This story was updated on Jan. 22 at 6:27 p.m.
Provost Matthew Evans pulled out from attending AMS Assembly set to be held on Jan. 23.
In an email obtained by The Journal on Monday afternoon, the University notified the AMS executive that Evans is seeking to reschedule a meeting with student leaders after learning the scope of Assembly has changed, citing concerns that AMS Assembly will not lead to productive dialogue.
“The AMS Assembly has changed in size and scope, becoming a much broader event beyond Queen’s students and there is concern that the assembly will not lead to the productive dialogue with students that was intended,” an email from Provost Matthew Evans to AMS President Kate McCuaig read.
“When Provost Matthew Evans initially agreed to speak to the students at the AMS Assembly, it was with the understanding that this was a meeting and opportunity to speak directly to student leaders about Queen’s current budget situation.”
According to the email, Evans and Vice-Principal (Finance and istration) Donna Janiec are looking to reschedule the event and pivot to a virtual town hall in February. They have asked the Rector Owen Crawford-Lem to act as a at this town hall.
“[Evans and Janiec] continue to be committed to speaking with students and would like an opportunity to do so directly, without interruption,” the email said. “It is the istration’s hope that this will allow more students to engage on matters related to budget while providing a forum for an open and respectful discussion.”
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In a statement, the AMS said it was “incredibly disheartened” to hear of Evans’ rescheduled.
“The student community is rallying to understand how the budget cuts are impacting their future studies, and students deserve the ability to ask questions and seek answers,” the statement read. “This AMS Assembly, like every other, was always intended to be open to the public, and this was transparently communicated. We understand that there would have likely been a higher attendance at this Assembly by virtue of the fact students are concerned and they are standing by one another. Alongside the student body, we hope to see prompt communication from the Provost’s office for future discussions wherein student input can be heard.”
The University made national headlines over the last two weeks after Evans’ comments at a Faculty of Arts and Science (FAS) town hall in December were made public. Evans told The Globe and Mail the University will “probably run out of reserves in a year or two.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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