University of Waterloo
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

Both the Board of Governors and Senate include student positions to encourage involvement in decision-making. In addition, both the graduate and undergraduate student unions have councils which support development of policy priorities and decision-making on student governance issues. Graduate Student and Undergraduate student relations committees also provide formal opportunities for student comment and input on policies and programs which directly impact/influence students.
Waterloo’s Senate provides opportunity for many faculty representatives to be engaged in campus-wide decision making, as do positions on the Board of Governors. In addition, the Faculty Association regularly works with campus administration and governance bodies to advocate for faculty priorities, and the Faculty Relations Committee facilitates review of policies, guidelines, and other institutional decisions which impact faculty.
Waterloo’s Board of Governors has elected staff-at-large positions that ensure non-academic staff have a voice in decision-making. In addition, the Staff Association regularly works with campus administration and governance bodies to advocate for staff priorities, and the Staff Relations Committee facilitates review of policies, guidelines, and other institutional decisions which impact staff.

The University of Waterloo’s Board of Governors has three ex-officio positions specifically for local municipal leaders from the City of Kitchener, the City of Waterloo, and the Region of Waterloo. This ensures connection with the community within decision making.
In addition, the University of Waterloo is also a member of the City of Waterloo Town & Gown Committee, alongside Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College. The committee's specific mandate is to "develop and enhance relationships, communications and policies among the universities, college, students, the city, police and the community. This mandate would be achieved by addressing issues of common concern and may include neighbourhood development/community relations, housing, the environment, economic activities, charitable/volunteer programs, recreational and cultural events, health and safety issues and academic outreach." The committee meets six times per year to advnace this mandate. Further committee information and Terms & Conditions can be found here: https://www.waterloo.ca/en/government/committees.aspx#Town-and-Gown-Committee

The URL above lists the current Board composition (despite the URL’s description), and the following link provides information on Board members: https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/governor-biographies
Although the University does not have written policies and procedures to engage external stakeholders in land use planning, capital investment projects, etc., the University’s Board of Governors provides for 17 external members who often are local residents and always are external stakeholders. These members comprise the majority of the Board’s Building and Properties Committee which is tasked with responsibility for land use, capital investment and other development projects. See the Building and Properties Terms of Reference here: https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/committees-and-councils/building-properties-committee-resolution