Become a Laurier Board of Governors committee member

Feb. 7, 2024

Wilfrid Laurier University currently has vacancies on three standing committees of its Board of Governors:

• Finance, Investments and Property (FIP)
• Human Resources
• Compensation

This is an outstanding volunteer opportunity for exceptional board, business and community leaders who are motivated and committed to making a significant difference to Laurier, and who want to help advance Laurier’s vision and mission. We invite applications for these voting positions on the committees noted above by March 7, 2024.

The university strongly encourages diverse candidates and those with deep community engagement in the communities in which our campuses are located (Waterloo, Kitchener, Brantford, and Milton). Expertise of particular interest includes finance, especially those with a CPA designation; investment; legal; human resources and labour relations; fundraising and development; commercial real estate and facilities development.

Required attributes and skills

• Proven strategic leadership
• Strong relationship building
• Effective communication skills
• Diversity of thought/perspective
• Related governance experience
• Availability to attend and actively participate
• Understanding of a complex, multi-stakeholder environment

Desired skills for available vacancies

• Major financial acumen (e.g. CPA)
• Human resources/ labour relations expertise
• Legal expertise
• Fundraising and development
• Commercial real estate and facilities development

Why become a committee member?

• Help advance Laurier’s vision and mission and Laurier Strategy
• Play a crucial role in the future of the university, an institution that helps develop thoughtful, caring citizens and a strong future talent pool

Committee member responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and perspective
• Respect confidentiality and conflict of interest
• Act in the best interests of the university
• Consider the interests of all stakeholders
• Prepare for Board committee meetings
• Attend meetings regularly
• Act honestly and in good faith
• Participate constructively
• Be an enthusiastic supporter of the university

Time commitment

• Typically, four Board Committee meetings per year (2 hours each)
• Ad-hoc meetings as they arise
• 1-year term, renewable yearly

How to apply

Please submit an application form by March 7, 2024.

About the Board of Governors

Laurier is governed by a bicameral system, consisting of the Senate and the Board of Governors. The Board of Governors is made up of 34 members representing a range of stakeholders including faculty, students, staff, alumni, and the broader community. The Wilfrid Laurier University Act outlines the responsibilities between the two governing bodies and the role of the President. The Board oversees the strategic direction of the University in conjunction with the strategic academic direction set by the Senate. The Board also provides oversight on areas of financial sustainability, reputation, risk, and operations in support of strategic goals.

The Board consists of eight standing committees and a sub-committee that meet on a regular basis throughout the year to review and recommend action in the areas within the control of the Board of Governors. Members hold the responsibility of putting the interests of Laurier first while also balancing the interests of any constituent group they represent.

About Wilfrid Laurier University

Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to academic excellence. Laurier’s holistic approach to learning integrates innovative programming with hands-on experience outside the classroom to ensure Laurier graduates are not only ready for the future but are inspired to leave their mark on the world. Community is at the heart of everything the university does. Laurier inspires students to engage in campus life and the broader community, leading to high levels of student satisfaction and engaged alumni who carry the Laurier legacy throughout the world. As a community of researchers, leaders and educators, Laurier builds knowledge that serves society and creates connections that have a lasting impact.

Learn more about Laurier’s 20,000+ students in Waterloo, Brantford, Kitchener, Milton and Toronto at wlu.ca.