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Wilfrid Laurier and Waterloo universities face academic censure 
(Monday, April 30, 2012) - Academic staff from across Canada have put Wilfrid Laurier and Waterloo universities on notice that, unless they amend an agreement that compromises academic integrity, both institutions will face censure in November.

Delegates attending the Council meeting of the Canadian Association of University Teachers held in Ottawa over the weekend carefully considered and debated the details of a partnership agreement between Wilfrid Laurier, Waterloo and Jim Balsillie’s private think tank, the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), to create the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA).

“After thoroughly assessing the facts, Council delegates overwhelmingly passed a motion that unless the two universities change the governance structure for the Balsillie School of International Affairs so that academic integrity is ensured, censure will be imposed at the November meeting of CAUT Council,” said CAUT executive director James L. Turk.

Censure means that the academic community in Canada and internationally will be encouraged not to accept positions, conduct visiting lectures, or attend conferences at the two universities.

Turk said censure can be avoided if the Wilfrid Laurier and Waterloo administrations fix the governance structure of BSIA.  At the moment, CIGI through its veto power on the BSIA Board has the power to decide which programs will be BSIA academic programs, to choose the Director of the School, to decide the strategic research direction of the school, and to make final budgetary and operational decisions.

“These features of the agreement directly contradict the principles of academic autonomy and integrity,” explained Turk.

Turk added that CAUT is looking forward to discussions with representatives of the two universities to seek solutions before the November deadline.

CAUT is the national voice of more than 68,000 academic and general staff at 124 colleges and universities across Canada.
 


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