March 2022 President's Report : simplebooklet.com

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE “Spring - a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.” ANONYMOUSAs Spring approaches, may we find new energy in the changing of the seasons. As the days become longer and the weather begins to warm, I am reminded that Spring is a time of life and renewal. We have planted many seeds over the past few years; these seeds and root systems will help to shape an exciting landscape as together we dream and create Algoma University’s future. I am excited to see plans moving forward this Spring to develop the University’s next strategic plan. Supported by our tremendous enrolment growth over the past four years, we will be bringing forward a 2022-23 budget that will see a significant investment in student supports, new programming, new faculty hires, and strategic partnerships. Additional capital investments such as Mukwa Waakaa’igan, and our new Student Information System (SIS) will further support this growth and continue to drive our university forward. The budget exercise will be the first to adopt a Responsibility Center Management (RCM) approach. Thanks to the faculty, staff and student leaders whose valuable input helps to shape the development of this budget.One new seed that has been planted is the creation of a continuing education centre (still to be named). This latest project is being developed through the leadership of Dan Weeks (Special Projects, President’s Office) and Sumbul Syed, our new Director of Continuing Education, who will be sharing updates on these exciting initiatives in the weeks and months ahead.This month we also look forward to sharing the results of Phase II of our EDI Climate Study, an important part of our ongoing efforts to further advance this key strategic priority area. Since our last Board meeting we have facilitated a range of events to recognize Black History Month, International Women’s Week and, more recently, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. These efforts are just one small example of the important role Algoma University plays in educating our internal and external communities on both the amazing accomplishments as well as the systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups, as we strive to create a more just society. LOVE AND KINDNESSRESPECT BRAVERY WISDOM HONESTY TRUTH HUMILITYSEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS

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I would like to commend the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA) for their ongoing work in supporting the ground search of the Shingwauk Site. This is a very complex and sensitive task given the number of communities involved and the many cultural and spiritual elements associated with potential findings. Watch for an anticipated announcement in the coming weeks that will help further support the tremendous work being done by the CSAA. Algoma University will continue to support the CSAA as best possible throughout this endeavor. As we continue to increase the number of on-campus and in-person events in Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins I would like to extend a hearty Chi-Miigwetch to everyone for their efforts and support of public health protocols over the past two years. I know the renewed energy that is brought on by this activity further builds on the excitement we feel as we move into Spring.Finally, the cover of this month’s President’s Report features an image of a sunflower that emerged from one tiny seed planted as part of a project led by Dr. Andrew Judge on our Sault Ste. Marie campus last spring. As some may know, the sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and while we have shared messages of support for the Ukrainian people, we are currently examining additional ways to help those impacted by this unnecessary conflict. I hope this image plants a seed within members of the Algoma University community to support peace and those impacted in the region and other areas of the world impacted by conflict. Best wishes to all for peace, good health, happiness and prosperity as we continue to move forward together.Asima Vezina, President and Vice-ChancellorThunderbirds protecting Thunderbirds - Thunderbirds protecting Communities!

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What We’ve Accomplished...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. #1 PRIORITY 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 internationalizationFor a full listing of common University acronyms, please click here: AU Common AcronymsRANKEDIN CANADA7thfor fundraising efforts&withPUBLIC ARTWORKS INITIATIVESNew!Annual

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• Detailed engineering design in process for new offices/facilities for AUSU, Recruitment Department and the Nest• SchoolBE expansion/collaboration space stakeholder consultation sessions completed, planning of conceptual spaces underway• MOU signed to support exchange agreements with Belgian universities• Received $7,200 in funding from the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative (iWIL) and Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada’s Innovation Hub (iHUB) to enrich the work-integrated learning experience for four students in Visual Arts courses. The project involves working with CityStudio and the City of Sault Ste. Marie on the design and installation of public artworks in downtown Sault Ste. Marie to enhance public safety.• Dr. Jody Rebek awarded a grant from Global Affairs Canada’s Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program to enhance work with the University of Colima in Mexico • Return of in-person varsity competition at our SSM campus supports 15th Annual Shoot for the Cure - fundraising efforts ranked 7th in the country• Annual student awards and donor recognition videos released (March)• Virtual Career Fair for International Students (February)• March Student Leadership Retreat a success• Annual Ski, Smores and more event “sells out” – 75 students and 10 staff participate in new version of the event at Hiawatha Highlands• “Meet, Greet & Treats” and “Tubing and Hot Chocolate” events provide opportunities for Brampton students to connect• Holi Festival events a success in both SSM and Brampton What’s Next?• Thunderbird Athletics annual varsity awards banquet• Spring term orientation for incoming students• Appointment of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Fellow to support virtual teaching and learning strategies promoting global citizenship and intercultural development for students and faculty• Preparing for the resumption of student mobility for the 2022/23 academic year

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What We’ve Accomplished...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 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#2 PRIORITY NEW PARTNERSHIP1313 FTE for 2021-22UPfrom 2020-21142%BRAMPTON CAMPUSenrolment3180 FTE for 2021-22UPfrom 2020-2171.8%ALGOMAUNIVERSITYenrolment

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• Final enrolment of 3180 FTE for 2021-22 academic year, a 71.8% increase from the previous academic year, established a new record for the University • Record enrolment of 1313 FTE at Algoma’s growing campus in Brampton, an increase of 142% compared to 2020-21• New partnership developed with EduGlobal to support international student academic success through International Undergraduate Pathways Program (iUPP) and the English for Academic Purposes Program (EAPP)• Social Innovation Lab (SIL) examining institutional readiness as we move further into the work of decolonization • Receipt of consultant’s report to advance development of select master’s degrees (infrastructure and staffing needs, policy development, etc.)• Anishinaabe Academic Resource Centre (AARC) planning internal and external engagement sessions utilizing the ash basket as a framework for IndigenizationWhat’s Next?• Finalizing a Memorandum of Agreement with Northern College to offer dual credential programming in business in Timmins • New programming options, including eSports specialization in the BBA and associated certificate as well as cooperative education enriched degrees in Computer Science, being brought to April 2022 Senate for considered approval• Development of eSports asynchronous online courses – in strong support of the specialization and certificate in eSports (School of Business and Economics)• New partnership agreement with Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute under development• Implementation of Teaching and Learning Centre related recommendations and planning, with the goal of launching a virtual Teaching and Learning Centre in summer 2022

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What We’ve Accomplished...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.#3 PRIORITY 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 regional social, cultural and economic development Algoma University cultivates a culture of research and innovation among all members of the university communitySUCCESSFULLYHOSTED5th BIENNIALANISHINAABE INENDAMOWIN RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM“Biskaakonjigedaa Dibaajimohiing” (Igniting our Sacred Fire through Storytelling)Dr. Michele Piercey-NormoreNEW VICE-PRESIDENT Academic and Research$65,000in funding for two research projectsFROM

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• Exploring the creation of a Research Chair for Mukwa Waakaa’igan• Successful hosting of Fifth Biennial Anishinaabe Inendamowin Research Symposium focussed on the theme of “Biskaakonjigedaa Dibaajimohiing” (Igniting our Sacred Fire through Storytelling)• Dr. Michele Piercey-Normore appointed to fill Vice-President, Academic and Research vacancy resulting from the upcoming retirement of Dr. Donna Rogers• 2nd Annual Research Awareness Week (March 7-11) helped raise profile of the amazing work being done in the areas of Community Based Research, Indigenous Research and Student-Led Research• Office of the Registrar at Algoma University has secured $65,000 in funding for two research projects from the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer What’s Next?• The Research Advisory Committee is working on revising the Strategic Research Plan 2022-2027• Announcements for funding applications as follows: ∘ New Frontiers Research Fund - March 31, 2022 ∘ Ministry of Colleges and Universities – Early Researcher Award Round 16 – March 2022 ∘ Canada Research Chair nomination in Health Sciences – April 2022 ∘ Discovery Grants – April 2022• City Studio HubBub#1 will highlight innovative projects aimed at creating a more liveable, sustainable, and joyful Sault Ste. Marie (April 8, 2022)

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What We’ve Accomplished...ANISHINAABE INENDAMOWIN - A recognized leader in cross-cultural 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, research, cross-cultural teaching and learning, community partnerships, health, land stewardship, and governance#4 PRIORITY INITIAL OFFERING OF OF NEWGabegendaadowin Training programIN MATTAWANGElder in ResidenceBARBARA L. NOLANNEW!ONGOING SUPPORT FORSITE SEARCH

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• Contract established with Moriyama and Teshima Architects for the design of Mukwa Waakaa’igan• Successful facilitation of initial continuing education offering of new Gabegendaadowin Cultural Training program in Mattawa, Ontario to staff from the Mattawa Women’s Resource Centre, Ministry of Natural Resources as well as the Mayor of East Ferris, Ontario • Ongoing dialogue with the Federal and Provincial Governments regarding multi-year support for the CSAA driven search of the Shingwauk site and related activity• Supported CSAA in site search protocol development• Announcement of New Elder in Residence, Barbara L. Nolan• Continued engagement with key partners including SKG, ONWAA, NALMA and exploration of new partnerships with Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and Indigenous Clean Energy• The Indigenous Research Symposium, this year’s theme was Biskaakonenjigidaa Debajimohing Igniting our Sacred Fire through Storytelling included speakers, Dr. Andrew Judge, Dr. Roger Boyer II, and Issac Murdoch. The next Anishinaabe Inendamowin Research Symposium will be in 2024• Building a Fire For Future Generations: Indigenous Quality Assurance in Higher Education, Anishinabe Academic Resource Centre Guest Speaker Series welcomed Dr. Lana RayWhat’s Next?• Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow scheduled for June 4th-June 5th, 2022• Official launch and rollout of the Gabegendaadowin Training Program (Spring 2022)• Undertaking First Nations, Indigenous and stakeholder consultations to help guide the development of a strategic plan for Mukwa Waakaa’igan, the Anishinaabe Academic Resource Center and the Shingwauk Residential Schools Center (June, July, August 2022) • Launch of the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre digital education project aimed at teaching high school students about Residential Schools, colonialism, and reconciliation • In collaboration with partners, develop a recruitment and retention strategy aimed at recruiting and building supports that create ongoing success for First Nations and Indigenous students

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What We’ve Accomplished...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.#5 PRIORITY 2021-22 Key Metrics/Areas of Focus Community: People and Culture Organizational Alignment Generation of New Revenue Streams Increase Brand AwarenessStudent INFORMATION SYSTEMSumbul SyedNEW LEAD Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) portfolio

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• Appointment of Sumbul Syed to lead the new Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) portfolio• Consultant to work in collaboration with the Department of People and Culture to build out a comprehensive “People Strategy” that ties into the values of the University• New Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) software procured to improve analysis and efficiency of reporting• New Student Information System (SIS) contract awarded to Ellucian, implementation planning currently underway• Initial budget planning consultations complete, review and analysis by Senior Executive underway• Brand architecture guidelines finalized for presentation to Sr. Executive and BoardWhat’s Next?• Finalization of Responsibility Centred Management (RCM) budget model for 2022-23 operating budget• Implementation of new brand architecture guidelines and related promotional campaigns – internal launch (Spring 2022), external launch (late-Summer 2022)

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What We’ve Accomplished...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.#6 PRIORITY 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 Develop an EDI institutional accountability framework• EDI Climate Study, presentation of Phase II Report results to ALT and Board of Governors (March)• Approval of I-EDI Guidelines for Policy Development – awaiting final SE approval• I-EDI Ad Hoc Committee to review Senate By-Laws approved (February), membership currently being finalized• Social Innovation Lab – launch in March 2022aINTERNATIONAL WOMEN'SWEEKA STANDOUT!NEWSOCIAL INNOVATION LAB

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Foster EDI in Research, Teaching and Learning• Winter 2022 Cultural Safety Training Program in progress. All three cohorts – two sessions for students and one session for employees are full!• Black History Month celebration events were a success • Winter CCDI 2022 Conference – 11 leaders from across the institution participated• Presentation to Board of Governors on EDI resources on training, education and awareness for Board members• Other successful EDI events included: ∘ International Women’s Week – celebration and recognition of accomplishments ∘ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination featuring Sounds of Asia event ∘ International Transgender Day of Visibility Commitment to incorporating EDI into policies, processes and procedures• Work with the VPFO to prioritize review of policies, processes and procedures using new EDI Guiding Principles and Framework once approved by SE • Change of Name Policy work in progressWhat’s Next?• Development of I-EDI hiring policy and process for targeted and cluster hires (toolkit development in process)• Finalization of IEDI Ad Hoc Committee members to begin development of IEDI framework to present to the Senate in September and then continue to phase II of Senate By-Law Revisions• EDI Climate Study Phase 3 and Phase 4: Drafting, analysis, validation and conversion to strategy• Amendment to the RFP contract to extend HESA’s contract to include a comprehensive review on embedding EDI in prioritized AU policies and processes• Establishing KPIs across the institution based on I-EDI search sessions• Anishinaabe Research Centre (ARC)• Continued collaboration on Mukwa Waakaa’igan initiative• Preparation for June 2022 Train the Trainer Cultural Safety Learning Programs session by the University of Fraser Valley• Ongoing EDI education and awareness, events and activities

March 2022 President's Report

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