ASU Governance & Bylaw Review

Governance & Bylaw Review 5 Phases Phase 1: Issue Identification Phase 2: Student Engagement Phase 3: Technical Review Phase 4: Bylaw Preparation Phase 5: Adoption

Phase 1 – Issue Identification Phase 1 consists of a workshop with Council to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current Bylaws. The workshop would last approximately 2- 3 hours (with more time allotted if necessary). This will also include a discussion regarding the adoption of a Council Procedural Policy which would reduce the need to rely on Robert’s Rules of Order. Phase 1 will also include an additional workshop with Council to discuss the two (2) areas that will be the subject of community engagement; namely, Diversity on Council and the Structure of Council. This workshops would last approximately 2-3 hours (with more time allotted if necessary).

Phase 1 – Diversity on Council On the topic of ‘Diversity on Council’, we will discuss the purpose, principles and commitment that the SRC wants to pursue. For example, this could include a discussion on whether the SRC favours designated seats for certain groups or perhaps appointed positions which act as advisors to Council. We will also look at what parameters Council wants to put in place on the manner / scope of the student engagement in this area. For example, Council may want to put forward a broad discussion topic such as “What steps can Council take to ensure that its membership reflects the diversity found in the Student Community”. Alternatively, Council may want to put forward a more specific question for discussion such as “The ASU has requested that the Acadia Board of Governors take the specific steps to increase diversity among the members of the BOG, should the ASU adopt similar provisions regarding the membership of the SRC”.

Phase 1 – Diversity on Council The ASU has formally requested that the Acadia BOG commit to the following: Adopt a Diversity Management Policy which includes an internal monitoring and review process. Give a Land Acknowledgement to the Mi’Kma’Ki at the beginning of all meetings. Amend board composition to include 2 positions for indigenous representatives to sit as voting members. Ensure that at least 50% of the members identify as female by 20/21. Ensure that at least 60% of the members identify as female, people with disabilities, aboriginal peoples, and visible minorities by 24/25 (these are the 4 categories identified in the Employment Equity Act)

Phase 1 – Structure of Council Issues for Discussion The role of the Chair (and whether there should be any changes) The role of the Executive (and whether there should be any changes); The size of Council (and whether the numbers should be adjusted and, if so, what are some options), The positions of Officers (and whether they should be elected or appointed or a mix and whether they should sit as members of the SRC or report to the SRC).

Phase 2 – Student Engagement Phase 2 is the opportunity to gather input from the student body on the subjects of “Diversity on Council” and “Structure of Council”. We can engage the students by way of an email survey / questionnaire or a workshop or both (but we have some time constraints given the time of year). If an email survey / questionnaire is to be used then the SRC would have to decide on the questions to be asked of the students. The workshop would be facilitated by members of the ASU Executive Team, the ASU GM and the Lawyer(s). The information received through the student engagement would be summarized in a report to Council.

Phase 3 – Technical Review & Summary Report Phase 3 will begin with the review of the issues identified in Phase 1 and will include consideration of the information gathered in Phase 2. A Summary Report will be presented to Council for consideration and direction. Those students that took part in Phase 2 would be invited to this Council meeting.

Phase 4 – Bylaw Preparation Phase 4 will include a comprehensive review of various Bylaws from other Student Union Organizations such as St. FX, Dalhousie, SMU, U of Calgary, and U of T. and the drafting of the recommended Bylaws. The recommended Bylaws would be presented to Council for consideration and discussion

Phase 5 - Adoption The final phase of the review will follow the regular bylaw approval process and will include a summary presentation to Council on the process, consultation activities, and change recommendations based on the key issues identified during the consultation.