BoG discusses international partnerships and a new board structure review 

On October 23, the Board of Governors (BoG) met to discuss offsite campuses, international partnerships, and clarifying the board’s structure. 

Establishing international branch campuses

President and Vice-chancellor Bill Flanagan acknowledged that this year, the university received “the largest incoming class in history.” Almost 14,000 students have been welcomed to campus this fall, with the university on track to reach 60,000 students by 2033, he said. 

However, the university wants to also prioritize University of Alberta student growth in other countries. Flanagan specifically spoke about building international branch campuses in China. He recently travelled to China and met with a Vice Minister of Education of China, and stated that the U of A is a key partner. 

In May 2026, five U of A programs were approved by China’s Ministry of Education. Flanagan said approximately 120 students enrolled in the first mathematics and statistics undergraduate class at Beijing’s Capital University of Economics and Business.

“It dawned on me that these are all U of A students, and these are also students at the Capital University of Business and Economics,” he said.

Provost and Vice-president (academic) Verna Yiu cited many benefits of opening more international branch campuses. Significant enrolment expansion, increased revenue, stronger reputation, and access to more regional partners are factors that would improve the university as a global institution. 

However, there are also risks and challenges with navigating these campuses in countries outside of Canada. BoG academic staff member Kevin Kane noted that satellite campuses of other institutions have experienced “mixed results.”

Investments into offsite campuses do not always pay off. Especially because of the great cost of maintaining physical infrastructure abroad. 

Kane also worries that teaching staff at international branches may face poorer working conditions and fewer job protections than staff at the main campus. They may find it difficult to receive tenure or union representation.

Another challenge is the possibility of a campus satellite not meeting appropriate standards or student expectations. 

“Our shareholder, the government, is a prime concern,” said U of A Board of Governors Chair Brad Ferguson. He explained that it will take a while for the provincial government to see the positive aspects of the idea and approve of it. 

BoG discussed areas of interest and concern to inform a later, fuller report on the potential of international campuses.

Introducing a board structure review

Ferguson also discussed BoG’ structure. This includes how it operates and interacts with other bodies like the General Faculties Council (GFC) and committees.

The formal structure will also clarify how committees need to operate, and what their expected goals are. Ideally, everyone should have a comprehensive understanding of strategies and priorities of BoG. The review will also assess the president’s ongoing performance and hold board members accountable.

Furguson called on the board to conduct and formalize an annual review of its structure. More simplicity and clarity is needed for governance to run more smoothly and efficiently.

“The purpose of this review is to optimize our structures and ensure the board is set up to fulfil its purpose,” said Kate Peters, university secretary. Responsibilities of the BoG include fiduciary oversight, oversight of the president and setting strategic direction.

Peters expressed hope to formalize the review process by the end of the year. 

Kane also raised the future possibility of having a board member from an American institution, such as Cambridge or Oxford. This member could have relevance to international programs, and offer unique perspectives and knowledge to help the university.