from almost every department of the College. ## 6.3. Summer Enrolment Report Executive Director Moorlag presented the unaudited enrolment report for the Summer 2025 term. There were approximately 176 full-time equivalent students on Day 10 of the summer term. The total headcount is much higher, with many students taking less than full-time course loads, completing unfinished courses or programs from a previous term, retaking courses, distance students and those enrolled in collaborative programs. Ms. Moorlag expects to see repeated bell curves in enrolment numbers as the government implements legislation and policy changes around international students and immigration. ## 6.4. Review Strategic Mandate Agreement The Strategic Mandate Agreement review is deferred to the fall planning session for an SMA 101 session. ## 6.5. Annual Monitoring Reports President Dumas presented the monitoring reports provided on an annual basis. The President confirmed we have complied with the policies and executive limitations. These annual monitoring reports are required by Bylaw 1. ## 6.5.1. Partnerships and Collaborative Initiatives President Dumas reviewed some partnerships and collaborative initiatives the College undertook last year, including sponsorships supporting students and the communities. The College hosted the first annual Miner's Ball, where proceeds were directed into student bursaries. Quilts for Survivors is an indigenous-led initiative that offers quilts of support to survivors of residential schools and other traumatic events. A Northern College student who participated in the Skills Ontario competition placed 5th in the national competition. Chair Molyneaux referred governors to reach out to the Executive Assistant to the Board if they know other community areas the College could support. ## 6.5.2. Compliance Report: Policy D-4 Program Advisory Committees The College currently has 22 Program Advisory Committees. A new Information Systems Business Analysis, Project Management and Supply Chain committee was introduced, and the General Arts and Sciences and Law Clerk committees are being rebuilt. With the recent retirement of an academic dean, responsibilities for the different programs of study are being restructured, along with the addition of an Academic Chair. The deans will retain responsibility for the Program Advisory Committees. Sixteen PACs comply with Policy D-4, with 6-26 members; two are seeking additional membership, and four committees are in development. A total of 24 new members have joined the various committees over the last year. ## 6.5.3. Compliance with Executive Limitations Policies President Dumas confirmed we have complied with the Executive Limitations' monitoring statements, including: - D-1 General Executive Constraint - D-6 Naming of Facilities - D-7 Language Services Policy - D-8 Purchasing - D-11 Asset Protection - D-12 Financial Matters - D-13 Insurance - D-14 Commitment to Quality - D-15 Staff Relations - D-16 Risk Management He detailed recent compliance activities, and the Board was presented with an annual summary of revenue-generating leases, as required by D-9 Facility Leasing. The Kirkland Lake residence building will be added to the list next year. ## 6.5.4. College Signing Authority President Dumas confirmed the signing officers named in the banking resolution and noted that the requirement to have two signatures on all binding agreements remains unchanged. A motion was presented after the annual monitoring reports had been presented. Motion: 46-06-25 Moved by: D. Naveau Seconded by: D. Patel THAT the Board of Governors has received Executive Limitations Compliance and Monitoring Reports, as required. Carried ## 6.6. Report from Northern College Indigenous Council on Education Governor Bird announced that this would be her last meeting. The Terms of Reference for the NCICE are being reviewed and realigned. Mikana Consulting has been tasked to help incorporate indigeneity in courses and teaching materials, which has been approved by NCICE and will be made available to the Board. The Council has been working on the protocols for engagement with Indigenous groups, peoples and partners. The current members are committed to being there and engaged. A new Chair is to be named this summer. ## 6.7. President's Report President Dumas presented his report and highlighted some of his recent activities. The services of Duklas Consulting have been engaged to help align the SEMM and Strategic Plan objectives. The Business and Community Development Centre is in the midst of rebranding and has partnered with two new organizations for Skills Development Funding. Though the College was unsuccessful in its bid for the first EgyCan project, many other opportunities are being explored. A draft MOU is being negotiated with a college in Saudi Arabia. The draft contract update with PURES is on hold, pending the lifting of the moratorium on international entrepreneurial activities. An application for NOHFC funding has been submitted for the Sports Dome project, as well as an application for MATax funding from the City of Timmins. The project is still seeking an industry partner. ## 6.8. Reports from Advisory Committee Board Representatives Governors who sit on Advisory Committees are invited to give an update on what has happened since the last meeting. There was excellent attendance at the Early Childhood Education PAC. The program has a 3:1 ratio of students on temporary visas to domestic students. A concern was discussed: if the government changes policy on temporary workers, they will lose much of the workforce. This has led to a need to focus on domestic recruitment. A new version of the ECE program is available online, which is popular for students interested in upskilling. Community partners have been accepting of the program updates. The Electrical Engineering Technician committee had good representation from industry. They commended the layering of the program and the laddering into other technology courses. The instrumentation committee is a smaller group with a new dean. There have been a lot of questions, which helps engage new members. The Office Administration committee discussed how the program intake has been paused. They are using this as an opportunity to overhaul and update the program to meet industry needs. The Pre-Service Firefighter committee had a last-minute change of schedule as no Fire Chiefs were available. They discussed that the fitness level of several students has not been high enough to pass the program. New standards were implemented without consultation, and there was no time over the summer to change the program. There has been a limited number of placements, as past graduates have chosen to stay on and fill volunteer positions. Current students are not being afforded the opportunity of a placement. The committee also commended the interdisciplinary emergency scenarios -a collaborative exercise that provides valuable experiential learning. They also explored a Wildland Fire Post-Graduate Certificate -a collaborative/joint initiative. The SSW/AMHW committee is a passionate group. The program has experienced healthy enrolment by adding an online and asynchronous program. The placement opportunities are mutually beneficial in the community. ## 6.9. Board Member Community Related Updates No reports. ## 6.10. Governors Completing Terms Several governors will complete their terms on August 31, 2025. Their contributions to the Northern College Board of Governors have been invaluable. Jeff Molyneaux is completing two terms and an additional bonus year as Board Chair of our Board of Governors. Kim Bird is completing her term as governor and Chair of the NCICE. Abdullah Ansari is completing his term as Student Representative. On behalf of the Board, President Dumas thanked Chair Molyneaux and Governors Bird and Ansari for their service. ## 7. Move to In-Camera Meeting Motion: 47-06-25 Moved by: D. Patel Seconded by: G. Fortin THAT the Board of Governors move in-camera at 2:34 pm. Carried ## 8. Report from In-Camera Meeting Motion: 48-06-25 Moved by: D. Naveau Seconded by: E. Ollila THAT the Board resume the open session at 2:42 pm. AND THAT matters discussed proceed as presented. Carried ## 9. Next Meeting - 9.1. September 18-19, 2025 (Haileybury) - 9.2. Future Agenda Items The Chair invited governors to forward any requests for agenda items to Executive Assistant Leslie Hanes. 12/13 ## 10. Motion to Adjourn Motion: 49-06-25 Moved by: K. Bird THAT the June 10, 2025, meeting of the Northern College Board of Governors be adjourned at 2:43 pm. Carried --- Source: [https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/BoardMeeting479.pdf](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/BoardMeeting479.pdf)