UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK FREDERICTON CAMPUS SENATE MEETING

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK FREDERICTON CAMPUS SENATE MEETING The Fredericton Senate met at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 24 November 2015 in Room 303, Tilley Hall. The President, H. E. A. (Eddy) Campbell, was in the chair, and the following members were present: A. Adam B. Balcom L. Balcom D. Bell N. Betts S. Blair M. Boudreau J. Burkard D. Burns C. Canitz S. Cleave K. Collins A. B. Cooke R. Cunjak K. Cunningham E. Dalkir M. Davis S. DeVarenne Also Present: C. Diduch D. DuPlessis J. Eddy K. Englehart J. Fritz A. Ghorbani M. Grant-McGivney S. Hanratty D. Hinton V. Husain K. Kent P. Kristmanson V. Lantz B. Leblon G. MacLean D. MaGee E. Mancke A. McAvoy J. McEvoy T. Mengel D. Mitra L. Randall A. Reid J. Reid J. Renaud D. Rendall A. Sankey A. Sears C. Shaw C. Stacey R. Tervo M. Thomas B. Vachon-Gravel K. Valentine K. Weaver J. Williamson A. Corbitt, Reporter from The Brunswickan J. Redstone-Lewis, Associate University Secretary V. Tasic, Faculty Member J. Thompson, Associate Director, Collection Services, Libraries Unable to Attend: I. Allen C. Brown D. Burke J. Eddy D. Lentz R. MacKinnon M. Mancini J. Nason M. O Brien N. O Byrne O. Palazhchenko D. Russell R. Sheppard A. Sherman M. Stewart D. Wright

2 Fredericton Senate 2 24 November 2015 CONTENTS Minute Page 1. Announcements Approval of the Meeting Agenda and Minutes of 20 October Business Arising from the Minutes Consent Agenda Activities of the Saint John Senate Report of the Senate Nominating Committee Report of the Undergraduate Scholarships Committee Report of the Technology Services Committee Honorary Research Associates MBA (Engineering Management) in Taiwan Report of the Academic Policy and Procedures Committee Report of the Curriculum Committee Report of the Student Standings and Promotions Committee Question Period Question from Senator Nicole O Byrne Question from Senator Brigitte Leblon List of Outstanding Questions President s Report November 2015 Report to Senates Report of the School of Graduate Studies Graduate Courses Report of the Academic Policy and Procedures Committee Report of 6 November Motion from Senator Husain Motion Regarding the Why UNB Campaign Report of the Curriculum Committee Part I: Faculties of Business Administration, Nursing, Renaissance College, and Science Student Standings and Promotions Committee SS&P Summer Report

3 Fredericton Senate 3 24 November Report from the Dean of Libraries November 2015 Report Strategic Discussion Research Rankings Other Business... 14

4 Fredericton Senate 4 24 November 2015 ATTACHMENTS TO THE OFFICIAL COPY OF THE MINUTES Materials which were before members and which are not attached as an Appendix to the circulated minutes, are listed below and are attached to the Official Copy of the Minutes in the University Secretariat. Minute 1. Announcements... 2 pp. 3.1 Changes to Convocation 2015 Graduation List... 3 pp October 2015 Activities of Saint John Senate... 2 pp October 2015 Nominating Committee Minutes... 7 pp Report of 9 November 2015 Nominating Committee Ballot... 1 pp Report of 18 November 2015 Nominating Committee Ballot... 1 pp November 2015 Undergraduate Scholarships Report... 4 pp October 2015 Technology Services Committee Report... 2 pp November 2015 Honorary Research Associates... 2 pp Proposal to Modify the MBA Program... 5 pp November 2015 Academic Policy and Procedures Committee Minutes... 3 pp Curriculum Report for November pp Student Standings and Promotions Committee 2015 Summer Term Report... 4 pp. 5.1 Question from Senator Nicole O Byrne... 3 pp. 5.2 Questions from Senator Brigitte Leblon... 7 pp. 5.3 Outstanding Questions... 1 pp. 6.1 President s Report to Senates November pp. 7.1 Graduate Courses... 3 pp. 9.1 Motion from Senator Husain... 1 pp.

5 Fredericton Senate 5 24 November November 2015 Report of the Dean of Libraries pp Research Ranking Presentation... 7 pp.

6 Fredericton Senate 6 24 November Announcements 1.1 Announcements for 24 November 2015 (posted with agenda) E. Campbell welcomed Senators to the meeting and referred them to the announcements which were posted with the agenda. He indicated that the University would be engaged in assisting Syrian refugees immigrating to New Brunswick. He encouraged Senators to volunteer, noting that Senator Brown was coordinating efforts on behalf of the University through the Gregg Centre. 2. Approval of Meeting Agenda and Minutes 2.1 Minutes of 20 October 2015 (posted with agenda) The President drew members attention to the 20 October 2015 Minutes, posted with the agenda. Senator Leblon asked that item 7.2 Proposal to Modify the MBA Program, item 8 November 8, 2015 Academic Planning Committee Meeting Report, item 10 November 2015 Curriculum Report and Item 11 Student Standings and Promotions 2015 Summer Term Report be moved into the Consent Agenda. Senator A. Reid asked that Item Honorary Research Associates be lifted from the Consent Agenda for discussion. MOTION 2, 1 A. Reid/Hanratty That Senate approve the agenda for 24 November 2015, as amended, and the Minutes of 20 October 2015, as presented. CARRIED 3. Business Arising from the Minutes Senator Hinton noted that the changes to the Graduation List for Convocation 2015 were provided for information. 4. Consent Agenda 4.1 Activities of the Saint John Senate Activities of 21 October 2015 Senate Meeting (posted with agenda) The Activities of the Saint John Senate were received for information. 4.2 Report of the Senate Nominating Committee Minutes of 26 October 2014 (posted with agenda) The report of the Nominating Committee was received for information and approval of the following recommendations: That the Committee recommend to Senate the following appointments to the Student Standings and Promotions Committee: Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management Yolanda Spithoven () Brian Sergeant ().

7 Fredericton Senate 7 24 November Consent Agenda (cont d) 4.2 Report of the Senate Nominating Committee (cont d) Minutes of 26 October 2015 (cont d) That the Committee recommend to Senate the student appointments to Senate Committees and other bodies to which Senate makes appointments for as follows: Senate Standing Committees: Committee Position Student Name Kevin Collins Academic Planning Patrick Savoie Academic Policy and Procedures Benjamin Doucet Sydney McAdam Admissions Dylan Renouf Jarvis Spires Emily Jackson Kayla Mann Curriculum Emily Jackson Charlotte Chiasson Stewart Brian Doucet Library Adam MacAvoy Brandon Perry Senate Review Caroline Mercier Alyssa Whelan Student Services Jarvis Spires Jenelle Walsh Bess Teague Student #3 Kayla Mann Student #4 Brandon Perry Student Standings and Promotions Student #5 Jenelle Walsh Student #6 Benjamin Doucet Grad Miranda Jack Teaching Awards John Bird Samantha Michaud Teaching Excellence and Policy Mark Mancini John Bird Julian Renaud Technology Services Kurtis Layden

8 Fredericton Senate 8 24 November Consent Agenda (cont d) 4.2 Report of the Senate Nominating Committee (cont d) Minutes of 26 October 2015 (cont d) Undergraduate Scholarships Bookstore Advisory Joint Board/Senate Residence UNB Academic Program Review Student Senator Student Senator Student Senator Student Senator Student Senator Charlotte Chiasson Patrick Savoie Dylan Renouf Sydney McAdam John Eddy Jeremy Nason Jesse Reid Mark Mancini John Eddy Fredericton Campus Budget Advisory Committee I student Julian Renaud That the Committee recommend to Senate approval of the following student appointments to Search Committees for : Search Committee Assoc. VP Academic (Learning Environment) Dean, Faculty of Business Administration Assoc. Dean, Faculty of Education Student Volunteers Julian Renaud (JD) Alex Kall (MBA) Mitchell Nini (BEd) Report of the Ballot of 9 November 2015 (posted with agenda) The 9 November Ballot Report of the Nominating Committee was posted for information and approval of the following recommendations: That the Committee recommend the appointment of Jeff Burkard (Kinesiology) and Elizabeth Sloat (Education) as the Senate representatives on the Fundraising Priorities Committee. That the Committee recommend to Senate the appointment of Catherine Gallagher (PhD CLPS) as the student representative on the Search Committee for Chair, Department of Psychology.

9 Fredericton Senate 9 24 November Consent Agenda (cont d) 4.2 Report of the Senate Nominating Committee (cont d) Report of the Ballot of 18 November 2015 (posted with agenda) The 18 November Ballot Report of the Nominating Committee was posted for information and approval of the following recommendation: That the Committee recommend to Senate the appointment of Christian MacWilliams (MA.POLS) as the student representative on the Search Committee for Chair, Department of Political Science and Ethan Cochrane (BA.HIST+PHIL) as the student representative on the Search Committee for Chair, Department of Philosophy. 4.3 Report of the Undergraduate Scholarships Committee November 2015 Report (posted with agenda) The November 2015 Report of the Undergraduate Scholarships Committee was received for information and approval. 4.4 Report of the Technology Services Committee Minutes of 26 October 2015 (posted with agenda) The 26 October 2015 Minutes of the Technology Services Committee were received for information and approval. 4.5 Honorary Research Associates November 2015 (posted with agenda) This item was lifted from the Consent Agenda. 4.6 Graduate Matters MBA (Engineering Management) in Taiwan (for information) (posted with agenda) The MBA (Engineering Management) in Taiwan proposal was received for information. 4.7 Report of the Academic Policy and Procedures Committee Report of 6 November 2015 (posted with agenda) The Report of the Academic Policy and Procedures Committee was received for information and approval of the following: That Senate approve the proposed calendar of academic dates for the 2016 UNBF Summer Term, as presented.

10 Fredericton Senate November Consent Agenda (cont d) 4.8 Report of the Curriculum Committee Part I: Faculties of Business Administration, Nursing, Renaissance College, and Science (posted with agenda) The Report of the Curriculum Committee was received for information and approval of the following: That Senate approve the Reports of the Senate Curriculum Committee including new courses, course changes and deletions, changes and additions to programs and regulations in the Faculties of Business Administration, Nursing, Renaissance College and Science, as presented. 4.9 Student Standings and Promotions Committee SS&P Summer Report 2015 (posted with agenda) The Report of the Student Standings and Promotions Committee was received for information. MOTION 4, 1 Husain/A. Reid That Senate approve matters included in the consent agenda, from item to 4.9.1, excluding item CARRIED Senator A. Reid asked for clarification of two of the titles describing proposed Honorary Research Associates in item It was noted that the title faculty associate was not a title that had been defined and approved for use through a formal University process. Senator Kristmanson explained that the term was commonly used in the Faculty of Education to refer to a teacher on secondment to the University from the school board. Senator A. Reid also asked about the use of the term Instructor (Contract), citing similar concerns. D. Rendall suggested that the report be amended to reflect the community titles of the individuals in question. MOTION 4, 2 Rendall/Sears That Senate approve the list of Honorary Research Associates from Crouse to Chen, amended to reflect the community titles of those on the list. CARRIED Secretary s Note: The term faculty associate was changed to teacher in the Anglophone West School District and the term Instructor (Contract) was changed to senior consultant with Correctional Services Canada to be consistent with community titles.

11 Fredericton Senate November Question Period 6.1 Question from Senator Nicole O Byrne (posted with agenda) Senator O Byrne asked about the legal fees paid by the University and the potential cost benefits of creating a university solicitor position. A written response was provided that described the categories of fees paid and the breakdown of firms used. The President noted that the costs and benefits of creating new a position for a university solicitor could be considered as part of the overall administrative review. Senators discussed the categories of expenses. 5.2 Questions from Senator Brigitte Leblon (posted with agenda) Senator Leblon asked about Canada Research Chairs, per diems and mileage allowances, and the University s Quality Assurance process. Written responses were provided that described the process to develop Canada Research Chair (CRC) positions and how the University recruits/appoints CRCs, the calculation of the University s meal allowance, mileage and per diem rates based on rates used by other post-secondary institutions in the region, and the quality assurance process that reviews the University s programs every five years. Members discussed the University s reimbursement rates, noting that Tri-Council policy indicates that the University s internal policy supersedes its rates. Members discussed the Quality Assurance Policy. J. Fritz explained that a committee reviews both the reviewer s report and the Faculty s response and that these documents are then forwarded to Senate for information. 5.3 List of Outstanding Questions (posted with agenda) The President noted that, as requested by Senators at the November 2013 meeting, a table of outstanding questions has been created. The outstanding question is from former Senator Lowry about grade conversion tables. This question has been referred to SS&P for response. 6. President s Report 6.1 November 2015 Report to Senates (posted with agenda) E. Campbell drew members attention to the President s report for November. He spoke to the appointment of Mr. Justice Joseph Robertson as jurist-in-residence, the JDI NB Scholarships, the Strategic Plan President s Overview and the Administrative Review Task Force. He noted that the search committee for Vice-President Academic (Fredericton) was organizing consultation sessions with the University community to provide input on the position profile. He noted that the Provincial government was planning to cut the University s Operating Grant and that new funding formulas were being considered, including those with a component tied to performance metrics. He explained that the government had not provided the universities with specifics about future funding. Senator Eddy noted that the Student Union was advocating increased funding with government.

12 Fredericton Senate November Report of the School of Graduate Studies 7.1 Graduate Courses (posted with agenda) D. Rendall drew members attention to the list of new, modified and deleted graduate courses. He explained that the Faculty of Engineering had asked that the Electrical Engineering courses originally designated for deletion be removed from the report for further consideration. He indicated that EE 6413 through EE 6893 were withdrawn from the recommendation. MOTION 7, 1 Rendall/Burns That Senate approve the new courses from ED 6114 to TME 6996, change in description from ED 6104 to NURS 6219, change in title for BIOL 6913, and change in number and title for EE 6553, inclusive, as amended to withdraw EE 6413 through EE CARRIED 8. Report of the Academic Policy and Procedures Committee 8.1 Report of 6 November 2015 (posted with agenda) This item was moved into the Consent Agenda. 9. Motion from Senator Husain 9.1 Motion Regarding the Why UNB Campaign (posted with agenda) Senator Husain indicated that the intention of his motion was to increase due diligence and further Board/Senate Dialogue. MOTION 9, 1 Husain/A. Reid Pursuant to Article 43 (3) of the UNB Act, that Senate recommend to the Board a joint Board-Senate Committee be formed with the mandate to (i) analyze in detail the budget, methodology, and metrics of this campaign, and (ii) develop criteria and make recommendations for any future funding beyond the presently approved $5 million. CARRIED The President noted that increasing dialogue between the Board and the Senates could be beneficial. He noted that a great deal of due diligence had been put into creating the Why UNB campaign. He explained that the Board would consider the motion; the Senates would be responsible, through their respective Nominating Committees, for selecting Senate representation on the Committee. 10. Report of the Curriculum Committee 10.1 Part I: Faculties of Business Administration, Nursing, Renaissance College and Science (posted with agenda) This item was moved into the Consent Agenda.

13 Fredericton Senate November Student Standings and Promotions Committee 11.1 SS&P Summer Report 2015 (posted with agenda) This item was moved into the Consent Agenda. 12. Report from the Dean of Libraries November 2015 Report (posted with agenda) L. Balcom drew members attention to a PowerPoint presentation about library resources posted with the agenda. She explained that the library acquisitions budget has lost $500,000 in purchasing power since May 1, 2015 due to the decreased valuation of the Canadian dollar and the rising cost of print and electronic resources. Dean Balcom explained that there is a structural deficit in library acquisitions funding and that the Vice-President Academic (Fredericton) has been providing one-time top-up funds for the past few years. She detailed the different online journal services used by the library and their respective costs, noting that journal purchases are bundled to save money. L. Balcom spoke to four options for moving forward: live within the budget, redirect money within the University, identify new sources of money, or move to a new funding model. She noted that many journal packages involve multi-year contracts and that the library had recently decided to cease its subscription to Web of Science. Members discussed library acquisitions at length, noting that the structural funding deficit was the culmination of many years of increasing costs, compounded by the financial hardship experienced by the University as a whole. Members considered other ways of increasing library funds, such as donating professional development account funds and tricouncil overhead funds. L. Balcom explained that conglomerate journal subscription contracts prevent selling licenses or sharing the subscription between universities. Senators expressed concern, noting the need to access library resources for research projects as well as course curricula. It was noted that cutting subscriptions was very difficult, as usage data may not indicate heavy use of a certain resource, however, it may be essential to a small department. It was suggested that L. Balcom share her report with the Board. 13. Strategic Discussion 13.1 Research Ranking (posted with agenda) D. Burns drew members attention to a PowerPoint presentation about research rankings, posted with the agenda. He noted that the University has used a form of this process since the 1970s, revising the process in 1996, 2001, 2005 and He explained that research rankings are used as a mechanism for the distribution of indirect cost of research funds, and the development of a database for information on research done at the University. D. Burns spoke to the process, noting that the survey used by Faculties is revised at the end of each cycle by a committee of six to seven deans. Some of the difficulties associated with the process are: the difficulty of comparing disciplines, the focus on what has been done outside of the context of the unit s future plan, and the association with additional funding. He noted that the process needs to be re-examined and asked Senators for advice.

14 Fredericton Senate November Strategic Discussion (cont d) 13.1 Research Ranking (cont d) Members discussed the process to submit updated CVs, noting that it was very time consuming. It was suggested that the University consider finding a way to standardize CV submissions for grant applications and research rankings that would allow faculty members to enter it once and then update it over time. Members discussed the attachment of funding to the rankings. D. Burns explained that a funding incentive had been added a number of years ago with a view to encouraging more research. He indicated that this would be part of the review. One member suggested that the funds tied to the rankings would be better served by donating them to the library. Members discussed the University s plans to consider resourcecentred management and how research rankings might be used as part of a funding formula. It was noted that the current process would not be suitable for this purpose. Members expressed support for the review of the process, noting that some activities within Faculties, such as editing a journal, were not allocated sufficient weighting. It was noted that a number of other universities engage in some sort of research ranking activity, some by department and others by individual faculty member. Members discussed potential solutions and noted the difficulties of comparing different departments. 14. Other Business There was no other business. The meeting adjourned at 6:08 p.m. Sarah DeVarenne, Secretary