BOARD EXCELLENCE PROGRAM

Board Excellence Program

The Board Excellence Certificate programs build the core competencies Governors need to bring strategic leadership to the Board table within Ontario’s public colleges.

The focus is on strengthening the capacity of governors to bring effective strategic, financial, risk, and performance oversight, while operating within the legislative framework for Ontario colleges and within a dynamic economic, political and technological landscape. 

A high-quality, unique learning experience, this program incorporates expertise and experience from subject matter experts from both within and outside the college sector.  The webinar and virtual, in-person courses provide board members, and staff working with the boards, with an understanding of the key elements of good governance in the post-secondary sector.

For more information, contact the College Centre Team.

 

Introducing the Board Excellence Learning Centre

We are pleased to announce that The College Centre is enhancing its board excellence training certificate programs, which will be offered in a fully virtual format. 

During this transition period, we have created the Board Excellence Learning Centre to ensure continued access to updated webinars and training materials for all governors. There is no fee for the Board Excellence program for the 24 member CAAT colleges.

This new learning space provides:

  • Updated webinars and training content
  • Access to courses you may not have previously completed
  • A streamlined learning experience during our program enhancements
  
◊ Already enrolled? Whether or not you have previously completed Board Excellence Certificates, you may continue to participate:
  • Simply log in to your learning dashboard
  • Locate the new curriculum: "Board Excellence Learning Centre 2025-26"
  • Click on this tile to begin completing courses—whether revisiting previous content or accessing new materials.
  
◊ New to the program? 
  • Your board staff will provide you with access to get started. Contact your board office.

    

Sessions available immediately:

Asynchronous Courses: Webinars On-demand
The College System – An Introduction (April 2025) (1 hour)

Understanding the context for the college system as a whole is critical to all senior leaders, and Boards of Governors. The legislative framework, economic and political trends, as well as key sectors for college graduates are explored.

The session explores the role of Colleges Ontario as the sector’s advocacy and coordination body, highlighting how collective action supports system-wide strength and sustainability.
Labour and Employee Relations – An Introduction (1 hour)

The College Employer Council (CEC) provides system leadership to labour and employee relations. Understanding this sector leadership and function is important to senior leaders and Boards of Governors.

By the end of this session, participants will better understand the role of CEC across bargaining and employee relations. 
The College, the Board and the Governor - Legal Framework and Obligations: 2025-26 (1.5 hours)

This 6-part tutorial course provides Ontario college board members and senior administrators with a foundational understanding of the legal and governance framework that defines their roles and responsibilities. 
Webinar: Internal Governors' Orientation (1 hour)

The Ontario college sector has a legislated governance model that includes the election of internal governors. This unique role on the Board of Governors is explored in this session, providing a deeper understanding of the governance role for internal governors, their roles and responsibilities, and how to engage with various stakeholders.
College Financial Leadership: 2025-26 (1.5 hours)

This session highlights good governance practices around financial leadership, key components of revenue and expenditures, financial health indicators, the current financial status of the college system and the influence of the province on college financial matters.

Within the financial context, this session also integrates good governance concepts, the importance of understanding legislation, regulations, risk management and fiduciary duties and standard of care, along with strong financial oversight.
Understanding College Financial Statements: 2025-26 (1.5 hours)

Financial statements provide critical information on a college’s financial health and its ability to pursue and achieve its strategic objectives. This session provides an introduction for board members, board staff and senior leaders on the basic components of financial statements, the PSAS Conceptual Framework, the role of senior management and boards vis-à-vis financial statements, reporting of financials, and current issues impacting colleges’ financial statements. 
Risk Management – Key Principles: 2025-26 (1.5 hours)

Participants will build their knowledge and understanding about the board’s role in oversight of the risk management function, the key principles of effective risk oversight, and ways to ensure appropriate alignment of an organization’s strategy and its risk.