MSVU Senate Minutes -- January 30 2006
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2010-04-15T17:04:45Z
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Senate, Mount Saint Vincent University
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Senate Meeting January 30, 2006
Rosaria Boardroom 7:30 p. m.
Minutes of Meeting
Present: S. Brown (Chair), K. Arbuckle, R. Bérard, D. Bourne-Tyson, J. Britton,
I. Blum, C. Brushett, K. Darvesh, A. Davis, R. Fisher, F. French, P. Glenister, J. Gordon, E. Hicks, C. Hill, B. King, M. Lyon, A. MacGillivary, R. MacKay, S. Medjuck, J. Mills, D. Plumb, M. Raven, L. Theriault, P. Watts, M. Whalen, A. Whitewood, D. Woolcott,
R. Zuk.
Regrets: K. Blotnicky, C. French, N. Kayhani, R. Morris, J. Sharpe, B. Taylor
Guests: M. Landreville, R. McIsaac, T. Richards
1. Approval of Agenda
Moved by C. Hill, seconded by F. French that the agenda be approved as circulated. CARRIED.
2. Approval of Minutes of November 28, 2005 and December 5, 2005
Moved by P. Watts, seconded by L. Theriault that the Minutes of the November 28, 2005 Senate meeting be approved as circulated. CARRIED.
Moved by A. MacGillivary, seconded by B. King that the Minutes of the December 5, 2005 Senate meeting be approved as circulated. CARRIED.
3. Business Arising
3.1Nominations Committee report regarding participation by Librarians on
Senate Standing Committees (from November 28, 2005 Senate Meeting)
A.MacGillivary noted that this matter will be discussed by the Nominations Committee at a meeting on January 31, 2006 and then reported on at the next Senate meeting.
3.2 Revision to By-law 14.6 Library Committee membership (Notice of
Motion given at the December 5, 2005 Senate meeting)
Moved by M. Raven, seconded by R. Zuk that membership on the Senate Library Committee be revised to two representatives of the Arts and Science Faculty, two representatives of the Education Faculty, two representatives of the Professional Studies Faculty, two student representatives, one Professional Librarian and the University Librarian (ex officio). CARRIED.
4. Presidentâ s Announcements
S. Brown noted that during the recent federal election campaign AUCC had surveyed all the major parties with respect to their position on a number of matters relevant to post-secondary education. The Conservative platform supported the role of universities in research and development which they committed to support through the granting councils. A major concern of AUCC is to meet the need for not only direct but also indirect costs of research being paid at a reasonable level. The Conservative platform did not make any direct references to CFI but in response to the survey they did commit to an understanding that expenditure on research and development is well below OECD averages. Their platform also called for a significant investment over five years in direct support of students including the enhancement of the student loan program and implementation of a tax deduction for textbook purchases. Of particular interest was their support for the creation of an independent transfer to the provinces for post-secondary education and training. She suggested we can expect to see post-secondary education broadly defined to include training elements as well as college and university education. As, apart from research, it has been a very long time since there has been a federal investment in university infrastructure, it is a disappointment that the Conservative platform was silent on this issue. She concluded by noting the uncertainty in terms of specific programs and policies in another minority government environment.
5. Question Period
In response to an inquiry from a Senator about provincial jurisdictions being respected
S. Brown indicated that, once transfers have been made, there will be some leeway for the provinces to determine particular uses for the funds.
6. Unfinished Business
Nothing was raised under this agenda item.
7. Committee Reports (Standing and Ad hoc)
7.1 Senate Executive
7.1.1 Notice of Motion to Revise By-law 1.1 Senate Membership
It was noted this proposed revision will be voted upon at the March 6, 2006 Senate meeting.
7.1.2 Committee to Review CAPTPAA Procedures and Criteria
S. Brown explained that Senate Executive had recently determined on the occasion of a case now under appeal that it would be timely to have a thorough review of the CAPTPAA Procedures and Criteria policy and therefore a sub-committee of Senate Executive has been established for that purpose. The members of the sub-committee are
I. Blum (Parliamentarian, and member of Senate Executive) along with Dr. Shelagh Martin and Dr. Fred Harrington, all faculty members who have had considerable experience with the appointment, promotion, and tenure process. She encouraged any member of Senate who wished to add value to the review do so by channeling their thoughts through I. Blum to the sub-committee. She noted that once the review is completed, Senate Executive will bring this matter back to Senate.
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7.2 Academic Appeals Committee
L. Theriault noted that the Academic Appeals Committee now has two appeals on their agenda and will be meeting as soon as possible.
7.3 Academic Policy and Planning
7.3.1 MA/MPR Degree Proposal
During the discussion of the proposed MA/MPR Degree the following was noted: The proposal has the enthusiastic support of CAPP and serious thought has been given at all levels of the review process to ensure resource requirements to support the new program. There is confidence that the undergraduate program will not be compromised and that there is potential for the program to fund itself. Additionally, there is more funding for graduate students now than five years ago. The proposal was written to MPHEC requirements and contains a description of how the program will be resourced. It is expected that students wishing to teach public relations will do a research based thesis MA program, and those wishing to be public relations practitioners will do the MPR program. Most courses are required for both the MA and MPR and it is expected that students will usually have an academic year of study before starting on a thesis which should permit students to transfer from the MPR to the thesis based MA degree. The program is expected to be offered beginning September, 2006. The program will be able to accommodate part-time students, and, in time, be offered as well through distance education. A Senator expressed the view that it was imperative that MATH 2209 not be dropped as a requirement for the program. It was noted that discussion about the specific course proposals related to the proposed MA/MPR degree proposal would be considered later in the meeting.
Moved by D. Woolcott, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the proposal for a Master of Arts (Public Relations) and Master of Public Relations Degrees. CARRIED.
7.3.2 Proposed GPA Requirements
A â Proposal to Change Requirements for Graduation from the Bachelor of Applied Arts (Information Technology)â , which had been inadvertently omitted from the material sent out in advance of the meeting, was distributed as page 177A.
Moved by D. Woolcott, seconded by A. MacGillivary that Senate approve the GPA requirements for graduation and for honours in each of the Professional Studies degrees as forwarded by CAPP including the material distributed at the meeting. CARRIED.
Moved by D. Woolcott, seconded by D. Bourne-Tyson that Senate approve the changes to page 73 and 75 of the 2005-2006 University Calendar as it relates to GPA for Bachelor of Arts-Honours, and Bachelor of Science-Honours. CARRIED.
7.4 Graduate Studies
7.4.1.1 GCYS 6029 and GCYS 6039 MA (Child & Youth Study Program)
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by F. French that Senate approve the new course proposal GCYS 6209 and GCYS 6039 : Special Topics in Child & Youth Study. CARRIED.
7.4.1.2 MA(PR)/MPR PROGRAM
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the new course GPRL 6101 Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Public Relations. CARRIED.
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Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the new course GPRL 6102 Communication Theory. CARRIED.
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the new course GPRL 6103 Advanced Study in Communication Theory. CARRIED.
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the new course GPRL 6104 Organizational Theory and Public Relations Leadership. CARRIED.
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the new course GPRL 6105 Media Culture and Society. CARRIED.
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the new course GPRL 6106 Public Relations Ethics and Law. CARRIED.
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the new course GPRL 6107 Graduate Seminar in Public Relations Education. CARRIED.
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the new course GPRL 6108 Public Relations and Public Opinion Research. CARRIED.
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the new course GPRL 6201 Independent Study. CARRIED.
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the new course GPRL 6202 Special Topics in Public Relations. CARRIED.
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the new course GPRL 6220 Project Seminar. CARRIED.
Moved by M. Lyon, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the new course GPRL 6230 Thesis. CARRIED.
7.4.2 Calendar Change (for information)
GSPY 6840 MA (School Psychology) Program
The proposed calendar description and co-requisite change for GSPY 6840 Clinical Practice 1: Seminar in School Psychology consultation skills was received as information; no questions were raised.
7.5 Undergraduate Curriculum (proposals for approval)
7.5.1 Business & Tourism
7.5.1.1 Change to existing program: Addition of BBA Minors
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by A. MacGillivary that the proposed addition of BBA Minors be approved as described in the revised page 190 (which corrected editorial errors) that was distributed at the meeting. CARRIED.
7.5.2 Public Relations
7.5.2.1 Changes to existing program
- Adding PBRL 4019: Crisis Communication Management as a required course within the Bachelor of Public Relations degree, and
- Removing MATH 2209: Introduction to Probability & Statistics II, as a required course within the Bachelor of Public Relations program
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by B. King that Senate approve the addition of PBRL 4019 Crisis Communication Management and the removal of MATH 2209 Introduction to Probability & Statistics II. CARRIED.
Concerns which had been expressed in 7.3.1 (above) about the proposed removal of MATH 2209 Introduction to Probability & Statistics II were echoed again. The need for
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different levels of literacy, including Math literacy, was specifically raised. It was then noted that, while not disputing the lament that we do not have a stronger commitment to Math literacy, the Public Relations Department had canvassed other Communication degrees in the country. As a result of that it was concluded that we are not doing our students a disservice by recommending the removal of this requirement. It was noted that the two most relevant elements of MATH 2209 that students need to learn will be incorporated into the 2208 course on research methods course offered at the undergraduate level.
- Enable students in the public relations program to pursue a concentration in Spanish.
Moved by S. Medjuck, seconded by Robert Bérard that Senate approve the recommendation that students enrolled in the public relations program be able to pursue a concentration in Spanish. CARRIED.
7.6 Committee on Appointment, Promotion and Tenure or Permanence for
Academic Administrators (CAPTPAA)
D. Woolcott noted that the Committee has met to review a senior administratorâ s appointment.
7.7 Committee on Information Technology and Services
D. Plumb noted that the Committee held a useful first meeting during which members were informed about the status of the transition from Pegasus to the GroupWise email system and of the IT&S external review recommendations which they will consider at subsequent meetings.
7.8 Library
F. French noted that the external review of the Library had recommended a review of the allocation formula and they have now had a briefing from the Library Staff who have looked at best practices from other universities. The goal is to put together a package of information to be shared with library coordinators and departments, seek feedback, and then put together a report and recommendations for Senate. Resources for the Library have been growing due to the priority that has been set by the Library staff, the Academic Vice-President and others who have invested in the library.
D. Bourne-Tyson then noted that through a national consortium, the Canadian Research Knowledge Network, the Library has recently acquired some additional superior electronic resources. Two of the products are primary source documents; various other enhancements mean we are now, thanks to the consortium, at the same level as other universities. She also noted that there are reference hours with a professional librarian present now from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday evenings.
7.9 Nominations
7.9.1 Recommendation for Standing Committees
Information was distributed at the meeting regarding recommendations for standing committees as item 7.91
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Moved by A. MacGillivary, seconded by I. Blum that Senate elect the following candidates to the standing committees of Senate. CARRIED.
Committee
Individual Recommended
Term Begins
Term Ends
Undergraduate Admissions
and Scholarship Commitee
Barbara Casey
When elected
June 30, 2008
Student Discipline Appeals
Committee
Hui Li
When elected
June 30,2008
Student Judicial Committee
Robert Bagg
When elected
June 30, 2008
7.9.2 Election of named Senator to the Review Committee â Vice-President Academic
Information was distributed at the meeting regarding a recommendation to elect a named Senator to the Review Committee â Vice-President Academic
Moved by A. MacGillivary, seconded by A. Whitewood that Senate elect a named Senator to the Review Committee â Vice-President Academic. CARRIED.
Committee
Individual Recommended
Term Begins
Term Ends
Review Committee â Vice
President Academic
Fred French
When elected
When review is
Complete
7.10 Research and Publications
A.Davis noted that the committee has yet to receive any nominations for this yearâ s Research Excellence Award. A Senator noted that a nomination would be going forward tomorrow, and in response to an inquiry it was indicated that individuals who are currently on sabbatical are eligible to be nominated for the award.
7.11 Student Affairs
C. Hill noted the Committee has met to attend to ongoing items.
7.12 Committee on Teaching and Learning
B. King noted that the deadline for nominations for the Instructional Leadership Award is March 15, 2006 and he encouraged Senators to put forward nominations. He noted that SCOTL is currently exploring ideas and themes for Faculty Teaching Day in 2006.
7.13 Writing Initiatives
B. King noted the Committee has met and drew attention to the upcoming Brown Bag lunch called â The Red Pen Syndromeâ which will take place on February 13, 2006 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Faculty Lounge.
7.14 Undergraduate Admissions and Scholarships
L. Theriault noted the Committee has met twice recently. They are currently looking at the entrance scholarship program for new students coming to the University in the fall
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and they are also reviewing the International Baccalaureate admissionsâ requirements particularly in light of the fact that there will soon be ten new IB programs in high schools in the province. Information was distributed at the meeting on the In-Course Bursary Program Disbursement 2005-2006. As of January 25, 332 awards were made for a total of $273,634. She noted an increase in the high end need categories. Bursary awards covered 35% of the needs presented which is a ten percent increase over last year.
7.15 University Research Ethics Board
A.Davis noted that the work of UREB is proceeding.
8. Other Reports
8.1 Board of Governors
R. Bérard noted the Board of Governors had held two meetings recently; one being a short in-camera session in December and the other a special meeting on January 5, 2006 at which one of the key elements was confidential. At that meeting a motion to approve, in principle, the revised campus expansion plan carried as well as a motion regarding long term funding options.
8.2 Studentsâ Union
C. Brushett noted that the primary focus in recent weeks was on the federal election and efforts to increase the number of students voting. They also hosted a well attended Halifax West all candidates forum. At their annual general meeting recently there were numerous amendments to their constitution. With respect to the U-Pass she noted that meetings with Metro Transit are continuing. Upcoming events include Winter Carnival and Studentsâ Union elections.
In response to an inquiry about Turnitin.com, it was noted that a motion regarding that will come from CAPP at the next Senate meeting.
9. New Business
It was noted that the 2nd MSVU Research Day will be held on February 8th and there is still space for more faculty to participate.
10. Items for Communication
The MA/MPR Degree proposal will go forward to MPHEC for review; letters regarding appointments to Standing and other Committees will be sent by the Secretary of Senate; the By-laws will be revised; and appropriate changes will be made in the Calendar.
11. Adjournment
Moved by C. Brushett, seconded by K. Arbuckle that Senate adjourn at 9:00 p.m. CARRIED.