Chancellor Search

Call for Nominations for Chancellor of the University of Windsor

The Chancellor Search Committee welcomes nominations for the position of Chancellor of the University of Windsor. See below for Chancellor Position Profile and Criteria.

Nomination packages are to include, at minimum, 

  1. a bio of the nominee (awards and honours, charitable works, connections to the University of Windsor or the City of Windsor, current and former employment, etc.) 
  2. a statement on how the nominee meets the criteria set out below
  3. any other relevant documentation (links to articles, newspaper clippings, etc.)
  4. contact information of the nominee (if available)
  5. contact information of the nominator.

Please submit nominations by October 18, 2024 to Renée Wintermute, University Secretary, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor ON  N9B 3P4 or at reneew@uwindsor.ca.

 

Chancellor Position Profile and Criteria

Located next to North America’s busiest international border crossing, the University of Windsor campus looks out on the beautiful Detroit River waterfront. This location speaks to UWindsor’s strength as an internationally oriented, multi-disciplined institution that actively enables a broad diversity of students, faculty, and staff to make a better world through education, scholarship, research and engagement. The University of Windsor combines excellence in teaching, research, and professional practice with a commitment to build stronger communities, to treat people with respect and dignity, and to address pressing societal needs. We put students first by creating a culture of support and success that enhances teaching and learning. We emphasize independent learning, interdisciplinary opportunities, and flexibility in degree completion pathways in a highly supportive environment. We are a comprehensive, progressive university of approximately 18,000 students, where the challenges of communities and of a world in transition inform the education we provide, the research we do, and the creative endeavours we pursue.

Role and Responsibilities 

The Chancellor is the titular head of the University and confers all degrees and diplomas on behalf of Senate. The Chancellor also represents the University in an official capacity at external functions from time to time.

The Chancellor is expected to preside over a minimum of ten Convocation sessions in May/June and a minimum of two in October. While this is the most significant time commitment, the Chancellor also will be expected to represent the University on other ceremonial occasions and to participate in promotion and fundraising. The time commitment can be considerable. The Chancellor must be willing and able to commit to the expectations of the position. 

The position is voluntary, with a four-year renewable term, unremunerated except for expenses.

Candidate Profile

The Chancellor performs a strong leadership role and acts as an ambassador for the University, advancing the University’s interests locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. The Chancellor, therefore, should be an outstanding role model to members of the University, should be able to relate to donors and friends of the University, and should have the public stature and gravitas to represent the University of Windsor with integrity and passion. 

The individual should not have been Chancellor at another university or be in a conflict or apparent conflict of commitment between a duty to the University of Windsor and another postsecondary educational institution. 

Selection Criteria: 

  • Possesses a high public profile, whose prominence will confer prestige upon the University 
  • Is distinguished in their profession
  • Has stature, charisma, and gravitas 
  • Has a strong commitment to the position and an ability to champion the University in diverse settings and with diverse groups
  • Is dedicated to higher education in general and the University of Windsor in particular
  • Can relate well to students and demonstrates understanding of issues faced by current students
  • Brings a key network of contacts to advance the University and is engaged in fundraising and friend-raising, as needed
  • Is an articulate and effective communicator and public speaker, comfortable in a wide variety of public and private settings and diverse audiences
  • Has a demonstrated commitment to equity, excellence, diversity, and inclusion, and to providing leadership in the contexts of diversity
  • Has experience building and maintaining connections with people and organizations
  • Can work closely with the President to raise the profile of the University
  • Can serve as a confidant(e) and provide sound advice to the President 

Previous affiliation with the University would be regarded as an asset.

Commitment to Equity

The University of Windsor is a welcoming community equity, diversity, and inclusion in its policies, practices, programs, and teaching, learning and work environments. In keeping with this commitment to equity and diversity, the Search Committee welcomes nominations of candidates from all gender identities, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, sexual orientations, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage with diverse communities.