1 week Ago By By Abiola Odutola
Brandon University’s leadership faces scrutiny as BUFA passed a no-confidence motion against top administrators, while the university defended its actions, citing independent reviews and initial improvements underway. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
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Brandon University’s leadership faces scrutiny as BUFA passed a no-confidence motion against top administrators, while the university defended its actions, citing independent reviews and initial improvements underway. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Brandon University’s leadership faces scrutiny as BUFA passed a no-confidence motion against top administrators, while the university defended its actions, citing independent reviews and initial improvements underway. The administrators are acting president Kofi Campbell, president David Docherty (currently on medical leave), and associate vice-president (People and Talent) Kristen Fisher.
The faculty’s concerns, aired during their annual general meeting last week, revolved around frustrations over accountability, campus safety, decision-making transparency and administrative responsiveness. The failed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project, which cost the university $6 million, was a key factor behind the vote, BUFA president Gautam Srivastava told the Sun. “The membership has been seeking answers about the ERP failure for over a year now,” Srivastava said.
“It was a large financial failing, and having yet to receive any answers to our questions, it’s difficult for the university to even move forward into launching a new project to fix the ERP project.” In response, Campbell defended the administration’s actions, explaining that an independent review of the ERP failure has been underway for several weeks. “We all want action on these matters, and we are moving forward,” Campbell said.
“But the truth is, we cannot tell independent reviewers how to do their jobs. They need time and space to complete their tasks thoroughly. The ERP independent reviewers are scheduled to present their findings to the board during the week of June 22nd.
” On the issue of campus safety, BUFA pointed to what they described as unacceptable delays in conducting a security audit, particularly considering heightened concerns following the June 2023 stabbing incident at the University of Waterloo. Srivastava said faculty members were frustrated that although the audit had finally been launched, no results, action plans, or outcomes had been communicated months later. Campbell countered that while full security audit findings are still pending, preliminary recommendations have already led to tangible improvements, including an increased security presence on campus.
He explained that interim security measures had been implemented but not publicly detailed to protect the effectiveness of those measures. A briefing with the security audit team is scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday), Campbell added, which should provide a more definitive timeline for the audit’s completion. Faculty members also expressed dismay at what they described as a lack of timeliness and transparency in decision-making by senior administration.
Srivastava said that this ongoing issue, discussed extensively during the AGM, contributed heavily to the decision to pass the no-confidence motion. “This should be seen as an opportunity for reflection and change, not just a criticism,” Srivastava said. “We are ready to work with the administration — but real action must follow.
” Campbell responded by emphasizing that communication efforts have been consistent and ongoing, pointing again to regular university updates issued to the community. “I would note that since last December, there have been at least six communications sent to the campus community updating them on the progress of both audits, averaging more than one communication per month. Our president has also spoken directly to the community several times about the ERP project,” he added.
Srivastava added he has met individually with board chair Kevan Sumnar, Fisher and Docherty since the motion was passed. While the meetings were described as cordial, BUFA expects genuine and immediate improvements in administrative practices going forward. Campbell explained the administration has always remained open to communication, adding in the two weeks he has served as acting president, “no one from the faculty association had reached out with specific inquiries.
” However, he mentioned that he plans to send out a monthly update from the president’s office for the duration of his time as acting president, to maintain transparency. “If the BUFA president has any questions, I encourage him to reach out — I would be glad to have that conversation,” he added. The no-confidence motion, while naming three senior officials, does not call explicitly for resignations.
Srivastava explained the move is primarily symbolic, intended to signal a need for self-reflection, greater transparency, and cultural change within the administration. “We want this to lead to positive change for the entire university community,” he said. Addressing concerns about the involvement of those named, Campbell clarified that neither he nor Kristen Fisher was part of the decision-making team that launched the original ERP project.
While he acknowledged that he was present when the decision was made to cancel the project, he argued that holding current leaders responsible for past decisions, without distinguishing their roles, was inaccurate and unfair. BUFA’s motion also sends a message to the board of governors, signalling that faculty have lost confidence not just in specific projects but in the broader approach to governance. Srivastava said years of perceived administrative indifference had led to the frustration of faculty members.
In defence of the administration’s commitment to improvement, Campbell reassured stakeholders that efforts to address financial management and campus safety are genuine and ongoing. “We take safety, security, and financial responsibility very seriously,” he said. “By engaging independent auditors, we are demonstrating our commitment to doing things better.
” Campbell criticized the timing of BUFA’s vote, noting Docherty is currently on medical leave and thus unable to defend himself. “BUFA often speaks about the principles of natural justice,” Campbell said. “It seems to me that moving a vote of no confidence against Docherty while he is away and unable to respond is contrary to those very principles.
” Brandon University Student Union president Charles Adamu did not respond to the Sun’s calls. » [email protected] » X: @AbiolaOdutola Advertisement Advertisement.
