Communications

Highlights from the May 22, 2025 Board of Governors meeting

deidre.mccabe@Ģ��Ƶ.Ca — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:22:27 +0000

Highlights from the May 22, 2025 Board of Governors meeting deidre.mccabe@… Thu, 06/05/2025 - 08:22

Dear members of the Ģ��Ƶ Community,

It is our pleasure to provide you with an update on the recent activities of Ģ��Ƶ’s Board of Governors. You can learn more about the Board’s mandate and membership.

The Board of Governors held the fifth regular meeting on May 22, 2025. The full minutes of the meeting’s open session will be available following approval at the Board’s next meeting on October 2, 2025. In the meantime, we would like to share with you the meeting’s important discussions, decisions, and developments.

Thank you for your interest in the work of the Board of Governors. If you have any questions, ideas, or comments, please write mcgill.president [at] mcgill.ca (mcgill[dot]president[at]mcgill[dot]ca).

Sincerely,

Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor

Maryse Bertrand, Chair, Ģ��Ƶ Board of Governors

Key Updates

The Board of Governors, on the recommendation of the President and Vice-Chancellor, approved the appointment of Professor Tony Mittermaier as Ģ��Ƶ’s Dean of Students for a five-year renewable term beginning on June 1, 2025. Read the full announcement.

The Board of Governors, on the recommendation of Senate, approved the following:

Revisions to the Policy on Harassment and Discrimination. The revisions ensure that the Policy continues to abide the law, meet the needs of the University community, and support the University’s commitments in relation to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Revisions to the Policy Concerning the Rights of Students with Disabilities. Revisions include, among others, clarifying scope and language to articulate a framework for establishing academic accommodations for students with disabilities, as well as specifying roles and responsibilities of students, instructors, staff, and academic leadership.
Revisions to the Statutes of Ģ��Ƶ. Notable revisions include: an increase in Senate’s composition from 111 to 114 members and approval to develop electoral procedures relating to the election to and service on Senate for certain constituents.

The Board of Governors, on the recommendation of the Audit and Risk Committee, approved the revisions to the Policy on the Approval of Contracts and Designation of Signing Authority. The review was undertaken one year ahead of schedule to reflect structural changes within the University and to support broader governance and operational streamlining initiatives.

Also on the recommendation of the Audit and Risk Committee, the Board approved the submission of Annex 3 Déclaration du dirigeant de l’organisme for FY2024 to the Quebec Treasury Board, in which the University affirms that it has complied with the relevant reporting obligations relating to public procurement contracts governed by the Act respecting contracting by public bodies and its regulations.

The Board received the Annual report on Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) activities. The 2025 Institutional Risk Register identifies a series of strategic risks, reflecting the University’s rapidly evolving context and strategic priorities.

The Board also received a presentation on the UniForum Initiative supporting Horizon Ģ��Ƶ, which provided the methodology employed to advance this transformational project.

On the recommendation of the Nominating, Governance and Ethics (NGE) Committee, the Board approved the recommendations contained in the report of the Working Group on Phase II of the Board Efficiency and Effectiveness Project, which aims to enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the Board’s governance functions and operations. The recommendations will also lead to a revised composition for advisory committees for the selection or reappointment of Vice-Presidents.

Also on the recommendation of the NGE Committee, the Board of Governors approved a series of appointments and reappointments to Board standing committees, external non-board bodies, health board bodies, and the Research Ethics Board.

President’s Remarks

President Deep Saini provided updates pertaining to a range of recent developments from across Ģ��Ƶ.

Government Relations

The President began with an update on Bill 95, which was tabled by the Government of Quebec in March and proposes a 50% cap on subsidized daycare spots reserved for specific communities. The Bill would, therefore, potentially affect Ģ��Ƶ’s campus daycares, which serve the children of students, faculty, and staff. The University has submitted a mémoire detailing the specificities of university campus daycares, advocating that full access should remain reserved for Ģ��Ƶ community members.

The President also shared that An Act to foster the practice of medicine in the public health and social services network (previously Bill 83) was adopted in April. The Act mandates that medical graduates practice in Quebec’s public system for a minimum of five years or risk a financial penalty. It, moreover, allows Santé Québec to evaluate private practice requests based on various criteria, such as regional needs. Ģ��Ƶ has raised the concern that these measures may adversely impact applicants and residency recruitment in Quebec. The University continues to monitor the situation closely.

The President noted that a provincial committee was established in March to examine adherence to Quebec’s Act on State religious neutrality in public institutions. Although universities are not considered state institutions, Minister Roberge’s public comments have suggested the law’s potential extension to higher education. In collaboration with Université Laval, Université de Montréal, and Université de Sherbrooke, Ģ��Ƶ will submit a joint letter highlighting essential considerations linked to the autonomy and mission of universities, particularly in terms of institutional neutrality, academic freedom and pluralism.

Finally, President Saini shared commentary on the recent federal election, which resulted in a Liberal minority government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. The President expressed pride in the fact that over 20 Ģ��Ƶ alumni were elected to Parliament, several of whom have been appointed to Cabinet.

Community Relations

In May, the University launched Make Your Mark, the next phase of its philanthropic campaign. The President shared that this initiative builds on the success of Made by Ģ��Ƶ, which raised over $2 billion from nearly 114,000 donors. In response to global challenges—from disinformation to climate change and AI—the University is increasing its goal to $3 billion. The campaign will continue to focus on its four original pillars and will introduce the transversal themes of: sustainability, AI, student support and services, innovation and entrepreneurship, and Indigenous initiatives.

The President also signaled that Spring Convocation will take place May 27 to June 4, with downtown ceremonies taking place in the Tomlinson Fieldhouse. Given the venue’s capacity constraints, two additional ceremonies were added to accommodate graduates from larger faculties. This year, Ģ��Ƶ conferred honorary degrees on 10 remarkable individuals, whose profiles are featured in The Ģ��Ƶ Reporter.

Selected Kudos

Finally, the President concluded his remarks by offering his congratulations to a selection of individuals in the Ģ��Ƶ community for their recent achievements.

Ģ��Ƶ celebrated the 2025 Equity and Community Building Awards, honouring nursing student Gislaine Batubenge, Fatima Nabi from the Student Wellness Hub, Prof. Kimani Daniel from the Ingram School of Nursing, and the POWER Hub team.
Twenty-eight Ģ��Ƶ professors were recognized with Distinguished James Ģ��Ƶ Professor, James Ģ��Ƶ Professor, and William Dawson Scholar awards.
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Ģ��Ƶ physician and Super Bowl champion, has been named a recipient of the Order of Montréal.
Milda Graham, a 59-year-old Ģ��Ƶ master’s student and yoga instructor, will represent Canada at the world’s largest gymnastics festival in Germany.

The Board of Governors received the following reports

Gaza situation and support reminders

deidre.mccabe@Ģ��Ƶ.Ca — Wed, 21 May 2025 13:25:50 +0000

Gaza situation and support reminders deidre.mccabe@… Wed, 05/21/2025 - 09:25

Dear members of the Ģ��Ƶ community,

Many of us are watching the escalation of human suffering in Gaza with alarm. While thousands of kilometres away, many members of the Ģ��Ƶ community are touched at a human level by the scale and impact of the crisis unfolding, which threatens to intensify over the coming days.

To reiterate my past messages, Ģ��Ƶ, as a university, must remain mindful of its academic mission and refrain from commenting or taking a position on a geopolitical crisis. That said, we will always express compassion for and extend care to our community members affected by international emergencies.

If you need support, please do not hesitate to reach out. Resources are set out below.

Sincerely,

Deep Saini
President and Vice Chancellor
Ģ��Ƶ

Resources   

For students:   

The Student Wellness Hub offers counselling services for students located in Montreal.     
GuardMe is a service accessible 24/7 whenever you need to speak (or text) with a mental health professional for support. You can access GuardMe from anywhere in the world.

For faculty and staff:     

The Employee & Family Assistance Program is available to Ģ��Ƶ employees as a confidential support service.

Highlights from the April 24, 2025 Board of Governors meeting

deidre.mccabe@Ģ��Ƶ.Ca — Thu, 08 May 2025 13:52:08 +0000

Highlights from the April 24, 2025 Board of Governors meeting deidre.mccabe@… Thu, 05/08/2025 - 09:52

Dear members of the Ģ��Ƶ Community,

It is our pleasure to provide you with an update on the recent activities of Ģ��Ƶ’s Board of Governors. You can learn more about the Board’s mandate and membership on its website.

The Board of Governors held the fourth regular meeting on April 24, 2025. The full minutes of the meeting’s open session will be available following approval at the Board’s next meeting on May 22, 2025. In the meantime, we would like to share with you the meeting’s important discussions, decisions, and developments.

Thank you for your interest in the work of the Board of Governors. If you have any questions, ideas, or comments, please write mcgill.president [at] mcgill.ca (mcgill[dot]president[at]mcgill[dot]ca).

Sincerely,

Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor

Maryse Bertrand, Chair, Ģ��Ƶ Board of Governors

Key Updates

The Board of Governors, on the recommendation of the President and Vice-Chancellor, approved the appointment of Professor Salwa Karboune to the position of Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. In this role, Professor Karboune will also hold the position of Associate Vice-President of Macdonald Campus. Professor Karboune’s five-year renewable term will begin on August 1, 2025. Read the full announcement.

On the recommendation of the Finance and Infrastructure Committee (FIC), the Board approved the University’s budget for FY2026, which features a balanced budget and a $10-million contingency, owing to a $45-million budget correction undertaken by the University. Updated budget projections suggest that the University’s operating deficit would reach $30 million in FY2027 and $73 million in FY2028; therefore, additional revenue generating initiatives and expense reduction measures will need to be strategic and recurrent. Read the full report.

As recommended by the Committee on Sustainability and Social Responsibility (CSSR), the Board of Governors approved Ģ��Ƶ’s second Annual Report under the Act to Enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains for submission to the federal government. The report outlines the measures taken by the University, between May 1, 2024 and April 30, 2025, to mitigate the risk of forced labour and child labour in its supply chain.

The Board also reviewed the Annual Progress Report on Key Performance Indicators, presented by the Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic). Ģ��Ƶ’s KPIs are a set of 33 metrics developed by the University to chart its progress on core activities, while allowing the University to set targets and track its progress towards realizing its strategic priorities. For 2025, in addition to historic KPIs, supplementary KPIs that focus on the recent government tuition measures impacting university funding have been added.

The Board of Governors also received as information the 2024 Investment Committee Report on Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), which describes the Ģ��Ƶ’s SRI Phase II Commitments, now in place to be achieved by 2029, and the strong progress made over the last year toward meeting these commitments.

The Board was informed of the topic of the next annual Joint Board-Senate meeting, scheduled for November 6, 2025. The focus of the joint meeting will be: “Strategic Transformations: Shaping Ģ��Ƶ’s Third Century.”

President’s Remarks

President Saini provided updates pertaining to a range of recent developments from across Ģ��Ƶ.

Government Relations

The President opened his remarks with an overview of the Quebec Budget 2025-2026, which projects a $13.6 billion deficit and outlines a plan to restore fiscal balance by 2029–2030.

For the university sector, the $4.2 billion allocated budget represents a 0.7% ($27 million) decrease compared to 2024–2025, with investments of $37.5 million over five years to train more doctors and $22 million over two years to continue funding Mila.

The President also provided an update on:

The S&P Global Ratings' decision to lower Quebec's credit rating from 'AA−' to 'A+'. Despite this, S&P affirmed Ģ��Ƶ's 'AA−' long-term issuer credit rating and senior unsecured debt ratings, citing the University's operational independence. However, the negative outlook remains, reflecting concerns over potential financial pressures from recent government policy changes.
The provincial immigration planning, noting that the Government has postponed its multi-year exercise to later in the year. For the first time, planning will include both permanent and temporary immigration, impacting international students and faculty. The University continues to monitor the situation closely and will keep the community informed.

The President also encouraged all eligible members of the Ģ��Ƶ community to cast their vote in the federal election, which took place on April 28.

External Relations

From April 9-10, President Saini attended the Universities Canada Spring Meeting in Halifax, which featured discussions on the role of universities in the context of financial challenges and shifting geopolitics, as well as a keynote address by The Honourable Jean Charest entitled, “Securing Canada's Future in an Insecure World.”

From April 22-23, the President and Vice-President (Global Engagement) Anja Geitmann attended the 7th annual U7+ Alliance Summit, hosted by the University of Ottawa. The U7+ Alliance brings together 54 international universities to address the world’s most pressing challenges through education and research. During the Summit, a joint statement on “The Role of Universities in Advancing AI” was formally presented to the Canadian government.

Finally, the President also signaled his participation from April 27-28 at the spring membership meeting of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization of 71 leading public and private research universities in the United States and Canada. The spring meeting focused on the complex political climate in the US and its impact on university activities, particularly on research.

Selected Kudos

Finally, the President concluded his remarks by offering his congratulations to a selection of individuals in the Ģ��Ƶ community for their recent achievements.

The Government of Canada announced over $153M in funding for 179 Canada Research Chairs across institutions. Ģ��Ƶ received $8.7M in funding, which supports nine renewed CRCs and one new CRC, including Professors Jeffrey Bergthorson and Xiaonan Lu who were named new Tier 1 Chairs.
Professor Simon Caron-Huot (Canada Research Chair in High-Energy Physics) was awarded a 2025 Dorothy Killam Fellowship—one of only eight awarded nationally.
Twenty-eight Ģ��Ƶ researchers, including Professors François Corriveau, Brigitte Vachon, and Andreas Warburton, are among the winners of the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for their contributions to the ATLAS Collaboration at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

The Board of Governors received the following reports:

The belief that drives us forward

deidre.mccabe@Ģ��Ƶ.Ca — Wed, 07 May 2025 13:35:21 +0000

The belief that drives us forward deidre.mccabe@… Wed, 05/07/2025 - 09:35

Dear members of the Ģ��Ƶ community,

As we conclude another academic year together, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the collective efforts that have brought us here. Over the past year, Ģ��Ƶ’s students, faculty, and staff have shown a remarkable commitment to Ģ��Ƶ’s mission, all while navigating the complex challenges impacting our University and the higher education sector more broadly.

In just a few weeks, we will enter Ģ��Ƶ’s 2025 Convocation season – an opportunity to recognize many of the stellar achievements made possible by these concerted efforts. At a time of significant challenges for Ģ��Ƶ, occasions such as these are important reminders of what unites and motivates us to forge ahead: the transformative power of education to expand knowledge, spark discovery – and, ultimately, to change lives.

It is a fundamental, unshakable belief animating all that we do, and it will continue to guide us as we work to protect Ģ��Ƶ’s mission and place as one of the world’s top institutions of higher education.

I look forward to celebrating the Class of 2025, our honorary doctorate and award recipients, and all members of our community who have supported our graduates throughout their journeys. Thank you for your wide-ranging contributions over the past year and for your continued dedication to strengthening Ģ��Ƶ’s future.

Wishing you a summer filled with well-deserved rest, renewal, and enjoyment.

Sincerely,

Deep Saini
President and Vice-Chancellor
Ģ��Ƶ

Update about the encampment

simon.labonne@mcgill.ca — Fri, 10 May 2024 20:03:08 +0000

Update about the encampment simon.labonne@… Fri, 05/10/2024 - 16:03

Dear members of the Ģ��Ƶ community,

My last update on the situation on downtown campus was on May 3, the day after police had mobilized to successfully de-escalate tensions between large numbers of protesters and counter-protesters in front of the Roddick Gates.

Since the beginning of the encampment, we have had many discussions with representatives of members of the Ģ��Ƶ community participating in the encampment to try to find a timely and peaceful resolution. These talks are still ongoing.

I write today to let you know that Ģ��Ƶ is seeking a court order that would require those participating to dismantle the encampment, and to refrain from camping on or occupying Ģ��Ƶ’s downtown campus. The order would authorize the Montreal police (SPVM) to enforce it.

I would like to emphasize that the order, if granted, would not stop our efforts to continue our discussions with members of the Ģ��Ƶ community participating in the encampment. We are committed to doing so in good faith.

The University wishes to see a peaceful and timely resolution of the occupation of the lower field of downtown campus.

Why Ģ��Ƶ is seeking to dismantle the encampment

Ģ��Ƶ is seeking the order to dismantle the encampment for multiple reasons.

The University is concerned about the risks that the encampment poses to the safety, security and public health of members of the Ģ��Ƶ community and for those participating in the encampment. Neither Ģ��Ƶ nor organizations such as the Montreal Fire Prevention Services have been able to go into the area to verify compliance with health and safety. For example, it appears that the people inside the encampment have no escape routes in case of fire. The encampment, which is densely populated, backs onto the McLennan Library building and is barricaded by fencing on three sides. There appears to be only one point to enter or exit the encampment. The encampment also obstructs an emergency exit at the McLennan Library.
The presence of the encampment has already attracted large numbers of protesters and counter-protesters of different viewpoints, causing tensions to escalate on campus. The encampment has the potential to create unsafe situations unpredictably. On May 2, protests in support of and against the encampment required the mobilization of more than 100 police officers and the closure of part of Sherbrooke Street.
Although we welcome the public to many spaces on our campuses to walk, eat lunch, attend events, or other time-limited activities, the University remains private property. Our campuses are primarily for the use and benefit of members of the Ģ��Ƶ community. An occupation such as the encampment monopolizes university property, preventing the Ģ��Ƶ community from using that space for their normal activities. The encampment will, in all likelihood, prevent students and their families from celebrating this spring’s convocation on lower campus, where the ceremonies for most faculties normally take place.

Ģ��Ƶ respects the right to protest

Protection of the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly are justifiably a primary concern for the members of our community, for Montrealers, for Quebecers and for Canadians. Therefore, I want to reassure our community that our application for this order does not ask the court to stop protests that follow the University’s policies or the law, even if those protests raise uncomfortable, controversial and/or critical speech.

The application for the order instead asks that any further protests are conducted in a way that does not pose risks to people’s safety, security or health, and remain within the bounds protected by the law and Ģ��Ƶ’s policies. The encampment is not a protest but a continuous occupation that prevents members of our community from using the space and which creates real risks to health and safety.

Those participating in the encampment can find other ways to exercise their right to peaceful protest within the bounds set by the law and our policies.

The fundamental importance of Ģ��Ƶ’s mission

Ģ��Ƶ exists to carry out its mission, which is the advancement of learning and the creation and dissemination of knowledge. Ģ��Ƶ does not make decisions regarding its investments or academic activities on the basis of geopolitical matters, but rather uses its mission, principles and policies to guide its decisions.

The University’s focus must be to offer the best possible education, to carry out research and scholarly activities judged to be excellent by the highest international standards, and to provide service to society. To do so, we must offer all members of our community a safe and secure environment, free from violence, harassment, obstruction and intimidation.

Finally, I want to reassure graduating students that, despite the uncertainty caused by the encampment, you and your families will have the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments at spring convocation. The dates will be the same; we will confirm location shortly.

Thank you for reading this long message and for your ongoing patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Deep Saini
President and Vice-Chancellor

Document

Communications

Highlights from the May 22, 2025 Board of Governors meeting

Key Updates

President’s Remarks

Government Relations

Community Relations

Selected Kudos

The Board of Governors received the following reports

Gaza situation and support reminders

Highlights from the April 24, 2025 Board of Governors meeting

Key Updates

President’s Remarks

Government Relations

External Relations

Selected Kudos

The belief that drives us forward

Update about the encampment

Why Ģ������Ƶ is seeking to dismantle the encampment

Ģ������Ƶ respects the right to protest

The fundamental importance of Ģ������Ƶ’s mission

Why Ģ��Ƶ is seeking to dismantle the encampment

Ģ��Ƶ respects the right to protest

The fundamental importance of Ģ��Ƶ’s mission