UNBC didn’t consult enough on chancellor’s job, university’s senate says
The University of Northern British Columbia’s senate is formally opposing the process used to select former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore as chancellor.
After a lengthy debate on Wednesday, a majority of members voted to ask UNBC president Daniel Weeks to inform the board of governors that it didn’t sufficiently consult with the senate on Moore’s appointment.
The appointment caused an outcry as some faculty and students say Moore’s role in former prime minister Stephen Harper’s government clashes with the values of the university.
The board is required by the University Act to consult with the senate before appointing a chancellor, but the legislation does not spell out what that consultation must involve. Student senator Angela Kehler said the only discussion that took place was a private meeting in October, shortly before the board announced on Nov. 26 that Moore had been selected.
“As far as following the letter of the legislation, we were notified ahead of time,” she said. “We just felt that it wasn’t meaningful consultation.”
The senate has about 45 faculty members and students and handles academic decisions, while the board controls financial affairs.
Moore’s critics have pointed to the Harper government’s environmental record and muzzling of federal scientists as inconsistent with the values of UNBC, which calls itself “Canada’s Green University.”
Weeks said he will set up a meeting with board chairman Ryan Matheson to relay the senate’s concerns.
He says there’s no better place than a university to have passionate dialogue on controversial issues.