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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Voting Link & Candidate statements

Voting Links

  • New Voting Period starts March 24 at noon


    Voting link for Administrative Staff Governor


    VOTING LINK FOR TEACHING STAFF GOVERNOR

    Online voting for the 2021 Administrative Staff and Teaching Staff positions on the university’s Board of Governors took place March 17 through 19.  As you are aware, the voting is to be set up so that administrative staff vote for Administrative Staff governor candidates, and teaching staff vote for Teaching Staff governor candidates.  Last week the constituency voter lists  were not properly separated, meaning some voters could vote for candidates outside of their constituency.  

    In accordance with section 11 of the Board of Governors Procedures for the Election of Administrative Staff, Student and Teaching Staff Governors, and to ensure the integrity of the voting process, the Board’s Governance, Nominations and Human Resources Committee has approved the Chief Electoral Officer’s recommendation to overturn the election results.

    A new voting period will take place from noon on Wednesday, March 24 through noon on Friday, March 26.  Voter lists will be carefully scrutinized to ensure voters are on the correct lists, and that those on a list can vote only for the candidate(s) in their constituency. Enhanced procedures will be put in place to ensure this is corrected for future elections.  

    We apologize for the inconvenience and ask voters to please vote again between noon on Wednesday, March 24 and noon on Friday, March 26.Note: You’ll need to sign in with your network ID and password. 

     


Candidate Statements

  • Administrative Staff Candidate Statements

    Administrative Staff Governor Candidates

    MATTHEW MACKENZIE

    Thank you for your consideration for the role of Administrative Staff Governor. I'm proud to have worked at Ontario Tech for over seven years. In terms of relevant experience, I serve on the Executive Committee of the Council of the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO), Chair the Governance Committee of the National Science Rendezvous Board, sit on the Township of Scugog's Economic Development Advisory Committee, the Board of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, as well as the University's Risk Management Committee. It would be an honour and privilege to serve on the Board as your representative.

    HOLLY MACPHERSON

    I started working at Ontario Tech in 2013 in an administrative role prior to becoming an Academic Advisor in 2015. I am an active member of the Ontario Tech community and have taken the initiative to be involved in many committees within the Faculty of
    Engineering & Applied Science and across the University. Serving on these committees has exposed me to diverse perspectives of the post secondary experience. I am very excited by this opportunity to be able to bring my knowledge and insight to the Board of Governors and to continue my contribution to the Ontario Tech community.

    MARK NEVILLE

    I am grateful to have served as the Administrative Staff governor for the last 3 years, and I would welcome the opportunity to use my experience, knowledge, and dedication to continue to represent you. As a Writing and ESL Specialist in the SLC since 2013, I have been passionate about improving our organization. My connections with staff and daily interaction with students keeps me focused on ways to continue making Ontario Tech a better place to work and learn. I promise to continue to provide the Board with honest and frank feedback from the perspective of administrative staff.

  • Teaching Staff Candidate Statements

    Teaching Staff Candidate Statements

    AHMAD BARARI

    I envision academia as a live mechanism, formed by the faculties and students together, with a precious mission to serve the welfare of the society, through seeking for knowledge, research, teaching, and learning. The university’s governing body maintains a harmony within all academic affairs in this vision.

    Through 16-years journey with OntarioTech, from teaching its very first students, to actively raising its flag at international communities, I understand our needs and the current concerns related to workplace, budget, and enrolment. With experiences as faculty, association representative, and academic council member, I am prepared and committed to serve in this role.


    CHRISTOPHER COLLINS

    I have worked at Ontario Tech University through 11 years of exciting institutional growth and change; 7 as a Canada Research Chair. I am eager to use my experience to help us meet our goal of being an exceptional research-intensive university. I am committed to keeping a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, as these are essential for achieving excellence. I strongly believe in our ‘sticky campus’ goal and vision to grow as a hub for learning, collaboration, and innovation for the Durham region. I have previous related Board experience from the University Affairs Board at the University of Toronto.


    FERDINAND JONES

    As the teaching staff representative on the Board of Governors, I will serve with honesty, integrity, and stewardship in carrying out my functions and participation in all of the actions and activities of the Board. As a skilled communicator, I will consult with faculty personnel to effectively accomplish university goals and mandates in today’s cultural diversity and inclusive mosaic. 

    In addition, my role would be to support the senior leadership team and participate in committees to the best of my abilities as I utilize my accounting professional skills and pedagogical mandate.


    RAMIRO LISCANO

    In the last 15 years I have served in the role of Associated Dean, Department Chair, member of Academic Council, and member of the COU colleagues committee. I have learned about the governance of academic institutions in these roles and have been able to work with colleagues and staff to tackle both day to day administrative duties and strategic university objectives. I believe that the next few years are going to be very challenging for us due to projected declining enrolments caused by many factors and can bring a faculty perspective to the board to address these challenges. 

    NAMDAR SANIEI

    Once more, I paused and asked myself: do I really want to apply for this position, now? Do I really want to commit to such a great responsibility, in such a critical time? My response to myself was: if not now, then when. I feel I have so many solutions and remedies to the problems that our university is facing now. I believe these combined with my 20+ years of multinational academic experience, plus the experience gained during my service at the Academic Council and its executive committee, empowers me to greatly contribute to the university and our academic society.