A committee of Ministers and corresponding committee of Deputy Ministers provide expert advice to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and the Associate Deputy Minister of Post-Secondary Education Renewal on key transformation issues.

A critical milestone that started in Phase 1 and concludes in Phase 2 is the coming into force of the update Aurora College Act. Feedback on a discussion paper shared with Indigenous governments, stakeholders and the public helped inform the proposed arm's length governance model for Aurora College and the polytechnic university.

During phase 1 of transformation, the GNWT will release an Implementation Plan that lays all of the tasks required to transform Aurora College into a polytechnic university, ensuring that the right changes are made in the right order and at the right time.

A skills matrix ensures that Board of Governor members have the necessary competencies and, as a whole, the Board comprises the necessary skills and experience to provide strategic direction and oversight of Aurora College and the polytechnic university.  The matrix approach has been developed and the specific competencies will continue to be defined over time, following the legislative process to amend the Aurora College Act. 

A draft bill is introduced during phase 1 of transformation to amend the Aurora College Act, which includes a change in governance that leads to the reinstatement of the Board of Governors and a new arm's length governance model for Aurora College.

Amendments to the Aurora College Act are passed by the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories and will change the role of the Board of Governors, making the institution more arm's length from Government.

Through a working group created during phase 1 of transformation, the Board of Governors' recruitment process was developed. This process will provide a guide by which the public can apply to be a member of the Aurora College Board of Governors. The new process will include competency requirements to ensure an effective and efficient Board that is able to lead the institution through the changes required to become a polytechnic university.

An orientation process for all Board members is developed and provided to Aurora College for finalizing and implementation. The orientation process should provide a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities as a member of the Board and of the institution. Reinstating the Aurora College Board of Governors is a critical milestone for phase 2 of transformation. 

The Academic Advisory Council, which is a phase 2 critical milestone, will be comprised of the Executive Leadership Team, program heads and school chairs, faculty, staff and student representatives and will ensure all programs are aligned with the overall vision, strategic direction and areas of specialization developed through the transformation into a polytechnic university. This work will be led by the Aurora College Board of Governors. 

The GNWT will work with a contractor to develop a funding framework and funding formula that can be used for Aurora College and eventually the future polytechnic university. This is identified as a critical milestone for transformation.