The chancellor is the honorary and symbolic head of the university. The incumbent will reflect the leadership and global aspirations of The University of Western Ontario and, in addition to official convocation and degree-granting functions, will serve as a principal ambassador of the university, playing a significant role in supporting and promoting Western’s distinctive global role as a leader in education and research.
A prominent group of Canadian leaders has served as our chancellor, right up to Dr. John M. Thompson, our current chancellor, who will complete his four-year term on June 30, 2012. The University’s Board of Governors and university Senate have established an electoral board to select Western’s next chancellor who will carry on our tradition of strong leadership.
The term of office is four years (non-renewable) starting on July 1, 2012. The official duties of the chancellor include presiding at convocation ceremonies during two weeks in mid-June and two days in mid-October each year to admit candidates to degrees, diplomas and certificates. The chancellor is an ex officio, voting, member of the Board of Governors and the university Senate, and of certain committees of both bodies.
All members of the university community and friends of the university are invited to submit nominations for chancellor by writing to the Electoral Board for Chancellor, c/o University Secretariat, Room 4101, Stevenson Hall, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B8 (or fax to 519-661-3588 or e-mail ibirrell@uwo.ca).
To be eligible, a nominee must be a Canadian citizen, but may not be a member of the governing body, faculty, staff or student body of any degree-granting institution.
Nominations should be submitted by May 31 and accompanied by biographical information about the nominee. Nominators are advised that the nominating process is confidential and candidates should not be informed they are being nominated.
Information about the role of chancellor and about the Electoral Board can be found at the University Secretariat’s website.