Citing fears that faculty and students may leave Western as a result of a loss of confidence in the board and president, the faculty association board is encouraging its members to attend Friday’s special senate meeting.

In an open letter to the university community today, the board says the university has failed to value students and staff.

It is calling for a review of Western’s state of governance, including of its senate and board.

It also wants a review of compensation practices and a transparent budget process.

"These long-simmering problems include a top-down, secretive and non-consultative senior administration, a board of governors with no apparent understanding of the university, the serious erosion of inclusive, collegial self-governance and the failure to adequately fund the core mission of the university at a time when Western is in robust financial health," the letter states.

The senate will meet Friday to debate the motion of non-confidence in president Amit Chakma's leadership.