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Board of Trustees – Report of the Rector – December 2, 2011 Nick Francis – Rector of Queen’s University Dear Trustees, It is an honour to be writing this report to this distinguished body. If I were told just four years ago that I would be addressing such a body as this, I would surely be shocked and filled with disbelief. If I may, it would be beneficial to give a brief history on my journey to this stage in life. My experience in high school was less than satisfactory; surely teachers and students of that school would agree that I was far from the model student. I had many negative words spoken over my life during that time, but it was not in my intentions to allow those words to define my life. Transferring to a new high school for a “grade thirteen” year would suddenly change my life’s path forever. The contrast was rather sharp between both institutions. In the former, there was lack of life and care for education by the faculty and students. In the latter, ambition and passion for exceptional quality in education and instruction was evident across the board. My transformation came about rapidly as I became absorbed in the infectious environment of students collaborating with instructors to improve the educational experience for both parties. That high school experience exemplified hope and provides evidence that a community of faculty, administration, and students have the ability to nurture strong student leadership and profound personal development. I was inspired by this positive atmosphere and I set my sights on Queen’s University as my school of choice. Queen’s is a place where I believe this form of inspiration occurs, keeping in mind there must be considerable attention and constant caution in decision making for any area in the university to thrive. We should continue to encourage and perpetuate a more inclusive model of governance, educational revisions, and community involvement. It was quite an easy choice. Queen’s embodies strong student leadership, engaged administration and faculty, and an incredibly strong community that spans across the world and centralizes itself on our campus. This institution is more than just classrooms, books, and facilities. Queen’s is a place where ambitious students thrive and have an active role in shaping their own experience. It is through this lens that I view this great university and have constructed a vision for its enhancement. Even a casual observer of Queen’s University is likely to say that there is a level of engagement by its students that cannot be matched by any other university in the country. Whether students focus their potential in class, in extracurricular activities, or in most cases by balancing both, it is evident that they will dedicate their time and efforts towards benefiting the community as a whole. There is a reason why Queen’s University has the second largest number of clubs, only to Harvard. It testifies student dedication to their future and accentuates their passion within the Queen’s community. The quality of education and services provided, do not always reflect the needs of our greatest resource here at Queen’s, that resource being the students. There is value in imagining a Queen’s where instruction and services provided to students equate and surpass their needs. This is a vision shared amongst many students here on campus and is certainly an ideal that I believe we should strive toward. Having been elected just a few weeks ago, I am honoured to be the 33rd Queen’s University Rector. It has been a steep learning curve since I have entered the office, but nonetheless has been an absolutely
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incredible ride thus far. It is within my vision for this role to re-establish, restore, and revitalize the position of rector at Queen’s. I have enjoyed a warm welcome from all groups on campus and my hope is to remain a positive voice for students moving forward. This semester has certainly been a rather difficult one for many undergraduate students, especially those involved with the Bachelor of Fine Arts program and Queen’s Bands. The very unfortunate timing of both events surrounding these two groups of students has made the past few weeks quite busy and emotionally draining for those involved and for the student leaders working closely with them. In reference to the Bachelor of Fine Arts suspension of admissions for the 2011-2012 year, processes of communication and consultation have been widely discussed and critiqued by students and community members. It is important to note that Dean Maclean has been very understanding and willing to meet with students to mend their relationship and provide further details on the issue. Dean Maclean’s efforts to repair the situation have not gone unnoticed. I look forward to continued discussions with the dean and associate deans of Arts and Science. With respect to Queen’s Bands, current members and alumni have faced the consequences of the inappropriate materials brought forward recently. Having not been a strong part of the process regarding Queen’s Bands, I have only been able to offer support and a positive space for any student involved. In the most recent Senate meeting on November 22, 2011, there were a large number of students lined up outside the venue holding pieces of art. Many of the students belong to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program and in my view, by opting for a silent protest they ultimately delivered a very powerful and effective commentary. It is extraordinary that students not necessarily directly affected by this change are willing to strongly defend the experience for future students. Fitting with the vision I have offered in this report, Queen’s students are the greatest resource this institution has and excluding them from the process and direction of this university would be a shame. The November 22nd, 2011 Senate meeting also passed a milestone for the development of Queen’s academics. The newly constructed Academic Plan that evolved from Principal Woolf’s “Where Next” vision document will finally begin its implementation. This is a very exciting time for Queen’s even with the many obstacles standing in its way. With unanimous support of the plan, it is clear that Senate has strong faith in its success. On a quick note, it is important to highlight the composition of the task force which created this plan. Both students and faculty worked in unison to collectively create a document that will alter and improve the educational experience of each party. It is my utmost belief that Queen’s will remain a strong community of aspiring, creative, and collaborative individuals. It is important that Queen’s does not allow itself and its direction to be defined by the negativity cast upon it by external members. We as a community must rise above the discouragement and despair. Queen’s must emerge as a strong leader in facing any tough challenge and in doing so; we will set precedence for other institutions across the country. Princeps Servusque Es, Be a leader and a servant, Nick Francis Rector, Queen’s University