MOUNT ALLISON UNIVERSITY MEETING OF THE UNIVERSITY SENATE. 16 September 2014, 4:00 p.m. Convocation Hall Foyer

Transcription

1 MOUNT ALLISON UNIVERSITY MEETING OF THE UNIVERSITY SENATE 16 September 2014, 4:00 p.m. Convocation Hall Foyer Present: L. Beck, P. Berry, S. Black, C. Brett, R. Campbell (Chair), B. Clayton, A. Cockshutt, S. Currie, J. Dryden, B. Evans, D. Fleming, E. Herteis, K. Ghandi, K. Grant, R. Inglis, T. Holownia, A. Irwin, G. Jollymore, J. Kalyn, P. Kelly Spurles, R. Lapp, A. LePage, J. Lilburn, C. L. MacDonald, A. MacLeod, L. Michaelis, J. Mullen, D. Murphy, M. Truitt, G. Nichols, K. Nimmrichter, J. Ollerhead, C. Parker, T. Reiffenstein, B. Robertson, D. Rogosin, P. Sianchuk, E. Steuter, D. Thomas, P. R. Thompson, J. Tomes, J. vanderleest, C. Verduyn, H. Webster, E. Wells (Secretary), A. Wilson, W. Wilson Regrets: R. Byrne, G. Ouellette, R. Outerbridge Approval of the Agenda Motion (M. Truitt/C. Brett): that Senate adopt the Agenda as circulated with the addition of a new item No. 6: Report from the Planning Committee Approval of the Senate Minutes of 19 th March, 2014 Motion (A. Irwin/B. Robertson): that Senate adopt the Minutes of the meeting of 19 th March, Approval of the Senate Minutes of 8 th May, 2014 Motion (C. Brett/D. Rogosin): that Senate adopt the Minutes of the meeting of 8 th May, Business Arising from the Minutes R. Inglis confirmed that the outcomes of an expanded process of campus water testing will be posted to the community via today. A two-step test had revealed one location (Windsor Hall) with higher levels; consequently these faucets were replaced. A question arose as to how we know if tubing, as opposed to faucets, was the problematic area. R. Inglis indicated that testing will continue over time to make sure that the replacement faucets have solved issue. There will also be an ongoing process and methodology in place for water testing. Complete information on water testing on campus is now available on the University s website. R. Campbell reported that he had chaired an AUCC committee dealing with orientation issues across Canadian universities, in light of controversies last year. This year s Mount Allison orientation ran smoothly, and the same seems to have held true across campuses in Canada. R. Campbell also reflected on the four meetings that had been held with faculty over the summer, in response to concerns in He thanked all faculty for their participation and candour in that process. Chairs for each of those meetings will provide reports in due course Report from the Chair 1

2 R. Campbell thanked Senators and staff for what has been a remarkably effective and smooth opening to the school year, noting in particular the work of the orientation committee, the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts, and Eileen Herteis organization of the Teaching Day. Forthcoming highlights of the term will include the official opening of the Purdy Crawford Centre on October 3 which will include an art exhibit featuring Mt. Allison graduates. David Fancy s appearance as guest speaker for Commencement, the Oh, Canada exhibit at the Owens Art Gallery, and the announcement of a substantial donation from TD Bank. The President s Speakers series for this year will focus on the Year of Culture and Creativity and will start with filmmaker Atom Egoyan. R. Inglis reported on the financial picture for the university in Given a lower than anticipated incoming class (700 vs. the budgeted number of 750), there will be a tuition revenue shortfall of $1.1 million (as compared to this date last year). Residence numbers are the lowest since 1992 which will affect residence budgets. The budget shortfall will be dealt with this year by planned reserves, which will have to be replaced. The University will also have to consider the longer-term challenge of lower enrollment. Final figures for and a multi-year enrollment report will be presented at the October Senate meeting with the October census. K. Grant reported that one of the key priorities for this year is to develop a platform for experiential education as a way to build on what we are already doing in this area; extending a structure around experiential learning to support both students and faculty will be a high priority. The first step will be a white paper to be circulated to the community and to identify where experiential learning can best be implemented. One of the recommendations that came out of discussions in the spring is the need for a long-term staffing plan, which she will work on with the Planning Committee as well. Later, consultations will take place about the campus master plan. The research committee is planning to begin consultations to develop a strategic research plan that will take us to the next iteration of the University s Strategic Statement. There will also be a small task group looking at fees. Last year a decision was made about lab fees, but we need to see what is the best approach to attaching lab fees to courses. The Ad Hoc committee on the Fall Break will be circulating a survey (probably through Moodle) to the university community on the viability of and interest in a Fall Break. Our successful application to SSHRC in the Aid to Small Universities program has led to a number of faculty consultations. L. Michaelis asked about the platform for experiential learning and how that intersects with the Experiential Learning committee. K. Grant indicated that the scope of the experiential learning discussions goes beyond for credit experiential learning, which has traditionally been the focus of that Committee. G. Jollymore reported on the schedule of activities associated with the opening of the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts, including self-guided tours, the launch of Purdy Crawford s biography, an alumni art show, and a theatre presentation. R. Campbell announced that the Royal Society of Canada had named Professor David Hornidge (Physics) to the inaugural cohort of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists Planning Committee Heads of Departments and the Library should now have received a call for proposals for tenure track positions, a process similar to last year s. The proposal deadline from Departments to Deans is October 10 th. The Deans, Planning Committee, and the President s Executive Group will be involved in the process. A report has been prepared by the MPHEC as a follow-up to Students at the Heart. The report will be released in late October. It will inform what we do with our own policy on program review and quality assurance. R. Campbell added that MPHEC has commissioned a national survey on how program reviews and related process are carried out in other parts of Canada Report from the Academic Judicial Committee 2

3 The report was previously circulated. No questions were raised Report from the Academic Appeals Committee The report was previously circulated. No questions were raised (A. Nurse/J. Tomes) That the Committee on Committees will establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the procedures of Senate and make recommendations to this general body on the adoption of Standing Rules bearing on its operation and conduct. This committee will be mandated to consult with the Mount Allison community to determine needs and to investigate procedural rules at other similar institutions to determine best practices. Recommendations will be brought to the January 2015 meeting of Senate. This committee will be composed of four faculty and 1 student, to be elected at the October 2014 meeting of Senate following a call for nominations Report from the Committee on Committees Motion Withdrawn CARRIED Motion: (A. Wilson/A. Irwin) The Committee on Committees moves that Senate elect one of the following nominees to the below committee for a term beginning immediately and ending June 30, The Graduate Studies Committee 1 ex-officio non-voting member The Dean of Graduate Studies 5 Faculty or Librarians, with representation from each of the three faculties, including three members from the Faculty of Science with at least one member from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and one member from the Department of Biology, elected by Senate Tyson MacCormack James Kalyn Wayne Hunt Felix Baerlocher Vacancy 1 Alternative Margaret Beaton There were two nominations for the vacant position: Karen Crosby and Khashayar Ghandi. A balloted vote took place and Karen Crosby was elected to this vacant position. Motion (A. Wilson/ A. Irwin) The Committee on Committees moves that Senate ratify the following student members to the following committees beginning immediately and ending April 20, 2015: 11. The International Programs Committee 1 Student, elected by the Senate: Alyssa Andrews. 20. The Ad Hoc Committee on Access Copyright 3

4 2 Students, elected by the Senate: Ryan Harley Daniel Murphy Motion: (A.Wilson/A. Irwin) On behalf of the Committee on Committees, I move that Senate create the following new Senate Committee: Ad hoc Committee on Senate procedures (i) Terms of Reference: (a) The Committee will: (1) Investigate the practices and procedures of Senate as based on Bourinot s Rules of Order and make recommendations about the adoption of appropriate standing rules. (2) Consult with the Mount Allison community and other similar institutions to determine needs, investigate procedural rules and determine best practices. (b) The Committee will present its final written report and make its formal motion of recommendations to Senate by the January 2015 meeting. (ii) Membership (6 members, including 1 ex-officio member, 4 elected faculty and one student) 1 ex-officio member Secretary of Senate 5 elected members 4 faculty members, elected by Senate. 1 student, elected by Senate. (iii) Quorum: At least 4 elected members At its first meeting the Committee will elect a Chair, and the Committee on Committees will be informed. Rationale: At the June 2014 Senate meeting, the Committee on Committees was charged by Senate to establish an ad hoc committee on Senate procedures Update on Policy 5410: Guidelines for the Academic Implications of Instructional Disruptions The report was pre-circulated. J. Ollerhead remarked that previously there have been no operational instructions or principles in the policy, so the committee established some operational procedures. The Policy also allows the Committee to make recommendations on the policy itself; accordingly a policy update will likely come out this year. J. Dryden asked how students received the form, and whether they knew what they were expected to do. K. Nimmrichter confirmed that students had appealed and the form was clear enough and circulated well enough. R. Campbell said that the Board was impressed by students presentation in the spring, and had set up its own group to investigate student concerns. 4

5 University Initiatives, 2014/2015 R. Campbell referred to the pre-circulated document of institutional initiatives coming out of the summer discussions of last year s events. He reviewed a number of them, including Senate procedures. He offered to get that committee in touch with others in the country who have expertise on these matters. He also suggested that the three Faculties could be more active as constituents within themselves, to develop their own directions. R. Inglis has created a budgetary advisory committee that will include student, staff, and faculty membership. A long-term staffing plan will be constructed, with an understanding that more can be done to recognize the centrality of teaching to the institution. A new Collegial Advancement Council will seek input from faculty, staff and students in setting a fundraising agenda, a collegial process for space planning will be established, and a plan for a research strategy for the University will be developed. In the new year a process will be initiated to review and update the University s strategic statement. The university will continue to find ways to celebrate the accomplishments of the people in our community Other Business L. Michaelis asked about confusion surrounding the recent election of Members-at-Large on Senate. E. Wells explained that this was due to the Secretary s medical leave and simple mis-communication. As there was no other business, the meeting was adjourned (R. Campbell) Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Wells Secretary 5