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President's Update from Dr. Charles Jago
September 2, 2008
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The
first day of the new academic year is always a special day and it's a
privilege for me to be back - even on an interim basis - to welcome
hundreds of new students to UNBC as the President of this dynamic
institution. It's precisely that dynamism that makes regular
communication with the university community so important. There's a lot
going on and here's an update:
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A Complete Executive Team
The
appointment of Gail Fondahl as VP Research - who is officially starting
in her new role today - rounds out an executive team that is one of
UNBC's best ever. Together with our new Provost, Mark Dale, and VP
Admin and Finance, Eileen Bray, we have a talented and dedicated
executive team. In addition, the Board has recently approved new titles
to better reflect the scope of work of various senior administrators:
-Chief Financial Officer to Vice President Administration and Finance (Eileen Bray)
-Vice Provost, Research & Graduate Programs to Vice President, Research (Gail Fondahl)
-Associate Dean, Graduate Programs to Dean, Graduate Programs (Ian Hartley)
-Associate Vice Provost, Research (Health) to Associate Vice President, Research (Health) (Malcolm Ogborn)
I
have also restored a regular meeting schedule for President's Council,
which is comprised of all of the University's senior administrators.
This group now meets every three weeks (up from once per semester) to
ensure there is a collegial decision-making process at the University.
Meet the Prez
While
collegial decision-making is essential for UNBC, so too is ensuring
that all staff and faculty have a voice in how their university is run.That was the rationale behind establishing the regular Meet the Prez
sessions, and I've enjoyed the feedback. We have to be vigilant in
ensuring that UNBC remains a place where people want to be; a place
where different opinions are valued. If you haven't participated in a
Meet the Prez session, please do so, especially if you're new to UNBC.
The next one will be scheduled in the middle of the month.
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The 2008-09 Academic Year
UNBC
has come a long way since September 1992, when 70 students signed up
for courses during UNBC's first-ever academic year. Today, 17 years
later, we're expecting modest enrolment growth over last year, although
more precise figures won't be known for a few more weeks. We have some
new programs and a full student residence, and a record number of 800
students and parents participated in Orientation activities this past
weekend.
NUSC
Work is winding down on
what will be a terrific addition to the Prince George campus. The Northern Undergraduate Student Society's new Northern University
Student Centre (NUSC) will be opening in mid-September, providing space
for student clubs, a pub/restaurant/event space, a coffee kiosk, and
student lounge areas. It's a critical addition for enhancing student
life and vital for making UNBC a complete university. Stay tuned for
more info about the NUSC and join with me and the students later this
month to celebrate its opening.
Bioenergy
In
July, the University hosted a major announcement by the Government of
BC concerning renewable energy. More than a dozen projects around the
province received funding, with UNBC receiving the largest single
amount: $3.5 million. UNBC's campus infrastructure is particularly
well-suited to implementing alternative energies and we're working with
the private sector, the city, the government, and the Northern Trust to
develop the best-possible plan for the university, the community, and
the region. Stay tuned.
Pine Beetle Projects
A
total of six UNBC projects are receiving funding courtesy of the
Government of Canada's Community Economic Diversification Initiative,
which was created in the wake of the pine beetle infestation. The UNBC
projects explore bioenergy, non-timber forest products, the training
needs of local citizens, terahertz development, and regional
development opportunities. One being announced by MP Jay Hill today
involves the beetlewood concrete product developed at UNBC. The total
value of Government funding for the six projects - announced over the
spring and summer - is just over $1.3 million.
Presidential Search
Lastly,
the Presidential Search Committee is holding its first meeting today
and the group is being chaired by Jack Blaney, a former President of
SFU who will be joining the UNBC Board of Governors. The search
consultant is Harry Parslow of Caldwell and Partners, a firm that has
assisted with many searches at UNBC over the years.
Thank
you for taking the time to read this update. It's an exciting day at
UNBC and I look forward to seeing you over the weeks and months ahead.
Charles Jago
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