Board by-laws and policies

Board By-laws

Listed below are all by-laws currently approved by the Durham College Board of Governors:

By-law No. 1 [PDF] A By-law relating generally to conduct of the affairs of the Board of Governors of The Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology pursuant to Regulation 34/03 under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technologies Act, 2002 (the “Act”)
By-Law No. 2 [PDF] A By-law regarding Advisory Committees for Programs of Instruction, pursuant to the Minister’s Binding Policy Directive on Framework for Programs of Instruction made under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002 (the “Act”)
By-Law No. 3 [PDF] A By-law regarding the establishment of a College Advisory Council pursuant to the Minister’s Policy Directive regarding Governance and Accountability made under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technologies Act, 2002 (the “Act”).
By-law No. 4 [PDF] A By-law to regulate the election of Internal Governors pursuant to Regulation 34/03 under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002 (the “Act”).

Board Policies

As a policy-governed Board, the Durham College Board of Governors has established a comprehensive framework of governance policies that define the Board’s expectations and accountabilities. These policies address the outcomes the College is expected to achieve, the limitations placed on executive authority, the relationship between the Board and the President, and the processes the Board uses to govern effectively. The Board’s governance framework is designed to provide clear direction while ensuring accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of College resources.

This approach creates a clear distinction between governance and administration. The Board focuses on strategic leadership and oversight, while delegating responsibility for the day-to-day management and operation of the College to the President. As a result, the Board is able to concentrate on:

  1. Establishing the College’s strategic direction through broad, outcome-focused policies.
  2. Monitoring organizational performance and ensuring the College is achieving the results and priorities established by the Board.
  3. Defining the authority delegated to the President and holding the President accountable for achieving expected outcomes.
  4. Establishing clear standards of ethical conduct, accountability, and responsible decision-making through Board policy.
  5. Ensuring that risks are appropriately managed and that the College operates in a manner consistent with its mission, values, legal obligations, and public responsibilities.

Following a comprehensive governance review completed in 2022, the Durham College Board of Governors adopted a policy governance framework and approved a revised suite of Board by-laws and policies to support effective governance and accountability. The Board regularly reviews its by-laws and policies to ensure they remain current, aligned with legislative requirements, and responsive to the evolving needs of the College and the communities it serves.

The Board’s current policies are available below.

I. Outcomes

II. Executive Limitations

III. Board-President Relationship

IV. Governance Process

      Board Work Plan

      The 2025-2026 Board of Governors Work Plan [PDF – 181 KB]