The second of three new bodies that make up Aurora College's new tri-cameral governance structure - the Academic Council - was appointed earlier this academic year. Amendments to the Aurora College Act, which came into effect May 20, 2022, established the new governance system.
The Academic Council is the senior academic body of Aurora College, and will focus primarily on academic quality and standards for the institution. It is an internal body with 30 members - 27 voting and three non-voting - comprised of staff, faculty and student representatives. Of the 27 elected members, there are 14 elected faculty, three elected staff, three elected students, three ex-officio members and four members appointed by the College President. Non-voting members are appointed by the President and the three ex-officio members are the Vice-President Education & Training (Chair), Vice-President Community & Extensions (Vice Chair) and the Registrar.
Meetings will be held monthly between September and June.
The Academic Council will advise the Board of Governors, make recommendations on all academic matters and build Aurora College's capacity to make academic decisions. This will enable the College to move towards arm's length governance, help to ensure academic freedom and meet quality assurance requirements connected to academic decision-making. The Academic Council is an interim step in the move towards establishing a Senate at the new polytechnic university.
The initial length of appointments have been staggered so that going forward, approximately one-third of the Academic Council is renewed each year, which will ensure continuity and stability. A list of members is attached.