Administrative Staff Elections

Our 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 administrative staff member who will join the DC Board of Governors and help guide the college over the next three years.  

All permanent administrative employees are encouraged to put their names forward. While the final selection will be made by election, the Board’s Nominating Committee has identified several priority areas from the Board’s Skills Matrix 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 

              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. 

              Please note that starting this September, all Board and relevant Committee meetings will begin at 4 p.m.  

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

              Important Dates

              • Friday, February 20 at 8:30 a.m. – nominations open 
              • Wednesday, March 12 at 1 p.m.– nominations close 
              • Wednesday, March 18 at 8:30 a.m. – campaign period begins 
              • Wednesday, April 1 at 4:30 p.m. – campaign period ends 
              • Monday, March 30 at 8:30 a.m. – voting begins 
              • Wednesday, April 1 at 4:30 p.m. – voting ends 
              • Tuesday, April 7 - official election results announced 

                          Election Principles

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

                          Term of Office

                          Three years, beginning September 1, 2026. The incumbent may be eligible to seek a second three-year term but would need to be re-elected. 

                          We estimate the time commitment for this volunteer position as 15-20 hours per month. 

                          Who can run for election? 

                          Any permanent administrative staff member.  

                          Additional 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. Durham College By-law No. 4 regulates the election of internal governors.   

                                  Other related policies and procedures: 

                                        Next steps

                                        1. Complete the Nomination Form
                                          Complete the online Nomination Form. The Nomination Period is from 8:30 a.m. on Friday, February 20 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. 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, March 16.  

                                        Candidate information session (for confirmed candidates)  

                                        A candidate information session is scheduled for Monday, March 16, at 1 p.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 administrative 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 inquires should be directed to Melissa Pringle by email or at 905.721.2000 ext. 3292.