An inclusive alumni association: A case study of governance transformation

The governance model of the Simon Fraser University’s Alumni Association (SFUAA) remained largely unchanged since its establishment in 1969. Until 15th February, 2023, when members of the SFUAA voted to approve the voluntary dissolution of the legally separate society that provided the structure of the Alumni Association. This decision initiated a legal process to dissolve the SFUAA as a registered society under the British Columbia Societies Act. Consequently, the SFUAA and its Board of Directors transitioned from a legally separate organisation into an unincorporated association consisting of all Simon Fraser University (SFU) Alumni, represented by a self-appointed Alumni Council. This decision was made following extensive consultation and collaboration between the SFUAA Board of Directors and the University administration. This paper presents a documented case study examining the challenges encountered by the SFUAA as a legally separate entity, as well as the transformative implications of its change to an unincorporated association represented by an appointed council. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.