Governance and Administration
Governance at TRU is divided into three bodies responsible for corporate and academic decision-making.
The Board of Governors makes decisions on such matters as property development, labour and finance. The Senate and the Planning Council for Open Learning make decisions on such matters as curriculum, credentials, admissions and educational policies. The composition, powers and duties of each governing body are legislated by the Province of British Columbia.
Board of Governors
Corporate Decisions
The Board of Governors is responsible for the management, administration and control of the property, revenue, business, and affairs of the university, except those affairs vested in the Senate or the Planning Council for Open Learning.
Senate
Academic Decisions
The Senate is responsible for the academic affairs of the university. The Senate sets criteria for awarding credentials, curriculum content, qualifications for admission, and educational policies and procedures.
Planning Council for Open Learning
Distance and Online Learning
The Planning Council for Open Learning sets the admissions and residency requirements for courses, programs and credentials offered through TRU’s Open Learning Division.
Official TRU Policies
TRU policies and regulations are developed by the Board of Governors, Senate, and Planning Council for Open Learning. The President’s Council develops operational policies.
Office of the President
TRU is a public post-secondary institution, funded by the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills. The University Act legislates the leadership of the university, including the powers, duties and offices of the president. The president holds the offices of vice-chancellor, member of the Board of Governors and chair of the Senate.
President and Vice-Chancellor
Brett Fairbairn, the President and Vice-Chancellor, is the chief executive officer, responsible to the Board of Governors and Senate for the supervision of TRU's administrative and academic work.
Advising and reporting to the President
Provost and Vice-President Academic
Gillian Balfour, Provost and Vice-President Academic, provides leadership for TRU’s academic operations, including teaching and learning, research, and students.
Vice-President Administration and Finance
Matt Milovick, Vice-President Administration and Finance, provides leadership for TRU’s administrative operations, including services, resources, and reporting.
Vice-President University Relations
Brian Daly, Vice-President University Relations, provides leadership for TRU’s internal and external relations and includes oversight of advancement, marketing and communications and government relations.
General Counsel and Secretariat
The Office of the General Counsel and Secretariat represents the legal interests of the university and its officers and employees while acting on TRU's behalf.
Vice-President International
Baihua Chadwick, Vice-President International, is responsible for the operations of TRU World, the international arm of the university, including international marketing, recruitment, student support, international partnerships, contract training as well student international mobility.
Vice-President Research
Dr. Shannon Wagner, Vice-President Research, develops partnerships with other universities, institutes, foundations, and organizations; accesses new resources and funding for TRU; and develops opportunities that benefit both faculty and students.
Special Advisor to the President on Indigenous Matters
Paul Michel, Special Advisor to the President on Indigenous Matters, advises in the areas of administration, student support services, university instruction, Indigenous research and governance.
News from the Office of the President
From Truth to Reconciliation to moving forward together
President Brett Fairbairn discusses the need for TRC Day, and a video with Chancellor DeDe DeRose and Cultural Advisor Ted Gottfriedson.
Nursing’s Steve Ross leads with compassion
A deep commitment to faculty and students has earned Steve Ross the 2024 Chair Leadership Award.
Hate has no place here — A message to the TRU community
The tragic loss of life and suffering in different parts of the world to war, terrorism, and violence touches all of us.
