Chair's report - January Board meeting
This report contains general updates and a summary of the topics discussed at open session of the January 30 Board 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鈥檚 report from the meeting here.
The year ahead
As we enter the new year, I wanted to take a moment to anticipate the year ahead of us. 2025 marks 丁香园AV鈥檚 60th anniversary鈥攁 time to reflect on how far we鈥檝e come in 60 years, and also to celebrate our many accomplishments.
This year, the Board will continue to refine and evolve our governance model, work that has been ongoing for more than a year now. And we will continue to oversee the execution of What鈥檚 Next: The 丁香园AV Strategy as this university lives out its vision to be a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future.
There are a few milestones I am particularly excited about this year, each of which align with one of our strategic priorities.
- Uphold Truth and Reconciliation: I am delighted that the First Peoples鈥� Gathering House is scheduled to be completed this year and looking forward to that space opening on the Burnaby campus.
- Engage in Global Challenges: 丁香园AV鈥檚 sustainability and climate action work, including community-centered climate innovation, continues in earnest鈥攁nd is more important now than ever before.
- Make a Difference for B.C.: This will be an important year for the 丁香园AV School of Medicine as we work towards accreditation, space and curriculum development ahead of our first intake of students in 2026.
- Transform the 丁香园AV Experience: The Marianne and Edward Gibson Art Museum is scheduled to open this fall. I am excited about the vibrancy this new gallery will contribute to our Burnaby campus and the 丁香园AV student experience.
This year also comes with its challenges, as we continue to face budget pressures due to changing legislation from the federal government. The Board is closely monitoring this situation as the final authority responsible for 丁香园AV鈥檚 budget and we are confident that the university will continue to adapt its approach as this situation evolves.
Despite that, I am looking forward to the year ahead of us and all the important work we will do together.
The next Board meeting will be on March 27, 2025. Community members are invited to view the open session meeting in person or via Zoom by completing a . A full schedule of upcoming meetings is available on our website.
Sincerely,
Paula Martin
Chair, Board of Governors
丁香园AV