2023 Statements

As we enter final exams and the last stretch of the fall term, we mark the end of another year at SFU.

I am pleased to announce that Chris (Syeta’xtn) Lewis has been appointed as SFU’s inaugural Indigenous Executive Lead, effective Nov. 20, 2023.

I am devastated by the tragic events that have taken place in Israel and Gaza over the past month and by the intolerance and hate these events have invoked across the globe.

The recent attack on Israel and the escalating conflict across the region is a matter of grave concern for members of our university community.

As we settle into the new routines of the fall term, I want to share a few reminders about personal safety on campus and how we can work together to ensure all members of our community feel a sense of belonging, inclusion and mutual respect.

For some, January 1 marks the start of a new year, a moment for reflection and future planning. For me, as I suspect for many of you, September will always feel like the start of a new year. As I enter my fourth year as president of one of the best universities in Canada and seek a second term, I’ve taken time to reflect on what we’ve achieved and what lies ahead, and I’d like to share my thoughts with you in my first annual Community Report.

I encourage you to take a step away from work and join us at the annual employee appreciation BBQ so we can thank you for all you do.

Following an extensive external recruitment process, Simon Fraser University is pleased to announce the permanent appointment of Francesca Hennigar as SFU general counsel.

An accomplished academic advocate, Dean, Canada Research Chair, and administrator with a strong track record of success, SFU welcomes Dr. Dilson Etcheverry Rassier as Provost and Vice-President Academic. Dr. Rassier will begin on August 15, 2023.

Following the announcement that SFU has no place to play in NCAA football, the university heard the strong desire to find a way forward for football from student-athletes, alumni, and the football community. Acknowledging that there are many challenges to address and a commitment to try to find a solution together, SFU also announced in April that the university would appoint a special advisor to review options and search for a sustainable way forward.

The Board of Governors and SFU’s executive team received feedback last year through several mechanisms, including SFU: What’s Next? discussions, that there is a need for more communication from SFU’s leadership about how and why decisions get made.

I am saddened to share that we are announcing the end of SFU’s varsity football program. Simon Fraser University is incredibly proud of our long football history, student-athletes, coaches and alumni.

SFU has accepted the return of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws awarded to Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond in 2016.

Over the past year, I have spent a lot of time asking the question: SFU, What’s Next? Through surveys, online platforms, round table conversations and more, our communities shared their thoughts on where we should go next as a university and how we want to get there.

As Chair of Senate, I am pleased to update the community on a productive discussion and collaborative resolution on recent changes to SFU’s Research Ethics Board (REB).