About Academic and Francophone Affairs

The Office of the Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs plays a leadership role in promoting, developing and implementing programs and policies that aim to reinforce the Francophone presence at Laurentian University. The office also works to advance and launch academic programs aiming to meet the goals of the Francophone and Francophile community served by the University all the while striving for excellence in existing French-language programs. Moreover, the office is responsible for implementing the University’s Policy on Bilingualism and its designation under the French-Language Services Act.

Contact us:

By telephone at 705 675-1151, ext. 4305

Or by email at vraeaf@laurentian.ca

The Office of Francophone Affairs (OFA) is the administrative entity at Laurentian University responsible for implementing the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Research Excellence and Security' (MCURES) linguistic policies. It oversees the promotion, development, and protection of the Francophone community within the university and the community at large.

Thanks to the financial support of its government and university partners, the BAF participates in expanding the Francophone space within its university and associative community while contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.

Main responsibilities of the BAF

• Promote Francophone and bilingual programs, as well as Francophone research, services, and initiatives.
• Define and publicize the position of the Francophone community and bilingualism at the University.
• Work to ensure that the community understands the perspective and realities of Francophones in Ontario.
• Ensure the University's compliance with the French Language Services Act
• Support the Bilingualism Committee and University sectors in implementing the Bilingualism Policy and the Francophone mandate
• Ensure the quality of French-language services and handle complaints related to these services and other issues related to the Francophone community and bilingualism
• Support various sectors and sit on internal committees to ensure the Francophone perspective and mandate within the University
• Create and maintain regional, provincial, national, and global Francophone collaborations and partnerships, such as academic and community partnerships, to:
• Improve mobility between French-language programs (articulations, transfers)
• Increase the number and quality of Francophone and bilingual post-secondary programs
• Increase the number of students studying in French
• Promote Francophonie and bilingualism, in addition to protecting the Franco-Ontarian language and culture
• Ensure the implementation of the Strategic Plan's objectives related to Francophonie
• Support the implementation of the Academic Plan, Research Plan, and bilingual services
• Advise senior management (executive team) on Francophonie policy issues
• Advise senior management and the entire university community on issues related to Francophone programs, research, and services
• Support the growth and/or improvement of program offerings and pathways, as well as online and distance learning courses in French

Contact us:

By telephone at 705-675-1151, ext 4305

By email at BAF@laurentian.ca

	Marc R. Lavigne Manager, Community Relations and French Services Support mr_lavigne@laurentian.ca | 705-675-1151 Parker Building, P-316
	Lyane Bouffard Project Officer lm_bouffard@laurentian.ca | 705-675-1151 Parker Building, P-313
	Patrick Venne Advisor to the AVP-Francophone affairs pr_venne@laurentienne.ca | 705-675-1151, ext. 3903 Parker Building, P-318

Laurentian University is one of the Canadian postsecondary educational institutions forming the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS). The objective of CNFS is to improve access to French-language education in various health disciplines and to contribute to the development of research on the health of minority Francophone communities.
  
The goal of this strategic alliance is to reinforce the presence and influence of Francophone health professionals and researchers to fully meet the needs – in French – of minority Francophone communities. Financially supported by Health Canada, the CNFS participates in a significant way in the well-being and development of these communities.

Main responsibilities of CNFS – Laurentian University:

In the area of health, in French, the CNFS supports:

• provision of primary health programs;
• development and delivery of online and distance education courses;
• organizing continuing education activities;
• program promotion and recruitment;
• assistance with research initiatives;
• students via scholarships;
• clinical training of students on placement;
• opportunities for research assistance.

Helpful links:

• CNFS – Laurentian University
• CNFS – National Secretariat
• Boîtes à outil pour l'offre active
• Portail de la recherche sur la francophonie canadienne

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