At the helm of Polytechnique since June 2002, Robert L. Papineau informed the Chairman of the Board in August of his intent not to renew his mandate, which runs out May 31, 2006. However, Mr. Papineau announced that he was prepared to prolong his tenure by one year, until May 2007, in order to see through to completion the important projects he has been leading for over three years. 
Following a consultation between members of the Assemblée de direction and representatives from various unions and associations, including student associations, the board members voted unanimously to push back the start of the appointment process for a director general by one year and to extend Mr. Papineau's current mandate until May 31, 2007.

"I sincerely thank Mr. Papineau for pledging to continue his support of our institution, particularly regarding recent major undertakings such as the undergraduate program revision, the construction of the Lassonde buildings, retrofitting the main building, and financing the engineering and schools faculties," said Polytechnique Chairman Bernard Lamarre.