Governance and Administration

The Aurora College Act establishes Aurora College as a public post-secondary education institution in the Northwest Territories and sets several specific requirements around transparency and accountability. It also establishes the role of the Minister, Board of Governors and President with regard to the operation of Aurora College. As a public corporation, Aurora College adheres to the requirements of the Financial Administration Act, which provides the framework for accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility with respect to public money.

In May 2022, amendments to the Aurora College Act came into force as part of process of transformation to a polytechnic university. Changes include an interim Governance Model that will remain in place until the legislative work on the polytechnic university act is completed. The new tri-cameral Governance Model includes the Board of Governors, Academic Council and Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council. The Board of Governors was appointed in March 2023, followed by the Academic Council in November 2023 and the Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council in April 2024.

Together, the three bodies will guide policies and operational decisions to ensure the overall success of Aurora College.

Governance

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors acts on behalf of the public. Board Members are selected based on a list of competencies established upon the Aurora College Act.

Academic Council

The Academic Council is the senior academic body of Aurora College and is part of the institutions tri-cameral governance structure.

Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council

The Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council (IKHC) was established in April 2024 as part of Aurora College’s tri-cameral governance structure.

Administration

President’s Message

Welcome to Aurora College. On behalf of our academic community, I thank you for your interest and I encourage you to continue to explore more about what we have to offer… Read Full President’s Message.

Incoming President

Dr. Angela James is a proud Indigenous woman and educator who has dedicated her career to education in the Northwest Territories. As president of Aurora College, she plans to focus on celebrating and sharing the many good news stories elevating Aurora College towards transformation to a polytechnic university, as well as building relationships with internal and community stakeholders, ensuring collaborative external relations, and grounding decisions in research and data that understand the political, economic, social and cultural landscape of the NWT… Learn More.