New Chancellor to be elected

Nominations for the Office of the Chancellor are currently being accepted as the current chancellor, Dr. William Norrie, is ending his three-year term.

“It is a great honour to be elected chancellor of a university such as the University of Manitoba, the province’s premier post-secondary institution, one with a rich and vibrant 133-year history,” said John Danakas, U of M spokesperson.

“You are able to represent one of the leading institutions in the province.”
Members and assessors of the Board of Governors and Senate, students, academic and support staff and alumni of the University of Manitoba can place nominations.

Nominations must be made on the given forms from the university governance office. They must be signed by any five persons eligible to nominate and be received by the office of the secretary no later than 4 p.m., Nov. 26, 2009.

As the ceremonial head of the university, the chancellor confers all degrees and is a voting member of the Board of Governors and Senate.

“In accordance with past practice, the chancellor also assists with the advancement of the university when appropriate and acts as a university ambassador,” explained Danakas.

The chancellor acts as an advisor to the president, who is the vice-chancellor and chief executive officer and is able to fulfill the chancellor’s ceremonial duties if the he is unavailable.

With such an active role in university governance, an ideal candidate would have a vested interest
in the university, and would preferably be a graduate of the university.

They are also involved in a number of fundraising activities and community outreach, and therefore must have the respect of many corporate, foundation and special interest groups with which the university must maintain relations.

There is no financial compensation for the position.

Past chancellors include Dr. Authur V. Mauro, Dr. Peter D. Curry and John W. Dafoe.