Last week, AUFA provided analysis of AU’s latest de-designation policy draft. At the end of that post, we identified that we may need AUFA members to attend the Board of Governors meeting that will occur Friday morning. Subsequent to that post, AU has decided it will be discussing the de-designation policy in a closed Board meeting (i.e., one that precludes public attendance).
The most likely explanation for this secret meeting is that President Fassina is seeking to control what the Board members see and hear about his proposed policy. It is unlikely the Board will be thrilled to find out his proposal entails no legitimate benefits for AU and, now, includes substantial financial and reputational risk associated with AUFA’s visiting student boycott. Keeping AUFA members from interacting with BoG members is the best way to control the narrative and pass the policy.
AUFA president Dave Powell has been invited (along with representatives from AUPE, CUPE and AUGSA) to this closed meeting. Together, they were granted 30 minutes to make one or more presentations and answer any questions from the Board members. Attendees were threatened with being barred from speaking if they made available to their members the link to the closed meeting.
AUFA will provide an update once the secret Board meeting is concluded and the Board’s decision is known. AUFA is planning further actions to protest this proposed policy.
Bob Barnetson, Member
Membership Engagement Committee