CAUBO provides a wide variety of professional development offerings for the benefit of its members, including our annual conference, online courses, trend talks, workshops, and webinars. We also produce a Guide to Communications in a University Context, available online in its entirety. Click here to view a list of on-demand webinars.
Upcoming Events
FREE Webinar: Tax Authority Environment & Audit Trends - December 2, 2025, 1:00-2:00 PM ET
* Please note that this webinar will be offered in English and is open only to employees of Canadian universities and colleges.
Date and Time: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 1:00-2:00 PM ET
Based on feedback from CAUBO members, this webinar—hosted by CAUBO’s tax advisory team from KPMG—will explore key tax authority trends impacting the higher education sector. Topics will include:
- T4A reporting and related CRA technical interpretations
- Withholding tax updates
- Trust reporting obligations
- Indirect tax audit focus areas
A Q&A segment will follow the presentation to allow for audience discussion and engagement.
This 60-minute session is designed for senior university and college administrators seeking timely insights into evolving tax requirements and audit priorities.
As CAUBO’s tax service provider, KPMG also manages the CAUBO Tax Advisory Forum listserv, where members can post tax-related inquiries and access expert resources from KPMG practitioners. We encourage members to leverage the online Forum whenever they have tax questions or require specialized guidance and resources.
We look forward to your participation in this informative session.
This CAUBO PD activity may count towards credits for accreditation programs and designations in your field. Visit the CAUBO website for more details.
Our Presenters:
![]() | Jennifer Boychuk, CPA Partner and Prairies Indirect Tax Leader; National Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare (IGH) Tax Leader KPMG Jennifer has over 24 years of Indirect Tax experience and has been working with KPMG since 2006. Prior to joining KPMG, she spent over 5 years with the Canada Revenue Agency as a CRA Auditor, with the last year spent in their Investigations Division. Jennifer has significant experience in managing large audit projects and understands thoroughly the CRA audit process. Jennifer specializes in the Higher Education environment, as lead partner of the National IGH Tax team. Jennifer’s vast experience in the Public Sector environment and knowledge of the indirect tax issues impacting the organizations allows her to provide comprehensive support to the organizations as a whole. This includes advising on complex technical issues, identifying key tax risks, identifying significant indirect tax savings, and performing Indirect Tax training to organizations to ensure compliance with legislative changes. Jennifer is the lead indirect tax service provider for many of the leading public sector organizations in Canada with a specific emphasis on municipalities, Universities and hospitals. |
![]() | Michael Moore, CPA Senior Manager, Indirect Tax, Prairie Region KPMG Michael is an indirect tax senior manager based out of KPMG’s Edmonton office with a focus on the public sector, and more specifically higher education institutions across the country. Michael joined KPMG’s Indirect Tax practice as a co-operative education student in January 2015 while attending the University of Alberta. After his degree he successfully obtained his CPA designation with the KPMG Edmonton Audit group, and rejoined the Indirect Tax team in 2019. Over the last 10 years Michael has supported Canadian universities and colleges from coast-to-coast with identifying and mitigating complex tax risks, capitalizing on GST/HST-tax recovery opportunities, and fine-tuning indirect tax processes and controls. He has also assisted institutions with managing tax authority audits and refund integrity reviews, liaising with CRA decision makers, and successfully reducing audit assessments made in error. Michael always brings a high level of energy, teamwork, and technical ability, to our KPMG team, and is extremely excited to continue delivering excellent work to CAUBO and CAUBO members. |
![]() | Dustin Travers, CPA Senior Manager, Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare (IGH) Tax KPMG Dustin is a senior manager with KPMG’s IGH Tax team based out of KPMG’s Edmonton office. Dustin has been practicing income tax advisory work with a focus specific to Public Sector entities since 2020 and has been working with KPMG since his first co-operative education term in 2015. Since joining the IGH Tax team, Dustin has been working with universities and educational institutions of all sizes across the country. This has afforded him opportunities to assist entities with various types of work, ranging from: ad-hoc tax queries, complex structural planning to ensure charitable status is protected, international tax implications of foreign activities, and Canada Revenue Agency payroll audit defence, among other topics. |
FREE Webinar: Unlocking Insights Through Academic Portfolio Review – Part 1: Academic Portfolio Review with Program Cost and Margin Analysis - December 11, 2025, 1:00-2:00 PM ET
* Please note that this webinar will be offered in English and is open only to employees of Canadian universities and colleges.
Date and Time: Thursday, December 11, 2025, 1:00-2:00 PM ET
Canadian postsecondary institutions are increasingly turning to Academic Portfolio Reviews (APR) to strengthen the alignment of academic programs and operations with institutional mission, financial sustainability, labour market, and student demand. APR provides a structured, data-informed approach to evaluating courses, programs, and faculties through a combination of quantitative and qualitative insights.
Join us for a two-part webinar series exploring how Canadian institutions are using academic portfolio reviews to strengthen financial sustainability, improve mission alignment, and inform strategic decisions.
This series builds on the Academic Program Sustainability insight paper CAUBO released in 2025. Facilitated by the Huron Consulting Group co-authors of the paper, the series offers a chance to learn how the principles and practices discussed in the paper are being used to advance the health and sustainability of academic missions at real universities.
Learn how your institution can leverage APR to inform decision-making, engage stakeholders, and enhance the long-term vitality of your academic portfolio.
In this first webinar learn how University of Alberta is expanding on their AP review to integrate enrolment, teaching and research analytics with program costing and margin analysis, to provide better line of sight and facilitate strategic dialogue about program health, sustainability, and contribution to the institutional mission.
Why Attend?
- Gain practical insights into AP review methodologies and processes
- See how institutions are using data to inform decisions on academic offerings
- Understand success factors, common challenges, and risk considerations
- Learn from peers about what works in building transparent, collaborative review processes
Join us to understand how your institution can leverage APR to inform decision-making, engage stakeholders, and enhance the long-term vitality of your academic portfolio.
Save the Date – Part 2: Market Context and Academic Portfolio Strategy (January 22, 2026)
This CAUBO PD activity may count towards credits for accreditation programs and designations in your field. Visit the CAUBO website for more details.
Presenters:
![]() | Vivien Chu Director, Academic Budget and Planning University of Alberta Vivien provides high level strategic financial advice and guidance to the Provost and Faculties. She is a key liaison with faculties and units on operational issues of academic planning, enrolment and budgeting, and works closely with central finance on the institutional budget model and policies. |
![]() | Deborah Williams Associate Vice-President, Analytics & Institutional Reporting and Chief Analytics Officer University of Alberta Deborah Williams is the Associate Vice President and Chief Data and Analytics Officer at the University of Alberta, where she leads the institution’s enterprise information governance, analytics, data science, and decision support functions. With over 15 years of senior leadership experience, she has built and led the university’s analytics program from the ground up — implementing a data warehouse, business intelligence solution, and data-driven culture across campus. Deborah's work supports evidence-based decision-making and drives organizational transformation across the institution. |
Moderators:
![]() | Ben Chrischilles Consulting Senior Director, Education & Research Huron Consulting Group Ben has 15+ years of experience in the education and non-profit industries, with previous roles focused on teaching, development and fundraising, strategic planning, and government affairs. His work at Huron over the past decade spans the student and academic strategy space, helping institutions design and implement strategies to position their portfolios of academic offerings for the future, advance enrollment, retention, and graduation outcomes, and improve the overall student academic and co-curricular experience. He has also partnered with institutions on their overall financial management, institutional strategic planning, and growth and innovation efforts. |
![]() | Jenna Stone Consulting Manager, Education & Research Huron Consulting Group Jenna brings 24 years of higher education experience to her work helping colleges and universities craft strategic pathways to thrive. Jenna joined Huron Consulting Group in 2023, after more than two decades at Lawrence University of Wisconsin where she served as Associate Vice President of Finance as well as other leadership roles in budget, advancement, and sponsored programs. At Huron, Jenna has worked with a diverse range of institutions, from small regional universities to large flagships, helping leaders connect financial data and systems with mission, values, and strategic priorities through work on resource allocation, budget models, financial planning and modeling, and academic strategy. |
CAUBO Higher Education Administration Onboarding Workshop: February 10-11, 2026, Ottawa, ON
CAUBO Higher Education Administration Onboarding Workshop
February 10-11, 2026 | ALT Hotel, Ottawa, ON
* Please note that this event will only be offered in English *
Joining the higher education sector as a senior administrator, you may find that things don’t work exactly the way you expect, or that the culture differs significantly from other industries. It can be challenging to learn everything you need to know to hit the ground running and settle into your new position.
Part of our mission at CAUBO is to strengthen the capacity of leaders in the sector by connecting you with peers and information, enabling you to both pursue opportunities and create solutions for shared issues. In these challenging times, it is more essential than ever for those of us working in this area to support and share with one another.
CAUBO has created a two-day, in-person higher education onboarding program for new Vice-Presidents, Finance and Administration and Associate Vice-Presidents who are new to their role and/or the sector. The goal is to introduce and discuss topics specific to higher education, including academic culture, administration and governance, leadership in higher education, EDID, financial sustainability, and faculty labour relations. Knowledgeable speakers will offer their insights into the sector and explore what makes it unique.
The in-person workshop provides an opportunity to forge new connections with others from around the country working in similar positions and build your network during breaks and open discussions.
Event start time: February 10, 2026 – 8:30 AM (breakfast served at 8:00 AM)
Event end time: February 11, 2026 – 3:00 PM
Registration is open to Vice-Presidents, Finance and Administration and Associate Vice-Presidents from CAUBO member institutions. The registration fee is $2,500. Participants are responsible for covering their travel and accommodation expenses.
* Please note that a specific number of participants is required to move forward with the event. We will be able to confirm this with you by the end of January.
Book your accommodation early!
Alt Hotel
185 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Website
Guestroom Reservations
CAUBO has many hotels that offer CAUBO members preferred rates, including the ALT Hotel. Don’t wait – reserve your room today!
Reserve at the ALT (based on availability):
Online by clicking here; using the corporate code 997250 to access the rate.
By calling Reservations at 1-844-258-6882 and letting them know that you have the rate through CAUBO.
Many other hotels that offer CAUBO members preferred rates are within walking distance from the meeting location. Here are a few suggestions:
- ARC The Hotel, 140 Slater Street, Reservations: www.arcthehotel.com (contract ID NEGCAU)
- Delta Ottawa City Centre, 101 Lyon, Reservations: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1637258080176&key=CORP&app=resvlink (Contract ID: CAU)
- Ottawa Marriott Hotel, 100 Kent Street, Reservations: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yowmc-ottawa-marriott-hotel (Contract ID: CAU)
Save the Dates! CAUBO 2026 will be in St. John’s June 15-17!
Join us for CAUBO 2026 in St. John’s Newfoundland!
From June 15-17, 2026, the CAUBO Annual Conference will be in St. John’s Newfoundland. Mark those dates in your calendar now! Join us for three days of engaging sessions, dynamic networking opportunities, and inspiring keynotes from thought leaders in higher education and industry.
In addition to the keynote presentations that will be announced soon, you can choose from concurrent sessions designed to address the most relevant topics in higher education administration. Whether you’re looking to solve challenges, share best practices, or gain new perspectives, there’s something for everyone.
Share your expertise and experience with your peers and colleagues! CAUBO is looking for energetic and engaging speakers to deliver diverse, interactive, and thought-provoking conference presentations tailored to HE administrators.
Visit the CAUBO 2026 website for information about the conference venue, travel options, and accommodations.
One of North America’s oldest cities, St. John’s wears its history proudly—but it’s the city’s vibrant personality that truly stands out. From the brightly coloured row houses to the lively locals, every corner bursts with character and charm.
Located on the easternmost edge of the continent, St. John’s is your urban launchpad to explore dramatic coastlines, iconic landmarks, and a city as curious as it is captivating.
Steeped in tradition and fueled by creativity, St. John’s is Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural heartbeat. Here, a rich past meets a thriving present—where music, art, architecture, and cuisine collide in unforgettable ways.
For more than 500 years, visitors have been greeted with warmth and wit. Don’t be surprised if a casual chat turns into a legendary story—because in St. John’s, hospitality isn’t just a custom, it’s an art form.
Watch the CAUBO 2026 promotional video here.
The full conference program and conference registration will be available in February 2026.
Book your room!
CAUBO has guestroom blocks at several host hotels, all within walking distance of the St. John’s Convention Centre, where most of the conference activities will take place. After last year’s highly attended conference, we encourage you to reserve your accommodations early. Visit the accommodations page on the conference website for information.
We can’t wait to see all of you June 15-17, 2026 in St. John’s!
CAUBO Leader Program: Mid-October 2025 to mid-June 2026
Thank you for your interest in CAUBO Leader. Registration for this course offering is now closed as we have filled all available spaces.
Click here to add your name to a waiting list now. Please be sure to include your full name, title, institution, and contact information. You will receive an email extending you priority registration for the next offering of this course.
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for CAUBO Leader, a purpose-built leadership development initiative tailored for mid- to senior-level administrators in key operational and administrative areas across Canadian universities.
Now more than ever, strong, collaborative leadership is needed to navigate the complexity and change facing the higher education sector. CAUBO Leader is designed to empower participants to lead with purpose, confidence, and impact – supporting them in driving positive change within their institutions.
Spanning eight months, the program brings together a dynamic, supportive cohort of peers. Through shared learning, reflection, and practice-based exploration, participants will deepen their leadership capabilities and grow as confident, adaptive leaders.
Apply now to take part in a transformative journey that will elevate your individual leadership potential and contribute to the advancement of HE in Canada.
Applicants will be subject to a selection process. Space will be limited to 20 participants.
Program Highlights
This eight-month program features a range of components; each designed to enrich the participant experience and address key dimensions of leadership development:
Core Modules
- Leadership in HE and Beyond: Examines global trends, their impact on higher education, and the sector’s unique leadership context
- The Authentic and Engaged Leader: Explores how leaders foster meaningful dialogue, build influence, and grow self-awareness
Online Learning & Peer Exchanges
- Participant Provocations: Individuals share leadership insights and experiences from their own context
- Strategic Impact Groups (SIGs): Small cohorts tackle complex, real-world challenges facing the sector
- Leadership Exchange: Participants observe and engage with peers locally or virtually to explore leadership in practice
- Reconnects: Between-module sessions that deepen cohort connections and support ongoing collaboration within SIGs
Applicant Selection Criteria
Participants will be selected based on the following:
- Professional Experience and Role: Mid- to senior-level administrators (e.g., AVP, Senior Director, Controller) with significant institutional responsibilities in operational or administrative areas.
- Motivation, Learning Readiness, and Commitment: Strong personal motivation, openness to reflection and growth, and full availability to engage in all program components.
- Contribution to Peer Learning: Willingness to engage actively, share experiences, and learn alongside others in a collaborative, cohort-based environment.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Representation from diverse roles, regions, institutions, and lived experiences to enrich learning and build sector-wide capacity.
Applicants must include an endorsement to participate in the program from their supervisor as part of the application process.
We encourage all eligible CAUBO members to apply and take advantage of this exciting opportunity to grow as a leader and contribute meaningfully to your institution and the sector.
Please refer to the CAUBO Leader application page for full details and submission instructions.
Application deadline: September 15, 2025
If you have any questions or need additional clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at events@caubo.ca.
Trend Talks
Trend Talk Series II - Call for Proposals
Trends Talk Series II – Exploring What’s Next in Higher Education Administration
Submissions are now closed
Is your organization leveraging or championing cutting-edge tools and practices that can meaningfully advance the work of higher education administrators?
Does your organization have a pulse on emerging domestic or global trends that are expected to have a substantive impact on the Canadian higher education administration sector, be it at the institutional or functional administrative level?
If so, we encourage you to submit a proposal for the Trend Talk series.
CAUBO is inviting proposals for its 2025/2026 Trend Talks series—short, high-impact presentations that spotlight leading-edge technologies, operational models, and innovative thinking shaping the future of administrative functions in Canadian universities and colleges.
We welcome presentation content submissions from Canadian and international associations, subject matter experts, consultants, and private sector firms who can deliver insight into:
- Emerging tools and digital platforms (e.g., AI-powered administrative solutions, 5G-enabled services, automation in finance or HR, advanced data governance)
- Bold ideas that challenge conventional approaches to administrative leadership, planning, or service delivery
- Creative frameworks and experimental models that may not yet be mainstream but signal where the sector could be heading
The goal is to equip higher education leaders with not only practical foresight, but also the inspiration to rethink the boundaries of what’s possible across key functional areas such as finance, human resources, IT, procurement, risk management, and facilities.
For a proposal to be considered, the topic or trend needs to:
- Be new/emerging – not already on the radar of the majority of CAUBO members.
- Be expected to have an immediate or future impact on higher education administration. This connection/application must be illustrated within the proposal.
- Impact a broad segment of CAUBO’s institutional membership (relevant to small or large, undergraduate or research-intensive institutions, etc.).
- Affect the university as a whole or a specific functional area. This should be specified within the proposal.
- Be of national relevance (not only specific to a handful of provinces).
Other Events of Interest
As events become available, CAUBO will provide updated listing of professional development events hosted by other organizations that CAUBO members may find to be of interest. These listings are submitted by the hosting organization and are not endorsed by CAUBO. If you are hosting an event that you would like to see listed here please contact CAUBO’s Professional Development Coordinator Kristine Serjak at kserjak@caubo.ca.
In an effort to expand professional development opportunities, CAUBO has partnered with NACUBO and its Eastern chapter, EACUBO, to offer reciprocal member pricing on events. Visit www.nacubo.org and https://www.eacubo.org/ for a list of upcoming events. If you see an activity that you would like to participate in, click here for details on the discount codes and registration instructions.
Earn Accreditation Credits from CAUBO Professional Development
Members who participate in CAUBO’s professional development offerings can now ask to have them applied as credits towards some accreditation programs and designations in their respective fields. We have engaged with a number of accrediting organizations who have acknowledged CAUBO as an offeror of professional development that may be eligible for their programs.
How do I acquire my credits?
Each individual member will be responsible for assessing whether or not the PD activities you take part in are relevant to your work and/or education requirements. If you believe they are, you must file directly with the specific accreditation body to earn your credits. Generally, the receipt or email confirmation originally provided by CAUBO can serve as proof of registration. Please contact the respective organizations directly to find out more about how to receive your credits.
Which accreditation bodies are participating?
The list of accreditation programs and organizations that may provide continuing education credit for CAUBO professional development activities is below. This list may be incomplete, so if you know of others that should be added, please let us know by emailing kserjak@caubo.ca.
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
- American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
- Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)
- Association For Supply Chain Management
- Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP)
- Board of Certified Safety Professionals
- Canada’s Association of I.T. Professionals (CIPS)
- Canadian Institute of Traffic & Transportation (CITT)
- Canadian Payroll Association
- CFA Institute
- Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR)
- CIM Chartered Managers Canada
- CPA Canada
- The Institute of Internal Auditors Canada
- ISACA
- Institute for Supply Management in the US
- LEED Green Associate/LEED AP
- National Institute of Government Procurement (NIGP)
- Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA)
- Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS)
- Supply Chain Canada
If you have questions about this accreditation initiative, please contact Kris Serjak at events@caubo.ca.









