Virtual Masterclass | So, You Want a Seat on a University Board? Understanding University Governance for General Counsel

Event Details

Date: November 19, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Duration: 90 minutes
Format: Live webinar (delivered in English)
Audience: WGCC members

What should General Counsel know before stepping into a university boardroom?

University boards offer a unique shared governance environment, with distinct institutional cultures, stakeholder relationships, decision-making processes, and board responsibilities that differ significantly from those in the corporate sector. For General Counsel with substantial corporate governance experience, understanding these differences is essential to evaluating university board opportunities and contributing effectively as a university board member.

Join WGCC for an engaging virtual session with Cheryl Foy, BAH, LLB, governance consultant, author, and President of Strategic Governance Consulting Services Ltd. Widely recognized as a thought leader and leading authority on university governance in Canada, Cheryl draws on extensive experience in governance, including executive roles as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in both the corporate and higher education sectors. She will demystify university governance and explore what makes it distinctive.

This discussion will help participants understand the university recruitment processes and the shared authority and role of a university board, navigate some of the nuances of university governance, and consider key factors before pursuing or accepting a board appointment. Participants will gain practical insights into assessing opportunities and applying their legal and governance expertise to contribute effectively in the university boardroom.

*Book Giveaway! Attendees will have the opportunity to enter a draw to win a copy of Cheryl’s book, An Introduction to University Governance