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PRESIDENT S REPORT JANUARY 2022
PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Hope is that thing inside us that insists despite all the evidence to the contrary that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it and to work for it and to fight for it BARACK OBAMA As our community moves into 2022 and the new winter term we are provided with an opportunity for both new beginnings and the continued development and enhancement of initiatives already underway As we go forward student experience and student success must continue to drive everything we do Students are the reason for our being for why we are here The impact of their success with us is huge they are our hope for something better With that I am excited to share that work is beginning on the development of a new Strategic Plan for the University that will take effect midway through the 2023 fiscal The annual January retreat will once again see the Board Senate Executive and Senior Administration coming together around strategic planning This year s retreat will focus on current trends and best practices in strategy development expanding strategic thinking potential and enhancing readiness of the Board and leadership as the basis for meaningful alignment around the strategic direction of the university An RFP will go out in the Spring to select a consulting firm that will engage with and lead the university in the development of this next plan Mukqua Waakaa igan will be a capital focal point in this new year as we move forward with the implementation of the Campus Master Plan on the Shingwauk Site I am grateful to the various teams across the university who are helping us to complete the design and prepare to build this centre of cross cultural excellence for the country a place that will support our aspirations to be leaders in cross cultural teaching learning and research Mukqua Waakaa igan is a place that honours the past celebrates the present and welcomes the future It respects and values Indigenous and non Indigenous experience history culture and teachings encourages inclusive dialogue and sharing of ideas and ways and harmonious relations and activities of all people In speaking with the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association they are making progress on the ground search currently underway In December and January the CSAA invited Survivors from all 86 communities affected by the Shingwauk Residential School to engage in ceremony and to share and speak about cultural teachings to share knowledge as they finalize the work they are doing on protocols that will guide the results of the search going forward We are grateful to the survivor community for the leadership commitment and guidance they are providing all of us as they move forward with this important Indigenous led work In 2022 as part of our diversification strategy Algoma University will move forward with the development of a continuing education framework that will support its aspirations to develop and deliver micro credentialing certificates and other training upskilling and reskilling credentials on all three campuses The continuing education programming will support our ability to further meet the needs of industry and community providing increased opportunities for life long learning As part of our commitments to the Special Mission of the University we have made a significant commitment to helping our communities and this province with the second major pandemic hitting our country mental health and addictions and the related opioid crisis A number of academic departments are engaging in the feasibility study currently underway and this will position Algoma University as a key player in supporting the development of a Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute for Northern Ontario At this point our focus is on filling a significant gap in research and training in the region but the model we are creating in partnership with NOSM SKG Sault College and SAH is meant to serve as a framework others can use in the future we envision the Institute in Brampton as things unfold over the next several years This work is critical to addressing the huge issues emerging in the mental health field and to help deal with a critical shortage of highly skilled professionals in related disciplines I hope you enjoy the rest of the January President s Report and thank you Chi Miigwetch for all you do best wishes to all in 2022 Asima Vezina President and Vice Chancellor Thunderbirds protecting Thunderbirds Thunderbirds protecting Communities SEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS LOVE AND KINDNESS RESPECT BRAVERY WISDOM HONESTY TRUTH HUMILITY
1 PRIORITY CAMPUS CULTURE A dynamic hub for community and student life with spaces and activities that support inspired and engaged learning and a strong sense of pride This strategic direction will be achieved in close collaboration with student leadership to ensure all decisions reflect students needs Successful transition to remote learning to start the winter semester including engaging virtual orientation sessions by AUSU and Student Life teams VPAR attended December Rectors meeting of the University of the Arctic to advance north2north student exchange opportunities and strengthen strategic research networks Donations to student food pantry banks within all three campus communities Received 500 000 in funding from the Government of Canada s Global Skills Opportunity program to expand international study and work opportunities through a new Global Learning Leadership Skills Development Program GLLSDP Partnered with Devant to offer a customized career development platform for international students Membership grew by 300 in the month of December with 616 students now actively using the platform Five students selected for fully funded virtual internships in Fiji through an organization called Think Pacific Students studying Computer Science Biology Social Work and Psychology will tackle international development projects aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for organizations in Fiji Introduction of inclusive hybrid programming that allowed students to come together on campus and from afar Celebrated the return of students to campus throughout the Fall term with events like a Potato Hunt in the People s Garden Speed Friending in the Speakeasy Meet Greet Treats in the Student Centre BRA and cultural celebrations like Mendhi and Music at our Brampton Campus 2021 22 Key Metrics Areas of Focus Algoma University is a dynamic hub for community and student life Members of the Algoma University and broader community have a strong sense of pride in their institution Members of the Algoma University community are engaged and inspired in their studies work and extracurricular activities Algoma University promotes a culture of internationalization What We ve Accomplished INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MEMBERSHIP 300 IN DECEMBER For a full listing of common University acronyms please click here AU Common Acronyms GOVERNMENT OF CANADA GLOBAL SKILLS OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM GIVES 500 000 TO EXPAND INTERNATIONAL STUDY AND WORK OPPORTUNITIES What s Next Virtual Career Fair for International Students February 2022 Annual student awards celebration being planned for March 2022 Preparing for successful transition back to in person learning Prepare for the restart of international travel for students in spring with the launch of short term opportunities and study abroad as part of the Global Global Learning Leadership Skills Development Program GLLSDP Student Leadership Retreat March 2022
2 PRIORITY VIBRANT PROGRAMS An integrated suite of academic programming that is current relevant attractive and aligned with students expectations 2021 22 Key Metrics Areas of Focus Enrolment for the academic year stood at 3 157 FTE Jan 12th Algoma s enrolment goal of 3 000 FTE was achieved 3 years ahead of schedule Initial OUAC applications from secondary school students for Fall 2022 up by 18 9 Engagement with new partner institutions in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to support diversification of Algoma s international student body The Ministry of Colleges and Universities awarded Ontario Postsecondary Access and Inclusion Program funding of 613 000 to support student access academic success and retention 2021 26 Academic Plan approved by Board of Governors Senate approval of new Faculty structure to support Academic Plan Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty of Science School of Business and Economics Completion of School of Computer Science and Technology Strategic Plan RFP process for new learning management system underway Commensed implementation of Teaching and Learning Centre recommendations Senate approval of updated Institutional Quality Assurance Process policy submitted to Quality Council Preliminary planning for development of Department of Continuing Education CityStudio hosted its first project showcase including students faculty and City of Sault Ste Marie staff Algoma University is a leader in teaching excellence Algoma University characterizes and distinguishes itself through the realization of its Special Mission Algoma University has an integrated suite of relevant programming that is linked to the broader communities What We ve Accomplished SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT APPLICATIONS UP BY 3157 FTE 18 9 RECORD ENROLMENT FOR ALGOMA UNIVERSITY 613 000 IN ONTARIO POSTSECONDARY ACCESS AND INCLUSION PROGRAM FUNDING TO SUPPORT STUDENT ACCESS ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND RETENTION What s Next Formal creation of a Teaching and Learning Centre Planning for implementation of new Learning Management System in Fall 2022 Proposal for CityStudio in Brampton to support innovative community engaged experiential learning
3 PRIORITY RESEARCH AND INNOVATION A culture of research and innovation that leverages existing strengths and produces an exceptional student experience while engaging with our campus communities and contributing to their sustainability 2021 22 Key Metrics Areas of Focus Algoma University capitalizes on scholarship research and creative production to enhance student learning support faculty growth and contribute to local and Research metrics achieved or exceeded in year 2 of Strategic Mandate Agreement SMA3 with the province January 2022 reports International partnership agreement signed with two leading Belgian universities that focus on academic research and health sciences Dr Elaine Ho Tassone 2022 Algoma Visionary Winner Young Professional of the Year Award Environment and Natural Resources Industry Award Dr Nirosha Murugan 2022 Algoma Visionary Winner Health Sciences Industry Award regional social cultural and economic development Algoma University cultivates a culture of research and innovation among all members of the university community What s Next What We ve Accomplished DR ELAINE HO TASSONE 2022 ALGOMA VISIONARY WINNER Young Professional of the Year Award Environment and Natural Resources Industry Award DR NIROSHA MURUGAN EARNS RECEIVES 2022 ALGOMA VISIONARY WINNER Health Sciences Industry Award Fifth Biennial Anishinaabe Inendamowin Research Symposium with the theme Biskaakonjigedaa Dibaajimohiing Igniting our Sacred Fire through Storytelling Friday February 11th Research Advisory Committee to develop 2022 27 Strategic Research Plan Second annual Research Awareness Week activities planned for March 7th 11th New Teaching and Learning Fellows initiative to be announced soon
4 PRIORITY ANISHINAABE INENDAMOWIN A recognized leader in crosscultural sharing healing and learning through collaborative efforts in decolonizing the university s policies procedures pedagogy in fulfilment of our Special Mission 2021 22 Key Metrics Areas of Focus Algoma University is recognized as a leader in Anishinaabe learning in Canada We are responding to the Calls to Action with strategic focus in curricula policies In December and January CSAA hosted a gathering of Survivors to develop cultural protocols for the Shingwauk site ground search Ongoing planning for the delivery of Gabegendaadowin Engagement session on Indigenization EDI and reconciliation Nicole Nicolas Bayer selected as Acting Director Mukqua Waakaa igan Establishment of monthly Anishinaabe Scholar Speaker Series research cross cultural teaching and learning community partnerships health land What s Next stewardship and governance The Reclaiming Shingwauk Hall exhibition auditorium phase is scheduled to open in 2022 The first intake of Gabegendaadowin will be offered in Mattawa March 21st 24th 2022 Anishinaabe Academic Resource Centre AARC to host educational webinar series in the winter term focussing on quality assurance in reconciliation Indigenous research and Indigenous ways of knowing in higher education presented by Anishinaabe experts in these fields What We ve Accomplished NICOLE NEW Development of podcast titled Shingwauk Voices an AARC collaboration with Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students Association NEW Acting Director SCHOLAR AARC Student Success Recruitment and Retention Initiative in partnership with Ted Nolan to engage learners in leadership development in this new initiative Announcement of new Elder in Residence Nicolas Bayer MUKQUA WAAKAA IGAN ANISHINAABE Speaker Series
5 PRIORITY INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE Institutional excellence is a university wide commitment involving students employees communities aligned in the spirit of continuous improvement institutional effectiveness organizational resilience and strong leadership resulting in long term financial sustainability 2021 22 Key Metrics Areas of Focus Community People and Culture Organizational Alignment Generation of New Revenue Streams Increase Brand Awareness What We ve Accomplished Shannon Brooks selected to fill the role of VP Finance and Operations following an extensive nation wide executive search process Senate approval of new multi Dean structure Fall issue of Algoma U Today published RFP awarded for formalized continuous improvement pilot project New procure to pay software implemented automating vendor payments Implementing a new Unified Communications System RFP awarded to replace existing student information system Implementing replacement of all multifunction devices Expansion of the project management software pilot project Implementation of LinkedIn Learning for the entire institution Continued expansion of Hybrid Classroom setup 20 in SSM all in Brampton Initiation of scheduling management system What s Next Shannon Brooks NEW VP Finance and Operations FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE NATION WIDE EXECUTIVE SEARCH LEARNING IMPLEMENTED for the entire institution Selection of Director of Continuing Education hiring process currently underway Incorporation of Professional and Continuing Education framework within website architecture and other relevant organizational structures and processes Implementation of new ADP Performance Management Module for administrative personnel Release of new brand architecture recommendations and creative concepts March 2022 Development of Learning Management System LMS RFP Infrastructure upgrade of Brampton virtual environment Updating security video system on Sault Ste Marie campus Development of a cybersecurity risk management plan
6 PRIORITY EQUITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION EDI values are embedded across the organization to fullfil Algoma University s commitment to undoing systemic and institutional discrimination and to be publicly transparent and accountable Commitment to incorporating EDI into policies processes and procedures Campaign to have EDI statements tailored to all units across the institution EDI Ad Hoc Committee to provide recommendations for Senate By Laws changes Work with the VPFO to prioritize review of policies processes and procedures using the new EDI Guiding Principles and Framework All genders washroom signage Work in progress on the Change of Name Policy 2021 22 Key Metrics Areas of Focus Develop an EDI institutional accountability framework Foster EDI in Research Teaching and Learning Commit to incorporating EDI into policies processes and procedures Black History Month Celebrations February 2022 Winter 2022 Cultural Safety Learning Program two sessions for students and one session for employees Development of I EDI hiring policy and process for targeted and cluster hires toolkit development in process INTRODUCED TO HAVE Approval of I EDI Guidelines for Policy Development EDI STATEMENTS Mandated training sexual misconduct and LGBTQ bullying Review of the Board s governing documents including by laws and policies tailored to all units across the institution Development of Faculty of Cross Cultural Studies I EDI Ad Hoc Committee to review Senate By Laws EDI Climate Study Phase 3 and Phase 4 Drafting analysis validation and conversion to strategy Start to actionize commitments within the Scarborough Charter Follow up on next steps in regards to the National Forum on Anti Asian Racism Braid Indigenization with EDI for the institution I EDI search sessions with Dr Michael Doxtator to lead to institutional adoption of I EDI Establishing KPIs across the institution based on I EDI search sessions What We ve Accomplished ALL GENDERS washroom signage installed Campaign Develop an EDI institutional accountability framework What s Next Search sessions to braid Indigenization with EDI for the institution I EDI search sessions with Dr Michael Doxtator December 8th 2021 report pending and next steps for a second session pending I EDI presentation to Board of Governors November 2021 Completion of the Fall 2021 Cultural Safety Training Program final report in progress Procurement Department adoption of I EDI into their policies
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