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Accountability at UBC

This web page is under development and currently being reviewed by the Governance Committee of the UBC Board of Governors. If you have any questions on this material please contact bog@unixg.ubc.ca.

A Message from the Chair of the Board of Governors

The University of British Columbia consistently ranks among the world's 40 best universities. We have set ambitious goals in our Trek 2010 strategic plan, and our vision is no less ambitious:

The University of British Columbia, aspiring to be one of the world’s best universities, will prepare students to become exceptional global citizens, promote the values of a civil and sustainable society, and conduct outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world.

Underlying our aspirations is a public trust implicit in the relationships the University maintains with the students, alumni, faculty and staff for whom it exists, the broader community, including its residents, that it serves and the organizations, governments and individuals whose support enables it.

Accountability for public resources is a key component in that public trust relationship.

At UBC, operational accountability ultimately rests with the Board of Governors. By legislation, the Board is responsible for the management, administration and control of the property, revenue, business and affairs of the University, including the appointment of senior officials and faculty on the recommendation of the President.

Academic governance for the university is the responsibility of Senates at each of our Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, and overarching these Senates is a Council of Senates.

While this so-called bicameral approach of operational and academic responsibilities describes our high-level governance, it is important to note that responsible stewardship of public resources is mandated throughout the university.

The Board of Governors takes its governance responsibilities very seriously. It has struck a Governance Committee (see terms of reference) to review and update primary governance documents of the university. As part of this approach, the Board has adopted the Government of BC's recommended Best Practice Guidelines for Governing Boards of British Columbia Public Sector Organizations (PDF) (2005).

Using these guidelines, we have produced a summary document that includes links to major UBC accountability documents, web-based information, and information providing legislative and regulatory context.

This web site, which will grow over time, acts as an information gateway to how the university accounts for its plans and expenditures. On it you will find everything from financial reports and policies to governance and administrative responsibilities.

It is my hope that this page, and the documents to which it links, will provide a growing framework for accountability that reflects and rewards the public's trust in the University of British Columbia.

- Mr. Brad Bennett, Chair, UBC Board of Governors