MSVU Senate Minutes -- May 1 2000
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2010-04-14T19:40:00Z
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Senate, Mount Saint Vincent University
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Senate Meeting
Rosaria Boardroom May 1, 2000
A meeting of the Senate was held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2000, in the Rosaria Board Room.
Present: S. Brown (Chair), I. Blum, B. Casey, D. Furrow, C. Ferns, P. Glenister, B. Harvey, F.
Harrington, C. Hill, B. Hodkin, M. Mahshi, C. Mathieson, L. Neilsen, C. Nickerson, B. Rao, M. Raven,
T. Richards, T. Roberts, R. Sampson, B. Taylor, L. Theriault, R. Warne, P. Watts, J. Woodsworth, J.
Young.
Regrets: P. Baker, F. Early, N. Hill, N. Kayhani, M. Lyon, M. MacMillan, J. Mills.
Guests: J. Gordon, R. Jeppesen, M Ralston.
1. Approval of Agenda
S. Brown welcomed C. Nickerson and T. Roberts to Senate.
Moved by M. Raven, seconded by C. Ferns that the agenda be approved as circulated. CARRIED
2. Approval of Minutes of March 27, 2000
Moved by B. Harvey, seconded by P. Watts that the minutes of March 27, 2000 be approved as amended.
CARRIED
The minutes were amended to change item 5, Question Period, the fifth sentence "A report presented by
S. Drain indicated that the course does not make a difference in the writing skills of students." to "D.
Furrow noted that no measurable effects of writing courses have been found." The minutes were amended
to delete B. Hodkin and B. Taylor as present.
3. Business Arising from the Minutes
3.1 Policy on Tape Recording of Senate Meetings
The Policy on Tape Recording of Senate Meetings was discussed under item 7.1.1.1.
4. President's Announcements
S. Brown informed Senate that a call for Nominations for Honourary Degrees has been distributed to the
university community. She notified Senate that nominations will be discussed during the September
Senate meeting. S. Brown announced that one honourary degree candidate for the May convocation was
unable to attend. E. May will speak at both ceremonies.
S. Brown reported that the provincial budget had a slight increase for the university. She noted that the
increase was not for capital funds. To date, the University does not know the extent of the grant.
S. Brown reported that the university presidents' have received notification on the 21st Century Research
Chairs. The university will receive one senior chair, and potentially, three junior chairs in each of the
succeeding years. The junior chairs will be awarded only if the university's federal research grant totals
meet a specified average over the three-year period. Senior Chairs are funded for seven years and junior
chairs for three years. A member of Senate expressed concern that, when the 21st Century Research
Chairs funding might end, the university will have to cut money from other areas to maintain these chairs.
Senate agreed that further analysis of this issue was warranted before implementation.
5. Question Period
There were no questions.
6. Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
7. Committee Reports (Standing and Ad Hoc)
7.1 Senate Executive
7.1.1 Report on the Freedom of Information & Protection of Policy (FOIPOP) Act
S. Brown notified Senate that the FOIPOP Act was amended to include university records. She noted that
universities will be required to comply with the legislation on November 23, 2000. B. Casey gave a short
presentation to familiarize Senate with the Act. B. Casey answered questions regarding confidential
records, basing opinion on facts, email documents, and teaching notes. B. Casey briefly described the
appeal process. She noted that more specific information regarding FOIPOP will be forthcoming.
7.1.1.1 Endorsement of Senate Records Policy (documentation included)
Moved B. Casey, seconded B. Rao that Senate adopt the Senate Records Policy. CARRIED
There was a discussion regarding the retention schedule of Senate audio recordings.
Moved by C. Ferns, seconded by B. Taylor that the Senate Records Policy be amended under item 3,
Tape Recording of Senate Meetings, third sentence to read "The tapes will be used for clarifying and
confirming the minutes and will be preserved for a period of 3 years from the date of that particular
meeting. " Withdrawn.
Moved by C. Ferns, seconded by B. Casey that the Senate Records Policy be amended under item 3, Tape
Recording of Senate Meetings, third sentence to read "The tapes will be used for clarifying and
confirming the minutes and will be preserved for a period of 2 years from the date of that particular
meeting. " CARRIED 17 approved, 2 opposed.
Senate agreed that potential Senators and visitors to Senate must be informed that they will be audiotaped
during Senate meetings and that these tapes may be released to the public.
Senate agreed that once a university-wide records policy has been developed it will state "All retention
policies will be reviewed every three years."
7.1.1.2 Addition of By-law 15.4 (Notice of Motion - documentation included)
At the May 5 Senate meeting there will be a motion to add the Senate Record Policy to the Senate Bylaws
under item 15.4, Senate Records.
7.1.1.3 Deletion of By-law 8.5 (Notice of Motion - documentation included)
At the May 5 Senate meeting there will be a motion to delete By-law 8.5 which states "Tape
recordings of Senate meetings shall be preserved permanently in the Senate Office."
7.1.1.4 Proposal for Senate Webpage (documentation included)
S. Brown discussed having a Senate Webpage which will allow the public on-line access to Senate
minutes. Senate was asked to review the webpage template and make recommendations. Members of
Senate felt a parallel page for the Board of Governors would also be appropriate.
7.2 Academic Appeals Committee
L. Theriault reported that the Committee had ongoing business but no appeals before it.
7.3 Academic Policy and Planning
7.3.1 Women's Studies Structure Proposal
J. Gordon discussed the rationale behind the proposal. M. Ralston answered questions from Senators and
stressed the importance of diversity within the department.
Moved by J. Woodsworth, seconded by B. Harvey that Senate endorse the Women's Studies Structure
Proposal. CARRIED
7.4 Committee on Extended Learning
R. Sampson reported that the committee was preparing its response to Blueprint.
7.5 Graduate Studies
R. Sampson reported that the committee was preparing its response to Blueprint and reviewing theses
proposals for ethical approval.
7.6 Undergraduate Curriculum
D. Furrow reported that the Committee was preparing a Bachelor of Arts Co-operative Education
Program with Integrated Major and a Bachelor of Science Co-operative Education Program with
Integrated Major for Senate discussion in the early fall. The Committee was also in the process of
developing a Cultural Studies program.
7.7 Committee on Appointment, Promotion and Tenure or Permanence for Academic
Administrators (CAPTPAA)
No report
7.8 Committee on Information Technology and Services
B. Harvey reported that the committee was discussing the Policy Advisory Committee on Electronic
Information (PACOEI) terms of reference. S. Brown will be attending the committee's next meeting to
discuss Blueprint 2000.
7.9 Library
M. Raven reported that library representatives had successfully met with the Registrar's Office and the
Distance Learning and Continuing Education Department to improve distance student access to library
materials.
7.10 Nominations
7.10.1 Senate Membership (for information)
I. Blum reported that the Senate elections are complete and a complete list will be sent to Senators in the
near future.
7.10.2 Senate Standing Committee Membership (for action)
At the May 5 Senate meeting there will be a motion to recommend nominations for the Senate Standing
Committees.
C. Hill noted that alternates for the Student Discipline Appeals Committee were also recommended for
the Student Judicial Committee.
7.10.3 Nominations for Other Committees
At the May 5 Senate meeting there will be a motion to elect B. Hodkin as the Senate representatives for
the Search Committee - Dean of Arts & Science and to elect B. Frank as the Senate representative for the
Search Committee - Dean of Professional Studies.
At the May 5 Senate meeting there will be a motion to elect a faculty representative for the Search
Committee - Director of Information Technology and Services.
7.11 Research and Publications
7.11.1 Announcements
C. Mathieson announced that N. Okihiro was successful in obtaining SSHRC research funding in the
most recent competition and that L. Brown received a contract from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Results from the April internal grant competition and the Release Time Awards will be forthcoming.
7.11.2 Endorsement of MSVU Policies and Procedures: Ethical Review of Research Involving
Humans
Moved by C. Mathieson, seconded by L. Neilsen that Senate endorse the MSVU Policies and Procedures:
Ethical Review of Research Involving Humans. CARRIED
7.11.3 Revision to Article 1.2h in Policy for Integrity in Research and Scholarship
Moved by C. Mathieson, seconded by R. Warne that Senate endorse the revision to Article 1.2 h in the
Policy for Integrity in Research and Scholarship, Appendix I of the MSVU Collective Agreement.
CARRIED
7.11.4 Revision to Senate By-law 14.8 (Notice of Motion - documentation attached)
At the May 5 Senate meeting there will be a motion to revise Senate By-law 14.8, under functions to
include the following statements:
" - To serve as the review board for undergraduate research that exceeds minimal risk, if so
stated within the d-REB policy."
"- To serve as the selection committee for the Award for Research Excellence."
7.12 Student Affairs
C. Hill reported that the committee was preparing its response to Blueprint.
7.13 Committee on Teaching
M. Raven reported that the Writing Initiatives Committee was developing a proposal for a writing skills
foundation course. She noted that this proposal will be subject to wide consultation with the university
community including Senate.
7.13.1 Instructional Leadership Award (documentation attached)
J. Woodsworth noted that the AAU had an Instructional Leadership Award category and that the
Committee on Teaching would adjudicate the award.
Moved by J. Woodsworth, seconded by M. Mahshi that Senate approve the establishment of the
Instructional Leadership Award, to be governed by the circulated statement of policy and procedures. The
statement of policy and procedures will clarify that full-time and part-time faculty can be nominated for
this award. CARRIED
7.13.2 Revision to Senate By-law 14.10 (Notice of Motion - documentation attached)
At the May 5 Senate meeting there will be a motion to revise Senate By-law 14.10, under functions to
include the following statement:
"- to serve as the selection committee for the Instructional Leadership Award."
7.14 Undergraduate Admissions and Scholarships
7.14.1 Recommendations to Revise the University's Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
(documentation attached)
Moved by L. Theriault, seconded by I. Blum that Senate approve the revisions to the University's
undergraduate admissions requirements. CARRIED
L. Theriault reported that the Committee is preparing its response toBlueprint.
On April 14 University Entrance Scholarship offers were made. L. Theriault reported that new
monies in scholarships increased the number of entrance award offers from last year's total of 88
to this year's total of 126. L. Theriault reported that five President's Scholarships which are
renewable $5,000 awards and two $4,000 named endowed awards were offered. Eleven renewable
$4,000 awards were offered to the remaining entry students with the highest average. The acceptance date
is May 8 and the return thus far is very positive. L. Theriault noted that the $1,500 had only a 33%
acceptance return. This category was replaced with a $2,000 award category. L. Theriault reported that
318 students meet the entrance scholarship requirements.
8. Other Reports
8.1 Board of Governors
C. Ferns reported that the Board discussed the advances in scholarship offerings and issues relating to
distance education.
8.2 Student Council
C. Nickerson reported that the Student Union Selections Committee has hired its Pub Manager, Corner
Store Manager, Fountain Play-Centre Director, and Publicity Assistant for next year. The Constitution
and Policy Planning Committee has created and changed some policies for the student union. The Student
Union has also hired a Records Manger to develop a retention policy for its records.
8.2.1 Course Evaluations
B. Harvey reported that the course evaluation process being investigated by the Student Union would
involve a rating of course content and delivery. The purpose of the course evaluations would be to
provide course background information to incoming students.
9. New Business
There was no new business.
10. Items for Communication
Items previously discussed will be communicated through the calender or through notices from the Senate
Committee on Teaching.
11. Adjournment
Moved by R. Warne, seconded by B. Taylor that the meeting be adjourned at 9:43 p.m.
CARRIED