Call for External Governor Nominations: 2026-2028

The Human Resources & Membership Committee of the University of Guelph’s Board of Governors invites nominations (including self-nominations) of individuals external to the University for appointment to the Board. In light of upcoming vacancies expected over the next three years (2026, 2027, 2028), the Board has particular interest in individuals who possess the competencies and experience outlined below. 

About the University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is like no other university in Canada. Research-intensive and learner-centred, our campuses span urban hubs and rural communities. We are known for excellence in the arts and sciences and for our commitment to developing exceptional thinkers and engaged citizens. Our appeal and impact are global, with 1700 international students representing 130+ countries and 185,000 alumni living in 160+ countries worldwide.

Our campuses reside on the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit and lands that the Anishinaabe, Hodinohso:ni, Lūnaapéewak and Wendat peoples have inhabited for centuries. We understand that these lands are connected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum and continue to be home to diverse communities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. Acknowledging the land reminds us of our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and lands.

To learn more about the University, visit https://www.uoguelph.ca/

About the Board of Governors

Board members are key stakeholders in a governance body tasked with upholding the University’s mission and legacy while ensuring the University adapts to the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. Individuals appointed are required to perform the duties assigned in the University of Guelph Act, 1964, which assigns to the Board responsibility for “… property, revenues, expenditures, business and affairs [of the University] …”. The Board of Governors General Bylaws, terms of reference for committees and Good Governance Policy provide precise information on the responsibilities of Governors. These documents and other related information may be found at: https://www.uoguelph.ca/secretariat/. 

Commitment to Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accesibility (IEDIA)

The University of Guelph recognizes that an inclusive campus and a culture of inclusion are institutional and social imperatives. A culture of inclusion means ensuring that a wide array of lived experiences, identities and perspectives are reflected in the Board’s membership, so that the Board may support, oversee and drive a strategic and system-wide approach to IEDIA.

The University of Guelph has a long-standing commitment to IEDIA. A key pillar of our strategic plan, Our Time, entails “Transforming our University through Indigenization and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”. 

With this context in mind, the Human Resources & Membership Committee strongly encourages nominations of qualified individuals from equity deserving communities including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Colour; persons with a disability; persons of all genders and sexual orientations; and those with a demonstrable track record of confronting oppression and promoting belonging in their organizations and communities.

Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess a high degree of credibility and expertise in at least one of the competency areas identified below:

• Enterprise Leadership: Demonstrated senior executive experience with responsibility for complex organizational systems, strategic decision making, and multi-stakeholder environments. Experience in guiding institutions through significant operational or strategic challenges is an asset.
• External Audit: Professional audit expertise, ideally gained through service as an external audit partner or equivalent senior role in a major accounting firm. Deep understanding of audit processes, financial controls, and assurance functions in large or complex organizations.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Expertise in regulatory compliance frameworks, enterprise risk management, and oversight of risk mitigation strategies within complex organizations. Experience with public-sector accountability requirements is an asset.
• Legal: Professional legal training and experience, preferably in areas relevant to a large public institution. Expertise in employment, labour relations, or related HR legal matters is a particular asset.
• Enterprise Systems/Artificial Intelligence: Experience in the governance, implementation, and oversight of enterprise-wide digital systems. Expertise in digital transformation, information technology strategy, cybersecurity, and/or artificial intelligence applications in the public sector is an asset.

For each of the above-listed competencies, experience with and an understanding of the context of broader public sector organizations will be an asset. Experience in fundraising, as well as international experience and an ability to link with and understand a global context will also be considered assets.

Governors need not have experience within any specific sector or industry. The Board seeks experience from a diverse range of sectors. 

In a time of constant change, increasing costs and stagnant public funding, financial sustainability remains a pivotal concern for university boards. Astute fiscal management is required to address budgetary constraints and optimize resources effectively. Moreover, the dynamic nature of academia necessitates a keen understanding of the resources required to meet technological advancements, shifting student demographics and advancements in educational delivery. 

Ultimately, Governors must work collectively and cooperatively to preserve the University’s core teaching and research mission, support student success and implement strategies that ensure its relevance and long-term sustainability. This important work requires a commitment of time, energy, and strategic vision, and equally offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future of higher education.

Additional Considerations

The ideal candidate will also bring to the Board many or all of the following characteristics:

• a desire to serve;
• a willingness and ability to commit the time and effort required as a member of the Board of Governors
• capacity to take on a leadership role within the Board through chairing a committee or working group
• personal values aligned with those of the University of Guelph as outlined in our Mission Statement.
• a connection to the University as a graduate or through another affiliation; formal governance training or other sophisticated governance experience; access to a network that includes potential new major University donors, and a willingness to assist the University’s fundraising efforts by engaging that network.

The Board of Governors’ overriding consideration in identifying and confirming individuals to serve as Governors is credibility, experience, and an ability to serve in relation to the governance needs of the University. All candidates must possess the qualifications, experience and commitment required to govern an institution of the size, complexity and reputation of the University of Guelph and should reflect the diversity of the communities served by the University. 

Submission of Nominations

Nominations of those who may be suitable for appointment to the Board of Governors in response to this profile are requested by January 30, 2026. Nominations of suitable individuals are otherwise welcome at any time and, normally, will be kept on file for at least three years from the date of submission.

Nominations may be submitted in confidence by email to the University Secretariat at univsec@uoguelph.ca or may be sent by mail to:

University of Guelph Board of Governors
50 Stone Road East
Level 4, University Centre
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 2W1