Wilfrid Laurier University
PA-3: Participatory Governance

Section 8.(1)7. and Section 8.(1)7.1 of the Wilfrid Laurier University Act, 1973 as Amended 2001,states two members elected by the undergraduate students from among the undergraduate students and one member elected by the graduate students from among the graduate students are appointed to serve as members of the Board of Governors. Section 15.(1)(b)2. states “Eight members elected by the students from among the students.” These student positions serve on Senate of the University. These positions, both on the Board of Governors and Senate, are to be served by students and act as a voice for the student body of Wilfrid Laurier University. Undergraduate and Graduate representatives are elected to serve the appropriate positions on the Board of Governors and Senate, and are elected by the students in a formal voting process that coincides with the formal student union elections.

In accordance with policy 14.3, Election of Administrative Staff to the Board of Governors, staff positions on the Board are elected such that the two administrative staff positions are not occupied concurrently by members of the same employee group. All administrative are eligible to vote in electing members.

Wilfrid Laurier University has a bicameral governance system, which provides for two separate and distinct governing bodies whose powers are outlined in the Wilfrid Laurier University Act. The Senate has broad jurisdiction over the university’s academic matters, including the power to establish educational policies of the university. The Board of Governors has the power of management of the university, such as financial matters, including property and revenues, and authority over its business and affairs. While each governing body has its own responsibilities, there are many areas where both of these bodies are required to act to advance a university initiative. Teaching and Research Faculty are involved in both governing bodies of the university. As stated in Section 8.(1)6. of the Wilfrid Laurier University Act, 1973 as Amended, 2001, “Two members elected by the members of faculty from among the members of faculty” sit on the Board of Governors. As well, three members elected by Senate who are faculty members on Senate, also sit on the Board of Governors. As stated in Section 15.(1)(a)4. of the Wilfrid Laurier University Act, 1973 as Amended, 2001, “The head of each federated or affiliated college” and section 15.(1)(a)6. “The Dean of each faculty of the University” sit on Senate. As well, section 15.(1)(b)7. “Members of faculty and the academic librarian together equal in number to one more than the total number of all other members of the Senate…” In their role as member of Senate, these faculty positions are involved in establishing educational policies of the university.

1.1 Campus Master Plans The University will undertake comprehensive Master Planning reviews for the Waterloo, Brantford and Kitchener campuses on a 5-year cycle. The planning process will be chaired by the Assistant Vice President of Physical Resources and will involve extensive community input from students, faculty, staff and the surrounding neighbourhood. https://wlu.ca/about/governance/assets/resources/4.14-capital-priorities-and-planning-process-policy.html

Section 8 of the Wilfrid Laurier University Act, 1973 as Amended, 2001, speaks to the composition of the Board of Governors. Section 8.(1)2. states “One member appointed by each of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. The Corporation of the City of Waterloo and The Corporation of the City of Kitchener.” Section 8.(1)4. states “Six members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.” Section 8.(1)9. States “Three members who are not members of faculty or administrative staff or students appointed the alumni association from among the alumni.” Section 8.(1)10. states “Eight members appointed in the first instance by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and thereafter the Board of Governors to represent a broad spectrum of the public, provided that such a member shall not be a member of faculty, a member of the administrative staff or a student of the University or any federated or affiliated college, or a member of the faculty, staff, student body, governing body or senate of any other degree-granting institution of higher learning.” Section 15 of the Wilfrid Laurier University Act, 1973 as Amended, 2001, speaks to the composition of the Senate of the University. Section 15.(1)(b) makes reference to those members elected to the Board of Governors in section 8.(1)2. to sit on Senate. As well, section 15.(1)(b)1. Notes three members on Senate from the following positions on the Board, 8.(1)4., 8.(1)9. and 8.(1)10. Section 15.(1)(b)3. has two members on Senate from the secondary school system of Ontario, chosen by them. Section 15.(1)(b)4. has three members on Senate appointed by the alumni association from among the alumni.