Call for Nominations: NOSM University’s Board of Governors
NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university, with a mission to strengthen Northern communities and health systems through socially accountable health education and research.
The Board is seeking three new members with expertise in:
• Higher education policy, governance, or management
• Health professional leadership with policy, risk, and quality experience
• Indigenous health governance leadership
• Infrastructure and capital planning
• Philanthropy and community building
As a member of the Board of Governors, you will play a vital role in fulfilling NOSM University’s vision of health equity across the North—including for Indigenous and Francophone peoples, and for people living in rural and remote areas. Your leadership will help guide programs that are innovative and responsive to the needs of individual students and to the unique health-care needs of the people of Northern Ontario and other northern regions of Canada.
The Board draws upon members with a wide breadth of skill sets to effectively meet the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the University. Established to serve and be shaped by Northern Ontarians, the University’s growth depends on the health of the ecosystem around it—the people, communities, and partnerships. NOSM University is especially committed to fostering diversity and encourages applications from Indigenous and Francophone candidates. Don’t miss this opportunity to make an impact.
Anyone interested in a three year term (January 1, 2027-December 31, 2029), must submit through the nomination online form.
Your submission should include:
- A current resume
- A written statement explaining your interest in serving on the Board
- Completion of the online application
- References
Applications are open until 4:00 p.m. on June 19, 2026. Download the advertisement poster.
Click here to APPLY NOW
Please contact the University Secretary at governance@nosm.ca if you have any questions.
Please see below for more information on the process, including nominations, the commitment and recruitment and selection.
Information on the Board of Governors
The Board is responsible for oversight of the university’s governance and administration, which includes approving budgetary decisions and establishing policies. The primary function of the Board is strategic oversight that is removed from the day-to-day decision-making of the university. The university’s administration presents information, seeks advice and requests the approval of proposals by the Board of Governors.
- NOSM University Act, 2021 (the Act), (proclaimed in full force on April 1, 2022) (Regulations)
- NOSM U Board By-Law No 1 (April 5)
All the Board members are volunteers with the exception of the President. Governors owe a fiduciary duty to NOSM University as a whole, which consists of a duty of care, diligence and loyalty. As fiduciaries, members of the Board must act honestly, in good faith and at all times in the best interests of the university.
Time Commitment
Membership involves a time commitment of approximately 1-2 weekdays per month for meeting attendance, plus 6-10 hours per month for review of meeting materials. In addition, Board members are asked to participate on a Board committee (See Board Committee for more details). The full Board meets approximately four times each year (e.g. September, November, February and May) for approximately three hours with one in person meeting per year. The full meeting schedule is provided to members in advance. Governors are provided with an electronic meeting package approximately one week in advance which includes all materials to review in preparation for the meeting.
Commitment to Diversity
Individuals of all gender identities, racially visible people, Indigenous and Francophone peoples, people with disabilities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage with diverse communities are encouraged to apply. A connection to Northern Ontario is essential. Those interested, who have the particular skill set and experience identified, are encouraged to apply through the online application form.
Recruitment & Selection
The Board of Governors is a competency-based Board whose composition reflects the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to govern effectively and meet the vision, mission and strategic goals of the University. See Board Recruitment and Selection Policy.
While the Board will give priority to recruitment of different skills, expertise and experience over time, the members should collectively possess a range of specific skills, expertise, and experience from among the following:
- University (Higher Education) Policy, Governance, and/or Management
- Governance, Political Acuity, and Government Relations Skills
- Financial Management, Planning and Accounting (Preferably with Professional Designation)
- Human Resources Including Labour Relations
- Legal Expertise
- Quality Improvement and Risk Management
- Strategic Planning
- Health Policy and Administration
- Public Affairs and Marketing
- Health Professional Leadership, Policy, Risk & Quality
- Indigenous Health Governance Leadership
- Infrastructure & Capital Planning / Oversight
- Philanthropy and Community Building
Term of Office – The term of office for elected External, Internal and LGIC seats, is 3 years and 1 year for Students/ Learners. Elected members are eligible for re-election, subject to the provisions in the By-Laws and the NOSM University Act, 2021 and applicable board policies.
The Board includes members who are elected from the following constituency groups (see Article 2 – By-law):
External Seats
Internal Seats – Student, Teaching Staff, Non-Teaching Employees
Teaching Staff (1 seat) / Corps professoral (un siège)
Teaching Staff candidates are identified through a general election conducted by the University Secretary. “Teaching Staff” means professors, associate professors, assistant professors, lecturers, instructors, and all others employed or contracted to do the work of teaching or giving instruction at the University.” Nominees must have an active appointment and in good standing at the time of nomination and throughout their board term. / Les candidates et candidats faisant partie du corps professoral sont sélectionnés lors d’une élection générale menée par la secrétaire de l’Université. « Membres du corps professoral » s’entend des professeurs titulaires, professeurs agrégés, professeurs adjoints, chargés de cours, moniteurs et toutes autres personnes employées ou à contrat pour enseigner ou encadrer à l’Université. Les candidates et candidats doivent enseigner et être en règle lors de la mise en candidature et tout au long de leur mandat au conseil.
Non-Teaching Employee (1 seat) / Personnel non enseignant (un siège)
Non-Teaching Employee candidates are identified through a general election conducted by the University Secretary. “Non-Teaching Employees” means all University employees who do not fall within the definition of Teaching Staff. Nominees must be full-time employees and in good standing at the time of nomination and throughout their board term. / Les candidates et candidats faisant partie du personnel non enseignant sont sélectionnés lors d’une élection générale menée par la secrétaire de l’Université. « Personnel non enseignant » s’entend des employés de l’Université qui n’entrent pas dans la définition de membres du corps professoral. Les candidates et candidats doivent être employés à temps plein et en règle lors de la mise en candidature et tout au long de leur mandat au conseil.
Student (Learner) (1 seat) / Étudiante ou étudiant (un siège)
Student candidates for Board membership are identified through a general election conducted by the University Secretary. “Students” means all learners registered at the University. Nominees must be registered and in good standing at the time of nomination and throughout their board term. / Les étudiantes et étudiants candidats au conseil sont sélectionnés lors d’une élection générale menée par la secrétaire de l’Université. « Étudiantes ou étudiants » s’entend de toutes les personnes qui étudient à l’Université. Elles doivent être inscrites et en règle lors de la mise en candidature et tout au long de leur mandat au conseil.
Lieutenant Governor in Council Appointed Representatives
LGIC Appointments – If you are interested in an LGIC Appointment you must apply through the Ministry Website
NOSM University has up to 5 LGIC Appointments
QUICK LINKS
For the North Video
Join The Board
Strategic Plan
About our Board