Academic Staff Election

Durham College (DC) employees play a vital role in navigating today’s challenges and shaping tomorrow’s opportunities. Now it’s time to select the Academic staff member who will join the DC Board of Governors and help guide the college over the next three years.

All permanent Academic employees are encouraged to put their names forward. The Board’s Nominating Committee has identified several priority areas where additional expertise would be particularly valuable. These include:

  • Accounting and finance (CPA designation preferred)
  • Agriculture
  • Artificial intelligence and information technology
  • Defense and security
  • Energy
  • Community services
  • Human resources and labour relations

Here’s what you need to know about the coming election and the position:

Important Dates

  • Friday, September 11 at 8:30 a.m. – nominations open
  • Thursday, October 1 at 1 p.m.– nominations close
  • Wednesday, October 7 at 8:30 a.m. – campaign period begins
  • Wednesday, October 21 at 4:30 p.m. – campaign period ends
  • Monday, October 19 at 8:30 a.m. – voting begins
  • Wednesday, October 21 at 4:30 p.m. – voting ends
  • Tuesday, October 27 - official election results announced

Election Principles

  • The election will be fair, transparent, and accessible and provide for freedom of choice.

Term of Office

The position will begin immediately upon election and conclude in August 2029. The incumbent may be eligible to seek a second three-year term by re-election.

The time commitment for this volunteer position is an estimated 15-20 hours per month.

During their first term, all Governors are required to complete the Good Governance certificate offered through the College Centre of Board Excellence, at no cost.

Who can run for election?

Any permanent Academic staff member who meets the following legal requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must not have the status of undischarged bankrupt.
  • Must not have been found under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 or under the Mental Health Act to be incapable of managing property.
  • Must not have been found to be incapable by any court in Canada or elsewhere; and,
  • Must not have been declared an ineligible individual under the Income Tax Act (Canada).

Relevant policies and procedures

To fully understand the rules of engagement, it is very important that you review Durham College By-Law No. 4, which explains everything you need to know about the voters’ list, the campaign period, the voting period and disputes and appeals. DC By-law No. 4 regulates the election of internal Governors. 

Interested in serving as Durham College’s next Academic Staff Governor?

Learn more about the role and what it means to serve on the Durham College Board of Governors by joining one of two virtual drop-in information sessions hosted by the Chief Returning Officer and the former Academic Staff Governor, Nathan Wilson.

Session dates:

  • Monday, September 21 from 3 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 23 from 11 to 11:30 a.m.

These sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions, hear firsthand about the experience of serving on the Board, and determine whether the role is right for you.

To register, please complete this form to indicate which session you would like to attend. 

Next steps

  1. Complete the Nomination Form.
    The Nomination Period is from 8:30 a.m. on Friday, September 11 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 1. Refer to Section 6 of Durham College By-law No. 4 for the specifics.
  1. Make an Appointment with the Chief Returning Officer.
    Following the submission of your online Nomination Form, you must make an appointment with Melissa Pringle, Chief Returning Officer. Appointments are available between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and should take no longer than 10 minutes. Candidates will be asked to show photo identification during the appointment. Note: Your nomination is not complete until this meeting has occurred.
  1. The Chief Returning Officer will confirm eligibility and the information on the Nomination Form and inform nominees of their acceptance as candidates by noon on Monday, October 5.

Candidate information session (for confirmed candidates)

A candidate information session is scheduled for Monday, October 5 at 9 a.m. All candidates will be provided a link to attend virtually. The session will review the position, campaign rules, and expectations.

Candidate statements and messages

Candidates are encouraged to submit a 90-second video introducing themselves and describing why they should be elected as the Academic Staff Governor. This information will be published on this page during the campaign and voting periods. Instead of a video message, candidates may choose to submit a photo and a written statement (maximum 100 words). 

Resource documents

Interested in learning more?

All inquiries should be directed to Melissa Pringle by email or at 905.721.2000 ext. 3292.