Reviews identify opportunities for Laurentian University to become more efficient, effective and sustainable

Laurentian University is an Ontario institution that supports bilingualism and a comprehensive Indigenous education.

Declining tuition fees, rising expenses and global events had left Laurentian in an unsustainable financial position. Since commencing restructuring in February 2021, the university had been renewing itself to ensure students can access an ongoing post-secondary education. The university engaged Nous to review its operations and governance to improve its performance.

As part of our operational review, we:

• examined strategies, service delivery models, structures, processes, systems and capabilities for seven administrative functions
• engaged with more than 70 stakeholders regarding administrative issues and opportunities to improve administrative functions
• used the Nous Organisational Architecture Framework to analyse information from documents, data and stakeholder engagement.

For the governance review, we:

• assessed the senate and board processes, policies, structures and overall effectiveness
• analysed governing body materials, minutes, bylaws, agenda, the Laurentian Act, board member CVs and good governance practice
• engaged approximately 75 stakeholders, with surveys completed by 11 board members and 28 senate members.

A focused transformation program over several years will help Laurentian deliver better services for staff and students, build capability across functions and governance, and ultimately improve its position in the market.