You may not know Edyta Rogowska by name, but her work affects every student, faculty member and administrative employee at McGill.
As the University’s Secretary-General, she leads the Secretariat team that supports McGill’s two highest governing bodies: the Board of Governors and the Senate.
“The Board and Senate adopt policies that govern research, academic integrity and working conditions,” said Rogowska. “These are all issues that directly affect the lives of students, staff and faculty.”
Her office administers University-wide elections, the academic tenure process and access-to-information requests. It supports resolution processes for academic grievances, assists search and reappointment committees for senior leadership positions and even oversees decisions concerning the lowering of the University’s flag.
“It’s a unique role in the context of the University,” acknowledged Rogowska. “Essentially, it’s to help support good decision-making to ensure the University can continue carrying out its mission of teaching, learning and research.”
In service of the McGill community
Rogowska is a longtime McGillian; she earned her master’s in French language and literature at the University and has been part of the Secretariat office for nearly 17 years, including 10 as Secretary-General.
“Edyta brings exceptional judgment and dedication to McGill, along with a great understanding of the structure, operations and mission of the University,” said Deep Saini, McGill’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “She is a trusted colleague whose valuable insight and commitment to our community strengthen the University every day. We are fortunate to benefit from her leadership and from the warmth and integrity she brings to everything she does.”
There have been many developments during Rogowska’s time as Secretary-General: her team has supported the development of a consolidated institutional Policy framework for the University, has adapted to new technologies, is responding to the growing demand for more transparency and accountability.
“People are interested in governance and how decisions are made,” said Rogowska. “We aim to not only make policy and processes more visible and accessible to members of our community, but to also better explain what they aim to achieve, so our members know where to go to resolve a particular issue or answer a particular question.”
That focus on community is also valued by those who have worked alongside Rogowska for years, including the Chair of McGill’s Board of Governors.
“Edyta is someone who is keenly aware of and sensitive to the many perspectives held by McGill community members. She and the rest of the Secretariat team provide valuable guidance to those of us charged with making decisions on behalf the University,” said Fred Headon. “They take transparency very seriously, as well as respect of McGill’s many decision-making frameworks.”
How to stay informed about University governance
Students and staff who wish to stay informed regarding University governance can do so by livestreaming Senate meetings or Board meetings.
“Getting involved with the Board and the Senate provides students, staff and faculty with the ability to get involved in the decision-making of the University and equips them with a better understanding of the decision-making process,” she said.
Rogowska indicated that she and her team aim to continue improving the efficiency of the Secretariat’s operations and to advance the partnership between the Board and Senate:
“We’re working to bring the two bodies together in a way that combines their efforts and respects their areas of responsibility so they can best serve McGill’s community members as a whole.”