The principal role of the Board Chair is to provide leadership to the Board of Governors.
The Board Chair is accountable to the Board, acts as a direct liaison between the Board and the Administration, and represents the Board internally and externally, including acting as a spokesperson for Board decisions where appropriate.
Election & Term
The Nominating Committee for the office of Chair of the Board consists of four members:
- the Chancellor (as Chair of the Nominating Committee);
- one appointed member (Chair of the Governance Committee);
- one elected member; and,
- the President (non-voting).
The Nominating Committee considers the process to be followed for election of the Board Chair and presents the name of the recommended candidate to the Board of Governors for its consideration and approval. Should the Board of Governors accept the proposed candidate, the elected Chair takes office upon expiration of the term of the incumbent.
Duties & Responsibilities
The specific duties and responsibilities of the Board Chair are to:
- keep abreast generally of the activities of the University and its management;
- lead the annual review of the President’s goals and performance;
- support and provide advice and counsel to the President;
- foster a constructive and harmonious relationship between the Board of Governors and the Administration;
- act as a liaison between the Administration and the Board, between the government (as represented by the Minister or other officials) and the Board, and between the Senates and the Board;
- oversee any issues raised with respect to conflict of interest;
- appoint Committee Chairs and membership of each Committee;
- call meetings of the Board of Governors;
- chair meetings of the Board of Governors;
- develop and set the Agenda for Board meetings and determine the contents of Board Dockets (in concert with the President);
- contribute to positive internal relationships by representing the Board of Governors at community functions and activities;
- foster good relations between the University and the community by representing the Board at community functions and activities; and,
- approve expense claims from Governors (related to attendance at Board and Committee meetings, and other Board events).
In addition, the Board Chair shall perform other such functions as may be ancillary to the responsibilities described above and as may be delegated to the Board Chair by the Board of Governors from time to time.
Support
The Board Chair is supported by the Board Secretary; the Board Secretary reports to the Board Chair and to the President.
