In the coming weeks, the Provost and Vice-President, Academic will be chairing a committee struck under section 4.1 of the Faculty Handbook to advise on the appointment of a Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement. Associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies Robyn Bourgeois has been acting in the role since October 2020.

The Provost and Vice-President, Academic is seeking nominations for members to serve on the advisory committee.

Under the Faculty Handbook, the advisory committee will be chaired by the Provost and consist of:

• one full-time faculty member representing each of the Faculties and a Professional Librarian (to be recommended by the Governance Committee of Senate);
• one undergraduate student Senator or student Board member representing the Brock University Students’ Union (to be recommended by the Governance Committee of Senate);
• one graduate student Senator or student Board member representing the Graduate Students’ Association (to be recommended by the Governance Committee of Senate);
• one ongoing staff member (to be recommended by the Provost and Vice-President, Academic; ongoing staff members reporting directly to a Vice-Provost are not eligible to serve); and
• one senior administrative officer of the University recommended by the Senior Administrators’ Council.

In the case of the appointment or re-appointment of a Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, the Faculty Handbook also states that an additional representative from the Aboriginal Education Council and an Indigenous student to be selected by the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, shall be added to the advisory committee. Where possible, efforts will be made to ensure Indigenous representation on the advisory committee shall constitute a majority.

Students, staff and faculty members interested in serving on the advisory committee are asked to nominate themselves using the Advisory Committee Nomination Form. It is expected that the committee will begin its work in January and conclude by June.

Regular updates will be provided to the University community as the search process progresses.