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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.

Laurentian University Hiring 12 New Limited Term Faculty Members

Laurentian University Hiring 12 New Limited Term Faculty Members

Hires support needed in multiple programs and schools.

(August 17, 2022) - Laurentian University is investing in the faculty complement by adding 12 limited-term faculty members across multiple academic departments. The roles will support teaching and learning for the upcoming academic year and will extend into the 2023 academic year.

The wide range of programs and schools for which faculty members are being sought includes:

  • School of Indigenous Relations
  • Nursing  
  • School of Liberal Arts
  • Engineering 
  • Computational Sciences
  • Business Administration 
  • Library and Archives

“This investment into our teaching and learning capacity will undoubtedly improve the student experience. Students will continue to have the opportunity to learn directly from their professors through personalized learning.” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of Laurentian University's Board of Governors. 

The university’s staff and faculty are eager to welcome back students for Orientation activities, beginning on September 1, as well as for the first official day of classes, September 7, 2022. 

A full list of faculty positions that are currently open can be found at: https://laurentian.ca/careers/faculty-vacancies. 
 

Dominic Beaudry named new Associate Vice-President, Academic and Indigenous Programs

Dominic Beaudry named new Associate Vice-President, Academic and Indigenous Programs

(August 15, 2022) - We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dominic Beaudry as the new Associate Vice-President, Academic and Indigenous Programs (AVP-AIP) starting October 1, 2022.

In this role, Mr. Beaudry will play a leadership role in promoting, developing and implementing initiatives and programs that support the Laurentian University Native Education Council’s (LUNEC) mission to support self-determination of Indigenous peoples. As part of his role, Dominic will focus on ensuring access and support for retention and graduation of Indigenous students. As the new AVP-AIP, Mr. Beaudry will continue to focus on and support recent initiatives and programs including the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute, the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, which houses Indigenous Student Affairs, and the ongoing commitment to increasing Indigenous content across the curriculum.

As an Anishnaabe historian and language advocate, Mr. Beaudry brings extensive experience in Indigenous education, and strategic and land-based learning. Most recently, Mr. Beaudry served as an Education Officer with the Ontario Ministry of Education. Prior to that, he served as a Teacher and Anishinaabe Language and Culture Facilitator.

Mr. Beaudry is currently a member of the Laurentian University’s Native Education Council (LUNEC). He is also a member of the North East Indigenous advisory committee at Science North and the program advisory committee for the general arts and science programs at Cambrian College. Mr. Beaudry holds degrees in education and history and as an Anishinaabe historian, he is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Laurentian in Human Studies and Interdisciplinarity.

We would like to extend deep gratitude to Dr. Susan Manitowabi for serving as Interim Associate Vice-President, Academic and Indigenous Programs. We are grateful to the members of the Advisory Committee for their commitment of extensive time and energy throughout the search.

We look forward to working with Mr. Beaudry as he brings broad and deep experiences as an Indigenous leader in education.

Please join us in welcoming him to Laurentian University.

Laurentian Voyageurs summer camps attract local youth

Laurentian Voyageurs summer camps attract local youth

Camps promote leadership and teambuilding skills in support of youth development.

(August 12, 2022) - Laurentian University’s Voyageurs summer youth camps, operated by the Campus Recreation team, offer unique childcare services that promote the development of youth through a variety of activities. Voyageurs camps began in early July, and are offered through September 3rd. So far this summer, the camps have welcomed hundreds of youth on campus who have gained leadership and teambuilding skills.

For ages six to thirteen, outdoor adventure camp and multi-sport camp alternate weekly. Outdoor adventure camp offers diverse outdoor activities that include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and wilderness survival training (shelter building, starting a campfire, tying knots, etc). Multi-sport camp offers a variety of indoor and outdoor sporting activities including floor hockey, basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, badminton, volleyball and squash.

Mini Voyageurs camp, for ages four to five, is offered all summer long and includes a combination of outdoor adventure camp and multi-sport camp activities as well as initiatives that collectively promote teamwork and creativity.

Voyageurs summer camps also offer sport-specific camps in basketball, soccer, and baseball. These camps are led by Laurentian sports team coaches and athletes. Participating youth learn sporting rules and techniques, as well as how to be a good team player and accept defeat. All camps utilize facilities available on campus which includes four full sized gymnasiums, two squash courts, a beach volleyball court, a challenge course (called the Tango tower), three soccer fields, and four tennis courts.

Camps are made possible not only by Campus Recreation staff but by Laurentian students who are “camp counselors,” promoting teamwork and resilience amongst campers while ensuring the safest possible environment for all camp activities. Camps also accepts high school student volunteers to assist with the planning and execution of camp activities, an excellent means for students to complete community service hours.

About the dedication of camp counselors, Jean Benoit, Campus Recreation Coordinator, said: “The counselors are students who really, really care and are there for the kids. They put in so many more hours than what you see during the day. They are patient and they work hard.”

Shaelynne Wallace, Voyageurs camp counselor and third-year Concurrent Education student, described that she is passionate about working with participating campers: “Every year I love watching the children try new things, get out of their comfort zones, and make new friendships and memories. Working at camp has helped me to be able to think quickly on my feet, grow in my leadership skills and learn to collaborate ideas with different people. Working at summer camp is really the best way to spend your summer!”

To learn more about Voyageurs summer youth camps, please contact Campus Recreation Coordinator, Jean Benoit at campusrec@laurentian.ca or visit the Laurentian University Voyageurs website or Facebook page.

Dr. Joy Gray-Munro named Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture

Dr. Joy Gray-Munro named Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture

Long-time University leader begins new role immediately.

(July 29, 2022)  – The national search for the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture has now been completed and Laurentian University is pleased to introduce Dr. Joy Gray-Munro as Dean.
 
Dr. Gray-Munro, an Associate Professor from Laurentian University’s Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture has been at Laurentian for nearly 20 years and has filled multiple leadership roles within the University, including: 

A leader amongst her peers, her dedication to teaching was also recognized as the winner of the Laurentian University Full Time Teaching Excellence Award in 2018. Her research has focused on Chemistry, specifically in the area of surface chemistry with an emphasis on the surface modification of biomedical implant materials to improve their biocompatibility. One particular focus is on the development of coatings to control the biodegradation rate and biocompatibility of biodegradable metallic implants for orthopedic applications.

Dr. Gray-Munro earned her Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry at the University of Western Ontario in 2001 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Mount Allison University. Her doctoral work involved the surface modification of biomedical polymers to give them antibacterial properties. She completed postdoctoral positions at the National Research Council and the University of New Brunswick before becoming a faculty member at Laurentian University in 2003.
 
Dr. Gray-Munro begins her term as Dean on August 1, 2022. The University also wishes to recognize the many efforts of Dr. Dean Millar who served in the role of Interim Dean since December of 2020.
 

Laurentian University hosts Canadian high school students for bilingual, tricultural summer program

Laurentian University hosts Canadian high school students for bilingual, tricultural summer program

Shad Canada partnership equips youth to tackle challenges via STEAM-based solutions.

(July 28, 2022) - Fifty-six grade ten and eleven Canadian high school students have been keeping busy on Laurentian’s campus, participating in Shad Canada’s twenty-seven day program from July 3rd through July 29th. Laurentian University is one of twenty-one host universities across the nation in partnership with Shad Canada, a not-for-profit organization who equip youth to tackle social and economic challenges via a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) and entrepreneurial lens.

“We have students participating in this year’s program from nearly every province,” said Christian Laforge, program co-director, Shad Laurentian. “This year’s cohort is a very talented and diverse group. Some are provincially or nationally ranked athletes, others are well versed musicians, or national science fair winners.” For many of these students, this is their first time being away from home for such a lengthy period of time.

Shad students (referred to as ‘shads’) immerse themselves fully in the program by living in residence on Laurentian’s campus. Shads follow a carefully planned schedule of activities that finds them attending academic lectures and workshops, participating in canoe trips and camping adventures, and engaging in Indigenous teachings, thanks to Laurentian’s tri-cultural identity. This July, eighteen out of twenty-one Shad Canada partnering institutions offered the Shad program, and Laurentian is the only institution that offered a bilingual experience. 

While educational and cultural enrichment via a STEAM and entrepreneurial lens is central to Shad Laurentian, so is the promotion of a sense of community. This kept in mind, Shads benefitted from visits across Greater Sudbury, including to Collège Boréal, Cambrian College, Dynamic Earth, Science North, NOSM University, and even a local farmer’s market. A grant from the City of Greater Sudbury’s Event Support Fund, through the Tourism and Culture department, helped subsidize some of Shad Laurentian’s programming, developed around the theme of wellness. 

“The City of Greater Sudbury and Sudbury Tourism are proud to support this program that provides a transformative learning journey for students from across Canada,” said Mayor of Greater Sudbury, Brian Bigger. “The Shad program provides a unique experience unlike any other, allowing students to learn about STEAM and entrepreneurship while exploring the surrounding learning environment here in Greater Sudbury.” Mayor Brian Bigger visited the University’s campus in July, to meet Laurentian shads.

While Shad Laurentian 2022 wraps up this week, today, Shads have the opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned and enjoyed most about the program through an Open Day of activities. 

“This is a fantastic group of young people. Over the last three weeks we’ve watched them explore their own interests in the STEAM fields, work as teams, ask questions, and come up with solutions. Their energy and enthusiasm is contagious,” said Shad Laurentian co-director and Full Professor at Laurentian University, Dr. Thomas Merritt.

Shad Laurentian anticipates many future years of success through partnership with Shad Canada. Not only does the program offer a unique educational opportunity to high school students who may be interested in the pursuit of future studies at the University, the program also employs several current and former Laurentian students.

“Shad Canada is thrilled to have Laurentian University join our complement of in-person program offerings in 2022. We are excited for the exceptional tri-cultural experience they are offering our pan-Canadian participants!” - Leanne O'Donnell, Director, National Programs, Shad Canada.

For those interested in future opportunities through Shad Laurentian, please contact Christian Laforge at christian.laforge@laurentian.shad.ca or Dr. Thomas Merritt at thomas.merritt@laurentian.shad.ca. 

Laurentian Ph.D. alumnus, Xuyang Meng, awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal

Laurentian Ph.D. alumnus, Xuyang Meng, awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal

An academic feat of hard work, resilience, and honour.

(July 27, 2022) - Post-doctoral researcher and Laurentian University alumni Xuyang Meng, has received a prestigious Governor General’s Gold Medal award for academic excellence at the graduate level. Meng’s Ph.D in Economic Geology, belonging to the Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geology program at Laurentian, focused on understanding the formation of porphyry copper deposits in the early Precambrian eon. Established in 1873, Governor General Academic Medals encourage strong scholastic performance across Canada. Medals are awarded annually to students graduating with the highest academic standing in four distinct levels of education; secondary, post-secondary collegiate, undergraduate, and graduate.

Nominated for this achievement by the Harquail School of Earth Sciences, Meng described feeling honored and humbled to be a recipient. “I am grateful for the encouragement, advice, and help from my supervisors and colleagues at Laurentian, advisors on my Ph.D. committee, and collaborators from around the world. I treasure this award for recognizing our efforts.” 

Meng has demonstrated great resilience and determination along his academic journey. His post-secondary studies began in Beijing, China, where he obtained his B.Sc. in Geology (2013), followed by M.Sc in Mineralogy, Petrology, and Mineral Deposit Geology (2016). Meng then moved to Canada to begin his Ph.D. in Economic Geology at the University of Alberta where he began to work closely with his faculty supervisor, Dr. Jeremy Richards. 

In 2017, Dr. Richards was offered a Canadian Research Chair (Tier I) position at Laurentian. In light of this and Meng’s attested interest in the University’s Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geology program, both relocated to Sudbury. About this decision, Meng described with confidence that, “there were so many great professors [and] this program could take me back to the geological processes of ancient times when the studied mineral deposits formed, which is very interesting.” 

Sadly, in 2019, Dr. Richards passed away after a battle against cancer. “I was shocked by this sad and sudden news,” said Meng. “I even considered the possibility of quitting my Ph.D.” However, with Dr. Richards in mind, Meng decided to push forward and follow his passion for research: “I wanted to continue the projects that we’d started, and achieve our goals. That was what I thought I could do for Jeremy.” Notably and even after Dr. Richard’s passing, his contributions and insights assisted Meng in the completion of his doctoral degree: “I am grateful for the research opportunities that my supervisor brought me… He was a brilliant scientist and knew almost everything regarding porphyry copper deposits.” 

Meng described being grateful that Dr. Richards’ colleagues at Laurentian stepped up to supervise his students. “I always felt lucky to be at Laurentian, where people were there to help me when I met obstacles. I could not have overcome these difficulties without the support from many friendly people in the department [at the Harquail School], and at Laurentian.” Faculty from Laurentian who supported the completion of Meng’s degree mainly include Drs. Daniel Kontak, Pedro Jugo and Ross Sherlock. Dr. Adam Simon, who Meng currently works with at the University of Michigan for his postdoctoral research, and Dr. Jingwen Mao, the supervisor of Meng’s master thesis, have also been sources of support for Xuyang.  

Meng has high aspirations for his future. His passion for scientific discovery is ongoing and as he attested: “Having met many eminent geologists since coming to Canada such as Jeremy, Dan, Adam, Pedro, Ross, and others, as well as having obtained my Ph.D. degree and now the Governor General’s Gold Medal, I have strengthened my confidence in my field.” Speaking about his future contributions, Meng said that he looks forward to helping bridge the gap in geological studies between various nations across the globe. 

“I hope to continue to be able to make more significant academic contributions to our society.”
 

Laurentian University files Plan of Arrangement

Laurentian University files Plan of Arrangement

Plan brings the university one step closer to a successful emergence from CCAA proceedings

Sudbury ON, July 21, 2022  – Laurentian University reached a significant milestone in its restructuring today with the filing of its Plan of Arrangement with the Superior Court of Justice. The Plan represents the culmination of more than 18 months of collaboration in the CCAA proceeding by Laurentian and its creditors, union leaders and key stakeholders, and brings the university much closer to emergence from CCAA protection.  

Laurentian will be seeking a court Order on July 28, 2022, authorizing it to call a meeting of creditors to be held on September 14, 2022, in order to vote on the Plan. Provided the Plan is approved by creditors at the meeting, a further 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 more financially sustainable university with a solid path for future success. 

“We are pleased to confirm that the materials filed today provide Laurentian University with the opportunity to hit the reset button and emerge as a restructured university with a clear path for financial sustainability,” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of Laurentian University’s Board of Governors. “This is the result of 18 months of productive dialogue with our stakeholders, with the common goal of ensuring that Laurentian University continues to operate for years to come as a critical part of the fabric and economy of Northern Ontario.” 

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and for the active participation of all of our partners throughout the restructuring,” added Bangs. “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 be able to emerge from the restructuring much stronger than before and look to the future with renewed optimism.”

Laurentian University Board of Governors announces leadership transition

Laurentian University Board of Governors announces leadership transition

President and Provost to Retire

Sudbury ON, July 21, 2022  – As part of the Plan of Arrangement materials filed today with the Superior Court of Justice, Laurentian University announced the pending retirement of Dr. Robert Haché as President and Vice-Chancellor and Dr. Marie-Josée Berger as Provost, to be effective prior to emergence from CCAA. An interim president and provost will be appointed, and the formal search process to identify a permanent president, in consultation with the Laurentian community, will be commenced.

“We deeply appreciate President Haché’s and Provost Berger’s leadership and contributions to Laurentian,” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of the Board of Governors. “Their guidance and resolve have been indispensable during the most challenging period in our history.” 

“At this pivotal time for Laurentian University, I leave my leadership role with energy and optimism for the future,” said President Haché. “I’ve approached my role with clear priorities: to learn from the Laurentian community, to successfully complete the CCAA restructuring process, and to put our university on track for an academically rich, culturally diverse, and fiscally sound future. I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to serve this great university.” 

“While we still have far to go, our Board feels renewed optimism as we work with our community and government partners to protect and advance Laurentian’s unique mission as a bilingual and tricultural institution for Ontario’s North,” said Bangs.

Donor provides $200,000 to bolster School of Education programming

Donor provides $200,000 to bolster School of Education programming

Wyona Thompson posthumously provides major gift to support students

(June 28, 2022) - A new $200,000 gift has been made to the School of Education in the name of Wyona Thompson, Laurentian University alumna, who passed away in June 2021. This gift will be used to support full-time students in the Bachelor of Education programs in both English and French. The “Wyona Thompson Fund” will create scholarships to reward students for academic merit, bursaries to assist students in financial need, and will provide travel support to students completing placements outside the Greater Sudbury area, with preference given to placements in underserved Northern areas. 

“This funding will directly benefit our students in a significant way. It will also allow students to spend time in communities in Northern areas that currently lack educators, benefiting both the students as well as the communities themselves.” - Dr. Céline Larivière, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Health. 

Wyona and her late husband, Dr. Ollan White, were strong believers in the transformative power of education. Once educators themselves in the communities of Sudbury, Petawawa, and Kingston, they would be proud to know that this gift will support the next generation of educators on their journey. 

“Our graduates lead by innovating in classrooms, by positively impacting the wellbeing of children and strengthening communities. Teachers are role models to children. Wyona’s gift will support education students to undertake placements in schools located in more remote and underserved communities where role models will have a tremendous and long-lasting impact on young people.” added Dr. Larivière. 

The new funding will begin supporting students in the 2022-2023 academic year; students who are interested in applying for these scholarships will be able to do so via the Student Awards office.

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