3.2 Terms of Reference for the Chair

Section 3: Board Operational Policies and Procedures
3.2 Terms of Reference for the Chair

Date initially approved: March 12, 2008
Date revised: February 12, 2022; June 29, 2022

Further to the By-Laws, the Chair shall have the following obligations and responsibilities:

Managing the Board

• Presides at all meetings of the Board.
• Ensures that the Board is alert to its obligations to the College, management, stakeholders, and pursuant to law.
• Cause notice to be given of all meetings.
• Establishes the frequency of the meetings and reviews such frequency from time to time, as considered appropriate, or as requested by the Board.
• Ensures the coordination of the agenda, information packages, and related events for Board meetings in conjunction with the President and Board Secretary.
• Cause an accurate and complete record to be kept of the minutes of all meetings and all transactions of the Board.
• Responsible for ensuring that all official documents of the Board are retained.
• Ensures that the Board receives adequate and regular up-dates from the President on issues important to the welfare and future of the College.
• Recommends through the Executive Committee to the Board for approval, the appointment of Committee Chairs, as well as review of the need for, the performance and suitability of those committees.
• Assigns an experienced Board member as a mentor for each new Board member.

Works with Management

• Acts as the principal sounding board and confidant for the President, including helping to define issues, review strategies, maintain accountability and build relationships.
• Works closely with the President to ensure that management strategies, plans and performance are appropriately represented to the Board.
• Where appropriate, assists in representing the College.
• Ensures that the President is aware of concerns of the Board, stakeholders and the public.
• Leads the Board in monitoring and evaluating the performance of the President; ensures the accountability of the President; and ensures implementation of management succession and development plans by the President.

Relations with Stakeholders and the Public

• In conjunction with the President, the Chair ensures that the College’s management and, where applicable, the Board are appropriately represented at official functions and meetings with major stakeholders.
• Undertakes public service activities, as requested by the President and relevant committees, in connection with the College’s mission and goals.