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Laurentian University student enrolment exceeds planning forecasts

Laurentian University student enrolment exceeds planning forecasts

Demand for LU education remains strong despite anticipated year-over-year drop

(November 4, 2021)  - With nearly 8,000 individual students currently enrolled at Laurentian University for the Fall 2021 semester, thousands of students continue to place their trust in the academic programs, faculty members and community that support their education. 

“As we march on the path toward a more sustainable future, it’s incredibly encouraging to see that the demand for Laurentian University is still strong and signals that we continue to be an important part of Ontario’s postsecondary system and a critical institution supporting the growth of northern Ontario,” said Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

Students are completing their education both online (2,100) and in degree programs which are primarily being delivered in-person at the Sudbury campus (5,900). This level of enrolment is approximately 400 students above planned enrolment. 

Of note, enrolment numbers show a positive trend for French-language programs year-over-year, which results in more than 20% of the student population currently enrolled in French-language degree programs.

The University measures enrolment levels in November each year in order to account for new and returning students. This count, which shows a 14% year-over-year drop, represents students who are currently enrolled in 106 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. 

Recently, due to many converging circumstances, Laurentian embarked on the path of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA), fundamentally restructuring its academic offerings to ensure it continues to deliver on its mandate to northern Ontario and Canada.

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 
     

Future Laurentian Nursing Students Eligible for Free Tuition

Future Laurentian Nursing Students Eligible for Free Tuition

Graduate and undergraduate students from Ontario studying Nursing may benefit from generous provincial grant

(February 9, 2023 - Sudbury, ON) - Future students interested in pursuing a career in Nursing received potentially life-changing news recently as the Provincial Government has introduced the “Ontario Learn and Stay Grant.” This grant, which applies only to Ontario residents, will soon provide free tuition for students enrolling in certain health care programs such as Laurentian University’s nursing programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

“We are encouraged to see this investment into the future of Northern Ontario’s health care providers by the Provincial Government. Our diverse pool of students, including francophones, will benefit greatly from this grant, as will the many residents of our region,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor.

Students who receive this grant must commit to working in the region where they studied. For every year of schooling, students complete under the grant program, they must work in the region for a six-month period. In addition to providing free tuition, the funding will cover the cost of compulsory fees, books and other direct educational costs. 

“That this opportunity is extended to students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs will amplify the impact on addressing critical nursing shortages. Students training to become nurses and nurses advancing their professional education will contribute to strengthening health care in Northern Ontario communities,” said Dr. Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic.

Students enrolling in the undergraduate nursing programs in French or English will be eligible and Laurentian is working with the province to identify which specific graduate nursing program streams will be eligible for this grant.

Read more about the grant at https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-learn-and-stay-grant or contact Laurentian University at info@laurentian.ca.

 

About the Laurentian University School of Nursing

With a long-standing history and presence in Northern Ontario, the School of Nursing has prepared students to enter the nursing profession for over 50 years. The 4-year English and French Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree programs are nationally accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing and provincially approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario. The Laurentian University School of Nursing also offers two additional programs in French: the BScN program for Registered Nurses and for Registered Practical Nurses.

In addition to offering undergraduate nursing education, students also have the opportunity to study nursing at the graduate level. The Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) program is offered in English and French with four streams including Nurse Practitioner (clinical stream), Advanced Practice Nursing (course-based stream), Thesis (research stream), and Post Nurse Practitioner Certificate (course-based stream). All streams in the MScN program are delivered remotely with the exception of onsite requirements for the Nurse Practitioner program. The School is proud to contribute to the community by building capacity for advanced practice nursing in the North and beyond.

Laurentian Orientation team plans a warm welcome during Frost Week

Laurentian Orientation team plans a warm welcome during Frost Week

Frost week welcomes students for the winter semester

January 5, 2023 - The frosty season is in full swing and Laurentian University’s campus resembles a winter wonderland. For many, fresh snow means opportunities to enjoy winter hobbies such as skating on Lake Ramsey or skiing the Laurentian trails. Winter’s arrival also means a brand new semester has begun for students. 

While most students enroll in the fall, over four hundred begin their studies in the winter. This includes international students, many of whom are eager to experience their first Canadian winter. “While winter conditions can initially be a little overwhelming for some new to the area, our students tend to embrace the snowy season and enjoy it for all its beauty,” said Corie Ann Flesch, Student Transitions Coordinator, Office of Student Success. 

To welcome new and returning students to campus, the Orientation team has planned Frost Week - programming designed to help students stay positive, healthy, and connected. Campus tours, course registration clinics, and social gatherings such as a trivia night and winter crafts with peers are but some of the many planned activities. A welcome booth staffed by knowledgeable front-line personnel will be available all week long in the R.D.-Parker building Atrium. 

“We want to ensure that all students feel supported and welcomed into a new semester and new year. With the help of the Peer Program, other student leads, staff and faculty, Frost Week will be filled with activities to connect students,” said Christina Larocque, Student Engagement Coordinator, Office of Student Success. 

“Our goal is to make sure students know the services that we offer and how to access them. Frost week events designed to make everything as accessible as possible to help students transition to Laurentian University, successfully,”  added Flesch. 

For more information about Frost Week and to view the schedule of events, please visit laurentian.ca/orientation.

Laurentian University successfully exits CCAA process

Laurentian University successfully exits CCAA process

Solid financial foundation to serve students, staff, faculty and the community for future generations

November 28, 2022 - Laurentian University has successfully completed its restructuring process under the CCAA and has now emerged from the court proceedings which began on February 1, 2021. This milestone allows Laurentian to continue to work with its key stakeholders to rebuild from a solid financial foundation. 

“While there is much healing and hard work yet to be done, today we emerge stronger with safeguards in place to ensure a sustainable, more transparent and inclusive future,” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of the Board of Governors. “Reforming our governance, improving operations and heeding the recommendations of the Auditor General will keep us on track but, most importantly, we must be committed to respecting all of the University’s stakeholders as key decisions about the future are made.”

“We are committed to rebuilding pride in LU and regaining the confidence of our many stakeholders and the Greater Sudbury community. We’ll do this through our actions in the months and years ahead as we form our strategic plan and continue organizational transformation,” said Dr. Tammy Eger, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “Students and parents can feel confident in their decision to choose Laurentian to advance their education.”

The university is in a position to begin the process of forming the next strategic plan and implementing recommendations relevant to operations and governance, all while actively consulting with stakeholders including students and parents, faculty members, staff, labour partners, retired academics, alumni, donors, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Francophones, government partners, the Greater Sudbury community, and many more. 

“The future is bright for Laurentian, we have work ahead to transform our institution, but the path forward is clear. We are inspired to realize the vast potential within our community,” said Dr. Eger. 

Court Approves Laurentian’s Plan of Arrangement

Court Approves Laurentian’s Plan of Arrangement

Approval paves way for University to exit CCAA process

(October 5, 2022) - Laurentian University’s exit from the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) process is now within reach as Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice has approved the university’s Plan of Arrangement. 

With this most recent approval, Laurentian is now weeks away from being able to successfully emerge from the CCAA process. This significant milestone should give confidence to those applying to Laurentian that they will be able to start and finish their degrees here.

Approval of the Plan by the Court allows the University to proceed to Plan Implementation, once the conditions to Plan Implementation have been satisfied. When the Plan is implemented later this fall, Laurentian will have successfully emerged from its CCAA restructuring as a financially sustainable university with a solid path for future success. The Plan of Arrangement was previously approved by the University’s creditors on September 14, 2022. 

The University will soon welcome hundreds of prospective students and their families to its Fall Open House on October 22. During the event, students are led on guided tours of the campus, meet faculty members and even sit in on sample lectures in multiple disciplines. Registration for the event is now open.

Groundbreaking new Indigenous Course Offering at Laurentian

Groundbreaking new Indigenous Course Offering at Laurentian

Following the University’s Tricultural mandate, Laurentian University is proud to introduce a groundbreaking new Indigenous curriculum with the first course launching this fall. The new courses offer Anishnaabe earth-based courses that correspond with the four directions and center hub teaching model. The courses offered will focus on oral, participatory, and immersive language learning.

The first course offered will be the Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Bngishmok: The Western Direction course taking place from September 17 – 24, 2022. The course will provide students with an opportunity to participate in an 8-day camp environment where they will learn to speak Anishnaabemowin through listening to, and participating in, Anishnaabe teachings and stories. It will be open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners.

The development and launch of this innovative curriculum closely follows the recommendations developed by the Laurentian Truth and Reconciliation Task Force summary report. This was developed to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Report which issued the 94 Calls to Action for Canadians from all walks of life. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls on institutions of higher learning to provide programs and curriculum that integrate Indigenous knowledge for Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. Laurentian is committed to collaborating with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and local community partners to develop the Indigenous courses and content. 

This unique immersive 8-day course will offer a deep learning experience that has the potential to open students to new ways of knowing and being. Participants can expect to have a greater and deeper understanding of their relationship to the earth and to each other, as expressed within Anishnaabe four directional teachings and embedded within Anishnaabemowin language.

To learn more about this course and register, please contact Kevin Fitzmaurice at kfitzmaurice@laurentian.ca.

Laurentian University Creditors Vote to Approve Plan of Arrangement

Laurentian University Creditors Vote to Approve Plan of Arrangement

Major achievement puts university on track for successful emergence from CCAA proceedings

Sudbury ON, September 14, 2022  –  Laurentian University today announced that its creditors have voted to approve the Plan of Arrangement filed with the Superior Court of Justice in July, clearing the way for the university to proceed to seek court approval of the Plan and, following implementation of the Plan, emergence from the CCAA proceedings. The Plan represents the culmination of more than 18 months of collaboration by Laurentian and its creditors, union leaders and key stakeholders. The vote is a significant milestone for the university as it seeks to emerge from CCAA as a successful and sustainable institution for the long-term. 

“We are pleased by the confidence shown by Laurentian’s creditors and all our stakeholders as a result of this vote,” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of Laurentian University’s Board of Governors. “It’s exciting to see the community unite toward the common goal of ensuring that Laurentian University will operate for years to come as a critical part of the fabric and economy of Northern Ontario. This vote puts us one step closer to that reality.”

Now that the Plan has been approved by creditors, a court Order will be sought by Laurentian on October 5, 2022, which allows the Plan to be implemented following satisfaction of certain conditions. Once the Plan is implemented, Laurentian will have successfully emerged from its CCAA restructuring as a financially sustainable university with a solid path for future success. Implementation of the Plan is expected to occur later this fall.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Government of Ontario, and for the active participation of all of our partners throughout this difficult process,” added Bangs. “While there is still work to be done, this milestone sends a strong message to current and future students, to our dedicated staff and faculty, to anyone within the Laurentian community, and to people throughout the North. We’re confident we will soon emerge from the restructuring stronger than before and with a sense of renewed optimism.”

A YES VOTE MEANS TAKING BACK CONTROL

A YES VOTE MEANS TAKING BACK CONTROL

Our chance to rebuild a stronger Laurentian is now

Jeff Bangs - Op-ed

(August 17, 2022) - It all comes down to this.

More than a year and half has passed since Laurentian University entered CCAA proceedings, which started a long, difficult, and often divisive process that forced our institution – and the community at large – to look inward at our past shortcomings and better understand how we must protect the future of the university.

I wondered at times if we had reached a point of no-return. We have not.

When I joined the Board of Governors, first on an interim basis before officially accepting the chairperson’s role earlier this year, I was adamant about not letting this university fade into obscurity. It’s simply too important to Sudbury and to Ontario. It’s too important to Indigenous and francophone communities who count on a strong Laurentian to provide educational opportunities close to home in a culturally relevant manner. It’s too important to faculty who have dedicated their careers to building programs sought after by students from nearby and around the world for the jobs of today and tomorrow. And it’s too important to students who have continued to choose Laurentian as their post-secondary destination of choice, for a high-quality education in a Northern setting.

We know the future of Laurentian must be based on restoring relationships which are grounded in trust, transparency, and mutual respect.  We are poised – following an endorsement of the Plan of Arrangement in the upcoming vote by creditors – to turn the page on the darkest chapter in Laurentian’s history and move swiftly into the rebuilding phase.

To be successful, we must institute transparent governance practices and an inclusive role for all our partners. There is as much room to consult and work with our labour representatives as there is to work with our retirees and community leaders whose wisdom, lived experience and dedication to Laurentian should be embraced. A yes vote on the Plan of Arrangement is the surest way to bring an end to the CCAA process and enable the university to emerge with a commitment to open communication with all stakeholders.

While we’ve recently invested in the hiring of 12 limited-term faculty members, we want to do much more to grow our faculty complement. After a yes vote, we will find ways to work together to increase student enrolment which will allow us to hire additional faculty and staff.  We will also expedite the process to recruit a new President and Provost, and involve all stakeholders in the development of a new, realistic and achievable Strategic Plan.

Together, we will work through the operational and governance reform that is necessary to allow Laurentian to rebuild and ensure that working groups, committees, Senate and the Board of Governors operate collegially and are given the opportunity to provide meaningful input into these processes which will help shape the future of Laurentian.

It is a stressful time for those who must cast a ballot and tensions are, understandably, running high. However, the current prevalence of misinformation in the community is preying on peoples’ hopes and fears. The “Vote no to get better deal” message provides a false sense of hope that voting against the Plan of Arrangement is a risk-free bet. It is not. If the vote is not successful, the most likely outcome will be a shift from a considerable amount of effort to save Laurentian, to a liquidation of the institution. This means a wind-up, and in that scenario, nobody wins. Jobs will be eliminated, pension plans terminated and students dispersed to other post-secondary institutions.

For those who believe they can hold out for a better deal, there is none that Laurentian can offer. Life will move on, and history will forget this great institution. Let that sink in for a moment. Are we prepared to let Laurentian disappear before our eyes when we are so close to saving it? 

The renewed Board of Governors was recruited to be objective in its analysis of what it will take to save this university. We have worked tirelessly as volunteers with various perspectives and life experiences to put forward the best plan possible. We’ve done that because this is not a game, it is a fight for the survival of Laurentian.

For those with a vote, I recognize that you did not ask to be put in this position. However small you may think your stake in this important decision is though, let me assure you, your vote does matter. Be wary of those who would have you believe otherwise. We urge you to think long and hard about the implications of a no vote because it could set off a chain of events that Laurentian will not recover from.

Voting yes, even reluctantly, allows all of us to take back control. The chance to make Laurentian’s future stronger, more inclusive, and financially stable is upon us.

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Jeff Bangs, Chair of Laurentian University's Board of Governors.

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