We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.
By selecting “Accept” and continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies.
Governance describes how authority, decision-making and accountability work at an institution. Like many universities in Canada, Wilfrid Laurier University has a bicameral governance system with two separate and distinct governing bodies: the Senate and the Board of Governors. The powers of both the Senate and the Board of Governors are set out in provincial legislation entitled the Wilfrid Laurier University Act (the Act). (See below for more about the powers of these two groups.)
The Act provides the authority to Senate and Board to make decisions about the university’s operations and strategic direction. From there, an evolving set of principles, systems, and processes guide how matters are brought forward, considered, decided and acted upon.
Meetings of Senate and the Board are open to the public but may include a closed portion available only to the members of Senate or Board. You can attend and observe the open portion of the meeting if you are interested in a specific issue, or if you want to see how governance works at Laurier.
Students may stand for election for student positions on Senate or the Board of Governors through elections facilitated by the Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union (WLUSU) for undergraduate students, and by the Graduate Students' Association (GSA) for graduate students.
Note: Participation can be added to your experiential learning portfolio. Record this involvement on the Laurier Experience Record.
The Act gives the Board of Governors the power to govern the university and control its property and revenues. Some matters that come before the Board include:
The Senate is the highest academic body of Laurier and makes decisions on all academic issues. Some matters that come before the Senate include:
Agendas and minutes are posted online for Senate and Board. If you have questions about Senate or Board material, please contact the University Secretariat or the University Archives.