MSVU Senate Minutes -- November 24 2003
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2010-04-15T13:42:02Z
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Senate, Mount Saint Vincent University
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Senate Meeting November 24, 2003
Rosaria Boardroom 7:30 p.m.
Present: S. Brown (Chair), P. Baker, K. Blotnicky, B. Casey, K. Darvesh, K. Dewar, R. Farmer, C. French, F. French, P. Glenister, K. Harding, F. Harrington, C. Hill, M. Lyon, R. MacNeil, J. McLaren, S. Medjuck, D. Nevo, D. Norris, S. Seager, L. Steele, S. Walker, P. Watts, A. Whitewood, D. Woolcott
Regrets: S. Bornemann, S. Drain, M. Fitzgerald, A. MacGillivary, J. Mills, P. Oâ Neill, D. Plumb, L. Theriault
1. Approval of Agenda
Moved by B. Casey, seconded by F. French to approve the agenda. CARRIED.
2. Approval of Minutes of October 27, 2003
Moved by J. McLaren, seconded by D. Nevo to approve the Minutes of October 27, 2003. CARRIED.
3. Business Arising from the Minutes
3.1 Academic Implications of Disruptions Due to Hurricane Juan
Arising from follow-up discussions at Senate Executive, S. Brown invited Senators to comment on any unexpected consequences they may have encountered from the policy entitled â Academic Implications of Disruptions Due to Hurricane Juanâ . She reminded Senators that when the policy statement was passed at the September 29/October 6, 2003 Senate meeting there was a commitment to follow up and ascertain whether there were any academic disruptions that had not been foreseen or resolved. It was Senate Executiveâ s intention to review the efficacy of the Hurricane Juan policy with a view to crafting a more general policy statement that could apply to a range of possible natural disasters.
A Senator reported having heard that in the third week following the hurricane, after the extensions granted for assignments due during and after the closure had run their course, students complained of increased pressure to meet assignment deadlines. The Senator thought that the pressure felt by the students was probably legitimate in the circumstances but such a â dominoâ effect could not be avoided because there had to be a cut-off date somewhere.
4. President's Announcements
4.1 Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
The new legislation due to come into effect January 1, 2004 is designed to protect the privacy of individual consumers in Canada by setting limits and rules for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information when that information is collected in the course of commercial activities. S. Brown stated that the legislation was designed to address commercial transactions, but there is an on-going debate about how this statute will apply to institutions such as universities whose prime purpose is not commercial but may have some involvement in commercial transactions in the course of conducting their regular business. The law may have some minor effect on ancillary operations such as the bookstore, certain activities related to the conference office, and athletics and recreation department insofar as fees are charged for use of the facilities and records are kept on the users. The law may be more of an issue for
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University Advancement where some opinions have suggested that sending graduates an alumnae magazine could be considered a commercial transaction. Others have taken the view that this is not the case unless other goods and services are offered to alumnae, when it would be deemed a commercial transaction. S. Brown stated that MSVU will be appointing a Privacy Officer who will look into the development of a policy on the use and disclosure of what is defined in the act as personal information. We will also be looking at our databases to ensure that all information is kept in an appropriate fashion that is capable of being retrieved but not misused. The University community and Senate will be informed about what steps are being taken as the situation develops.
S. Brown commented briefly on Paul Martinâ s recent policy paper entitled â Making History â The Politics of Achievementâ .
5. Question Period
A Senator posed a question that arose from a recent Chairs meeting where, in the course of a presentation about faculty recruitment policy, there was discussion about the best way of eliciting from candidates their views on the fact that the Mount is dedicated to the education of women. This led the Senator to ask if we have a policy governing the inclusion of this aspect of the mission statement in our university advertising. D. Woolcott stated there is not a policy governing the inclusion of the mission statement but there are some key descriptors that are used on a regular basis in our advertising. S. Brown noted that the mission statement is in the university calendar and on the website, and there is a recommendation in the Academic Plan to review the mission statement. A. Whitewood stated that Public Affairs tries to ensure that university advertising is representative of our student body, and that students can see themselves reflected in the material we publish. S. Brown encouraged feedback and further discussion in committees concerning this issue.
Moved by C. Hill, seconded by F. Harrington to move in camera to conduct the first round of ballots for Honorary Degree candidates. CARRIED.
Moved by C. Hill, seconded by R. MacNeil to move from in camera after the first round of ballots for Honorary Degree candidates. CARRIED.
6. Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
7. Committee Reports (Standing and Ad Hoc)
7.1 Senate Executive
There was no report.
7.2 Academic Appeals Committee
S. Brown reported on behalf of L. Theriault that the Committee has received two appeals for the 2003-04 academic year. The Committee has scheduled the first hearing and is in the process of scheduling the second.
7.3 Academic Policy and Planning
7.3.1 Academic Calendar Dates, 2004-2005
D. Woolcott introduced the item for Senateâ s information noting the dates are prepared by the Registrarâ s office in consultation with neighbouring institutions. She advised that CAPP had considerable discussions about the most appropriate length of time for students to add courses in the fall term, noting there was a real concern that the quality of academic experience was inhibited when students had a long period to add courses. The â add periodâ now allows for them to attend every class once, including a night class, and
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make any necessary changes the next day. A Senator questioned why there is a shorter â add periodâ in the winter term. D. Woolcott advised that students have a chance during the fall to do their course selection and pre-registration so the winter term â add periodâ has always been somewhat shorter. A Senator echoed comments received from students who feel they are under increasing pressure to make their course selections quickly, thus limiting their academic choice. D. Woolcott noted some exceptional cases arise each year that must be accommodated in a fair manner, such as international students who encounter unforeseen difficulties with their visas. CAPP has been dealing with a number of other issues concerning registration such as wait lists, and will be bringing forward more recommendations in the future. They are also working on ways to ensure that the Mount provides academic advising that is accessible and timely and to encourage students to seek advice in advance of their arrival. CAPP aims to encourage more timely enrolment confirmation because attendance in classes will maximize the academic quality of the experience students receive.
Moved by L. Steele, seconded by B. Casey to move in camera to conduct the second round of ballots for Honorary Degree candidates. CARRIED.
Moved by S. Seager, seconded by P. Watts to move from in camera after the second round of ballots for Honorary Degree candidates. CARRIED.
7.4 Graduate Studies
M. Lyon advised the Committee has recently adjudicated the In-Course Merit Scholarship competition. It is drafting new terms of reference and will bring two new program proposals to Senate in due course.
7.5 Undergraduate Curriculum
7.5.1 Undergraduate Curriculum Proposals (For Information)
7.5.1.1 Applied Human Nutrition
a) Changes to existing courses
i. NUTR 3307 â New Prerequisites
ii. NUTR 4400 â New Prerequisites
iii. NUTR 4408 â New Prerequisites
7.5.1.2 Chemistry & Physics
a) Change to existing course
i. CHEM 1011 - New Prerequisites
7.5.1.3 History
a) Changes to existing courses
i. HIST 3390 â New Prerequisites
ii. HIST 3391 â New Prerequisites
iii. HIST 4480 â New Prerequisites
iv. HIST 4481 â New Prerequisites
v. HIST 4499 â New Prerequisites
7.5.1.4 Information Technology
a) Changes to existing courses
i. INTE 1188 â Addition to Calendar Description
ii. INTE 2288 â Addition to Calendar Description
iii. INTE 3388 â Addition to Calendar Description
7.5.1.5 Mathematics and Computer Studies
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a) Changes to existing courses
i. MATH 1130 â New Prerequisites
ii. MATH 2206 â New Description
iii. MATH 2207 â New Description
iv. MATH 2208 â New Prerequisites, New Description
v. MATH 2209 â New Prerequisites, New Description
vi. MATH 3202 â New Prerequisites
7.5.1.6 Political and Canadian Studies
a) Changes to existing courses
i. POLS 2214 â New Course Name
ii. POLS 2227 â New Description
7.5.1.7 Public Relations
a) Changes to existing courses
i. PBRL 2013 â Drop Prerequisites, Drop Exclusion
ii. PBRL 3013 â Drop Exclusion
iii. PBRL 4017 â New Prerequisites
iv. PBRL 4019 â New Prerequisites
7.5.2 Undergraduate Curriculum Proposals (For Approval)
7.5.2.1 Applied Human Nutrition
a) Changes to existing programs
i. BScAHN (Nutrition) Program â Changes to required courses.
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by M. Lyon the changes to required courses for the BScAHN (Nutrition) Program. CARRIED.
ii. BScAHN (Dietetics) Program â Changes to required courses.
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by J. McLaren the changes to required courses for the BScAHN (Dietetics) Program. CARRIED.
iii. NUTR 4409 Medical Nutrition Therapy â Addition of course to the Applied Human Nutrition Science Minor.
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by M. Lyon the addition of NUTR 4409 Medical Nutrition Therapy to the Applied Human Nutrition Science Minor. CARRIED.
7.5.2.2 Business and Tourism
a) Change to existing program
i. Bachelor of THMT â Addition of practica descriptions.
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by K. Blotnicky the addition of practica descriptions in the Bachelor of THMT. CARRIED.
7.5.2.3 Chemistry/Physics
a) New course
i. CHEM 2505 â Environmental Chemistry (0.5 unit)
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by K. Darvesh the addition of new course CHEM 2505 Environmental Chemistry. CARRIED.
7.5.2.4 Child and Youth Study
a) Change to existing program
i. Addition of CHYS 4499 â Honours Thesis to the list of recommended courses for BAA (CYS) degree.
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by C. French the addition of CHYS 4499 â Honours Thesis to the list of
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recommended courses for BAA (CYS) degree. CARRIED.
7.5.2.5 Information Technology
a) Change to Co-Operative Education Program Standardsâ Calendar
Description.
b) Change of free elective.
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by B. Casey the changes to Co-operative education program standardsâ calendar description and the change of free elective. CARRIED.
7.5.2.6 Mathematics and Computer Studies
a) Change to existing program
i. Change to calendar description of the Minor in Applied Statistics
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by S. Seager the change to the calendar description of the Minor in Applied Statistics. CARRIED.
b) New courses
i. MATH 2284 â Survey Design (0.5 unit)
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by S. Seager the new course MATH 2294 Survey Design. CARRIED.
ii. MATH 2221 â Linear Algebra I (0.5 unit)
iii. MATH 2222 â Linear Algebra II (0.5 unit)
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by S. Seager the new courses MATH 2221 Linear Algebra I and MATH 2222 Linear Algebra II. CARRIED.
iv. MATH 2289 â Applied Numerical Analysis (0.5 unit)
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by S. Seager the new course MATH 2289 Applied Numerical Analysis. CARRIED.
c) Deletion of existing courses
i. MATH 2204 â Survey Design (0.5 unit)
ii. MATH 2220 â Linear Algebra (0.5 unit)
iii. MATH 2239 â Applied Numerical Analysis (0.5 unit)
iv. CMPS 1160 â Introduction to Electronic Publishing (0.5 unit)
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by S. Seager the deletion of existing courses MATH 2204 Survey Design, MATH 2220 Linear Algebra, MATH 2239 Applied Numerical Analysis, and CMPS 1160 Introduction to Electronic Publishing. CARRIED.
7.5.2.7 Political and Canadian Studies
a) Change to existing program
i. Revision of Public Policy Studies Calendar entry.
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by P. Baker the revision of the Public Policy Studies Calendar entry. CARRIED.
b) New courses
i. POLS 2203 â Introduction to Public Policy and the Public Interest (0.5 unit)
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by P. Baker the new course POLS 2203 Introduction to Public Policy and the Public Interest. CARRIED.
ii. POLS 3304 â Policy Analysis (0.5 unit)
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by P. Baker the new course POLS 3304 Policy Analysis. CARRIED.
iii. POLS 4406 â Public Affairs and Policy Management (0.5 unit)
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by P. Baker the new course POLS 4406 Public Affairs and Policy Management. CARRIED.
7.5.2.8 Psychology
a) New course
i. PSYC 3380 â Health Psychology (0.5 units)
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Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by J. McLaren the new course PSYC 3380 Health Psychology. CARRIED.
7.5.2.9 Public Relations
a) Change to existing program
i. Removal of exclusion on PBRL 3013, PBRL 2013, and the distance statement from the calendar.
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by M. Lyon the removal of the exclusion on PBRL 3013, PBRL 2013, and the distance statement from the calendar. CARRIED.
ii. Addition of exclusion of BUSI 2202 to the list of Professional Electives.
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by M. Lyon the addition of the exclusion of BUSI 2202 to the list of Professional Electives. CARRIED.
7.6 Committee on Appointment, Promotion and Tenure or Permanence for Academic Administrators (CAPTPAA)
There was no report.
7.7 Committee on Information Technology and Services
L. Steele reported the committee will be meeting soon.
7.8 Library
F. French reported that the Committee welcomed two new members and that the Archives Working Group has three volunteers to date. The self-study is underway with a projected completion date of December 18, 2003, in preparation for the External Review. A search committee has been struck to staff the term replacement for M. Raven. S. Walker reported that she has been meeting with Chairs and Departments to discuss library service and staffing level plans. F. French expressed the Committeeâ s thanks to D. Woolcott for her continuing support of the library. R. MacNeil thanked S. Walker for the allocation of space in the library where student study groups can access library resources.
7.9 Nominations
7.9.1 Election Results (For Information)
S. Brown introduced Election Results for information on behalf of A. MacGillivary. K. Darvesh stated the results contained an error, noting that although she was listed as elected to the Canada Research Chairs Selection Committee, she had in fact respectfully declined to accept the nomination.
7.9.2 Recommendations for Standing Committees (For Approval)
Moved by F. French, seconded by K. Blotnicky to accept the slate of individuals presented and named in the chart. CARRIED.
7.10 Research and Publications
7.10.1 Changes to the wording of the policy regarding the Award for Research Excellence
Moved by K. Dewar, seconded by F. French changes to the wording of the policy regarding the Award for Research Excellence. CARRIED.
7.11 Student Affairs
There was no report.
7.12 Committee on Teaching and Learning
D. Nevo reported that SCOTL has met is still reviewing its terms of references, especially the term stating that SCOTL will act as an appeal committee for Prior Learning and Recognition. Following the dissolution of an earlier Standing Committee of Senate entitled the Committee on Extended Learning,
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SCOTL inherited the responsibility for adjudicating PLAR appeals. Some members of SCOTL feel this function should be carried out by the Academic Appeals Committee.
7.13 Writing Initiatives
P. Watts reported on behalf of S. Drain that the Committee has met and discussed its own staffing issues and the Plagiarism Report the Committee drafted a year ago with a view to completing it.
7.14 Undergraduate Admissions and Scholarships
S. Brown reported on behalf of L. Theriault that the Committee will be meeting again on December 3, 2003. The Scholarsâ Luncheon was held on October 30, 2003 with 192 scholars in attendance. S. Brown noted the significant increase in attendance over previous years, a testament to the hard work of the Admissions and Scholarships Committee as well as the quality of Mount students.
7.15 University Research Ethics Board
There was no report.
8. Other Reports
8.1 Board of Governors
P. Baker reported that the Board of Governors met on November 3, 2003 and received the final report and recommendation of the Task Force for the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Investment Committeeâ s Structure Review. S. Brown reported to the Board on the Globe and Mail report on higher education that appeared just prior to the release of the annual Macleans ranking of universities. Although the Finance Committee reported a small surplus for the year, in view of recent cuts to university funding by the Ministry of Education, this surplus is expected to disappear.
8.2 Studentsâ Union
R. MacNeil reported that he met with the Minister of Education a few days after the funding cuts were announced and expressed his disappointment on behalf of the Studentsâ Union. For the first time the Mount was able to send two delegates to the Canadian Federation of Students Annual General Meeting in Ottawa. S. Bornemann and C. Brushett attended nearly a week of meetings that dealt with government funding of universities and student financial aid, among other issues affecting university students. A situation of particular concern to some students from Western provinces is an emerging technology whereby universities can purchase on-line services that allow professors to submit student essays online and check for plagiarism. Upon submission, the essays become part of the databases that can be accessed not only by professors but also by others which raises copyright and privacy issues.
R. MacNeil thanked Senators who attended the second annual Multicultural Night hosted by International Studentsâ Society. A recent event organized and hosted by some students at Vinnieâ s Pub raised $1800.00 for the Christmas Daddies charity. A number of other charity fundraisers, social, and sporting events are coming up, as well as the Studentsâ Union Annual General Meeting on November 25th in Seton Auditorium A. The Seton Information Desk will be staffed by students beginning in the winter term between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. Renovations to the Corner Store are in the final stages. The AIDS Quilt visit has been rescheduled for next semester and will be set up in the Multipurpose Room. S. Brown expressed her congratulations to the International Studentsâ Society for their successful night, and also to those involved in the Christmas Daddies fundraising effort.
9. New Business
9.1 Selection of Honorary Degree Candidates (Confidential Business)
Moved by L. Steele, seconded by F. French to move in camera to receive the results of the vote for Honorary Degree candidates. CARRIED.
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Moved by L. Steele, seconded by F. Harrington to move from in camera. CARRIED.
10. Items for Communication
Academic calendar dates, Undergraduate Program changes, and changes to the wording of the policy regarding the Award for Research Excellence.
11. Adjournment
Moved by J. McLaren to adjourn at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
J. Speirs
Acting Recording Secretary of Senate