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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

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.


Dr. Brett Fairbairn

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

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.

We are with Waterloo in spirit

Thompson Rivers University President Brett Fairbairn has issued a statement in response to an act of violence at University of Waterloo.

TRU Board of Governors reappoints president for an additional two-year term

The TRU Board of Governors has announced the reappointment of Dr. Brett Fairbairn as president until June 30, 2025.

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