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Board of Governors to Elect New Chair

Board of Governors to Elect New Chair

Jeff Bangs to step down after critical tenure as Board Chair

(June 2, 2023) - Laurentian University’s Board of Governors will soon elect a new Chair as current Board Chair Jeff Bangs has announced that he will step down from the volunteer role at the end of the current term. 

Bangs joined the Board in December of 2021 and became Chair shortly thereafter. He led the Board through a critical period of time as Laurentian University exited the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) process. During his tenure, the University saw significant transformation. Bangs led the renewal of the University’s Board of Governors, successfully passed a new budget for the current fiscal year, and initiated both the organizational transformation and strategic planning processes to implement recommendations provided by Ontario’s Auditor General and as required by the creditor-approved Plan of Arrangement. 

“Aside from needing to strike a new balance between my business and volunteer commitments, two main factors have led me to this decision; the successful appointment of my partner as the University’s General Counsel, and concerns related to my health,” said Bangs. 

“To me, given the level of interaction between the Chair, the Board and the General Counsel, it is not appropriate for me to continue in my role. Several months ago, before that search began, I declared a conflict and left the oversight of that search to a committee led by Interim President Embleton. While some have suggested to me that a way can be found to stay on in some capacity, I do not ever want to put the University or the new General Counsel in a real or perceived conflict of interest.” 

“I’ve also recently had a wake-up call about my own health that will require my full attention in the coming weeks and months. I do feel confident with my prognosis and I'm confident I'll be as good as new, soon enough. Until then, I’ll be focusing on my health.” 

Bangs leaves his role having made a profound impact on the future of Laurentian University and is optimistic about what the institution may achieve in the future. “I am confident that I am leaving the Board in good hands with people whose focus is on building a stronger and more transparent future for Laurentian. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and to that end, will remain available as a resource to the Board and to the University for as long as necessary.”

A process is now underway to select a new Chair. 

Laurentian University Receives Innovation Funding to Grow Awareness in Automotive and Mobility Sector

Laurentian University Receives Innovation Funding to Grow Awareness in Automotive and Mobility Sector

Provincial funding to implement projects supporting career opportunities in critical sector

(June 1, 2023) - Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines has been awarded $448,550 from the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) to develop activities with local partners for the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) program, which will help introduce students to careers within Ontario’s automotive & mobility sector.

The funds from the RFW program will be used to fund a project called “Electrifying the Future”, which consists of three components:

  • “MineOpportunity: the automotive and mobility edition”
  • Summer Camps
  • Education Campaign

Nicole Tardif, Program Coordinator at the Goodman School of Mines will be coordinating the projects. “We are looking forward to introducing these activities to Northern Ontario. We have such a unique position to support the automotive and mobility sector and are interested in showing off these great career opportunities for students to explore,” said Tardif.

The RFW Program is a pilot program through OVIN designed to encourage students of all ages, across all regions of Ontario, to pursue careers in the automotive and mobility sector. This work will focus on reducing the stigma associated with automotive industry careers and prioritize engagement with students from equity-deserving and underrepresented groups. 

"Electrifying the Future" is a bilingual (English/French) set of projects, supported by the RFW program, that aims to build awareness of post-secondary programs that lead to careers in the electric vehicle supply chain from mineral exploration all the way to the automotive and mobility industry. The project includes  a promotional campaign that will aim to bring awareness to a variety of career options in this industry. 

Two in-person events will also be implemented to provide elementary, high school and postsecondary students interactive experiences. First,  students in grades 7-12 in Northern Ontario will compete in “MineOpportunity: the automotive and mobility edition” (June 7 & 8) at Dynamic Earth. In this game, students work together to become the “wealthiest” team by successfully answering questions, completing challenges and activities about technology, engineering, geosciences, the environment, careers, corporate social responsibility and the automotive and mobility industry.

Second, two weeks of free summer day camps from July 17-21 and July 31-August 4th, 2023 will be offered for students aged 10-14 years.. STEM and non-STEM lessons and activities will be delivered at three locations (Laurentian University, Cambrian College and College Boreal), along with a one-day field trip to key partners in the project:  Epiroc, Technica Mining, and Laurentian Chrysler.

The “Electrifying the Future” program will inspire coming generations to get involved in the industry by stimulating interest in career choices. It will also raise awareness for emerging trends of innovation and technology in the industry, as well as the importance of critical minerals.

Local Researcher Honoured as Jane Goodall Fellow in Conservation Biology

Local Researcher Honoured as Jane Goodall Fellow in Conservation Biology

Dr. Jackie Litzgus selected to win prestigious award

(May 30, 2023) - Laurentian University is proud to announce that Dr. Jackie Litzgus has been chosen as the first recipient of the Jane Goodall Research Fellowship in Conservation Biology. This esteemed recognition is in honor of Dr. Litzgus's groundbreaking work in safeguarding endangered species, particularly the reptiles facing critical challenges in Ontario.

Dr. Litzgus, a distinguished scientist, has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Laurentian University Research Excellence Award and Ontario Nature's Conservation Leadership Award. Currently serving as the Director of the Vale Living With Lakes Centre, she leads the Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit, a team dedicated to advancing freshwater ecosystem research and conservation. The distinction was presented personally by Dr. Jane Goodall herself, the globally renowned environmentalist. Dr. Goodall visited Sudbury for the world premiere release of her captivating IMAX Science North Film titled "Reasons for Hope."

“On my office wall hangs a poster showcasing many formidable women of science, women I look up to, Dr. Goodall among them. It is both humbling and awe-inspiring to be recognized with a fellowship bearing Dr. Goodall’s name. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to give more focus to the conservation work that my students and I do” said Dr. Litzgus. 

During an intimate meeting to discuss their shared commitment to preserving nature, Dr. Goodall and Dr. Litzgus had the opportunity to engage with Tharusha Wijewardena, a remarkable Laurentian University student from Sri Lanka and a PhD candidate. In recognition of exceptional dedication to biodiversity conservation, Tharusha will be the recipient of a Jane Goodall Student Scholarship, an award made possible by Laurentian faculty and staff, the first of its kind at Laurentian University.

The joint efforts of Dr. Litzgus, Dr. Goodall, and the faculty members at Laurentian University exemplify their passion for environmental stewardship and their commitment to nurturing future leaders in the field of conservation biology. Recently, the University announced a commitment to join the Nature Positive University Alliance (NPUA), to support the prioritization of nature restoration within the higher education sector.

Dr. Jennifer Johnson named Dean of Arts

Dr. Jennifer Johnson named Dean of Arts

Five-year appointment will begin July 1, 2023

(May 23, 2023) - Laurentian University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Johnson as the new Dean of Arts, effective July 1, 2023, for a five-year period. Dr. Johnson is an accomplished researcher with extensive administrative experience and a passion for working with students and supporting their academic success. 

"Dr. Johnson is a strong leader who brings considerable experience and expertise to the role of Dean of Arts. Her pragmatic approach, her understanding of the opportunities within the Faculty of Arts and the University more broadly, along with her focus on people and community position her very well to lead the Faculty forward,” said Dr. Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic.

“I am looking forward to collaborating with our talented faculty members, working with our students, and all of our community partners. Together, we have a unique opportunity to redefine our future at the Faculty of Arts. There is so much potential in what we can achieve together,” said Dr. Johnson. 

Dr. Johnson currently serves as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Liberal Arts and as the Manager of Laurentian Online with the Centre for Continuing Learning. She previously served as Chair of the Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Thorneloe University from 2007-2021.  She  holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Women’s Studies and Philosophy from Queen’s University, a Master of Women’s Studies from St. Hilda’s College, University of Oxford and a Ph.D. in Women’s Studies, from York University. Her research is based in qualitative interdisciplinary approaches to the study of gender including feminist and critical pedagogies, and community-based research. 

The university community wishes to thank Dr. Parveen Nangia for his leadership over the last year serving as Interim Dean of Arts.

Laurentian University selects StrategyCorp as Strategic Plan Consultant

Laurentian University selects StrategyCorp as Strategic Plan Consultant

Canadian firm engaged to support planning process

(May 4, 2023) - The upcoming strategic planning process at Laurentian University will benefit from an experienced Canadian partner as the University has selected StrategyCorp to assist in the process.

This critical planning process will set a foundation for the University’s future and is the result of a public request for proposals which took place in January and February of 2023. The Strategic Plan will be formed as a result of extensive consultations with groups internal and external to Laurentian University, with a particular focus on strengthening the bilingual and tricultural aspects of the institution.

“This strategic planning process will set a critical foundation for the University’s future. The process will be led by the University, the ideas will come from our community, and we’ll benefit from a partner with vast experience,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

After having recently selected Deloitte as the University’s Transformational Consultant, Laurentian University is poised to continue to renew and evolve in line with the needs of Northern Ontario communities.

The assistance of an external advisor in the strategic planning process is a requirement of the court-approved Amended Plan of Compromise and Arrangement. The Strategic Plan will also consider recommendations provided by Ontario’s Auditor General, the NOUS reports, and the French Language Services Commissioner.

The work to develop the Strategic Plan will begin immediately and is slated to be completed by December 2023. There will be many opportunities for engagement and more information on how to participate will be forthcoming.

 

About StrategyCorp

StrategyCorp is a leading consulting firm specializing in strategic advisory services – government relations, strategic communications, and management consulting – to organizations operating in complex, highly regulated and scrutinised environments. Founded in 1995, and serving clients nationally, StrategyCorp has been involved in some of Canada’s most critical business issues and charged public policy matters, working with clients to create the conditions for their success.

Student General Association elects 2023-2024 leadership

Student General Association elects 2023-2024 leadership

Avery Morin voted President of student association second year in a row

The SGA-AGÉ 2023-2024 executive team from left to right: Timi Aliu, Avery Morin, Zareen Brown and Isaac Vestby.

 

(May 3, 2023) - Laurentian University’s Students’ General Association (SGA-AGÉ) recently held its annual elections for incoming 2023-2024 leadership. Avery Morin, who begins her 4th year in Behavioural Neuroscience and Concurrent Education this fall is eager to lead the SGA-AGÉ in her role as President for the second year in a row. She and other elected student leaders will begin their roles in June:

Speaking about her position and goals for the upcoming year, Morin said: "I’m thrilled to be able to advocate for the students of Laurentian as SGA-AGÉ President and continue to make a difference in my school community. My goal as a student leader is to create a positive environment for current and future students to thrive at Laurentian and with the help of my new team members, I’m confident that we’ll be able to pull it off.”

Since the SGA-AGÉ’s inception in 1960, they have advocated for their members at various administrative and government levels. In addition to their political work by and for students, they organize activities and events that help foster a sense of community amongst students.

“Moving forward, my team plans on increasing engagement throughout the association to ensure that students are informed and connected to the SGA-AGÉ. We’re excited to plan amazing events and work collaboratively with our students to make their time at university the best it can be," said Morin.

For students interested in getting involved with the SGA-AGÉ, by-elections will be held early in the Fall semester of 2023. The Association des étudiantes et étudiants (AEF) and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) will also be holding by-election in the fall semester.

Geologists “Discovering Ancient to Modern Earth”

Geologists “Discovering Ancient to Modern Earth”

500+ Participating in International Event

(May 2, 2023 - Sudbury, Ontario, Canada) —Laurentian University’s Harquail School of Earth Sciences will host the Annual Meeting of the Geological Association of Canada, Mineralogical Association of Canada, and the Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits (GAC-MAC-SGA) from May 23-31.

More than 500 geologists from across the globe will participate in three days of scientific presentations and six days of field trips and workshops, including symposia on Critical Minerals and Sudbury Geology, and special sessions on Environmental Aspects of Mine Wastes, Geoscience Communication, and a wide range of other geoscientific topics. The Program also includes Special Events on Indigenous Relations, Women in the Geosciences, and the Arctic, the former two of which are open to the public and take place on Friday, May 26. Delivered in hybrid format with both on-site and virtual components, conference abstracts, talks, and posters will be given in English or French. 

Delegates from more than 13 countries, including Australia, South Africa, Portugal, England, China, and Norway, are registered. Participants include leading academics, geoscience students, as well as government and industry representatives.

The theme of the meeting is Discovering Ancient to Modern Earth. “Laurentian University, and Sudbury, are ideal hosts for this year’s meeting,” said Michael Lesher, Chair of the Conference’s Local Organizing Committee. “The city is located within one of the world’s largest and best-preserved meteorite impact craters, is the world’s largest nickel-copper-platinum exploration-mining-service cluster, and is in close proximity to a wide range of interesting geology and some of Canada’s richest and most prolific gold belts. Laurentian University and its Harquail School of Earth Sciences are global leaders in geoscience research and education, and we are proud to welcome visitors from around the world to engage with us through this conference and its programming.” 

For more, visit the conference website or email Sudbury2023@laurentian.ca. 

Laurentian University Selects Transformation Consultant

Laurentian University Selects Transformation Consultant

Deloitte chosen to support operational transformation

(May 1, 2023 - Sudbury, Ontario, Canada) - Laurentian University is on the path to growing its reputation and gaining recognition for its important contributions within Canada’s post-secondary education ecosystem, building on the strength of its tricultural identity and bilingual mandate.

As a step towards achieving this goal, Laurentian University has selected Deloitte to support the University’s operational transformation. The selection process for this important work began in November, 2022 and included a public request for proposals. 

Deloitte provides expertise in supporting organizations through transformational restructuring and significant experience working with both public and private entities. 

“We are pleased to be able to make this announcement as it signals an important milestone in the University’s renewal. Choosing the right partner to support the University through this process is key to ensuring a successful transformation,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

The first step of the project will see a detailed Transformation Plan developed through discussion and collaboration with the University’s Transformation Consulting Group, campus leaders, and members of the Laurentian community. The Plan, which is a requirement of the court-approved Amended Plan of Compromise and Arrangement, will consider recommendations provided by Ontario’s Auditor General, the NOUS report, and suggestions generated within the Laurentian community. The Plan will include: overall goals of the transformation, priorities, deliverables, sequencing of projects, a timeline for implementation, and required resources. 

The work to develop the Transformation Plan will begin immediately and is slated to be completed by fall 2023.

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’s Improv Association earns top honours at Brock Improv Summit

Laurentian’s Improv Association earns top honours at Brock Improv Summit

Underdogs celebrate first prize at “Brock From The Dead”

(April 26, 2023) - The Laurentian Improv Association took home the win at the Brock Improv Summit: “Brock From The Dead” in St. Catharines, Ontario. The competition took place in late March and featured students from universities across the province. 

The Laurentian Improv Association is a student-run club founded in 2022 by Grace Bellmore, a third-year Equity, Diversity, and International Human Rights student and President of the association. Bellmore is from Sudbury, Ontario and is an alum from Lasalle Secondary School. 

Bellmore has a strong passion for improv that inspired her to found the association. “Improv is so fulfilling in the sense that you really get to connect with people in a safe space where your ideas are never wrong. That environment is so innately welcoming. In doing wacky and silly things, you push yourself out of your comfort zone. ​​​​Improv is really freeing from the stressful environment of school where you are trying to be right all the time.”

The goal of the Laurentian Improv Association is to help establish and build an improv community in the North. Bellmore and a small executive team run weekly closed meetings with a core improv team of nine students as well as open drop-in improv classes on Friday evenings for all Laurentian students. 

Less than a year since its inauguration, the Laurentian Improv Association did not expect to come out on top at the Brock Improv Summit. “We attended the event for fun and to have a good time. It felt genuinely insane and totally unexpected to win,” described Bellmore.

The association makes use of the variety of performance spaces on campus and within the Sudbury community. Bellmore and the core improv team have hosted two murder mystery nights at the Pub Downunder on campus, three improv shows at the Sudbury Indie Cinemas with Oddbox, and other shows on and off campus.

On April 29th, 2023, the association will be performing a comedy show entitled “Cheap Therapy” at the Coulson from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tickets are 10$ and audience members must be 19+. 

Those interested in learning more about the Laurentian Improv Association are encouraged to reach out through Instagram or email at laurentianimprov@gmail.com. The association will be holding auditions and accepting new members in September 2023. 

“Improv is a really great way to find your voice and develop confidence. Those who are interested shouldn’t hesitate to attend tryouts or reach out,” said Bellmore.

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