DRAFT UNTIL APPROVED BY SENATE
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SENATE OF SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY HELD
?
ON MONDAY, JUNE
5,
1989 KLAUS RIECKHOFF HALL, 4:30 P.M.
?
OPEN SESSION
Present:
?
Saywell, W.G., Chair
Addison, G.
Alderson, E. (replacing R. Brown)
Bedford, B.
Blackman, R.
Blaney, J.
Clayman, B.
Cleveland, W.
D'Auria, J.
Dawson, S. (replacing J. Tuinman)
Dickinson, J.
Dobb, T.
Freedman, A.
George, D.
Giffen, K.
Gill, J.
Goodman, D.
Gray, P.
Green, C.
Hendrickson, T.
Hoegg, J.L.
Jones, C.
Kennedy, P.
Mauser, G.
Munro, D.
Nyvik, S.
Palmer, E.
Palmer, L.
Reilly, N.
Rieckhoff, K.
Rudrum, A.
Saunders, R.
Shapiro, S.
Strate, G.
Swartz, N.
Verdun-Jones,
Wade, S.
Warsh, M.
Heath, W.R., Secretary
Grant, B., Recording Secretary
Absent: Barrow, R.
Calvert, T.
Carlson, R.
Cercone, N.
Cove!!, M.
Dahl, H.
Dill, L.
Djwa, S.
Falcon, K.
Evany, G.
Kazepides, A.C.
Nielsen, V.
Partridge, J.
Pinfie!d, L.
Rae, B.
Salter, L.
Shannon, D.
Tjosvo!d, D.
Weldon, L.
Winne, P.
Wotherspoon, A.
In attendance: R. Rogow
S.M. 05/06/89
Page 2
. ?
The Chair introduced the newly elected and re-elected Senators and, on
behalf of Senate, welcomed them to the meeting.
1.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The Agenda was approved as distributed.
2.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE OPEN SESSION OF MAY 15. 1989
Referring to Senate Paper S.89-22 'Undergraduate Admission Targets 1989-3,
K. Giffen requested that comments he had made during discussion at the last
meeting be noted in the Minutes. He noted his suggestion that if possible,
preference be given to hiring existing sessionals when Departments are
considering hiring new Faculty, and, secondly, that additional resources would
be allocated for Academic Advice to counsel the increased number of new
students.
As a point of clarification, L. Palmer requested the paragraph at the top of
page 3 to be amended as follows: "...in order for the University to acquire this
additional funding, the University had to commit itself to increasing
enrolment by 600 FTEs per year in each of the next six years. In return, full
funding of $6,500 per FTE would be made available to the University. The
proposed figure of 3,400 new admissions in 89-3 would complete the FTE
increase target of 600 for the coming academic year." The Chair indicated
that the language currently in the Minutes was inaccurate but he did not feel
the suggested amendment assisted in correcting the inaccuracy. He indicated
that additional funding is made available with each additional FTE and, in the
first year of the access program, the University has agreed to increase by an
additional 600 FTEs. However, figures for the subsequent years have not yet
been agreed upon. The Chair indicated that he would take this matter under
advisement and bring back clear language for the next meeting of Senate.
Following these amendments, the Minutes were approved.
3. ?
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
a) ?
External Review Report 1974 - Department of
English
At the request of the Chair, E. Alderson, Acting Dean of Arts informed
Senate ?
that ?
in
?
the ?
1974 ?
review
?
process, ?
the
three ?
external ?
reviewers
submitted ?
independent ?
letters in
?
confidence ?
to the
Dean ?
and
?
Vice-President.
Those letters were never brought to a point where
they could be released as
Senate ?
documents ?
and, ?
in
?
effect, ?
the ?
review
remains
?
an ?
uncompleted
administrative action from fifteen years ago.
?
It was
noted that a copy of this
review was deposited in the Archives but Senators were not allowed access to
. ?
it. ?
In reply to an inquiry as to what was required so that the report could be
made available to members of Senate, E. Alderson
indicated someone would
have to review the letters and make extracts from
them and try to recover
the situation of that time as much as possible in order to prepare a relevant
S.M. 05/06/89
Page 3
• report. Discussion ensued in which opinions were expressed that the papers
should be desensitized as much as possible and made available to Senate. The
Chair indicated that before releasing such a report he would need to
determine if the external reviewers had been given any assurance of
confidentiality with regard to their submission or else the University could
find itself faced with litigation. The Chair advised Senate he would take this
issue under consideration and report back probably during the Fall semester.
He also indicated his wish to review the policy issue regarding such reports,
and that this would also be reported back to Senate.
b) ?
Fraser Valley Initiatives
In reply to an inquiry about the progress of activities in the Fraser
Valley, the Chair informed Senate that he has been meeting with the
Presidents of Douglas College, Fraser Valley College and Kwantlen College and
a draft statement as to what initiatives should be looked at is in preparation.
A detailed, sophisticated, demographic study is currently underway and
should be available by the end of June, an Ad Hoc Committee is currently
studying various models and concepts of satellite campuses and all of these
studies should come together by the end of summer at which point the
University would be in a position to make a recommendation to the
Government as to whether any initiative should be undertaken. If the
recommendation is positive, the planning process would begin and proceed
through the normal university channels such as Departments, Faculties,
Senate Committees, and Senate.
4. REPORT OF THE CHAIR
Referring to the tragic situation occurring in China, the Chair expressed
concern for the future of the students and faculty from the People's Republic
of China who are studying or working 'at Simon Fraser University on exchange
programs as well as concern for the students and staff involved in SFU's
Summer School at Juan University in Changchun. Senate was informed that
the University had been in contact with the students and their Instructor at
Juan University and there appeared to be no immediate risk to their safety.
However, contingency steps have been made to evacuate them as quickly as
possible if the situation should change. A representative from the President's
office has been in contact with the families of these students to give them
whatever assurances we can. The Chair also indicated that he has
communicated the University's concern over the human tragedy of fellow
students and academics and others in China and has urged External Affairs to
take appropriate action to let Canada's voice be heard. He has also urged the
Government to do everything humanly possible to accommodate any students
. from the PRC who are in Canada and require visa extensions. It is also
intended that a joint statement from the three university presidents will be
consideration.
sent to Beijing and the language
,
of that statement is currently under
S.M. 05/06/89
Page 4
K. Rieckhoff wished to share with Senate an appeal he had heard on the
English language broadcast of Radio Beijing in which listeners, after a brief
description of the tragic happenings, were asked to share and join in the
protest of the violation of the civil rights taking place in China.
Brief discussion followed with regard to the future of the Summer School in
China, public education events on campus, and the possible financial
consequences of students seeking political asylum.
5. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
a) SENATE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
i) ?
Paper S.89-23 - Elections
P. Gray indicated that he had submitted nomination by the deadline of
June 2nd for the Senate Committee on Agenda and Rules, the Senate
Committee on Continuing Studies, and the Senate Library Committee but
noted his name did not appear on the Senate paper for election. Following
determination that his nominations were duly received, elections for those
three committees would be conducted by mail. Senate recessed for five
minutes to allow Senators to peruse the Information on Candidates and to
vote in the remaining elections, the results of which are as follows:
Senate Committee on Academic Planning (SCAP)/Senate Committee on
University Budget (SCUB)
One Student Senator to replace I. Nicol for balance term of office, from date of
election to September 30, 1989; and one Student Senator to replace J. Shickele
for balance term of office, from date of election to September 30, 1990.
Names of candidates: ?
D. Munro
S. Wade
Individual receiving the higher number of votes
and elected for term of office from date of election
to September 30, 1990:
?
S. Wade
Runner-up elected for term of office from date
of election to September 30, 1989:
?
D. Munro
SENATE COMMI.ITEE ON CONTINUING STUDIES (SCCS)
One Student Senator Alternate to replace R. Di Fonzo for balance term of
office, from date of election to September 30, 1990.
Elected by acclamation: ?
J. Gill
. ?
SENATE COMMITFEE ON HONORARY DEGREES (SCHD)
One Senator (at-large) to replace H. Weinberg from date of election for no
specified term of office.
Elected by acclamation:
?
S. Djwa
S.M. 05/06/89
Page 5
SENATE NOMINATING COMMrn'EE (SNQ
One Senator (at-large) to replace J.L. Berggren for balance term of office, from
date of election to September 30, 1989.
Elected by acclamation:
?
A. Rudrum
One Student Senator to replace R. Maaske for balance term of office, from date
of election to September 30, 1989.
Names of candidates: ?
G. Addison
K. Giffen
Individual receiving the higher number of votes
and declared elected:
?
G. Addison
SENATE UNDERGRADUATE
ADMISSIONS BOARD
(SUAB)
replace
September
ofOne
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electionStudent
?
R.
30,
Dito
Senator
Fonzo
1989.
September
to
for
replace
balance
30,
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S.
1989;
Rashed
term
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and
of
for
one
balance
office,
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Student
?
from
term
?
?
Senator
of
date
office,
?
of
?
Alternate
electionfrom
date
?
?
to
to
Names
of
candidates:
?
C.
Green
T.
Hendrickson
D.
Munro
• ?
Individual receiving the highest number of votes and
elected as Regular member for term of office from
date of election to September 30, 1989:
?
T.Hendrjckson
Runner-up elected as Alternate Member for term of
office from date of election to September 30, 1989:
?
C. Green
SENATE APPEALS BOARD (SAB)
One Faculty Senator to replace R.W. Mathewes from date of election for no
specified term of office.
Elected by acclamation:
?
P. Winne
One Faculty Senator Alternate to replace P. Winne from date of election for no
specified term of office:
Elected by acclamation:
?
E. Palmer
SENATE COMMITTEE ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES (SCU)
One Student Senator to replace I. Nicol from date of election for no specified
term of office.
Names of candidates: ?
J. Gill
T. Hendrickson
Individual receiving the higher number of votes
and declared elected:
?
I
T. Hendrickson
S.M. 05/06/89
Page 6
.
ELECTORAL STANDING COMMITTEE (ESC
One Student Senator to replace S. Rashed from date of election for no specified
term of office.
No nominations received:
?
Position Vacant
b) SENATE COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC PLANNING
i) ?
Paper S.89-24 - Cariboo College/Simon Fraser University - Bachelor of
Business' Studies Degree Program
Moved by R. Saunders, seconded by S. Shapiro
"that Senate approve and recommend approval to
the Board of Governors, as set
forth
in S.89-24, the
Cariboo College/Simon Fraser University Bachelor of
Business Studies Degree Program"
R. Rogow, the Director of Undergraduate Programs in the Faculty of Business
Administration was in attendance as a resource person to answer inquiries.
Reference was made to Item One of the Admission Requirements and inquiry
made as to what was meant by "or equivalent". R. Rogow advised that this
wording was adopted from the admission requirements of the University and
would be treated in the same way. It was noted that SUAB is currently
considering a definition for the term "or equivalent" with regard to admission
to the University and it was suggested that the admission requirement in this
instance should meet with SUAB's definition of the term.
Reference was made to the concerns expressed by the 'Faculty of Arts
Curriculum Committee (Appendix I). S. Shapiro explained that this program
has been initiated in response to the Provincial Government's initiative to
assist people in the Interior to obtain university degrees in their home
J
.
?
sns#
I
because they felt
1
college initiative am
Simon Fraser Unive
year period of time
is credible and is
consistent with ti
relationship with Ca
is designed to prov
rather than for pen
be automatic, and
UILJ VL1-J UOIJIVbb AMU1111111btf UL l on
proposeu
tnis program
ie University should become involved in the university-
that this was the best way to do so. He pointed out that
sity would only be involved with the program for a five-
He assured Senate that the program offered by Cariboo
onsistent with the needs of the particular community and
mission of the university-college program. The
ibOo is for a limited period of time and the program itself
le educational opportunities to regions that do have them
ct transferability.
?
Transfer between institutions will not
?
individuals applying to transfer from Cariboo will be
'S.M. 05/06/89
Page 7
• treated the same way as individuals transferring from any other external
institution. In reply to concerns as to the quality of these degrees and the
public's perception of such degrees, S. Shapiro indicated that a different
degree designation was deliberately used because it is presumed that Cariboo
will continue to use that designation following its association with Simon
Fraser University. Although he felt future employers will be able to
distinguish between the Bachelor of Business. Studies at Cariboo and the
Bachelor of Business Administration at Simon Fraser University, the more
general public perception may cause some concern but he felt it would be
resolved. The Registrar indicated that the diploma will clearly indicate that
the degree was offered at Cariboo and the official transcript will be a Cariboo
College transcript, not a Simon Fraser University transcript. In reply to an
inquiry about Cariboo students going on to post graduate work, S. Shapiro
indicated that applications from Cariboo will be treated in the same way as
applications from any other four-year institution. Since the professors are
Cariboo College staff and the since the students are Cariboo College students
question was raised as to why Simon Fraser University appears on the degree.
S. Shapiro replied that at the present time there is no legislative mechanism
for Cariboo College to grant a four-year degree and that the university-college
program initiative provides opportunity for the three established universities,
over the next five years, to assist the colleges to move into degree granting
status. It was pointed out that Senate Paper S.89-24 does not specify that
this program is limited to five years. The Chair indicated that the
Memorandum of Cooperation Cariboo College/Simon Fraser University
previously approved by Senate did contain a statement with regard to the
five-year limitation period and that it did apply to this
.
particular proposal.
In opposition to the proposal, opinion was expressed that the document was
patronizing and the wording of the proposal ambiguous. Concern was
expressed that the proposed arrangement whereby SFU on one hand provides
academic respectability for the degree, yet on the other hand, does not wish
to take responsibility for the students, does not instill full confidence in the
degree or the program itself and there appeared to be very little in the
agreement of benefit to the University.
In reply to an inquiry concerning the procedure
.
to be followed regarding
approval of degrees, R. Heath advised that
to
will approve all
recommendations for the Bachelor of Business Studies degree. Formal official
transcripts from Cariboo College will be provided for all students
recommended for graduation. Recommendations will initially go to the
Faculty of Business Administration and those eligible for graduation will be
• ?
recommended to Senate with transcripts for these students being available to
any interested Senator. Senate was given assurance that funds above and
beyond the current budget to cover the overhead costs associated with this
program will accrue to the University.
S.M. 05/06/89
Page 8
SDiscussion turned to the question of transferability and inquiry was made as
to what contingency had been set up to handle transfer of students in one
direction or the other, especially if there is a disparity in the admission
requirements between the two institutions. Although there is a concern in
this regard, S. Shapiro indicated he did not feel it was a serious problem and
felt that it would be up to Cariboo to make sure their local needs were met
before accepting students from the Lower Mainland. Request was made that
the document clearly specify students transferring from one institution to the
other were not guaranteed admission to the respective Business programs
either at Simon Fraser University or at Cariboo College. S. Shapiro indicated
the Faculty of Business Administration had no objection to this point of
clarification and he also believed that Cariboo College would have no
objection. He felt it might be in the best interest of all concerned to have such
clarification signed on the record.
Question was called, and a vote taken.
?
MOTION CARRIED
B. Bedford requested that his opposition be noted in the Minutes
ii) ?
Paper
S.89-25 -
New Grade Notation - NG (No Grade)
?
Moved by R. Saunders, seconded by B. Clayman
"that Senate approve as set out in S.89-25, the
introduction of "NG" Notation"
Since an NG grade would be assigned when the University is unable to assign
a grade prior to the regular deadline for submission of grades in a semester,
concern was expressed about the effect of NG grades on students applying for
graduation, competing for registration priority and, in particular, competition
for scholarships where it was pointed out that scholarships could be lost to
students who have an NG grade who would otherwise qualify.
R. Saunders pointed out that the new notation will assist in alleviating some
of the current problems associated with those very conditions especially in
such circumstances where deferred grades are assigned through no fault of
the student. He went on to explain that deferred grades not only
disadvantage students from receiving scholarships, they can cause a student
to be asked to withdraw from the University for insufficient performance.
This new notation will protect students from being penalized when grades
cannot be assigned by the required deadline.
As Chair of the Senate Policy Committee on Scholarships, Awards and
Bursaries, P. Kennedy confirmed that Open Scholarships would be awarded
retroactively; however, students could lose out on private scholarships since
S.M. 05/06/89
Page 9
the University can exercise no control over external procedures. L. Palmer
. felt it should be possible to defer scholarship eligibility pending receipt of the
final grade. He suggested deliberations could be made without these students
and, after their grades are determined, they could be inserted in the
deliberations, and the university should indemnify any students that
happened to be eligible for a private scholarship slot. He felt the number of
students would be rather small and he did not feel it would cost very much to
take this extra step. P. Kennedy indicated that he would take these
suggestions to the next meeting of the Senate Policy Committee on
Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries for review.
Inquiry was made as to how the NG notation would be implemented in cases,
for example, where faculty members for reasons of self-interest prefer to
give deferred grades to an entire class rather than NG grades. In such cases,
the intent of this proposal is to allow the Dean of the Faculty to advise the
Registrar that NG grades are to be assigned. It was pointed out, however, that
if an individual faculty member submits deferred grades for all students in a
course the Chair/Director is expected to determine the reason for the
extraordinary action prior to countersigning the grade list and, if necessary,
the Dean of Faculty consulted to resolve the matter.
• ?
Discussion turned to definition of the new grade notation.
?
Moved by B. Clayman, seconded by B. Bedford
"that the notation "NG" No Grade be amended to
"GN" Grade Not Reported"
Question was called on the amendment
and a vote taken.
?
AMENDMENT CARRIED
Concern was expressed about the shortness of time between the date a final
exam is given and the deadline for submission of grades, and it was noted
that in very large classes with a concentrated final exam it is almost
impossible to meet the deadline in the length of time allowed. Suggestion was
made that the appropriate Senate committee look into this problem. R. Heath
replied that the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies is presently
considering this problem. A number of alternatives such as adding an extra
day for examinations and considering day sections the same as evening
sections to allow the exam schedule to flow are among those being
investigated.
40
In reply to an inquiry about the earlier discussion concerning policy
procedure for scholarship students, the Chair indicated that the Senate Policy
Committee on Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries will bring forward a
proposal to Senate which, if accepted, will be added as a further condition of
S.M. 05/06/89
Page 10
the new grade notation.
Question was called on the motion, as amended
and a vote taken.
?
MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED
6.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
7.
NOTICES OF MOTION
There were no notices of motion.
8.
INFORMATION
The date of next regularly scheduled meeting of Senate is Monday, July 10,
1989.
The Assembly moved directly into Closed Session at 6:40 p.m.
W.R. Heath
Registrar and Secretary of Senate
.
0