S ?
DRAFT UNTIL APPROVED BY SENATE
Minutes of a Meeting of the Senate of Simon Fraser University held on?
Monday, October 15, 2007 at
5:30
pm in Room 3210 WMC?
Open Session
Present:
Stevenson, Michael, President and Chair of Senate
Abduiwahab, Kamal
Black, Sam
Brennand, Tracy
Collinge, Joan (representing J. LaBrie)
Copeland, Lynn
Corbett, Kitty
Dagenais, Diane
Dickinson, Peter
Driver, Jon
Easton, Stephen
Fizzell, Maureen
Fox, Amy
Francis, June
Gordon, Robert
Harder, Derrick
Harding, Kevin
Hayes, Michael
Hemingway, Alex
Krane, Bill
Laba, Martin
Lee, Benjamin
Letourneau, Michael
Lewis, Brian
Li, Paul
Liljedahl, Peter
Malcoe, Lorraine Halinka
O'Neil, John
Percival, Cohn
Percival, Paul
Perry, Tom (representing L. Cormack)
Peters, Joseph
Pinto, Mario
Plischke, Michael
Popadiuk, Natalee
Russell, Robert
Shaker, Paul
Shermer, Thomas
Smith, Don
Thompson, Steve
Tiffany, Evan
Tse, Karen
van Baarsen, Amanda
Wakkaiy, Ron
Waterhouse, John
Williams, Peter
Williams, Tony
Ross, Kate, Registrar and Senior Director, Student Enrolment
Watt, Alison, Director, University Secretariat
Grant, Bobbie, Recording Secretary
Absent:
Brebner, Sarah
Gencay, Ramo
Hannah, David
Javed, Waseem
Lein, Adam
Louie, Brandt
MacArthur, James
Vaid, Bhuvinder
In attendance:
Angerilli, Nello
Beale, Alison
Dench, Sarah
Hoffer, Andy
Laitsch, Dan
Marcuse, Judith
Murray, Catherine
Popowich, Fred
Snowber, Celeste
Vaughn, Rodney
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On behalf of the University, the Chair welcomed the following new members to Senate: Lorraine
Halinka Malcoe, Faculty member, Faculty of Health Sciences; Paul Li, Faculty member,
Department of Chemistry; and Benjamin Lee, Student representative, Faculty of Health Sciences.
Approval of the Agenda
The Agenda was approved as distributed.
2.
Approval of the Minutes of the Op
en Session of September 17, 2007
The Minutes were approved as distributed.
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*
3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
M. Letourneau expressed thanks and appreciation to Senate for its approval of the
amnesty motion that accommodated students wishing to attend the Student Society
General Meeting. He reported that the meeting was able to achieve quorum and pass very
important business relating to the reorganization and operation of the Student Society.
4.
Report of the Chair
i)
?
Paper S.07-110 - President's Agenda (For Information)
Reference was made to the information concerning GPA levels for BC 12 for 2005 and
2006. In response to a request for the same information for 2007, the Chair stated that the
information could be provided later since the data was not immediately available.
Referring to a statement that indicates that the University wishes to increase
undergraduate course availability, an inquiry was made as to the University's plans in this
area. Senate was advised that approximately two years ago Senate passed motions
respecting a timetable that would provide for standard time slots for certain courses in
order to allow better planning for both students and departments. Due to technical
difficulties the timetable has not yet been implemented but work is continuing. Course
turnaway data has identified certain courses that students have a greater difficulty
accessing and the Deans are focussing on these courses in order to provide better access.
In addition, plans are to carry out a more detailed study of this issue with a specific
department that has volunteered to take part. In terms of enhanced planning, the potential
of enabling students to register for one, two or three semesters was being investigated.
It was noted that an occurring theme within the document was that of budgetary
concerns, issues of FTE grant funding, and the potential diversification of funding
through private sources. In response to an inquiry as to whether SFU supports a primarily
publicly funded post-secondary system, the Chair confirmed that the University
absolutely supported a primarily publicly funded system and that SFU remains
overwhelmingly publicly funded. Discussion followed in which the Chair briefly
summarized the ways in which the University advocates for public funding, including
meeting with various officials from the Provincial and Federal Governments, working
with the other BC universities to formulate submissions on post-secondary education
issues to various committees and levels of government, working with AUCC with respect
S.M. 15 October 2007
Page 3
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to federal funding, and annual meetings between the executive of the University and
representatives from the Ministry of Advanced Education.
In response to a question with respect to whether or not there was a list of corporations
which have made donations to SFU, the Chair did not believe a list existed but explained
that the majority of donations come with terms of reference for endowments which are
approved by Senate or as gifts in support of capital plans publicly approved by the Board
of Governors. A list of donating corporations was requested.
Reference was made to page 6 concerning the proposed increase in graduate enrolments,
and an inquiry was made as to whether consideration had been given to enhanced
provision of daycare spaces at the various SFU campuses as a recruitment tool for
graduate students. The Chair reported that on the Burnaby campus, the University is
involved in negotiations with the Society that runs the Daycare Centre for the expansion
of daycare facilities covering both the expanded university population and the residents
of UniverCity. With respect to Surrey and Vancouver campuses since there is no SFU
resident population, SFU has not pursued a specific SFU provision of service.
Concern was expressed by a Student Senator that the creation and retention of student
space was not given priority, especially in light of the many complaints being received by
the Student Society with respect to loss of common rooms, and a couple of examples
were given. The Chair explained that he was not aware of a decrease in student space in
S ?
the current year and that several years ago when this issue arose, a review was undertaken
and it was determined at that time that there were very marginal adjustments in student
space. The University recognizes the importance of providing space to students and has
made a regular provision for the refitting of student spaces, lounges, and furnishing to
upgrade the quality of existing spaces. In addition, as new facilities come on-line student
space is built into the plans as much as possible. Active consultation and negotiation are
underway with the Student Society to create a strong strategic plan for improved facilities
including a possible student centre at SFU. The Chair suggested that complaints or
inquiries about specific reductions in student space should be forwarded to the Chair or to
the Associate Vice-President, Students and International.
Question Period
There were no questions.
6. ?
Reports of Committees
A)
?
Senate Committee on University Priorities
i) ?
Paper S.07-111 - International Centre for Art and Social Change
Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by P. Shaker
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S.M. 15 October 2007
Page 4
"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the
creation of the International Centre for Art and Social Change as a
Schedule A Centre"
C.
Snowber, Faculty of Education and J. Marcuse, Director of Judith Marcuse Projects
were in attendance in order to respond to questions.
An inquiry was made as to why the Centre was only associated with the Faculty of
Education and not a broader range of departments within the University,
-
including units
such as the School for Contemporary Arts and the School of Interactive Arts and
Technology. It was pointed out that the Faculty of Education was concerned with social
justice and had many faculty and graduate students already doing the type of work
envisioned for the Centre. However, expectations were that collaboration and dialogue
would take place with many other areas in the University and it was hoped that the Centre
would eventually become a nexus for participants from a variety of fields including
contemporary arts, health, justice, business etc.
It was noted that even though a Schedule A Centre allowed participation from a broad
range of participants, and the Dean can appoint external members, they would not be able
to be members of the Steering Committee. It was pointed out that the intent was simply to
get the Centre started and there was no intent to exclude.
There was general enthusiasm for the proposal and suggestion was made that the
governance procedure be relaxed with respect to membership. The Chair encouraged the
proponents of the Centre to actively include those interested outside the Faculty of
Education and asked the Dean of Education to make sure the adjustments are made.
On that understanding, the question was called, and a vote taken. MOTION CARRIED
It was suggested that the Senate committees scrutinizing Centres and Institutes should
review the material more closely in order to avoid debate of issues that should have been
dealt with at an earlier stage.
ii) ?
Paper S.07-112 - Centre for the Stud
y
of Educational Leadershi
p
and Policy
Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by P. Shaker
"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the
creation of the Centre for the Study of Educational Leadership and Policy
as a Schedule A Centre"
D.
Laitsch, Faculty of Education, was in attendance in order to respond to questions.
The question was called, and a vote taken. ?
MOTION CARRIED
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October
2007
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iii) ?
Paper
S.07-113 -
Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction
Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by J. O'Neil
"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the
creation of the Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and
Addiction (CARMHA) as a Schedule A Centre"
Discussion ensued about the issue of core and affiliate categories of membership and the
procedure used by the Faculty for the appointment of Adjunct Professors. A concern was
expressed about the nature of the governance structure, such as the decision-making
power of the Director, which appeared to be contrary to principles of democratic
governance. The Chair suggested that perhaps a review of the governance language of the
proposal was in order.
The question was called, and a vote taken.
?
MOTION CARRIED
iv)
Paper
S.07-114 -
Centre for Policy Studies on Culture and Communities
Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by W. Parkhouse
. ? "that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the
creation of the Centre for Policy Studies on Culture and Communities as a
Schedule A Centre"
A. Beale and C. Murray, School of Communication, were in attendance in order to
respond to questions.
A suggestion to amend point
3.1
on page 6 to insert 'at the most two Directors' was
accepted as a friendly amendment.
The question was called, and a vote taken. ?
MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED
v)
Paper
S.07-115 -
Sierra Wireless Professorships in Mobile Communication -
Terms of Reference
Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by W. Parkhouse
"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the terms of
reference for the Sierra Wireless Professorship in Mobile Communication"
R. Vaughn, School of Engineering Science, was available to respond to questions.
• ?
Brief discussion took place with respect to the guidelines for the naming of
professorships. A brief summary of the support and financial contributions that Sierra
S.M. 15 October 2007
Page 6
Wireless has given to SFU over the past five years was provided to Senate. In response to
a question concerning the number of professorships named after corporations, the Chair
indicated that the information was not immediately available but could be provided.
The question was called, and a vote taken.
?
MOTION CARRIED
vi)
Paper S.07-116 - Centre for Disability Independence
Research and Education
Moved by J. Waterhouse,econded by D. Smith
"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the
creation of the Centre for Disability Independence Research and
Education as a Schedule B Centre"
A. Hoffer, School of Kinesiology, was available to respond to questions.
In response to a concern that the Centre appeared to focus only on people with physical
disabilities, Senate was advised that there was no intended exclusion and that the research
will address all unmet needs and disabilities. A suggestion was made that the wording be
modified to clarify the broader intent and the Chair asked Dr. Hoffer to make an
adjustment to recognize that point.
Question was called, and a vote taken.
?
MOTION CARRIED
vii)
Pa p
er S.07-117 - Cognitive Science Minor Program, Faculty of Arts and Social
Sciences
Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by T. Perry
"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors, the
Cognitive Science Minor Program in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences"
F. Popowich, Director, Cognitive Science Program, was in attendance in order to respond
to questions.
The question was called, and a vote taken.
?
MOTION CARRIED
viii)
Paper S.07-118 - International Experiential Learning Certificate, Facult
y
of
Business Administration
Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by M. Fizzell
"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors, the
International Experiential Learning Certificate"
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S.M. 15 October 2007
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.
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Brief discussion took place with respect to the motivation for recommending one area of
?
study. Senate was advised that although students were free to chose a different country
and a different region of the world for the second international activity, it was felt that
since students had already put in considerable effort with the language and coursework
with one of the Faculty's partner schools for their first activity, the Faculty felt they
should have the opportunity to continue in the same area for their second activity.
In response to a question about possible options for the two activities, Senate was advised
that students could spend approximately two
—
semesters in another part of the world which
could be 8 months at the same institution, or could spend four months at a partner
institution and 4 months at a different region on the world in a co-op job for example.
The question was called, and a vote taken. ?
MOTION CARRIED
ix)
Paper S.07-119 -
Liber Ero
Chair in Coastal Studies - Terms of Reference
Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by M. Plischke
"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors, the terms
of reference for the
Liber Ero
Chair in Coastal Studies"
Clarification concerning the home department of the Chair took place and M. Plischke
• noted that the Deans of Applied Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences and Science would
likely be the deans consulted with respect to the this matter.
The question was called, and a vote taken.
?
MOTION CARRIED
x)
Paper S.07-120 — Re
p
ort on Academic Operations at Fraser International College
Sep
tember 2006 to Au gust
2007 (For Information)
S. Dench, Director, University Curriculum and Liaison, and N. Angerilli, Associate Vice-
President, Students and International were available to respond to questions.
Concern was expressed that the majority of international students still appear to be
coming from one specific area with large concentrations in one or two areas of study
within the University, and a question was raised about greater diversity. It was noted that
the University acknowledges that insufficient numbers of students have been recruited
from other Provinces or from the United States and recruiting efforts are being developed
to increase numbers from those sources. With respect to the concentration of Asian
students in FIC and a heavily weighted preference in terms of study areas, this has
partially resulted because FIC was late getting into the recruiting process for Fall 2006
due to delays in the completion of physical facilities for the College. Assurances have
been given that greater number of students will be recruited from areas such as Latin
America, Africa, and other parts of Asia. However, it should be noted that due to the size
•
?
and population in China and related areas, there will likely always be a majority of
students coming from that region of the world. In addition, enrolments in FIC have been
S.M. 15 October 2007
Page 8
restricted by the capacity of Canadian Consulates in various parts of the world to process
visas. In response to an inquiry for an estimate as to how long it might take FTC to
increase the diversity of international students, Senate was reminded that the decision of
students to attend a particular institution is a function of many things, including
recruitment, but strong efforts were being made to recruit from many parts of the world.
A further concern was expressed that the University may rely too heavily on FTC and not
develop strong internal processes with respect to international recruitment. Senate was
advised that Student Serviceiiad significantly expanded and enhanced its international
recruitment activities.
A question arose as to whether FTC policies were harmonized with SFU policies with
respect to disabilities, human rights, harassment, protection of academic freedom, etc.
Senate was advised that FTC has a code of conduct in place dealing with harassment that
applies to both students and faculty and is consistent with their obligations under BC
Human Rights. An opinion was expressed that because of the association between SFU
and FTC, the University has a responsibility to ensure that their policies are in line with
SFU standards and values. The Vice-President Academic stated that he was confident
that the written contract between the University and FTC provided adequate coverage
with respect to the issues raised but he would examine the contract language to make sure
and report back to Senate.
In response to an inquiry about attrition rates for FTC, Senate was advised that their
attrition rate has been low as only a couple of students had left thus far due to academic
performance issues, but it was still quite early in terms of numbers.
An inquiry was made to student consultation with the Academic Advisory Committee
(Appendix A). Senate was advised that FTC has undertaken to consult regularly with
groups of students once the student body had reached a critical mass.
A correction to the Senate paper to change January 2006 to February 2006 was noted.
In response to an inquiry concerning whether or not departments would be required to
develop courses for FTC, Senate was given assurance by the Vice President Academic
that academic units at SFU would not be required to develop course offerings for FTC.
Senate was advised that the Department of English had voted twice not to participate but
were told by senior administrators that they had no choice. Brief discussion followed with
respect to the circumstances surrounding this incident, and the Chair requested that the
Vice President Academic investigate the situation.
As part of the original agreement, it was noted that SFU was to receive a portion of the
revenue collected from tuition fees charged by FTC, and that a part of that income would
help to expand scholarship and bursary programs for all students. In response to an
inquiry about this issue, Senate was advised that part of the income has been directed
back to departments as a consequence of their participation in offering courses, some of
the money has gone to provide provision of ancillary or other services by SFU to FTC
S.M. 15 October 2007
Page 9
students, and some has been applied to pay off the capital costs of renovations in the
multi-tenant facility.
xi) ?
Pa p
er S.07-121 - Librar
y
Three Year Plan 2007-2010 (For Information)
L. Copeland, Librarian and Senator, was available to respond to questions.
A concern was expressed that in a document as essential as a three year plan, there was
little mention of the SFU Surrey campus especially with respect to future plans, capacity
for holdings, and outreach programs. L. Copeland indicated she would be pleased to meet
with faculty and staff at Surrey to initiate discussions in this regard.
B)
Senate Librar
y
Committee
i) ?
Paper S.07-122 - Annual Report (For Information)
It was noted that the Senate Library Committee had approved a Designated Borrower
Card, an External Organization Borrower Card, and a Spousal Card. An inquiry was
made as to what action had been taken to publicize these new innovations. Senate was
advised that information about these changes was available on the Library's web site and
information was also provided at orientation sessions for new faculty but greater efforts
to communicate the information to the campus community appeared to be required.
C)
Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies
i)
Paper S.07-123 - Revision to Admission Requirements for the School of
Interactive Arts and Technology
Moved by B. Krane, seconded by W. Parkhouse
"that Senate approve the changes to the admission requirements for the
School of Interactive Arts and Technology to remove the existing one
science 12 course requirement"
The question was called, and a vote taken.
?
MOTION CARRIED
ii)
Paper S.07-124 - Under
g
raduate Curriculum Revisions - Facult y
of Applied
Sciences (For Information)
Senate received information that the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies, acting
under delegated authority approved changes to program requirements, admission
procedures and minor changes to existing courses in the School of Computing Science.
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S.M. 15 October 2007
Page 10
iii)
Paper S.07-125 - Undergraduate Curriculum Revisions - Facult y
of Arts and
Social Sciences (For Information)
Senate received information that the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies, acting
under delegated authority, approved changes to program requirements and minor changes
to existing courses in the following departments/programs: Asia-Canada, Cognitive
Science, Criminology, Economics, English, Archaeology, First Nations Studies, French,
and Geography. SCUS also approved, under delegated authority, WQB designations for a
number of courses in History, Infmational Studies, and Economics.
iv)
Pa p
er S.07-126 - Under
g
raduate Curriculum Revisions - Facult
y
of Business
Administration
Senate received information that the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies, acting
under delegated authority, approved changes to program requirements and minor
revisions to existing courses in the Faculty of Business Administration.
v)
Paper S.07-127 - Under
g
raduate Curriculum Revisions - Facult
y
of Education
Senate received information that the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies, acting
under delegated authority, approved W designation for two courses in the Faculty of
Education.
vi)
Paper S.07-128 - Undergraduate Curriculum Revisions - Facult y
of Science
Senate received information that the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies, acting
under delegated authority, approved WQB designations for courses in Earth Sciences,
Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
D) ?
Senate Nominating Committee
i) ?
Paper S.07-129 Revised -Elections
A revised version of Senate paper S.07-129 was distributed. Senate was advised that one
further nomination had been received for the Senate Committee on Continuing Studies -
Paul Li was elected by acclamation for the Senator at-large position to May 31, 2008.
The following candidates were also elected by acclamation: Timothy Beischlag, Faculty
Member from Health Sciences to the Senate Committee on University Teaching and
Learning; Lorraine Halinka Malcoe, Senator from Health Sciences to the Senate
Committee on University Priorities; Geoffrey Poitras, Faculty Member Alternate to the
Senate Committee on Disciplinary Appeals; Joe Paling (Regular Student member) and
Karen Tse (Alternate Student member) to the Senate Committee on Disciplinary Appeals.
Balloting resulted in the election of Tara Azimi as the Undergraduate Student (Alternate)
member on the Committee to Review University Admissions; and James Rankin as the
Student at-large member of the International Student Exchange Committee.
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S.M. 15 October 2007
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Vacancies on the Senate Committee on Continuing Studies and the Senate Committee on
International Activities will be carried forward to the next meeting of Senate.
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7. ?
Other Business
i)
Paper S.07-130 - SFU Annual Library
Report 2006/07 (For Information)
The Annual Report of the SFU Library for the period 2006/2007 was received by Senate
for information.
ii)
Paper S.07-131 - Revision of B10.06 - Presidential Search Policy
Moved by P. Percival, seconded by M. Fizzell
"that Senate approve the revision of B10.06 Presidential Search Policy
dated
5
September 2007"
There were no objections to the following minor amendment to reflect the recent change
to the Student Society - 'President of the Student Society or designate' changed to
'President of the Undergraduate Student Society'.
Brief discussion followed with respect to election procedures for the students elected by
the student body, and point 1.6 concerning the establishment of further operational
procedures.
The question was called, and a vote taken.
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MOTION CARRIED
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8.
?
Information
The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting of Senate will take place on Monday,
November
5,
2007.
The Open Session adjourned at 7:15 pm and Senate moved directly into Closed Session.
Alison Watt
Director, University Secretariat
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