Board of Governors

Nomination to Yukon University Board of Governors: The provisions in the University Act provide for:

The Board of Governors consisting of 17 voting members as follows:

1. the chancellor;
2. the president;
3. ten persons who are appointed by the Commissioner in Executive Council
   • at least three of whom must be appointed from among persons nominated by at least one Yukon First Nation, and
   • at least three of whom must reside outside Whitehorse, each in a different community;
4. one member of the senate who is elected by the members of the senate;
5. one faculty member who is elected by the faculty members;
6. one employee of the university who is elected by and from employees of the university who are not faculty members;
7. one student who is elected by and from undergraduate students and graduate students, if any;
8. one person who is elected by the members referred to in paragraphs (a) to (g), and who is not a student or an employee or officer of the university.

In appointing members of the board under (c), the Commissioner in Executive Council must make a reasonable effort to ensure that the membership of the board reflects the cultural, regional and gender diversity of Yukon.

The Commissioner in Executive Council appoints Board members for terms not exceeding 3 years, although appointments may be renewed.

Board members who are elected under (d), (e), (f) and (h) hold office for a term of 3 years, although may be renewed.

The student who is elected by and from undergraduate students and graduate students holds office for a term of one year.

(pending changes under legislation)

• The Board normally meets in Whitehorse once each month, excluding January, July and August
• Two or three hours are normally needed to prepare for each Board meeting
• Additional time may be required to attend University functions
• It is expected that most Board members sit on a at least one Board committee

The individuals who make up the Board of Governors should collectively have the necessary personal attributes and competencies required to:

• Add value and provide support to management in establishing strategy and reviewing risks and opportunities
• Effectively monitor the performance of management
• Account for the performance of Yukon University
• Bring to the deliberations the wide diversity of Yukon cultural, economic and social perspective
• Contribute to the overall image of Yukon University

Personal Attributes

All members of the Board of Governors should possess the following personal attributes:

• High ethical standards and integrity in professional and personal dealings
• Good business judgment
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public
• Able and willing to raise potentially controversial issues in a manner that encourages dialogue
• Flexible, responsive and willing to consider others opinions
• Capable of a wide perspective on issues
• Ability to listen and work as a team member
• No direct or indirect conflict of interest
• Strong reasoning and advocacy skills
• Able and willing to fulfill time commitments required to carry out responsibilities

Competencies Collectively, the Board should comprise the following core competencies:

• Strategic management and organizational change
• Internal control and accounting
• Labour relations
• Risk management
• Financial expertise
• Legal expertise
• Experience/knowledge/expertise in post-secondary education
• Knowledge of government and public sector environments
• Knowledge of current and emerging issues affecting Yukon University
• Knowledge of the extensive geography of Yukon
• Credibility with the wide diversity of interests from within Yukon
• Previous Board experience
• Knowledge, experience and familiarity with Yukon First Nations' issues, culture, traditions and land claims and self-government agreements

Within the context of the Board Composition, Personal Attributes and Competencies, consideration must be given to the diversity of gender, cultural heritage and knowledge of the communities served by Yukon University

• Opportunities to develop skills through Board training sessions and attendance at workshops and conferences
• One tuition-free University course per year
• An honorarium and travel expenses for attending Board meetings
• Complimentary library card

The Commissioner in Executive Council appoints Board members for terms not exceeding 3 years, although appointments may be renewed.

For more information about the appointment process, check out www.eco.gov.yk.ca/yukon-college-board-governors.html.