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New Five-Year Strategic Plan launched at Laurentian University

New Five-Year Strategic Plan launched at Laurentian University

Plan emphasizes unique aspects that make up Laurentian’s diverse identity

March 27, 2024 - A new chapter begins for Laurentian University with the introduction of the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. Named “Laurentian’s Plan for Connection, Innovation, and Impact”, the plan identifies a vision, a mission, values, and four key priorities as the focus of the academic institution over the next five years. 

“The vision, mission, and values are much more than words on a page. They are the bedrock of any organization’s strategy – they are to be used to guide priorities, shape shared ambitions, and to define how the University will strive to create a lasting impact.” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “This plan is the result of an in-depth and inclusive process that mobilized many people with unique perspectives who make up the Laurentian community.”

The development of the strategic plan began in July 2023 and featured extensive participation from the Laurentian community. Workshops, consultations, town halls, and surveys were  conducted to gather and organize invaluable feedback from students, staff, and faculty. To help with the in-depth process, StrategyCorp was hired as the strategic plan consultant. Together with the University’s planning committee, the input and perspectives of more than 2,500 people within the Laurentian community were collected and analyzed. 

This path forward emphasizes the importance of, and our dedication to, deepening partnerships and fostering collaborations with the Laurentian community in four priority areas: enhancing the student experience; energizing the academic and research mission; building up the communities served; and valuing and supporting the people who make up Laurentian University.

The implementation of this plan is now underway as success indicators are in development. In the coming months, the academic and research plans will have an important role in defining  how key elements of the strategic plan will be implemented.

 

Plan Highlights

Vision: Bring the power of Northern Ontario values, resilience, innovation, and Indigenous ways of knowing to the world.

Mission: Prepare the leaders of tomorrow through an inclusive, intellectually curious and  connected bilingual and tricultural learning community.

Values: Community, Integrity, Student Success, Stewardship, Collaboration

 

Strategic Directions: 

  • Enhancing our Student Experience
  • Energizing our Academic and Research Mission
  • Building Up the Communities We Serve
  • Valuing and Supporting our People

 

Learn more about the plan.

Dr. Lynn Wells appointed 12th President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University

Dr. Lynn Wells appointed 12th President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University

December 5, 2023 - The Laurentian University Board of Governors is pleased to announce that Dr. Lynn Wells has been appointed as the next President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University. In this role, Dr. Wells will provide strategic vision and leadership for all academic, administrative, financial, and service operations, in keeping with the university’s bilingual mandate and tricultural identity. Dr. Wells will begin her role as President and Vice-Chancellor starting on April 1, 2024.

Dr. Wells is an experienced leader in postsecondary education, having held a series of senior positions at universities across Canada over the last 20 years. She began her career at the University of Regina, serving as Acting Dean and Associate Dean Research and Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Arts, and finishing her time there as Associate Vice-President, Academic. Following this, she was appointed Vice-President, Academic at First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) where she actively supported national reconciliation and worked directly with Indigenous communities, students, and employees. At MacEwan University, she served as the inaugural Associate Vice-President Students and Teaching.

“The selection committee was thoroughly impressed by Dr. Wells’ depth of experience leading in postsecondary education, her dedication to scholarly excellence, and her commitment to Indigenous and Francophone cultures. She demonstrated an integrity and openness that aligned perfectly with what the Laurentian community identified as what we need in a President. Her authentic and strategic leadership style has helped her to realize institutional goals in her past roles by fostering effective communication. We are thrilled to welcome her to Laurentian,” said Vernon Cameron, Chair of the Laurentian University Board of Governors.

Dr. Wells has demonstrated strong resilience in leadership as well. Since 2020, she has been the Provost and Vice-President Academic at Brock University, where for 15 months she served concurrently as Interim President, providing critical executive guidance during the difficult pandemic period.

Dr. Wells received her Ph.D. in English from Western University as well as a Master of Arts in English and Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and French Studies both from York University. As a professor, she has held tenured roles for 20 years at Brock, MacEwan, FNUniv, and the University of Regina. Despite her busy administrative career, she has continued her passion for scholarship, actively teaching and publishing peer-reviewed work and presenting at academic conferences in Canada and England. She is a highly regarded scholar, having authored multiple articles on contemporary British fiction as well two books, the most recent of which is on the prominent writer Ian McEwan, on whom she is an internationally recognized expert.

“I strongly believe in the tricultural identity of Laurentian, and its commitment to offer bilingual education. With a degree in French literature, I am a long-time advocate of francophone education and committed to advancing the University’s bilingual mission. As a descendant of settlers who had the opportunity to learn from First Nations and Métis people through my work at FNUniv, I hold genuine passion for both Francophone and Indigenous cultures that have helped me connect with Laurentian’s unique mission to meet the needs of the people of the North and the communities served by the University. I am honoured to be part of Laurentian’s future,” said Dr. Wells upon her appointment.

Laurentian University would like to extend its gratitude to the search committee, as well as the hundreds of community members who provided feedback throughout the selection process. The University has benefited greatly from the leadership of Interim President Dr. Sheila Embleton, who will continue to serve in the interim role until the arrival of Dr. Wells.

Laurentian University to Host Next Building Reconciliation Forum

Laurentian University to Host Next Building Reconciliation Forum

Universities Canada’s annual forum on building reconciliation to be held in Sudbury

October 30, 2023 - Laurentian University will host the next Building Reconciliation Forum, an event aimed at connecting Indigenous and university communities to create meaningful change in support of Indigenous education and Truth and Reconciliation.

Hosted by the office of Academic and Indigenous Programs at Laurentian University, Universities Canada’s 2024 Building Reconciliation Forum will take place in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre in June. 

The Forum will support participants in exploring critical issues related to education for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students; responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action; and Indigenizing post-secondary institutions. 

“Indigenous education and reconciliation are core to Laurentian University’s tricultural identity and we are honoured to host the Forum. We hope to grow an understanding of what universities can do to advance the work and impact of reconciliation,” said Dominic Beaudry, Associate Vice-President, Office of Academic and Indigenous Programs (Zhibiigegamik wi Kendaaswin miinwa Nitaamgayaajig Kinomaagewinan) at Laurentian University. 

“Congratulations to Laurentian University on its selection as host of the next Building Reconciliation Forum,” said Philip Landon, interim president and CEO of Universities Canada. “Advancing Indigenous education and reconciliation is a top priority for Canadian universities, and the Forum helps universities do so in a meaningful and collaborative way. We look forward to engaging with communities surrounding Laurentian University in 2024 as we continue this critically important work.”

“Laurentian University is proud to be hosting the Forum and we look forward to welcoming our colleagues to Sudbury.” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University. 

The Forum will facilitate sharing of knowledge and experience in a wide variety of formats: panel discussions, oral histories, workshops, posters, lectures and presentations from the visual and performing arts. Guest speakers, Elders and Knowledge Keepers will all be engaged in advancing Truth and Reconciliation. 

The forum will bring together speakers and participants from across the country, Turtle Island and local Indigenous groups and community members. Program details will be shared as soon as possible. 

Learn more about the Building Reconciliation Forum, which will be held on Tuesday June 25, Wednesday June 26 and Thursday June 27, 2024.

 

About Universities Canada

Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians.

Media contact:
Lisa Wallace
Assistant Director, Communications
Universities Canada
communications@univcan.ca 

Laurentian University Announces New Vice-President Finance and Administration, Sylvie Lafontaine

Laurentian University Announces New Vice-President Finance and Administration, Sylvie Lafontaine

Seasoned leader brings decades of experience and accounting credentials

October 17, 2023 – Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Sylvie Lafontaine as its new Vice-President Finance and Administration. In this role, Lafontaine will provide strategic financial and operational leadership to the University at this especially important time in the University’s transformation.

Lafontaine is a bilingual executive with over 25 years of experience in public and private sector organizations. She is currently the Senior Director of Decision Support – Financial Planning and Resources Management for the House of Commons in Ottawa. She led the implementation of a decision support organizational model enabling the House’s 3-year strategic plan, including the delivery of the 2023-24 budgets two months early to facilitate an earlier start on strategic initiatives.  She also led the creation of standardized processes to increase consistency, transparency in budgeting and reporting. Prior to this, Lafontaine served as the Chief Administrative Officer for the University of Ottawa leading the consolidation of corporate services supporting the finance and administration sectors.

She has also held roles as the Senior Director, Strategy in the President and CEO’s Office of the Royal Canadian Mint, and as Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Corporate Services for the Standards Council of Canada. Her prior experience goes even further back with roles in the Canada Post Corporation and as an Assistant Deputy Minister for Service Canada. Lafontaine is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) and a graduate of the Bachelor of Business Administration program from Université du Québec en Outaouais in 1983.

“The search committee quickly saw Sylvie’s depth of knowledge in financial and administrative operations. She demonstrated compelling and creative ideas, authentic relationship-building skills, and good judgment. She is just the kind of highly competent leader with integrity that the Laurentian community needs, and I very much look forward to working with her as we continue along our transformation path,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the Search Committee.

“I believe deeply in the importance and potential of postsecondary education. Laurentian is especially unique because of its bilingual and tricultural mandate—this institution is special and I look forward to being part of the team that will continue this legacy of academic excellence and community,” said Lafontaine upon her appointment.

Laurentian would like to extend its gratitude to Michel Piché, Laurentian’s current Interim Vice-President Finance and Administration, who has served admirably in the role since fall 2021. Additionally, many thanks to the search committee for their time spent working with KBRS Executive Search on this critical hire. The members of the search committee included: Dominic Beaudry, Brenda Brouwer, Michel Delorme, Tammy Eger, Sheila Embleton, Tom Fenske, Nadia Mykytczuk, Tanya Shute, and Meredith Teller.

Lafontaine will begin her role as Vice-President Finance and Administration starting on October 30, 2023.

Laurentian University Launches Strategic Plan Development Process

Laurentian University Launches Strategic Plan Development Process

Community members invited to participate

July 14, 2023 – Laurentian University is seeking community input to inform its new strategic plan that will help shape the future of the university and education in Northern Ontario for the next five years and beyond.

The strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for Laurentian University's future growth, development, and impact on the local, national and international stage. It will identify key priorities and initiatives that will guide the institution's actions in the coming years.

"Engaging the many communities that form our University community is integral to the success of our strategic plan. As a bilingual and tricultural institution, we benefit from diverse perspectives,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University. “By actively involving all stakeholders in shaping our future, we will ensure that our strategic priorities align with the needs and aspirations of our community.”

Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Laurentian University is committed to engaging with its diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni, Indigenous partners, community members, industry partners, and other key stakeholders. This community engagement process aims to gather valuable insights, perspectives, and feedback to shape the future of Laurentian University.

Over the next several months, there will be numerous ways for community members to participate in the development of the strategic plan. The University will be sharing more details on these opportunities in the coming weeks.

Laurentian University will share the finalized Strategic Plan in early 2024. 

Questions about the strategic planning and public engagement process, as well as comments and suggestions can be sent to the strategic planning project team at strategicplanning@laurentian.ca or LU-StrategicPlanning@strategycorp.com.

Terms for the sale of Laurentian University’s real estate assets are established

Terms for the sale of Laurentian University’s real estate assets are established

(June 8, 2023) - Laurentian University has established an agreement on a Term Sheet for the sale of real estate worth up to $53.5M. The Term Sheet will help Laurentian University implement its Plan of Arrangement as part of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) process.

This Term Sheet outlines a proposed structure for the transaction which allows the province of Ontario to purchase seven University parcels of land, allowing both parties to explore the potential transaction. After due diligence, including consultations with Indigenous communities, specific assets will be confirmed for sale. The net proceeds of the sale will be used to pay the University’s creditors as set out in the CCAA Plan of Arrangement.

“The University has been focused on exploring the transfer of certain real estate with minimal impact to the operations of the University and this Term Sheet will do just that. This is an important milestone in the University’s Exit Loan Financing Agreement. I expect that the community of Greater Sudbury, who passionately expressed the importance of the trail system and green space, will be satisfied with what is outlined in the transaction,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President & Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

The due diligence process will serve to confirm that public trails (including the Trans Canada Trail System and the Rainbow Route Sudbury trail network) are properly identified. The University will retain ownership of all other lands and will seek to strengthen partnerships with the community for the ongoing use and enjoyment of Laurentian’s natural spaces. The University seeks to ensure continued public access to the trail networks and green space.

The total land identified in the Term Sheet covers 68.75 acres, which represents approximately 9% of the University’s total 750+ acres. There are also five buildings identified in the Term Sheet, which would be fully or partially leased back to Laurentian or NOSM University:

  • East Residence
  • Vale Living with Lakes Centre and Watershed Building
  • Northern Ontario School of Medicine
  • Health Sciences Building
  • Security and Maintenance Building

With this non-binding Term Sheet, the University is now in a position to explore the sale of these assets and work together with the province of Ontario to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement, by no later than November 28, 2025.

Laurentian University Board Approves 2023-2024 Budget

Laurentian University Board Approves 2023-2024 Budget

University regaining financial health with planned surplus of $8.2M

(April 28, 2023) - Laurentian University’s Board of Governors has unanimously approved the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget at their meeting today. This budget represents the result of many months of planning after the University successfully emerged from the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) process.

“Today is an important milestone in the University’s renewal as we plan a sustainable financial future for Laurentian University. The budget will make key investments in critical areas, prioritizing the student experience,” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of the Laurentian University Board of Governors.  

A unique budget planning process began in November 2022 and included multiple planning meetings with budget managers and labour partners. Groups across campus came together to share strategic initiatives to support the University’s renewal. Through this, seven priorities were identified and guided decision making within the approved budget:

  • Enhancing student experience and satisfaction 
  • Faculty renewal in areas of strength and market demand
  • Maintaining program accreditation
  • Improving student enrollment, retention, and career preparedness
  • Rebuilding relationships with research funding agencies
  • Renewing campus facilities and IT infrastructure and systems upgrade
  • Transformation and Strategic Planning

“This budget enables the University to build from a financially sound foundation. Operating from a surplus position ensures we have contingencies in place and minimizes risk. We are looking forward to faculty and staff renewal in order to better the student experience and promote academic excellence,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

“This budget sends a message of strength to all of our students and prospective students. It also helps our employees turn the corner and move further away from the difficult times we have had over the last two years,” said Tom Fenske, President, Laurentian University Staff Union (LUSU).

The approved budget is planned to generate a surplus of just over $8 million, demonstrating renewed financial health of the institution. 


Budget 2023-2024 Highlights

  • Total revenue: $196.081M
  • Total expenses: $179.671M
  • Total surplus: $8.210M
  • Scholarships and bursaries: $7.5M 
  • Transformational costs: $7.2M 
  • Deferred maintenance: $8.4M 
     

Laurentian University joining Nature Positive Universities Alliance

Laurentian University joining Nature Positive Universities Alliance

LU to support the prioritization of nature restoration

(April 20, 2023) - Laurentian University is celebrating this year’s Earth Day (April 22, 2023) by announcing a commitment to join the Nature Positive University Alliance (NPUA), to support the prioritization of nature restoration within the higher education sector. The NPUA was formed by the University of Oxford and the United Nations Environmental Programme and launched in December 2022 during the COP15 Biodiversity Conference. The alliance counts 128 universities worldwide, including four in Ontario.

“The Nature Positive University Alliance is an initiative that will form a major contribution to the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. It will also allow us to uphold Laurentian’s existing environmental legacy and make even greater contributions to ecosystem restoration,” said Anastacia Chartrand, Chair of the Laurentian University Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC).

A first step of joining the alliance is to perform a baseline study of the biodiversity on campus. To be “Nature Positive”, Laurentian University will need a measured biodiversity baseline, clear actions, and transparent reporting.

“We are pleased to make this pledge, this is a significant step towards environmental stewardship of the university’s biodiversity,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

“As we prepare for Laurentian University’s strategic planning process, we will work closely with our stakeholders and position ourselves to contribute to the larger goal of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. In addition, we wish to meet our responsibility for sustaining clean drainage water for Ramsey Lake, and are seeking to participate in the Mayor’s challenge to protect 30% of lands and waters within the municipal boundary by 2030,” added Dr. Embleton.

The ESC was formed in 2019, is focused on promoting environmental awareness, and is made up of current students and alumni.

Province Re-invests in Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health

Province Re-invests in Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health

CROSH continues its mandate to prevent occupational injury and illness through partnerships with workplaces in Northern Ontario.

(April 18, 2023) - The Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) at Laurentian University is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) has invested $2.5 million, over the next 5 years, to support the core activities of the Centre.

“Our mission is simple – to keep workers out of danger,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government is proud to be funding programs like this in Northern Ontario that keep workers safe on the job and give them and their families greater peace of mind. Working together, we are well on our way to making Ontario the best place in North America to live, work and raise a family.”

The province understands that Northern Ontario has unique occupational health and safety problems to solve and recognizes the role of CROSH as a partner research Centre in achieving its strategic objectives. For example, Northern communities have higher concentrations of resource-based industries, unique environmental challenges, as well as differing demographics.

“CROSH is an excellent example of a research centre working directly with industry partners and the public sector to solve problems in our local communities. We are thankful for the Ministry’s investment in this important research, ” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

In the past 5 years, CROSH has solved workplace problems with 37 business partners, placed 71 students in paid internships, and awarded $124,000 in student scholarships. In that time, the research centre has also raised over $5.5 million in grants, research contracts, and donations.

“CROSH does world-class research with state-of-the-art facilities that other universities in Ontario have. We are fortunate to have this research happening right here in Northern Ontario, in the communities that will directly benefit from these advancements,” said Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President Research at Laurentian University. CROSH is home to the $1 million Workplace Simulator, infrastructure that allows for the recreation of work tasks predominant in Northern Ontario, to allow for the testing of solutions in a lab setting, and a mobile research lab to allow the solutions to be taken directly to the work sites and communities to be implemented.

CROSH Director, Dr. Sandra Dorman added, “This investment allows us to expand our research services and student training while maintaining our system partner collaborations. It also underscores the province’s commitment to the long-term sustainability of the first Occupational Health and Safety Research Centre addressing the specific research needs of Northern Ontario.”


About the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH):
CROSH’s Mission: We envision a Northern Ontario where workplaces partner to ensure every worker gets home safe and healthy every day. We will be an agent for innovation and discovery to solve relevant and critical problems facing northern industries so they can eliminate occupational injury and disease from their workplaces.

CROSH was established in 2008 by Laurentian University to provide a formalized structure for industry, safe workplace associations, labour groups, government organizations and researchers to share workplace injury and disease problems and solutions.

NOSM University and Laurentian University Celebrate New Research Agreement

NOSM University and Laurentian University Celebrate New Research Agreement

Universities working together to attract more research funding to Northern Ontario

(March 15, 2023) - Vital Northern health research will continue—and perhaps expand—thanks to a new deal reached by NOSM University and Laurentian University. 

A new research agreement has been negotiated by the universities following the establishment of NOSM University as Canada’s first independent medical university in 2021. 

“Our institutions have always worked closely on Northern health research,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University. “We have an opportunity to continue to leverage each others’ strengths to better serve the needs of Northern Ontario.”

Laurentian University has collaborated with and supported NOSM University since its inception. Where NOSM University has emerged to play a critical role in Northern and rural medical and clinical research, Laurentian has the systems and supports in place to enable such a high level of research.

“The diversity of Laurentian’s research interests and expertise will allow this collaboration to extend beyond traditional health research. Leveraging researchers in business, the arts, and even disciplines like engineering will open new opportunities,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

“We have a shared interest to strengthen research capacity and attract more research funding to Northern Ontario,” says Dr. David Marsh, Vice Dean, Research Innovation and International Relations at NOSM University. “Continued research alongside aligned health-research partners is a must if we’re going to help solve the health-care challenges in Northern Ontario and beyond.” 

“This is for our universities, and for the people of the North,” says Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President of Research at Laurentian University. “Working together, researchers and students at NOSM University and Laurentian University will be able to address many of the critical research questions raised by community and industry partners.”
 

About NOSM University:
NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university and one of the greatest education and physician workforce strategy success stories of Northern Ontario. More than just a medical university, it was purpose-built to address the health needs of the region. While advocating for equitable access to care, the university contributes to the economic development of Northern Ontario. NOSM University relies on the commitment and expertise of the people of Northern Ontario to educate health-care professionals to practise in Indigenous, Francophone, rural, remote and underserved communities. With a focus on diversity, inclusion and advocacy, NOSM University is an award-winning, socially accountable organization renowned for its innovative model of distributed, community-engaged education and research.

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