CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY

MINUTES OF THE OPEN SESSION
OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Held on Wednesday, 18 December 1996, immediately following the Closed Session,
in Room S-GM 407-1, SGW Campus

Attendance

Present:     Mr. Reginald K. Groome, Chairman, Dr. Tannis Arbuckle-Maag, Mr. Brian Aune, Dr. Michael Brian, Mr. Ronald Corey, Ms. Marianne Donaldson, Dr. Terrill Fancott, Dr. Henry Habib, Mr. Peter Howlett, Ms. Sanyu Kiruluta, Mr. Ronald Lawless, Dr. Frederick Lowy, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Sister E. McIlwaine Ph.D., Vice Chairwoman, Mr. Donald W. McNaughton, Mr. Jacques Ménard, Vice-Chairman, Mr. Eric Molson, Chancellor, Mr. Jeff Nearing, Mr. Benoit Pelland, Mr. Jean-François Plamondon, Mr. Richard Renaud, Mrs. Miriam Roland, Dr. Elizabeth Saccá, Mr. Humberto Santos, Mr. Robert Simioni, Ms. Lillian Vineberg, Ms. Susan Woods

Officers of the University:     Dr. Charles L. Bertrand, Prof. Marcel Danis, Mr. Larry English, Me Bérengère Gaudet, Dr. Jack Lightstone

Absent:     Mr. Alain Benedetti, Dr. Leonard Ellen, Mr. Daniel Gagnon, Mr. Leo Goldfarb, Mr. Paul Ivanier, Dr. Lawrence Kryzanowski, Me George Lengvari, Ms. Hazel Mah, Mr. Brian Neysmith, Ms. Susan O'Connell, Mr. Brian Steck, Ms. Kathy Tsolakos, Mr. Jonathan Wener

Guests:     Prof. Geoff Adams, Dr. Harald Proppe

DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED AND ATTACHED TO THESE MINUTES

1.                 Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 8:25 a.m.

1.1               Chairman's remarks

The Chairman announced that, during the Closed Session of the present meeting, Dr. Nabil Esmail was appointed incoming Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. Dr. Esmail would join the University on 1 July 1997.

Mr. Groome introduced Prof. Geoff Adams, a member of the recently-formed association "The Concordia Volunteers". Mr. Adams explained how the group had originated, and informed Board members about a used book sale to be held in the atrium of the McConnell Building on 26 and 27 February 1997. Revenues would be divided between the University food bank and scholarship funds. Governors interested in donating books were encouraged to use drop-off points downtown, on the West Island and on the South Shore, or call the organizers to have books picked up. Prof. Adams said books of all types, ranging from collectibles to paperbacks would be appreciated; professional librarians and booksellers would assess the books' value and recommend pricing. The association hoped to make the sale an annual event.

1.2               Approval of the Agenda

The Agenda was approved, with the understanding that Item #4, Approval of the external auditors' fees, and Item #6, Election of the membership of the Advisory Search Committee for a Director of University Libraries, would be deferred for decision in January.

1.3               Approval of the Minutes of the Open Session of the previous meeting of the Board (20 November 1996)

Upon motion duly moved and seconded (Woods, Nearing), it was unanimously RESOLVED:

Mr. Groome reminded Governors that, in June 1994, the Board had appealed to Dr. Proppe to assume the position of Interim Vice-Rector, Institutional Relations and Finance. Dr. Proppe was uniquely suited to the job, having served six years as Associate Vice-Rector in that portfolio. For over two years, the beginning of a period of unrelenting budgetary contractions, Dr. Proppe shouldered the responsibilities of Interim Vice-Rector. He introduced a budget approval process that was performance-based, predictable, and informed by academic priorities. He also revised the manner of presenting the Operating Budget to make it comprehensible to colleagues outside the finance sector. Dr. Proppe's leadership in matters pertaining to employee benefits was greatly appreciated. Most notably, he introduced retirement incentive plans for staff (ERIP) and faculty (FALRIP), which were successful both in achieving substantial savings for the University and in providing for employees' needs with equity and fairness.

The Chairman expressed his personal appreciation to Dr. Proppe for having responded so effectively to the Board's appeal in 1994. On behalf of the Board, he presented Dr. Proppe with a small gift, and a framed certificate as a memento of the Governors' gratitude.

On the occasion of Dr. Bertrand's last Board meeting in the capacity of Vice-Rector, Services, Mr. Groome expressed the appreciation of his colleagues on the Board of Governors for Dr. Bertrand's dedicated and capable handling of a complex portfolio. He explained that Dr. Bertrand was appointed to the position already having served eight years as a senior administrator, as Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science. The components of the Vice-Rector, Services, portfolio were extremely diverse and included the Libraries, the Registrar's Office, Student Services, Security, Physical Resources and Computing Services, among others.

The Chairman highlighted some of the sector's major achievements under Dr. Bertrand's direction: automation of the Library system (CLUES) and the telephone registration process (CARL); introduction of a workshop on conflict resolution for department chairs and newly-appointed administrators; and (jointly with the Secretary-General) the launching of the Task Force to review Policies pertaining to Rights and Responsibilities. This initiative led to the adoption by the Board of the Code of Rights and Responsibilities in 1995. Dr. Bertrand maintained good relations with Québec in areas bearing directly on capital budget allocations, and the construction, purchase or renovation of buildings.

Mr. Groome reported that, on Dr. Bertrand's request, a donation had been made to the George Rude Scholarship Fund in lieu of a personal gift. On behalf of the Board, the Chairman wished Dr. Bertrand the full enjoyment of a well-deserved administrative leave.

4.                 Business arising from the Minutes

With the removal of the external auditors' fees from the agenda, there was no business arising from the Minutes.

5.                 Progress Report on the Capital Campaign: The Campaign for a New Millennium

The Capital Campaign Chair, Mr. Ronald Corey, announced with pleasure the appointment of Mr. Ménard as Chair of the Leadership Gifts division, and Mr. Steck as Chair of the Toronto Alumni division. Two additional Chairs remained to be filled for the three-year Campaign. Mr. Corey said the Campaign objective of $55 million was being evaluated.

Mr. Renaud, Chair of the University Community Division, explained that the University community would be expected to set the standard for external donors; a rally to launch the Concordia Community Phase of the Capital Campaign would take place in the atrium of the McConnell Building on 22 January 1997. Mr. Renaud said that very personalized solicitation of the senior administrators was underway, led by Vice Rector, Institutional Relations, Marcel Danis. Mr. Renaud and Mr. Benedetti would canvass members of the Board of Governors, combining the appeal for the Annual Giving and Capital Campaigns. Dr. Frances Shaver, of the Faculty of Arts and Science, and Ms. Ann Kerby, Director of Advocacy and Support Services, would lead the campaign among faculty and staff. Mr. Renaud reported that sixty-nine gifts had already been received from the internal community, a sum of $185,000.

Student gifts, solicited under the leadership of an elected representative, Mr. David Janssen, were being featured as a major element in the Campaign. Mr. Renaud said meetings with student leaders and Dean of Students Donald Boisvert had commenced in August 1996. It was agreed that a public information session would be held to promote participation.

6.                 Election of the membership of the Advisory Search Committee for a Director of University Libraries

This item was deferred to a subsequent meeting.

7.                 Delegation of signing authority to the Chief Financial Officer to select the level of the deductible applied in CSST claims

Upon motion duly moved and seconded (Lowy, Ménard), it was unanimously RESOLVED:

8.                 Approval to change a department name

Upon motion duly moved and seconded (Lowy, Santos), it was unanimously RESOLVED:

9.                 Approval of revisions to the text of the Concordia University Employees' Pension Plan

Mr. Lawless, Chairman of the Benefits and Pension Committees, explained that three types of revisions to the Employees' Pension Plan had been approved by the Benefits Committee in recent months: changes necessitated by implementation of the retirement incentive plans; changes arising from provincial legislation and Revenue Canada requirements; and textual clarifications.

Upon motion duly moved and seconded (Lawless, Simioni), it was unanimously RESOLVED:

10.               Report on compliance with fiscal requirements

The Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Larry English, reported that, upon review, he had concluded that appropriate procedures were being applied and that the University had complied with its statutory obligations: (i) in the area of employee and employer remittances under federal and provincial tax legislation, for the period from 1 June 1996 to 30 November 1996, inclusive; and (ii) as regarded the federal Goods and Services Tax and the Québec Sales Tax, the University has claimed rebates (net of amounts payable) for the period from 1 June 1996 to 30 November 1996, inclusive.

Mr. Groome asked the Vice-Rector, Services, Dr. Bertrand, if he wished to comment on compliance with health and safety legislation. Dr. Bertrand replied that, because the Environmental Health and Safety Office was presently being managed by an Acting Director, the compliance report would only be ready early in the new year.

11.               Progress reports of the Advisory Search Committees

12.               Reports of the Standing Committees

12.1             Benefits and Pension Committees

Chairman Ronald Lawless reported. At meetings held on 11 December 1996, the Committee learned the Pension Fund portfolio managers were achieving very satisfactory results.

12.2             Budget Committee

Mr. Aune, Chair of the Budget Committee, reported on the meeting of 6 December 1996. Mr. Aune said the Committee considered projected results for the 1996-97 fiscal year, and discussed the outlook for the coming year. Whereas a surplus of $1.6 million had been projected, it now appeared an unfavourable variance would result in an actual surplus of about $1.4 million. Mr. Aune said the Committee was gravely concerned about the $15 million shortfall confirmed for 1997-98. The Committee's next meeting was planned for February 1997.

13.               Report of the Rector

Rector Fred Lowy reported on several subjects, summarized below.

(i)     Dr. Lowy addressed issues related to Concordia's financial situation. He observed that, if concluded successfully, government negotiations with public service unions could be a good model for universities to emulate.

Dr. Lowy told the Board that the Minister of Education had announced that revenue generated by the increase in tuition fees for out-of-province students would be returned to the aggregate grant envelope. Concordia would be allocated 10% of the full amount, which could reduce our cuts to about $13.4 million.

Universities would also be beneficiaries of legislation, which the government proposed to adopt before year-end, to classify all gifts to universities as gifts to the Crown and thus fully tax-deductible. The Rector said it appeared the federal government would recommend exempting all such gifts from capital gains taxes. He concluded that the combined tax benefits would yield significant benefits for universities.

The Rector emphasized that, with revenues severely constrained, it will be a challenge to maintain a high quality of educational services. For example, Dr. Lowy said, class size at Concordia would probably have to increase despite the fact that the Maclean's survey recognized small class size as one of our advantages. The government had asked CREPUQ to establish a commission to explore the potential for academic collaboration among Québec universities; a Concordia professor would be asked to participate. A separate group had been created to make recommendations to universities on how to manage budget cuts, the Commission on the Financing of Québec Universities.

(ii)     The Rector informed the Board that CUFA's 1995 grievance regarding the University's senior salaries policy had been resolved. Concordia had discontinued the practice of allowing administrators to retain their administrative salaries after returning to the CUFA bargaining unit, that is, after resuming their teaching positions, and restored fairness in its remuneration of professors.

(iii)     Dr. Lowy said he was proud to announce that the Stingers' quarterback, Mr. Dominik Goulet, had broken all Concordia's passing records. At the 1996 Vanier Cup Banquet of Champions, held on 28 November in Toronto, Mr. Goulet was named to the second Canadian Inter-University Athletic Union All-Canadian football team.

(iv)     Pratt and Whitney Canada had entered into another major contract with Concordia professor Dr. Wagdi Habashi, a leader in the field of computational fluid dynamics. Two students of the Mechanical Engineering Department, Ms. Diane Crisante and Mr. Stephen Neemah, were recipients of the Pratt and Whitney Canada Award. The Award is part of the Special Corporate Awards programme for Canadian Scholars, an initiative of Industry Canada.

(v)     Another prominent researcher at Concordia, Dr. M.M. El-Badry, was engaged to apply his expertise in intelligent sensing as a consultant in the construction of the Confederation Bridge between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

(vi)     Governors should expect to receive a letter soliciting contributions to the "Spirit of Christmas" drive. Dr. Lowy explained that although receipts were normal, the level of need among Concordia students was greater than in previous years.

The Rector concluded his remarks with an expression of appreciation, to Dr. Bertrand and Dr. Proppe, for their capable handling of their portfolios and for their assistance to him.

14.               Report of the Vice-Rectors and the Chief Financial Officer

Responses to the academic planning document, "Following a Course Forward", would be taken into account in the production of a set of concrete recommendations. Dr. Lightstone would draft the submission, to be tabled with the Senate Committee on Academic Planning and Priorities (SCAPP) in January 1997. Thereafter the plan would be considered by Senate and ultimately presented to the Board, possibly in March 1997. Dr. Lightstone said he had presented to Senate, jointly with the Rector, a statement of Concordia's long term objectives. Subsequent Senate discussions suggested that there was general agreement on these goals.

A Governor praised the recent accomplishments of graduates of the Concordia Diploma in Accountancy programme. This graduate programme consistently produces top performers in the Uniform Final Examination; six of Québec's top ten results in 1996 were achieved by Concordia students and one among them, Mr. Patrice Ouimet, shares Canada's top grade with only one other student. Credit was given to students in the programme, as well as to faculty and staff of the Faculty of Commerce and Administration.

Upon motion duly moved and seconded (Santos, Plamondon), it was unanimously RESOLVED:

(i)     Negotiations with the Concordia University Part-time Faculty Association (CUPFA), led by Ms. Joy Bennett, had been underway for more than one year. Agreement was believed possible as early as the first quarter of 1997.

(ii)     The recently constituted Association of Concordia University Management and Administrative Employees (ACUMAE) was negotiating a package of policies with Ms. Maria Paradiso, who is representing the administration.

(iii)     Negotiations with the Concordia University Professional Employees Union (CUPEU) were being led by Ms. Susan O'Reilly, Director of Human Resources. Although substantial progress had been made, talks had stalled when the University tabled a proposal to eliminate provisions for employment security from the collective agreements. Progress would be reported to the Board in January.

(iv)     The Concordia University Faculty Association (CUFA) had been in negotiations for eighteen months. The University's proposal to increase the required number of credits to be taught by CUFA members, and the upper limit of credits taught, did not meet with favour. To date, there was no agreement regarding the size of the bargaining unit. Mr. Danis reported that negotiations, led by Ms. Bennett, were proceeding in a professional manner. He added that CUFA had been very instrumental to the success of the FALRIP programme.

14.4             Chief Financial Officer Larry English deferred his report to January.

15.               Correspondence

There was no correspondence.

16.               Any other business

Chancellor Eric Molson added words of appreciation for the hard work, good faith and good humour of Dr. Bertrand and Dr. Proppe. He wished everyone a restful and happy holiday.

Mr. Groome told the Board that the Executive Committees of the Governing Boards of McGill and Concordia Universities were continuing to work together to identify ways that collaboration between the two universities could generate savings and mutual benefits.

17.               Date of next meeting

The next meeting of the Board will be held at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 22 January 1997, in Room GM 407-1, on the SGW Campus.

18.               Adjournment

There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 9:42 a.m.

                                                                                                                                Me Bérengère Gaudet
                                                                                                                                Secretary of the Board of Governors