MSVU Senate Minutes -- March 30 2009
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2010-04-15T18:01:47Z
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Senate, Mount Saint Vincent University
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Senate Meeting March 30, 2009
Rosaria Boardroom 7:30 p.m.
Minutes of Meeting
Present: K. Laurin (Chair), R. Bagg, R. Bérard, I. Blum, D. Bourne-Tyson, A. Davis, K. Dewar,
S. Drain, R. Farmer, R. Gechtman, P. Glenister, C. Hill, J. Jackson, B. Jessop, N. Kayhani, M.
Lyon, A. MacGillivary, B. MacInnes, J. MacLeod, L. Mann, J. Mills, L. Neilsen, J. Neilson, N.
Peach, I. Pottie, J. Sawler, J. Sharpe, L. Steele, B. Taylor, D. Varga, S. Walsh, P.Watts, M.
Whalen, D. Woolcott
Regrets : E. Hicks
Guests : K. Darvesh, C. French, L. Harrington, E. Knoll, R. MacIsaac, D. Plumb, G. Solomon
K. Laurin welcomed members of Senate and guests to the meeting.
J. Jackson introduced the incoming Studentsâ Union VP Academic, Lindy Harrington. N. Peach
introduced the incoming Studentsâ Union Arts representative, Geoffrey Solomon.
D. Woolcott introduced members of CAPP: K. Darvesh, D. Plumb, C. French, E. Knoll.
1. Approval of Agenda
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by S. Drain to approve the agenda with the changes noted below.
CARRIED
Item 7.1.2, Senate Award for Service in University Governance (confidential business) to follow
item 7.4, Graduate Studies Program and Policy Committee
Item 7.3.1 Academic Plan 2009-2012 to follow 7.3.2 Policies and Procedures for Adding and
Discontinuing Academic Programs
Add item 7.10.2, Search Committee for Director of Facilities Management
Item 7.5.1 should read 7.4.1
2. Approval of Minutes of March 2, 2009
Moved by L. Steele , seconded by J. MacLeod to approve the minutes of March 2, 2009 with the
changes noted below. CARRIED.
L. Mann pointed out an omission to the fourth paragraph beginning on page 3, the second
sentence of which should read: â She also inquired about the status of the MA in Family Studies
and Gerontology as the program was not included in the list of programs in Appendix A of the
Academic Plan.â
On Page 4, in line 15, M. Lyon indicated the minutes â â ¦ there would be a distinction made â ¦ â
should read: â â ¦ there can be a distinction made â ¦ â
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3. Business Arising from the Minutes
3.1 Revision to Senate by-law 14.7 Nominations Committee (Notice of motion 26
January, 2009)
Moved by I. Blum, seconded by L. Mann that Senate approve the amendments to Senate by-law
14.7. CARRIED
4. Presidentâ s Announcements
There were no announcements.
5. Question Period
R. Bérard inquired about further news regarding governmentâ s willingness or ability to provide
funding for university infrastructure. K. Laurin had nothing new to report at this time.
6. Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
7. Committee Reports (Standing and Ad hoc)
7.1 Senate Executive
7.1.1 Lieutenant-Governorâ s Intergenerational Awards
Moved by S. Drain, seconded R. Bérard to adopt the Lieutenant-Governorâ s Intergenerational
Awards. CARRIED
K. Laurin met with the Lieutenant-Governor on several occasions recently and these awards are
in accord with Destination 2012, supporting the focus on social responsibility.
7.2 Academic Appeals Committee
There was no report
7.3 Academic Policy and Planning
7.3.2 Policies and procedures for adding and discontinuing academic programs
Motion by D. Woolcott, seconded by M. Lyon.that Senate approve the Policies and Procedures
for Developing New Academic Programs. CARRIED as amended by addition of the italicized
text below
S. Drain questioned the lack of reference to the mission of the University and its strategic
objectives under Principles in the Policies and Procedures for Developing New Academic
Programs, noting it is mentioned in the proposed Policies and Procedures for the Discontinuation
of Academic Programs. D. Woolcott indicated that CAPP would accept this addition as a friendly
amendment to the Policies and Procedures for Developing New Academic Programs
S. Drainâ s amendment proposed that the second sentence under Principles read: â Senate makes a
decision based on the relation of the program to the Universityâ s mission and strategic objectives,
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the academic integrity and quality of the program, and the needs and interest of Mount Saint
Vincent University, specifically the needs and interest of current and potential students.â
R. Bérard expressed concern that this could imply a distinction between the mission and the needs
and interest of the University.
Motion by D. Woolcott, seconded by L. Steele that Senate approve the Policy and Procedures for
the Discontinuation of Academic Programs.
K. Dewar proposed an amendment to add in the second paragraph under Principles: â The
suspension of enrolment in an academic program must be approved by Senate and in the case of
programs in which enrolment has been suspended the relevant data in support of a
recommendation to discontinue will not include the period following the suspension.â D.
Woolcott did not believe this to be a part of a policy on discontinuation noting that it had not been
discussed by CAPP.
S. Drain proposed an amendment to add in the second paragraph under Principles that no
suspensions of enrolment will take place except after a program has been discontinued through
the Senate process if K. Dewarâ s proposed amendment is not acceptable. J. Sharpe felt that this
would limit a program that wanted to suspend admission for a year but remain listed as available.
D. Woolcott spoke on the practical reasons for the suspensions of programs which do not
necessarily lead to discontinuation of programs.
D. Varga raised a question as to the difference between suspending programs indefinitely but not
really getting rid of them and discontinuing a program because of potential harm to the
Universityâ s reputation. J. Sharpe responded that for Graduate Education the calendar does note
that there are two programs offered every second year, and one program that has been suspended.
R. Gechtman suggested a Principle stating that the suspension of enrolment in any program is an
academic issue that should be decided by Senate and not by administrative means. R. Bérard did
not think the approval of Senate is a practice at other universities.
A. Davis commented that K. Dewarâ s proposed amendment could be augmented to cover
instances when suspension is a precursor to discontinuation so that in such a case the data on
enrolment after suspension not be a precursor to discontinuation, and that this be included as a
fourth bullet or a footnote.
K. Laurin suggested that K. Dewarâ s proposal could return to a future Senate meeting providing
CAPP with an opportunity to consider it.
M. Lyon clarif ied that there is enrolment and registration after suspension but no new admissions
and there would be no new data included in the decision-making process.
L. Mann stressed the importance of these policies and procedures but there is still a lot of
uncertainty and distrust around the possibility of suspension and discontinuation.
S. Drain proposed an amendment to the Procedures section by inserting as the fourth bullet:
â When Senate does not approve a motion from CAPP to discontinue a program such a motion
may not be introduced for a period of two yearsâ . This would ensure Senateâ s decision is
respected.
I. Blum commented that a period of two years could be beneficial for a program to regroup.
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R. Bagg asked for clarification on whether this is a 24 month period or a period of two sessions.
S. Drain clarified that she was indicating a 24 month period.
A. Davis observed that, while this topic is important, it is not pertinent to this document and
should be included in a separate document with a policy on suspension developed by CAPP.
N. Peach stated that two years might be necessary to breathe new life into a program in need of
additional promotion.
N. Kayhani proposed an amendment to the third bullet under Procedures following the first
sentence by adding: â A copy of the departmentâ s written response shall be included in the
submission to Senateâ .
K. Laurin suggested that members of Senate email other suggestions to D. Woolcott to bring
forward to CAPP.
Motion I. Blum, seconded by R. Bagg to table to a future meeting the motion that Senate approve
the Policy and Procedures for the Discontinuation of Academic Programs.
CARRIED 17 in favor 10 opposed 2 abstentions
7.3.1 Academic Plan 2009-2012
D. Woolcott introduced the Academic Plan document, outlining additions, changes in wording
and additional details that have been added since the draft plan was circulated: a new second
paragraph in the Introduction, the status of the Womenâ s Studies programs, clarification on the
wording on recommendations for new program developments, more detail about Distance
Learning programs and the rationale for new programs and discontinuation of programs.
Motion by D. Woolcott, seconded by B. Taylor to approve the MSVU Academic Plan 2009-2012
with the following amendment: That Senate approve the MSVU Academic Plan 2009-2012 with
the understanding that no recommendations for program discontinuation will come forward to
Senate until the Policy and Procedures on Program Discontinuation are approved by Senate.
CARRIED 25 in favor, 7 opposed
M. Lyon discussed the feedback to the draft Plan indicating support and concern regarding
programs, processes and policies that have been brought forward indicating that the revised
version of the Plan has addressed these concerns.
B. Taylor highlighted the new BA/BSc major requirements and combined majors in giving his
support to the Plan.
Members of CAPP in attendance commented on the importance of the Academic Plan and the
work done to ensure comments regarding the Plan were addressed, the potential for new
programs and majors, and serving the needs of students.
Motion by N. Kayhani, seconded by R. Farmer to table the motion. WITHDRAWN
K. Laurin opened the floor to members of Senate to give each member the opportunity to
comment and voice concerns on the content of the Academic Plan 2009-2012.
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A number of Senators had concerns with approval of the Academic Plan without the approval of
the Policy and Procedures for the Discontinuation of Academic Programs, as the two documents
are interrelated.
M. Lyon addressed the concerns regarding the Policy and Procedures for the Discontinuation of
Academic Programs by pointing out that Page 9, bullet 5 in the Academic Plan states â That
CAPP bring forward proposals for the discontinuation of programs as recommended in the
Academic Plan according to the approved Policy and Procedures for the Discontinuation of
Academic Programs.â
7.1.2 Senate Award for Service in University Governance (confidential business)
Motion by L. Neilsen, seconded by B. Jessop to proceed in camera for this item. CARRIED
Motion by J. Sharpe, seconded by L. Steele to extend meeting beyond 10:30 p.m. CARRIED
7.4 Graduate Studies Program and Policies Committee
7.4.1 Applied Human Nutrition curriculum proposal, GAHN 6414, Nutrition
Education in the Community: revised calendar description
M. Lyon stated this item was for information only as the change was previously approved for
NUTR 4414 which is cross-listed with GAHN 6414.
7.5 Graduate Studies Scholarships, Assistantships and Awards Committee
There was no report.
7.6 Undergraduate Curriculum
7.6.1 Changes to existing programs
7.6.1.1 Biology concentration (4 units)
Motion by J. Sharpe, seconded by S. Walsh to approve the addition of a four unit concentration
in Biology. CARRIED
I. Pottie noted a discrepancy between the online calendar and the printed version. The online
version of the 2009-2010 Academic Calendar correctly includes a 3 hour lab component to BIOL
2207.
7.6.1.2 Cultural Studies concentration (4 units)
Motion by J. Sharpe seconded by R. Bagg to approve the addit ion of a four unit concentration in
Cultural Studies. CARRIED
7.6.2 Notice of motion: Revision to Senate By-law 14.3.2, Undergraduate Curriculum
Committee additional function
7.6.3 Change to existing course (for information)
7.6.3.1 BIOL 3322, Developmental Biology: new prerequisite and description
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7.7 Committee on Appointment, Promotion and Tenure or Permanence for Academic
Administrators (CAPTPAA)
There was no report.
7.8 Committee on Information Technology and Services
There was no report.
7.9 Library
R. Bagg commented that the University Librarian presented the Committee with a draft vision,
mission, goals and purposes document for the Library.
7.10 Nominations
7.10.1 Review Committee for University Librarian
Motion by I. Blum, seconded by D. Varga that Senate elect the individuals noted below to the
Review Committee for the University Librarian. CARRIED
Senate Representative â Prof. R. Bagg
Professional Librarian â Mr. T. Paris
Faculty-at-large â Prof. J. Mills
7.10.2 Search Committee for Director of Facilities Management
Motion by I. Blum, seconded by R. Bagg that Prof. P. Mombourquette be elected to the Search
Committee for Director of Facilities Management. CARRIED
I. Blum reported that: E. Church has agreed to serve on the Destination 2012 Implementation
Team as Education Faculty representative effective January 1, 2009; two faculty members, F.
French and M. Fitzgerald, have been elected to serve on a search committee for the Endowed
Chair in Learning Disabilities; and faculty representatives on the Board of Governors have been
elected: R. Bérard and K. Blotnicky.
7.11 Research and Publications
There was no report.
7.12 Student Affairs
There was no report.
7.13 Committee on Teaching and Learning
P. Watts announced that the winner of the Innovative Teaching Award is D. Plumb.
7.14 Writing Initiatives
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S. Drain reported that the postponed session did take place and was well received. Additional
information will be in the Bright Ideas Bulletin which should be distributed this week.
7.15 Undergraduate Admissions and Scholarships
There was no report.
7.16 University Research Ethics Board
There was no report.
8 Other Reports
8.1 Students Union
J. Jackson reported that communication has taken place with students regarding the Womenâ s
Studies program. Studentsâ Union elections for the forthcoming year are complete and the
transition has begun with the Executive for next year. Studentsâ Union is still working on a
governance model. The Mountâ s Environmental Society is sponsoring Muggy Mondays, giving
out coffee in the EMF link if you bring your own mug. The Student Awards night was held the
previous week.
8.2 Destination 2012
There was no report.
8.3 Joint Board-Senate Liaison Committee
K. Laurin reported that the Liaison Committee will be meeting next week.
9 New Business
There was no new business.
Moved by R. Bagg to adjourn the meeting at 10:43 p.m. CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia Hay