SENATE PRIORITIES AND PLANNING COMMITTEE Monday, November 18, 2013 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. University Centre Boardroom 424 Page 3-4 5-6 7-15 17 19-23 25-26 27 Information for Committee Members Meetings Membership Bylaws MEETING AGENDA 1. Welcome and Approval of the Agenda a) Approval of the Agenda for November 18, 2013 [Motion] 2. Approval of the Minutes a) Minutes of September 25, 2013 [Motion] b) Business Arising 3. President and Provost Report a) Update on University Activities 4. Chairs' Report a) Committee Reports and Roundtable on Key Items for November Senate b) Review of November 25, 2013 Senate Agenda 5. COU Academic Colleague Report a) Update on COU Activities Adjournment Members Attending: Coral Murrant (Chair), Thomas Beckett, Catherine Carstairs, Alison Duncan, Richard Heck, John Kissick,Nathan Lachowsky, Maureen Mancuso (Provost & VP Academic), Scott McEwen, Ian Newby-Clark, Jonathan Newman, Patricia Turner, Byron Sheldrick, Vicki Hodgkinson (University Secretary non-voting) Regrets: Alastair Summerlee (President) Next Meeting Date: Winter Schedule TBD Page 1 of 27
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2013-14 SENATE PRIORITIES AND PLANNING COMMITTEE http://www.uoguelph.ca/secretariat/senate/committees_sppc/ Meeting Schedule: Fall 2013 Tuesday, September 3, 2013 (10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.) Wednesday, September 25, 2013 (1:30 3:30 p.m.) UC Cancelled Thursday, November 7, 2013 (Joint luncheon meeting with Board Chairs 12:30 2:00 p.m.) Monday, November 18, 2013 (1:30 3:30 p.m.) Winter 2014 February 12, 2014 2013 (Joint Dinner meeting with Board Chairs 5:00 6:30 p.m.) Membership Ex-Officio: Alastair Summerlee President and Vice-Chancellor Maureen Mancuso Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Jonathan Newman COU Academic Colleague Coral Murrant Member-at-Large (Chair) Chairs of Senate Standing Committees: Catherine Carstairs Committee on Bylaws and Membership Richard Heck Board of Undergraduate Studies Scott McEwen Board of Graduate Studies Patricia Turner Research Board Byron Sheldrick Committee on Student Petitions Alison Duncan Committee on Non-degree Studies John Kissick Honours and Awards Ian Newby-Clark Committee on Quality Assurance Students: (One graduate and one undergraduate both elected by the Student Senate Caucus) Nathan Lachowsky OVC Thomas Beckett B.Comm n:\senate\standing committees and boards\senate priorities & planning committee (sppc)\meeting packages\2013-14\membership 2013-14_sppc.doc Meetings Membership Bylaws Page 3 of 27
SENATE PRIORITIES AND PLANNING COMMITTEE Approved: Senate December 5, 2012 BYLAWS 1. The Priorities and Planning Committee shall consist of: the President; the Provost; the Chairs of the Senate Standing Committees; one undergraduate student, and one graduate student (both elected annually by the Student Senate Caucus); the COU Academic Colleague; and one Member-at-Large (elected by Senate from the elected Senators, not already chairing a Senate Committee). The Member-at Large shall chair the committee for a two-year term. 2. The Senate Priorities and Planning Committee facilitates Senate in establishing its annual priorities. In doing so, the Priorities and Planning Committee shall: a) Utilize input from Senate s standing committees to facilitate Senate in the process of establishing and approving its annual goals and priorities within the context of the University s strategic and operational planning related to educational policy; b) Support the standing committees in their activities towards achieving the annual goals and priorities of Senate; c) Monitor Senate's progress towards the annual goals and priorities through regular updates from the standing committees; d) Recommend adjustments or revisions to Senate's goals and priorities; e) Receive and review the annual reports from Senate s standing committees on their accomplishments; f) Present an annual report to Senate synthesizing the work and achievements presented in the annual reports of the standing committees of Senate; g) Make recommendations for the work and priorities over the next session in the context of the University's long-term goals and strategic objectives, and based on input from the Senate s standing committees; h) Review motions submitted under Senate bylaws section 3. Matters for Inclusion in the Agenda to determine whether the matter presented falls within the purview of Senate, and/ or its standing committees; i) Provide recommendations and leadership for the execution of those decisions of Senate which have not been referred to other standing committees and boards of Senate. N:\Senate\Bylaws\Current Approved\SPPCbylaws_5December2012.doc Senate Priorities and Planning Committees Bylaws Meetings Membership Bylaws Page 4 of 27
UNIVERSITY SECRETARIAT To: From: Senate Priorities and Planning Committee Vicki Hodgkinson, University Secretary Subject: 1. Welcome and Approval of Agenda 2. Minutes of the Last Meeting Meeting: November 18, 2013 1. Welcome and Approval of the Agenda a) Approval of the Agenda The Senate Priorities and Planning Committee is asked to, RESOLVE, That the November 18, 2013 meeting agenda be approved, as presented. 2. Minutes of the Last Meeting a) Minutes of September 25, 2012 The Senate Priorities and Planning Committee is asked to, RESOLVE, That the minutes of the September 25, 2013 meeting be approved, as presented. b) Business Arising 2013-14 Senate Priorities At the last meeting of the Committee, it was agreed that the University Secretariat would be tasked to develop a draft proposal for Senate s 2013-14 priorities that reflected the discussion of the Committee. This was done by way of a review of drafts by email and a sign-back motion completed on October 1, 2013. At its meeting on October 9, 2013, Senate approved the 2013-14 Senate priorities recommended by SPPC. The approved priorities are included as background reference for item 4 of this agenda. Joint meeting of SPPC and Board Chairs -- Unfortunately, the plans for the November 7th joint luncheon were cancelled due to unforeseen developments for the presenter/facilitators for the luncheon discussion. The topic that had been planned for the luncheon -- institutional change at the U of G and the factors enabling and inhibiting change -- will be retained, however, and become the focus of the next scheduled joint meeting on February 12, 2014. At the joint SPPC/Board Chairs dinner planned in February, George Mehaffy has been booked to come and speak. He is the Vice-President for Academic Leadership and Change at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and will be talking about Approval of the Agenda for November 18, 2013 [Motion] Page 5 of 27
change initiatives affecting the postsecondary sector throughout North America. His presentation will provide an excellent platform for exploratory discussions about the U of G change initiatives, including enablers and barriers, and what can be done to help the Guelph's plans be successful. All other matters of business arising are addressed elsewhere on the meeting agenda. N:\Senate\Standing Committees and Boards\Senate Priorities & Planning Committee (SPPC)\Meeting Packages\2013-14\18 Nov 2013\Cover Memos\1&2Agenda_Minutes.docx Approval of the Agenda for November 18, 2013 [Motion] Page 6 of 27
SENATE PRIORITIES AND PLANNING COMMITTEE Minutes of the 1:30 pm meeting held September 25, 2013 in University Centre Boardroom 424 Present: Coral Murrant (Chair), Maureen Mancuso, Kelly Meckling, Catherine Carstairs, Richard Heck, Scott McEwen, Patricia Turner, Byron Sheldrick, Alison Duncan, Ian Newby-Clark, Thomas Beckett, Vicki Hodgkinson (University Secretary), Kate Revington (Associate University Secretary) Regrets: John Kissick, Nathan Lachowsky, Alastair Summerlee (President), 1. Welcome and Approval of the Agenda a) Approval of the Agenda The Chair called the meeting to order. On motion duly moved and seconded, it was RESOLVED, That the September 25, 2013 meeting agenda be approved, as presented. 2. Approval of the Minutes a) Minutes of September 3, 2013 On motion duly moved and seconded, it was RESOLVED, That the minutes of the meeting held September 3, 2013 be approved, as presented. b) Business Arising There was none. 3. President and Provost Report a) Update on University Activities The Provost reported to the Committee on recent government relations developments for the University, including the dialogue continuing under the direction of the Minister of Training Colleges and Universities about institutional differentiation. The Committee was advised that the University s Strategic Mandate Page 1 of 5 Minutes of September 25, 2013 [Motion] Page 7 of 27
Senate Priorities and Planning Committee Minutes of September 25, 2013 Agreement submitted to the Minister positioned the University very well in regards to the proposed differentiation framework. It was noted that assessment metrics for each of the elements of the differentiation framework were still a topic of some debate among institutions, particularly insofar as they were directed to outcome measures. Dr. Mancuso also observed that the government was still to clarify its intentions with regard to linking the differentiation framework and metrics to funding allocation. Overall, public policy objectives for outcomes driven funding continued to be unclear. The Provost informed the Committee that submissions from the University of Guelph would soon be submitted to respond to opportunities for government funding for innovation and enhanced efficiencies in the university sector. Elaboration was offered on the proposals that will be going forward that align with the University s Integrated Plan and, if successful, would advance curriculum re-design and provide enhancements to technology that would support use of blended learning and, in a multi-institutional context, infrastructure to measure and assess achievement of learning outcomes in the delivery of education. The Committee was also briefed on the plans for release of the Programs Prioritization Process (PPP) Task Force report on October 2, 2013 including subsequent presentations and discussions at Senate (October 9), a campus open forum (October 10), College-based meetings (October 25 through to November 29) and with employee and student groups. Dr. Mancuso emphasized that the report s presentation would be offered with information to review the context of the current financial climate for the University and the role of PPP recommendations in preparing the 2014-15 budget, up-dating the Multi-Year Plan to address the structural deficit and establishing overall reduction and/or re-investment targets for units across the University. Questions were invited. It was confirmed that the planned presentations would include opportunities for questions and comments. 4. Development of Senate Priorities for 2013-14 a) Committee Chairs Roundtable (2013-14 Priorities Setting) Dr. Murrant observed that almost all Senate standing committees had met during September and considered priority-setting for 2013-14. A table summarizing the priorities that have emerged to-date was circulated (attached). Each Committee Chair present briefly reviewed the priorities identified by their committee and elaborated on them in response to questions. Professor Duncan retired from the meeting. Page 2 of 5 Minutes of September 25, 2013 [Motion] Page 8 of 27
Senate Priorities and Planning Committee Minutes of September 25, 2013 b) Recommendations for Senate Priorities 2013-14 Building from the information provided for each standing committee and referencing the 2012-13 Senate priorities, Committee members discussed the themes and specific policy and other outcomes of particular importance to Senate for 2013-14. The Committee observed that 2012-13 was focused on the essential work needed to be completed by Senate while the PPP was in progress and 2013-14 activity would build from this, resulting in a need for Senate discussion and action on initiatives that emerge for the University s Integrated Plan, as informed by information gathered through the PPP. In light of this, support was expressed for continued attention to the themes identified in 2012-13 with the underlying Senate activity up-dated to reflect evolving developments post-ppp. It was agreed that the presentation of the priorities should still incorporate an up-dated overview section. Reflecting on the Committee priorities in this light, Members observed a need to articulate the need for attention to measures that support internationalization and, in particular, increased international graduate student s activity. Anticipation of Senate activity linked to the outcome of the review of interdisciplinary programs and science programs was also identified. It was agreed that this should be incorporated into the recommended priorities, acknowledging that while action on recommendations related to interdisciplinary programs was likely in 2013-14, it was more likely that actions arising from the review of science programs would not arise until 2014-15. With regard to continuing attention to increased student accessibility through pathways -related developments for academic programs, it was observed that 2012-13 saw good progress with programmatic and policy changes and that 2013-14 would call upon Senate to monitor whether these opportunities were being wellutilized and promoted so that they have the desired positive impact for students. The Chair expressed thanks for the input and discussion. It was agreed that a preliminary draft of the proposed 2013-14 Senate priorities would be prepared by the University Secretary and issued to SPPC members as soon as possible. Dr. Murrant indicated that feedback offered by email in response to the preliminary draft would be used to finalize and approve a proposal for presentation to Senate at its meeting on October 9 th. It was confirmed that the proposed priorities would be presented in a format similar to that used in 2012-13 offering both a thematic and committee-by-committee presentation. 5. Chairs Reports & Upcoming Senate Agenda a) Committee Reports on Key Items for October Senate Chairs offered comments on key items coming forward from standing committees for decision or information at the next meeting of Senate (October 9, 2013). It was Page 3 of 5 Minutes of September 25, 2013 [Motion] Page 9 of 27
Senate Priorities and Planning Committee Minutes of September 25, 2013 agreed that a COU report was probably not needed at this meeting but would be included in future agenda. Discussion focused on the potential questions associated with the By-law revisions for the Petitions Committee that will be presented for Senate decision. It was also noted that the SCQA would advise Senate that the quality report for the Bachelor of Arts and Science program and the recommendations it contains were being referred to BUGS for its consideration. b) Review of October 9, 2013 Senate Agenda The Chair invited Committee discussion of the proposed October 9 th Senate agenda, particularly in light of it being the first opportunity for Senate discussion about the PPP Task Force report and its potential implications for the University s Integrated Planning process. Advice was sought on whether there would be value for Senate to receive the related presentations and hold its deliberations in closed session. It was noted that the University Administration was planning an open forum on the topic on the next day and would also be holding sessions with employee group leaders, student leaders and Colleges. There was some indication that community members were expressing significant interest in attending Senate and there was concern that priority for seating space be given to Senators. The Chair invited counsel from SPPC on how to proceed. Discussion followed. Members expressed strong support for an open meeting. Members expressed appreciation for the plans made by the Associate University Secretary to secure access to classrooms adjacent to the Senate meeting room and provision for related web-links to help in the event of a need for overflow seating. They encouraged proactive communication about the overall communications plan for the PPP report and its related implications for Integrated Planning, including communications that would help clarify and explain priority seating for Senators and availability of spaces for guests. It was confirmed that the meeting would be podcast in keeping with past practice. It was confirmed that the Chair would be well-prepared to manage the meeting should guests attend with expectations of speaking privileges. The potential for media attendance at the meeting was noted and members suggested that Senators be advised should this be the case. Generally, members felt strongly that the approach to this meeting should be in the vein of business as usual with a highlight placed on the overall Integrated Planning process, i.e., this was just one step in a multi-year, multi-faceted process that will follow normal governance processes. Page 4 of 5 Minutes of September 25, 2013 [Motion] Page 10 of 27
Senate Priorities and Planning Committee Minutes of September 25, 2013 6. Other Business a) Joint meeting of SPPC and Board Chairs (November 7, 2013) The University Secretary briefed SPPC on the request coming from the Board Chairs group asking that the joint luncheon with SPPC scheduled for November 7 th be an opportunity to focus on the emerging directions for Integrated Planning that emerged from the PPP. It was confirmed that the interest of the Board Chairs group was on a desire to better understand community perceptions and responses to the directions signaled through the PPP including the emerging impact for Integrated Planning. It was also confirmed that, as in the past, the meeting would be facilitated (e.g., brief introductory presentation complemented by questions offered to prompt discussion) and allow for informal exchange of ideas in small groups. More information about the luncheon will be forthcoming, including details on a change in the start-time (to 12:00 p.m.), the agenda and format. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:20 p.m. Page 5 of 5 Minutes of September 25, 2013 [Motion] Page 11 of 27
Minutes of September 25, 2013 [Motion] Senate Standing Committee BGS Recommendations for 2013-14 priorities: (as of September 25, 2013) Continue to provide direction and support for curriculum reform and education innovation, including the explicit integration of learning outcomes in the graduate curriculum After the release of the Program Prioritization Process (PPP) report, be prepared to consider and respond to action items for BGS that emerge from the report In light of Senate s support of the Program Prioritization Process (PPP), be prepared to consider fully those proposals that may emerge from the PPP report Make recommendations to the Senate Bylaws & Membership Committee regarding revisions to the BGS bylaws Review and revise policies related to the processes and procedures of the Admissions & Progress Committee, relative to the recommendations emerging from the Riggs Review of the student appeal systems Continue to monitor the impact of the implementation of the Maximum Registration Policy; adjust the policy as required Respond to quality assurance issues as referred through the Senate recommendations for graduate programming Page 12 of 27 BUGS Continue to provide direction and support for curriculum reform and education innovation, including the explicit integration of learning outcomes in the undergraduate curriculum Continue to provide direction and support for educational policy related to enhancing student accessibility and flexibility in the undergraduate curriculum, which includes the facilitation of internal and external credit transfer and opportunity for advance standing (i.e. pathways initiatives) In light of Senate s support of the Program Prioritization Process (PPP), be prepared to consider fully those proposals that may emerge from the PPP report Consider fully any recommendations for policy revisions emerging from the Riggs Review (student appeal systems) recommendations Respond to quality assurance and respond to any relevant quality review recommendations for undergraduate programming Make recommendations to the Senate Bylaws & Membership Committee regarding revision to the BUGS bylaws, as per the periodic review of Senate Standing Committee bylaws
Minutes of September 25, 2013 [Motion] BYLAWS Continue to initiate the process for the scheduled periodic review of the bylaws of the various Senate Committees, and respond to requests from the committees for revision Review and respond to changes proposed to Senate s structures, bylaws, policies and procedures pertaining to administrative tribunals and petitions emerging from the Riggs Review recommendations Continue with an ongoing evaluation of the 2011 revisions to Senate s composition and membership, considering what instruments are available to assess Senate effectiveness and implement the best tools Review the bylaws and regulations pertaining to the process and procedures for the selection of the faculty, staff and student members of the Presidential Selection Committee SHAC Identify appropriate individuals to represent the University of Guelph through the receipt of Senate honours and awards Enhance communications to the University Community with respect to soliciting nominations for the various Senate awards Consider additional recognition opportunities Page 13 of 27 PETITIONS Continue to uphold and administer Senate s policies on academic review, academic misconduct, and academic petitions Continue to revise and streamline the bylaws and processes of the Petitions Committee with reference to the recommendations from the Riggs Review Provide feedback to the relevant committees and offices on the impact of the operational recommendations from the Riggs Review on the student academic appeals systems Monitor the impact of new or revised academic policies (e.g. Maximum Registration Policy (graduate students); Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities; the Deferred Exam policy (undergraduates); changes to the Petitions bylaws and procedures (if approved), others) and communicate findings to the relevant Senate committees Provide feedback to the relevant committees on the impact of education policies on the student academic appeals systems
Minutes of September 25, 2013 [Motion] RESEARCH In light of Senate's support of the Program Prioritization Process (PPP), be prepared to consider fully any proposals that may emerge from the PPP report relative to the mandate of the Research Board Provide support and direction for re-drafting the University s Research Misconduct Policy Provide advice, as requested, to the Vice President Research on strategies to enhance the University's research profile relative to increasing Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP)*, and enhancing faculty success in Tri-council grant applications Consider and advise on ways to further encourage and support undergraduate student participation in the research enterprise, communicating such ideas to the Board of Undergraduate Studies, the Vice President Research, and the Provost. Review the Research Board bylaws and membership and present recommendations to the Senate Bylaws & Membership Committee *HQP (highly qualified personnel): refers to opportunities for training created through academic study (undergraduate theses, student summer projects, and training at the Graduate Diploma, Master s, doctoral and postdoctoral level) in addition to opportunities provided to train technical and other research personnel. SCQA Continue to assist Senate with its responsibilities for oversight of the quality of academic programming at the University of Guelph by studying internal review reports to establish findings within reviews or findings of patterns or trends across reviews Communicate any of its findings to the relevant Senate Standing Committees (and any other University offices or committees as needed) Provide direction and support for curriculum reform and educational innovation by requiring explicit reference to learning outcomes in internal review reports Continue to assist Senate in fulfilling its mandated responsibilities and obligations under the IQAP by monitoring units and programs progress in the timely completion of their internal review reports Improve support for external reviews by standardizing some of the required elements of external reviewer reporting Review and support revisions to the Institutional Quality Assurance Process (IQAP) document that will enhance the quality assurance process Page 14 of 27
Minutes of September 25, 2013 [Motion] SCNS Although non-degree programming was exempt from the Program Prioritization Process, SCNS will support the governance process required to review and consider any non-degree program-related matters that may emerge from the PPP Report recommendations Continue with the regular and on-going activities of the Committee (e.g. approval and deletion of non-degree programming, quality reviews of non-degree programming, reviewing and recommending any policies related to non-degree programming as they arise) Review the SCNS bylaws and membership and provide any recommendations to the Bylaws & Membership Committee for consideration N:\Senate\Standing Committees and Boards\Senate Priorities & Planning Committee (SPPC)\Meeting Packages\2013-14\25 Sept 2013\Background docs\summary OF Recs for 2013-14 Priorities.docx Page 15 of 27
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UNIVERSITY SECRETARIAT To: From: Senate Priorities and Planning Committee Vicki Hodgkinson, University Secretary Subject: 3. President and Provost Report Meeting: November 18, 2013 a) Update on University Activities Members will be provided with an update regarding University initiatives affecting Senate s work. N:\Senate\Standing Committees and Boards\Senate Priorities & Planning Committee (SPPC)\Meeting Packages\2013-14\18 Nov 2013\Cover Memos\3_Pres&ProvostReport.docx Update on University Activities Page 17 of 27
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UNIVERSITY SECRETARIAT To: From: Senate Priorities and Planning Committee Vicki Hodgkinson, University Secretary Subject: 4. Chairs Reports & Upcoming Senate Agenda Meeting: November 18, 2013 a) Committee Reports & Roundtable on Key Items for November Senate Committee Chairs will be invited to provide an update on recent Committee activities, focusing particularly on those items to be included on the Senate agenda which are of a non-routine nature or entail complex or controversial matters. Enclosed for reference are the Senate Priorities and the Senate Standing Committees Priorities 2013-14 (approved by Senate on October 9, 2013). b) Review of November 25, 2013 Senate Agenda Enclosed is the draft Senate agenda. N:\Senate\Standing Committees and Boards\Senate Priorities & Planning Committee (SPPC)\Meeting Packages\2013-14\18 Nov 2013\Cover Memos\4_ChairReports.docx Committee Reports and Roundtable on Key Items for Page 19 of 27
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Committee Reports and Roundtable on Key Items for Support of the Program Prioritization Process Receive information on the findings and recommendations of the Program Prioritization Process (PPP) and other key academic reviews and engage in discussion about the implications of this report for Integrated Planning and Senate decision-making. Consider and address specific proposals that support the University s Integrated Plan utilizing recommendations and related evidence generated through the PPP Continue with ongoing review and improvement of Senate structures and operations that complement developments in policy, procedure and program decisions and advance the strategic objectives of the university. SENATE PRIORITIES for 2013-14 by theme OVERVIEW Senate advances the mission of the University through the development and oversight of educational policies and academic programming in a way that is attentive to institutional integrity and stakeholder relationships inside and outside the University, while also addressing the public policy context within which the University operates. As part of the University s Integrated Planning process the building on key elements of the University s 2012-17 Integrated Plan, Senate will be moving forward with discussions and decisions informed by the Plan and including those linked to the outcome of the 2012-13 Program Prioritization Process (PPP). In light of this, Senate s priorities over 2013-14 will be punctuated by those activities that are supportive of Integrated Planning and relate to observations arising from the PPP. Assurance of Academic Program Quality Continue to assist Senate with its responsibility for oversight of the quality of undergraduate and graduate academic programming through study of internal reviews (including external assessors reports and responses to those reports) and communication of trends and other systemic considerations arising from this study Consider evolution of the program review policies and processes to complement the integration of learning outcomes into undergraduate and graduate curriculum Continue to monitor progress with the timely completion of internal reviews of degree programs and scheduled quality reviews of non-degree programs Continue with the review and revision of policies in response to the recommendations of the Riggs Review as they pertain to Senate s policies on for student academic review, academic misconduct, and academic petitions Page 21 of 27 Educational Innovation and Curricular Renewal, Including Learning Outcomes & Internationalization Consider fully specific proposals addressing innovation and curricular renewal that are presented for Senate decision and arise as part of the University s Integrated Plan, Continue to provide direction and support for educational innovation and curriculum reform, including the explicit integration of learning outcomes in the undergraduate and graduate curriculum Continue to consider internalization as a factor in educational policies, curricular development and academic priority-setting, giving particular attention to needs in this area for graduate programs. Student Accessibility, Opportunity, and Choice in Postsecondary Learning Pathways Continue to provide direction and support for educational policy related to enhancing student accessibility and flexibility in the undergraduate curriculum, which includes the facilitation of internal and external credit transfer and opportunity for advanced standing (i.e. pathways initiatives). Contribute to discussion, policy development and other actions within Senate s responsibilities that will advance student participation in pathway initiatives Monitor impact of the Maximum Registration Policy and offer advice on policy development, as appropriate Monitor implications of changes to Senate policies for student academic appeals systems Research Mission, Including Advance of the Interconnection of Teaching & Research Consider opportunities for policy and program development within Senate s responsibilities that will support directions in the University s Integrated Plan and advance the University s research mission, including strategies to increase High Qualified Personnel (HQP) and enhance faculty success in research grant applications. Consider and advise on ways to further encourage and support undergraduate student participation in the research enterprise. Review and update Senate s research misconduct policy
Committee Reports and Roundtable on Key Items for Student Petitions Continue to uphold and administer Senate s policies on academic review, academic misconduct, and academic petitions Continue to revise and streamline the bylaws and processes of the Petitions Committee with reference to the recommendations from the Riggs Review Provide feedback to the relevant committees and offices on the impact of the operational recommendations from the Riggs Review on the student academic appeals systems Monitor the impact of new or revised academic policies (e.g. Maximum Registration Policy (graduate students); Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities; the Deferred Exam policy (undergraduates); changes to the Petitions bylaws and procedures (if approved), others) and communicate findings to the relevant Senate committees Provide feedback to the relevant committees on the impact of education policies on the student academic appeals systems SENATE PRIORITIES for 2013-14 by Standing Committee Honours and Awards (SHAC) Identify appropriate individuals to represent the University of Guelph through receipt of honours and awards Enhance communications to the University Community with respect to soliciting nominations for the various Senate awards Consider additional recognition opportunities Research Board (RB) In light of Senate s support of the Program Prioritization Process (PPP), be prepared to consider fully any proposals that may emerge from the PPP report relative to the mandate of the Research Board Provide support and direction for redrafting the University s Research Misconduct Policy Provide advice, as requested, to the Vice President Research on strategies to enhance the University s research profile relative to increasing Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP), and enhancing faculty success in Tri-council grant applications Consider and advise on ways to further encourage and support undergraduate student participation in the research enterprise, communicating such ideas to the Board of Undergraduate Studies, the Vice President Research, and the Provost Review the Research Board bylaws and membership and present recommendations to the Senate Bylaws & Membership Committee Page 22 of 27 Non-Degree Studies (SCNS) Although non-degree programming was exempt from the Program Prioritization Process, SCNS will support the governance process required to review and consider any non-degree program-related matters that may emerge from the PPP Report recommendations Continue with the regular and on-going activities of the Committee (e.g. approval and deletion of non-degree programming, quality reviews nondegree programming, reviewing and recommending any policies related to non-degree programming as they arise) Review the SCNS bylaws and membership and provide any recommendations to Senate Bylaws & Membership Committee for consideration Bylaws Continue to initiate the process for the scheduled periodic review of the bylaws of the various Senate Committees, and respond to request from the committees for revisions Review and respond to changes proposed to Senate s structures, bylaws, policies and procedures pertaining to administrative tribunals and petitions emerging from the Riggs Review recommendations Continue with an ongoing evaluation of the 2011 revisions to Senate s composition and membership, considering what instruments are available to assess Senate effectiveness and implement the best tools. Review the bylaws and regulations pertaining to the process and procedures for the selection of the faculty, staff and student members of the Presidential Selection Committee
Committee Reports and Roundtable on Key Items for Graduate Studies (BGS) Continue to provide direction and support for curriculum reform and education innovation, including the explicit integration of learning outcomes in the graduate curriculum After the release of the Program Prioritization Process (PPP) report, be prepared to consider and respond to action items for BGS that emerge from the report Make recommendations to the Senate Bylaws & Membership Committee regarding revisions to the BGS bylaws Review and revise policies related to the processes and procedures of the Admissions & Progress Committee, relative to the recommendations emerging from the Riggs Review of the student appeal systems Continue to monitor the impact of the implementation of the Maximum Registration Policy; adjust the policy as required. Respond to quality assurance issues as referred through the Senate recommendations for graduate programming. Undergraduate Studies (BUGS) Continue to provide direction and support for curriculum reform and education innovation, including the explicit integration of learning outcomes in the undergraduate curriculum. Continue to provide direction and support for educational policy related to enhancing student accessibility and flexibility in the undergraduate curriculum, which includes the facilitation of internal and external credit transfer and opportunity for advanced standing (i.e. pathways initiatives). In light of Senate s support for the Program Prioritization Process (PPP), be prepared to consider fully those proposals that may emerge from the PPP report Consider fully any recommendations for policy revisions emerging from the Riggs Review (student appeal systems) recommendations Respond to quality assurance and respond to any relevant quality review recommendations for undergraduate programming. Make recommendations to the Senate Bylaws & Membership Committee regarding revision to the BUGS bylaws, as per the periodic review of Senate Standing Committee bylaws Page 23 of 27 Quality Assurance (SCQA) Continue to assist Senate with its responsibilities for oversight of the quality of academic programming at the University of Guelph by studying internal reviews reports to establish findings within reviews or findings of patterns or tends across reviews Communicate any of its findings to the relevant Senate Standing Committees (and any other University offices or committees as needed) Provide direction and support for curriculum reform and educational innovation by requiring explicit reference to learning outcomes in internal review reports Continue to assist Senate in fulfilling its mandated responsibilities and obligations under the IQAP by monitoring units and programs progress in the timely completion of their internal review reports Improve support for external reviews by standardizing some of the required elements of external reviewer reporting Review and support revisions to the Institutional Quality Assurance Process (IQAP) document that will enhance the quality assurance process
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DRAFT Review of November 25, 2013 Senate Agenda Page 25 of 27
DRAFT Review of November 25, 2013 Senate Agenda Page 26 of 27
UNIVERSITY SECRETARIAT To: From: Senate Priorities and Planning Committee Vicki Hodgkinson, University Secretary Subject: 5. COU Academic Colleague Report Meeting: November 18, 2013 a) Update on COU Activities Recently, Professor Meckling resigned from the role as the University s COU Academic Colleague. As a result, Professor Jonathan Newman, the University s alternate COU Academic Colleague, has taken up this role and become a member of the SPPC. The most recent COU issues report is available for review at the following web line: https://uoguelph.civicweb.net/documents/documentlist.aspx?id=81409 It is proposed that a link to this report also be included in the November 25, 2013 Senate meeting package for the information of all Senators. N:\Senate\Standing Committees and Boards\Senate Priorities & Planning Committee (SPPC)\Meeting Packages\2013-14\18 Nov 2013\Cover Memos\5_COUreport.docx Update on COU Activities Page 27 of 27