On August 25, 2025, representatives from MUNFA met with Memorial’s new President, Dr. Janet Morrison. The meeting provided an opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Morrison about her early impressions of Memorial, her leadership priorities, and her approach to the financial, structural, and cultural challenges facing the university, such as budget shortfalls and strained faculty relations.
Dr. Morrison described her background at York University and at Sheridan College, both large, diverse institutions facing their own financial pressures. She emphasized her commitment to championing the value of post-secondary education and spoke about the transformative role universities play in the lives of students and in society.
Faculty were clear in expressing that Memorial is at a critical juncture. Years of instability, budget cuts, and poor communication have eroded trust and morale. MUNFA representatives stressed the need for stable leadership, real transparency in decision-making, and a willingness to engage faculty meaningfully in a sustainable path forward.
Dr. Morrison acknowledged that Memorial is not currently on sustainable financial footing and stated that a new, “more transparent” budget model is being introduced. She committed to assessing the structure of senior administration within six months and asked the community for “patience and grace” as difficult decisions are made. We highlighted that transparency is essential for building relationships and that advocacy to government must go hand-in-hand with internal accountability.
We also emphasized that the best way to support students is to support the people who support students. Dr. Morrison spoke about the importance of faculty-student relationships, particularly in the first year, and committed to attending Faculty Councils and engaging with frontline faculty during a three-month listening tour. We stressed the urgency of addressing faculty attrition, recruitment challenges, and the need to retain experienced colleagues.
Faculty representatives also raised critical concerns regarding recent layoffs, irregular senior appointments, and the need for stronger engagement with alumni and external partners, all of which have contributed to the current climate of mistrust. Dr. Morrison acknowledged these concerns and reiterated her desire to reset relationships, rebuild trust, and create space for honest dialogue.
While the meeting was a starting point, faculty remain ready to work collaboratively to strengthen Memorial, continue to push for transparency, shared governance, and meaningful involvement in decisions affecting our work, our students, and the province’s only university.
In Solidarity,
Ash Hossain,
MUNFA President.
