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PRESIDENT S REPORT NOVEMBER 2021

PRESIDENT S MESSAGE If everyone is moving together then success takes care of itself HENRY FORD As we move deeper into the fall term it is evident that the communities we serve are excited to see student life returning to each of our three campuses This fall has been uplifting as leaders and partners engage with us on key planning considerations articulating the importance of Algoma University as a key social cultural and economic driver in our community As the impacts of COVID 19 continue to ripple through the province many communities and organizations have grappled with immense change and disruption The Council of Universities recently shared that the pandemic has further exposed challenges that already existed emphasizing the need for innovative solutions driven by partnership and collaboration As such we understand that Algoma University will continue to play a critical role through the pandemic and beyond providing a highly skilled workforce that supports the communities we serve with the challenges of the future the jobs of today and tomorrow We will also continue our focus on the strategic priority of research and innovation Since September I have been able to spend time with various teams from the University on each of our campuses speaking with community leaders and politicians about partnership and collaboration We are now engaging additional community stakeholders and business leaders in strategic dialogues intended to shape the next phases of development in these regions In early November we hosted the Honourable Jill Dunlop Minister of Colleges and Universities at our Sault Ste Marie campus where we provided an overview of strategic initiatives including updates on the feasibility study underway for the proposed Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute OMHARTI This initiative has been developed in partnership with Sault College Sault Area Hospital Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine Minister Dunlop started her visit with a traditional ceremony where there was sharing of the history of the school She was also briefed on the important work being led by the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association on the Shingwauk site Later in the month I had an opportunity to visit the Timmins region speaking with various stakeholder groups as part of our effort to build out a strategic action plan to expand the university s presence in this underserved part of North Eastern Ontario The highlight as always was the time I spent with students in Social Work and Community Development including a ceremony where Thunderbird and Grandfather teachings were shared across all three campuses Increasing access to university level studies has long been identified as a priority item for the city and Algoma is working with a range of partners to find viable solutions We are leveraging the expertise within the region s education government and First Nations communities to help shape strategic planning for potential expansion An update on recommended next steps is expected to be shared in early 2022 Finally I recently made a return visit to Brampton for continued dialogue with City officials and several other partners and community leaders intended to shape phase three of our campus expansion efforts in the city and surrounding Peel Region At this point the Presidents of Ryerson Sheridan and Algoma U are in intense conversation around creating a health innovation district Sheridan is moving forward with a Centre for Healthy Communities nursing personal support workers osteopathy kinesiology etc while Ryerson is moving forward with a feasibility study for a medical school Algoma has recently introduced a psychology degree option and we are examining the possibility of bringing other undergraduate programs to this campus that would support degrees that could ladder into medical school and or Sheridan s specialized programs Currently the City is interested in Algoma s ability to focus on health science and mental health and addictions The VPAR and Academic Dean will be speaking to departments over the next several months to determine possibilities There is great interest and support for Algoma University in Brampton and I look forward to sharing more in my next report I want to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Algoma University community including our strategic partners who play a key role in our success Although the global pandemic has created many challenges we continue to successfully and collectively navigate these uncharted waters I am confident we remain on course for continued success in 2022 Thank you Chi Miigwetch and early season s greetings to all Asima Vezina President and Vice Chancellor Thunderbirds protecting Thunderbirds Thunderbirds protecting Communities SEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS LOVE AND KINDNESS RESPECT BRAVERY WISDOM HONESTY TRUTH HUMILITY

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 Launched new Student Assistance Program SAP providing unlimited access to counselling life coaching and support resources through Homewood Health New wellness coordinator hired thanks to funding through Bell Let s Talk Varsity athletes successfully returned to regular OUA action following covid related cancellation of 2020 21 competition Men s curling team wins Northern Ontario Club Championship will compete at Nationals in late November Two wrestlers have earned national rankings Partnered with Devant to launch a customized web based platform to provide enhanced career development opportunities and resources for international students Community Trick or Treat event in SSM results in 1000 items and just over 1000 raised to support the Student Food Pantry as well as donations to Coats for Kids Successfully hosted alumni engagement event in new Brampton campus facilities Algoma University promotes a culture of internationalization What We ve Accomplished What s Next SSM Community Trick or Treat draws 1000 FOR FOOD ITEMS 1000 IN DONATIONS STUDENT FOOD PANTRY AND COATS FOR KIDS For a full listing of common University acronyms please click here AU Common Acronyms 1st Thunderbirds Men s Evaluation of new counselling resources launched in November 2021 NORTHERN ONTARIO CURLING CLUB CHAMPIONS VPAR to attend December meeting of UArctic consortium to advance North2North student exchange while strengthening strategic research networks Planning underway for tri campus research week in winter of 2022 CURLING TEAM

2 PRIORITY 2021 22 Key Metrics Areas of Focus Algoma University is a leader in teaching excellence 2021 2026 Academic Plan approved by Senate 2021 22 enrolment on track to exceed 3000 FTE 3 yrs ahead of initial strategic enrolment management target Strategic Plan finalized for School of Computer Science and Technology similar plan for School of Life Sciences and the Environment currently under development Refinement of processes and faculty supports tied to Quality Assurance QA Signed MOU with Brampton s Altitude Accelerator to support experiential learning opportunities for students from the School of Business and Economics 500K in Global Skills Opportunity funding to support new Global Learning Leadership Skills Development Program GLLSDP to expand the international experiences of Canadian students Senate adopts Indigenous Learning Outcomes ILO s as developed by the Negahneewin Research Centre at Confederation College to serve as a guide for Indigenous curriculum development Engagement with the President of Northern Ontario School of Medicine NOSM on strategic initiatives such as OMHARTI intended to strengthen NOSM s presence in Sault Ste Marie Return of Algoma Reads provides new opportunities for the English department to extend reach into the community Engaged in discussions with key stakeholders regarding academic programming and identified community needs in both Brampton and Timmins 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 2021 22 ENROLMENT on track to exceed 3000 FTE VIBRANT PROGRAMS An integrated suite of academic programming that is current relevant attractive and aligned with students expectations 3 YEARS AHEAD OF TARGET RETURNS providing NEW OUTREACH opportunities What s Next Working on an addendum to MOU with Northern College to create a collaborative dual credential program in business in the North for the North 500K in Global Skills Opportunity funding GLOBAL LEARNING LEADERSHIP SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GLLSDP Working on broad changes and further support in Quality Assurance Faculty Relations and Academic Support on all campuses Working on finalizing our Institutional Quality Assurance Process to mirror the changes in the provincial Quality Assurance Framework and build in graduate programming related elements TO SUPPORT THE NEW

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 regional social cultural and economic development Faculty engagement sessions underway to finalize research elements of a number of strategic projects Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute Mukqua Waakaa igan Centre for Social Cultural Economic Innovation OMHARTI OMHARTI feasibility study underway Dr Nirosha Murugan nominated for Canada Research Chair in Tissue Biophysics Health Sciences Dr Brandon Schamp has been awarded funding from the Algoma University Research Publication Fund to support open access publication in the scientific journal PLOS One Exploring the relative influence of dispersal and competition on co occurrence and trait patterns in response to disturbance Major grants submitted 3 NSERC Discovery Grant proposals and 1 New Frontiers Research Fund Explore proposal Algoma University cultivates a culture of research and innovation among all members of the university community What We ve Accomplished 4 MAJOR What s Next FUNDING Open competition for Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation NOHFC Talent and People Program SSHRC Institutional Grants SIG application to be submitted December 1 SIG funds help Canadian postsecondary institutions strengthen research excellence in the Social Sciences and Humanities DR NIROSHA MURUGAN Planning will begin in December for our 2nd annual Research Week to be held in March CANADA RESEARCH CHAIR The Research Advisory Committee RAC will begin development of the new Research Strategic Plan 2022 2027 PROPOSALS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW nominated for IN TISSUE BIOPHYSICS

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 Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre and the Anishinaabe Academic Resource Centre honoured the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation virtual and in person events were held throughout the day to mark Orange Shirt Day Sept 30th Mukqua Waakaa igan Planning Committee continues to move forward a range of planning activities The architectural firm of Moriyama and Tashima in collaboration with Smoke Architecture will design the facility from a decolonized lens A series of Town Hall sessions regarding Mukqua Waakaa igan were held with faculty Secured 262 500 in funding through the Canadian Anti Racism Action Program to support Gabegendaadowin Training Project formerly SHIFT Training Participated in a number of community engagement and relationship building sessions with leaders from a number of First Nations communities in the Algoma and Timmins regions Preliminary CSAA driven ground search of select section of Shingwauk site analysis of results underway while ongoing dialogue concerning protocol creation with the impacted communities continues Krista McCracken honoured with Community Builder Award Education Collaborative agreement with SKG fully reviewed Ongoing engagement with our partners including the Ontario Native Welfare Administrators Association ONWAA and Oshki Wenjack Education Institute research cross cultural teaching and learning community partnerships health land stewardship and governance 262 500 Shing Gabegendaadowin Training Project esid kR ential Sch oo l e entr sC CANADIAN ANTI RACISM ACTION PROGRAM SUPPORTS wa u What We ve Accomplished WITH Anishinaabe Academic Resource Centre HONOURED THE FIRST NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH RECONCILIATION What s Next The Reclaiming Shingwauk Hall exhibition auditorium phase is planned to open early in 2022 The first intake of Gabegendaadowin will be offered in Mattawa in January 2022 Student faculty and staff engagement with architectural firm to support Mukqua Waakaa igan design planning

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 Facilitated Board Retreat focused on Enterprise Risk Management October 2021 Hosted series of President s Reception Community Engagement sessions with leaders from the Brampton business community to highlight strategic developments while touring expanded campus facilities Hosted visit by the Hon Jill Dunlop Minister of Colleges and Universities to brief her on a number of key strategic initiatives Search process underway for both the new VP Finance and Operations and VP Academic and Research Engaged BDO in review and testing of Responsibility Centred Management RCM budget model Contract awarded for Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute feasibility study Dr Jody Rebek earns Community Builder Award Environment Findings of brand positioning validation survey along with initial draft creative concepts presented to Brand Architecture Project Steering Committee Roll out of Work From Home Policy for Staff Administration Redevelopment of Human Resources to Department of People and Culture including rebuilding and refinement of team roles and responsibilities Finalized new administrative pay band framework and handbook as part of talent management retention strategy Community People and Culture Organizational Alignment Generation of New Revenue Streams Increase Brand Awareness What We ve Accomplished HUMAN RESOURCES MOVES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PEOPLE AND CULTURE includes rebuilding and refinement of team roles and responsibilities Rolled out WORK FROM HOME POLICY FOR Staff Administration What s Next Issued RFP for new Student Information System SIS Issued RFQ for continuous improvement pilot project a transformation initiative aimed at identifying new ways to improve efficiency reduce waste and better serve students Recommended brand architecture model brand toolkit and associated creative to be presented to Senior Executive and Board Winter 2022

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 2021 22 Key Metrics Areas of Focus Commitment to incorporating EDI into policies processes and procedures Presentation to the Governance Committee on recommendations for the development of EDI language for the Board s governing documents policies and procedures Washroom signage updates and educational campaign as part of ongoing effort to create a safe inclusive environment for all Finalizing draft of Algoma U EDI Guiding Principles and Framework Develop an EDI institutional accountability framework Fostering EDI in research teaching and learning Foster EDI in Research Teaching and Learning Commit to incorporating EDI into policies processes and procedures What We ve Accomplished Diwali celebrations held in Participate in Fall 2021 CULTURAL SAFETY LEARNING PROGRAM SAULT STE MARIE BRAMPTON Develop an EDI institutional accountability framework Presentations to Algoma Leadership Team ALT on the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Climate Research Study and Phase 1 report EDI Research Phase 2 underway Survey administered findings currently being compiled Recommendations will support continued work on this strategic effort Participated in the endorsement signing and launch of the Scarborough Charter on Anti Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education Diwali celebrations held in Brampton and Sault Ste Marie Participated in National Forum on Anti Asian Racism Nov 9 10 Transgender Remembrance Day virtual events hosted by AUSU and Algoma U EDI Committee Education and awareness on Queer 101 to various academic departments 70 students and 35 Employees enrolled in the Cultural Safety Learning Program Partnership with Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion to provide ongoing education and awareness 15 members of Algoma U Community completed the Anti Black Racism Education Awareness Dialogue What s Next Develop an EDI institutional accountability framework Presentation of Phase 2 EDI Study Report to ALT EDI Climate Study Phase 3 and Phase 4 Drafting analysis validation and conversion to strategy Start to action commitments within the Scarborough Charter Follow up on next steps in regards to the National Forum on Anti Asian Racism Commitment to incorporating EDI into policies processes and procedures Work with the VPFO to prioritize review of policies processes and procedures using the new EDI Guiding Principles and Framework Fostering EDI in research teaching and learning Winter 2022 Cultural Safety Learning Program Two sessions for students and one session for employees Partnership with Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion to provide ongoing EDI education and awareness Ongoing EDI education and awareness events and activities

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