AGENDA
Our panels will consist of lawyers (both from Field Law and institutions), professors, past Board members, key senior administrators, and other industry experts from across post-secondary, providing insights, discussion and advice drawn from years of practical experience in this unique area.
The Legal Landscape for Post-Secondaries: A Snapshot of Recent Legal Developments
As new legislation is enacted and judicial and arbitration decisions are released, institutions must navigate these developments with care and precision and adapt to a changing landscape. This presentation will highlight major legal trends, key reforms, and the impact of recent decisions. It will examine how the changing legal landscape has affected institutions, what challenges lie ahead, and what opportunities for adaptation and reform exist.
Alberta's Research Security Landscape
The global research environment is evolving rapidly. Changes in technology, geopolitics, and institutional priorities are reshaping the intelligence and security strategies that are essential for protecting Canada’s sensitive and valuable research assets. With the recent introduction of federal and provincial government research security policies, along with federal funding for universities to set up safeguarding research offices, Alberta’s post-secondaries have been actively working on integrating research security measures into their governance and operations. This panel will review key research security risks and policy requirements and discuss different strategies for implementing a robust research security program while maintaining principles of academic freedom and open collaboration.
Navigating AI’s Turbulence: Insights for Institutions
This presentation explores the immense potential of AI as well as the rapidly evolving legal frameworks in the US and Europe. It addresses key challenges such as bias, privacy, and liability, and provides actionable insights on compliance and risk mitigation. Tailored for senior leaders at post-secondary institutions, the session emphasizes proactive measures for responsible AI use.
Shared Governance: Challenges + Opportunities in Today's Environment
The panel will consist of a general discussion on the basic principle of shared governance, and how it relates to the concept of collegial governance, specifically in the Alberta context. The panel will discuss recent experience and provide guidance and insights on anticipating, conceiving, and implementing sound governance structures and practices to respond to the dynamic needs and current challenges in Alberta’s post-secondary institutions.
Work Stoppages: Observations from the Ground
The unfortunate prospect of job action is a reality in post-secondary labour relations that institutions with organized labour forces must be prepared to address where needed. This panel will provide commentary, insights and advice borne from experience in this area.
Free Expression on Campus: Trends, Problems + the Future
Recently more than usual, post-secondary institutions have become lightning rods for debate, criticism and ideological posturing around issues of free expression. The prevailing political and social climate will likely compound this phenomenon. Panelists will discuss recent challenges in this realm; the different considerations for students, employees and the public; some useful legal developments and practical precedents for institutions; best practices to manage emotion and rhetoric in favour of sound legal and policy analysis; and what institutions should expect in the near future.
Potpourri Session
This interactive session will provide a valuable opportunity to engage in an open dialogue with your peers on issues of interest. Through an informal Q+A format, participants will be encouraged to ask questions, share insights, and discuss practical strategies for navigating the evolving landscape in post-secondary education. This session aims to foster collaborative discussions and provide actionable takeaways to address key challenges and opportunities. |