March 2023 President's Report : simplebooklet.com

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Engaging conversations continue to take place as we move further into the final stages of creating Algoma’s next three-year Strategic Plan. As we write the next chapter of this University’s history, I predict it will be one steeped in our Special Mission and marked by creativity, expanding partnerships and community impact.March will see us move forward with a Board of Governors facilitated session, where they will consider the second phase of stakeholder feedback as the University works to refine and shape a final draft of the strategic directions. By mid-April, this draft framework will be shared with the Steering Committee, with the goal of sharing the final Strategic Plan in late June. I would like to thank everyone who has participated in the consultations to ensure that as we consider the next chapter, that the voices of many diverse stakeholder groups are heard, acknowledged and incorporated. This is an exciting time as we build for the future. As we reflect on the progress of the past few months, we continue to witness the evolution of what started out as mere concepts a few short years ago and now as we see below are moving into reality. A few recent examples include:• Senate approval of two new Master’s degrees, one in Biology and the other in Computer Science slated for inaugural intake this Fall. These programs will foster collaboration between academic, government, industry, and Indigenous scholars. Both programs will produce highly-skilled graduates equipped with the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills required to expand and advance knowledge in their respective disciplines. In addition, these areas are critical for our diversified local and regional economies while supporting organizations and companies that constantly require access to highly skilled talent (examples; software development, project management and data analytics, etc.).• The establishment of a collaborative agreement with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University (NOSMU) that will support the expansion of NOSMU in SSM and Algoma. The immediate goal of this partnership is to move forward with the implementation of phase one of the Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute. Similar discussions with potential partners such as Toronto Metropolitan University would see a hub of the mental health institute located in Brampton. Through partnership and the expansion of health science programming on both campuses, we hope to increase pathway opportunities to medical careers in both communities. LOVE AND KINDNESSRESPECT BRAVERY WISDOM HONESTY TRUTH HUMILITYSeven Grandfather Teachings

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• The signing of new agreements between Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG) and Algoma to officially mark the next step in their long-standing partnership through the signing of a new Collaborative Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding tied to enhancing and continuing to strengthen the working relationship as well as working alongside SKG in the establishment of an Anishinaabe School of Education. The agreements serve to further advance access to education for both Anishinaabe and non-Anishinaabe learners and support access to post-secondary education.• Mukwa Waakaa’igan is moving forward in a good way through continued conversations with key stakeholders. Led by the VP Nyaagaaniid and Director of Mukwa Waakaa’igan, teams will be in a third phase of community consultation beginning this spring. As part of Algoma’s ongoing commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation, this project is incredibly important to the University, the Shingwauk Residential School, the Survivor community and other communities. The building is envisioned to expand on the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre’s prominence as a centre of excellence for the country, one that respects and builds on over four decades of work by the CSAA to preserve the history and significance of the site and residential school legacy while also focusing on the future and support for enhancing the University’s aspirations around cross-cultural and global Indigenous teaching, learning and research experiences.• The continued strategic expansion of our academic and continuing education programming. The future for Algoma University is positive and bright; I look forward to what we will create together as we continue to travel the road ahead. Please enjoy the highlights shared within the pages of our March 2023 President’s Report, it is a testament to the many hands contributing to all aspects of our University. Chi-Miigwetch to everyone who continues to play a part in this exciting chapter of our history. Best, Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor“The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.” - Leonard I. Sweet

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What We’ve Accomplished...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. 2022-23 Key Metrics/Areas of Focus Algoma University is a dynamic hub for community and student lifeMembers of the Algoma University and broader community have a strong sense of pride in their institutionMembers of the Algoma University community are engaged and inspired in their studies, work, and extracurricular activitiesAlgoma University promotes a culture of internationalizationCampus Culture PRIORITY 1 For a full listing of common University acronyms, please click here: AU Common Acronyms

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• Student Life and Communications staff led the Bon Soo Winter Carnival Polar Bear Swim ‘Hunger Freeze’ food drive, raising over $3600 while collecting over 1300 non-perishable food items for local food pantries• Varsity wrestler Kyle Price brings home a gold medal in the men’s 100 kg category at the OUA provincial championships. Price and teammate Lilah Fraser represent Algoma University at USports Wrestling Championships in Edmonton• Student Success Staff successfully relocated to newly renovated Student Success Central facilities in Brampton • Staff and student leaders organize Pink Shirt Day activities as part of national effort to support anti-bullying awareness• Successful Ski, S’mores and More event at Hiawatha Highlands (Feb 3rd)• Successful Ski trip to Blue Mountain (Feb 23rd). More than 100 students tried downhill skiing and snowboarding for the first time• Tri-campus Student Leadership Retreat in SSM draws 105 participants, including almost 50 from AU’s Brampton and Timmins campuses who were also able to participate in the Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow• Algoma U community host numerous events to celebrate International Women’s Week (March 6-10)• Finalized capital project plan for budgeting purposes as aligned with SSM Campus Master Plan • Annual Holi Celebration (March 8th) What’s Next?• Finalization of revised Internationalization Strategy to further position Algoma U as a globally engaged university including increasing exchange partnerships (student, faculty, research)• Completion of a multi-year, tri-campus master plan to develop, expand and foster a dynamic hub of community and student life informed by Strategic Enrolment Management and academic planning initiatives• Ongoing investigation of new academic and ancillary facility options to support anticipated growth and development required to finalize Brampton Campus Master Plan

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• Senate approval of second stand-alone graduate program, a Master’s of Computer Science (February 2023), inaugural intake anticipated for Fall 2023• Winter 2023 international course offerings in Colombia (Community Economic and Social Development and Visual Arts) and Guatemala (Anishinaabe Studies), funded through the Global Skills Opportunity, a success • New agreement signed with Sault College to improve pathways for students from both Social Service Worker/Social Service Worker - Indigenous Specialization and Child and Youth Care diploma programs into the Bachelor of Social Work program• University has exceeded budgeted enrolment projection of 3,120 FTE with final enrolment of 5,057 FTE • University has exceeded the 2022-23 target of 2000 FTE degree students with final enrolment of 2,270 FTE• Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) enrolment targets achieved in both fall and winter terms• Request for funding to support phase one implementation of Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute submitted as part of provincial budget consultations• Students from the School of Computer Science and Technology competed in the 2022-2023 Regionals for the NCNA (North Central North America) International Collegiate Programming ContestWhat’s Next?• Finalization of regulatory policies, processes and student and faculty support frameworks for new School of Graduate Studies • New Director of Teaching and Learning to commence May 1 (to be followed by the launch of the Centre of Teaching and Learning)• CityStudio Sault Ste. Marie HUBBUB to showcase student projects from the 2022/23 academic year• Development of comprehensive strategy to support planned growth of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) programming

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What We’ve Accomplished...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.2022-23 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 developmentAlgoma University cultivates a culture of research and innovation among all members of the university communityResearch and Innovation PRIORITY 3THE NATURE OF THINGS

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• Review of Intellectual Property (IP) and Commercialization policies with revisions underway• Terms of Reference (TOR) established for committee overseeing development of Indigenous Research Framework• Dr. Pedro Antunes receives the 2023 Invasive Species Centre Leadership Award during the fourth annual Invasive Species Forum hosted in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.• Dr. Paulette Steeves’ research featured in new documentary from the CBC’s, Nature of Things, “Walking with Ancients”• Third annual Research Awareness Week helps raise the profile of faculty and student research activities across the Algoma University community (March 20th - 31st)• Increased internal research funding awarded by 85% over last year. New programs included the Promising Research Grant, Part-time Faculty Research Fund and Student Conference Research Fund.• The Algoma University Senate recently approved a Master of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Computer Science degree• Numerous faculty publications, research papers, presentations and other scholarly activity in a range of subject areasWhat’s Next? • Expansion of the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) to include additional support for AU researchers and research policies and processes• Further development of an Indigenous Research Policy and Framework• Development of a strategy for additional graduate programs

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What We’ve Accomplished...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. 2022-23 Key Metrics/Areas of Focus Algoma University is recognized as a leader in Anishinaabe learning in CanadaWe are responding to the Calls to Action with strategic focus on curricula, policies, research, cross-cultural teaching and learning, community partnerships, health, land stewardship, and governanceAnishinaabe Inendamowin PRIORITY 4

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• Institutional road map to support decolonization, EDI, and Indigenization presented to Senate• Collaborative agreement signed in ceremony with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig to further advance Indigenous education• Joel Syrette named Director of Mukwa Waakaa’igan• Successful Brampton campus AARC Recruitment Day in partnership with Peel District School Board and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (Feb 9)• 17th Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow draws thousands of visitors to the Shingwauk site (March 4-5)• AU and Mattagami First Nation sign Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding access to Indigenous STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) community-based education and training opportunities• Hellenic Heritage Foundation donates $100, 000 to the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA) for the “Crying Rock” project, helping to preserve this piece of Shingwauk Residential School history• Participation in community events to recognize the 16th annual Memorial March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit persons (MMIWG2S+)• Continued support for Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association site search activity• The SRSC is partnering with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation as part of the Coordination Hub for the Reconciliation Network. What’s Next?• Mukwa Waakaa’igan - finalization of detailed functional design, pre-construction planning and budget development • Timmins campus AARC Recruitment Day in partnership with Mattagami First Nation• Continued expansion of Brampton and Region of Peel community outreach (Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Indigenous Network-Peel)• Promotion, outreach and delivery of the Gabegendaadowin Training program• Installation of the Reclaiming Shingwauk Hall auditorium exhibition (official opening during Shingwauk Gathering in August) • MOU with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to facilitate sharing of archival records relevant to the site search

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• Development of new three-year Strategic Plan continues to move forward as planned with final version to be considered by the Board in June 2023 • Departmental budget planning for 2023-24 underway• Successful return of annual in-person Student Award Celebration• Implementation of new Student Information System on schedule for May• Jane Omollo receives prestigious 2023 Athena Award at International Women’s Day event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce• Promotional materials launched for the Algoma University Gala 2023 scheduled for Friday, May 12th. Funds raised will help equity-deserving students in Brampton, through the establishment of a new scholarship, which will help to remove financial barriers.• Community presentations highlighting strategic initiatives presented at City Council, Huron Superior Catholic District School Board and Chamber of Commerce• Deputation on Brampton Campus progress for Brampton City CouncilWhat’s Next?• Approval of 2023-2024 operating budget (April)• Planning for spring on-campus gathering of community stakeholder groups underway • Launch of Professional and Continuing Education website currently in beta version• Installation of new integrated branding across expanding Brampton campus to highlight additional facilities within the downtown core• Next phase of Timmins campus expansion planning• Release of promotional materials for 2023 Algoma University Classic Golf Tournament (Summer) and John Rhodes Scholarship Dinner (Fall)

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What We’ve Accomplished...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.2022-23 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 proceduresEquity, Diversity and Inclusion PRIORITY 6 Develop an EDI institutional accountability framework• HESA staff on the Sault Ste. Marie campus in February and the Timmins and Brampton campuses in March to conduct student, staff and faculty engagement sessions focused on the development of the EDI Strategy and Action Plan Foster EDI in Research, Teaching and Learning• Annual recognition of Black History Month (February) included the hosting of a number of educational and social activities and events focused around the theme Transformative Journeys: Black Resistance and Resilience • Completed the Canadian Race Relations Foundations Anti-Racism Training for 16 AU employees • Cultural Safety Learning Program (CSLP) 2023 W session for students and employees is in progress• Recognition of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21) and the International Day of Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31) and other significant event

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Commitment to incorporating EDI into policies, processes, and procedures• As the mandate for the IEDI Ad Hoc committee of the Senate nears its end, the committee is developing a work plan to continue its workWhat’s Next?• Finalization of policy review including gap analysis and policy updating based on IEDI lens• IEDI Ad Hoc committee will present its report to SENEX as well as recommendations to incorporate IEDI into all academic policies and procedures - including Senate By-Laws, in a phased-out manner• HESA and People and Culture working collaboratively on review of AU policies and procedures from an EDI lens• Anti-Racism training workshops facilitated by CRRF (Winter and Spring semesters in progress)• People and Culture onboarding to include EDI-mandated training • Ongoing EDI training and webinars through AU partnership with Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI); Pride at Work and Linkedin short courses• AU specific EDI training under development and will be rolled out for all faculty and staff to advance cross-cultural teaching and learning grounded in equity, diversity and inclusion, multiple ways of knowing and social justice advocacy• HESA and People and Culture working collaboratively on review of AU policies and procedures from an EDI lens• Anti-Racism training workshops facilitated by CRRF (Winter and Spring semesters)• Onboarding to include EDI mandated training to start in January 2023• Ongoing EDI training and webinars through AU partnership with Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI); Pride at Work and Linkedin short courses

March 2023 President's Report

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