First Nations University of Canada’s Probationary Status Lifted

Statement

WINDSOR, ONTARIO, April 2, 2008 — At its meeting of April 1, 2008, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada Board voted to lift the probationary status of First Nations University of Canada and restore it to institutional membership status. The decision takes effect immediately.“AUCC is satisfied that First Nations University of Canada and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations have made sufficient advances in resolving governance issues at the university since the institution was placed on probationary status by the AUCC board in April 2007.

“The AUCC Board believes it is possible for First Nations University of Canada to protect its uniqueness while, at the same time, sharing the attributes and values fundamental to Canadian universities.

“We are confident that the changes to the governance structures and processes recently formalized by FSIN provide for institutional autonomy, which is fundamental to the functioning of a university in a democratic society, and is a value all AUCC members believe to be fundamental.

“AUCC’s criteria for membership specifically call for an independent board of governors, or appropriate equivalent, that is committed to public accountability and functions in an open and transparent manner; has control over the institution’s finances, administration and appointments; and includes appropriate representation from the institution’s external stakeholders, as well as from its academic community.

“Autonomy provides the best possible condition for the conduct of scholarship and higher education essential to a free society. As centres of free inquiry, universities have an obligation to society to resist outside intrusion into their planning and management and to insist that institutional autonomy be recognized by governments and others as the necessary pre-condition to their proper functioning.”

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AUCC is the voice of Canada’s universities. It represents 92 Canadian public and private, not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges.

For additional information on this release and AUCC, please contact:

Lyse Huot
Director, Publications and Communications
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
Tel: 613-563-3961 ext. 229 or 613-884-8401
Email: lhuot@aucc.ca