NSAC Governance Update

On May 27, 2008, the Government passed legislation allowing NSAC to become a separate entity (legally a crown corporation) governed by a Board of Directors. Currently, NSAC is a part of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.

The passing of the bill, known as the Nova Scotia Agricultural College Act, through the legislature is the first and largest step in NSAC moving to a self-governance model. Implementation of the next steps will occur in phases over the next two or more years.

NSAC competes in a very aggressive market for students, academic and research funding, and quality faculty. In order to operate more like its academic competitors, NSAC needs independence to facilitate academic freedom, competitive compensation systems, and flexibility in research operations. With this major milestone reached, it can compete more effectively without the operational restrictions imposed on government departments.

The new governance structure will continue and maintain the NSAC’s agricultural mandate and continuing this mandate as part of the new legislation. Some other legislative pieces were added to give impetus to the university’s economic, extension, and rural development roles. A full Board of Directors will eventually have elected members from the student body, staff, faculty, and alumni, who also will help maintain its agricultural and agri-food focus.

This is an extremely positive and advantageous step for NSAC. The AC has been a part of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture since its founding in 1905. Both organizations will continue to maintain their strategic linkages, while the NSAC will now have far better ability to compete and pursue its academic and institutional future. The Alumni Affairs office will keep you updated on the governance structure changes.