DRAFT UNTIL APPROVED
BY SENATE
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SENATE OF SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY HELD
S
ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1990 KLAUS RIECKHOFF HALL, 7:00 P.M.
OPEN SESSION
Present: ?
Saywell, W., Chair
Bedford, B.
?
Absent:
Barrow, A.
Blackman, R.
Bowman, M.
Blaney, J.
Carlson, R.
Brown, R.
Covell, M.
Bukovac, S.
D'Auria, J.
Cercone, N.
Delgrande, J.
Clayman, B.
Djwa, S.
Di Fonzo, A.
Dobb, T.
Dill, L.
Hoechsmann, M.
Duguid, S.
Maaske, R.
Evenden, L.
Nielsen, V.
George, D.
Pinfield, L.
Gibbons, N.
Radii, M.
Giffen, K.
Rieckhoff, K.
Gray, P.
Shannon, D.
Heinrich, K.
Strate, G.
Hendrickson, T.
Tjosvold, D.
Hoegg, J.L.
Walker, R.
Jones, C.
Leiss, W.
Warsh, M.
Luk, W.S.
Menzies, A.
Mauser,G.
Munro, D.
Munro, J.
Myers, T.
Palmer, E.
Palmer, L.
Percival, P.
Rae, B.
Reich, K.
Reilly, N.
Saunders, R.
Shapiro, S.
Stewart, M.L.
Swartz, N.
Tuinman, J.
Verdun-Jones, S.
Wade, S.
Winne, P.
Heath, W.R., Secretary
Grant, B., Recording Secretary
1.
2.
S.M.05/ll/90
Page
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The Agenda was approved as distributed.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE OPEN SESSION OF OCTOBER 1. 190Q
The Minutes were approved as distributed.
r:I
A. Blackman provided the following information in response to inquiries made at the
last meeting:
a)
The $3,000 supplement provided by the University to major graduate scholarship
holders is called a Special Graduate Research Fellowship. Funding for the
supplement comes from a block grant given by the Provincial Government to the
University which devotes some of the grant to enhancing funds for graduate
students. Because the money is part of a block grant, there are problems
showing it as part of the budget of the Dean of Graduate Studies and that is the
reason why it does not appear in the report.
b)
With regard to the differential increases approved for various graduate
fellowships and stipends, an explicit decision was made to focus on the
enhancement of entrance scholarships in order to attract good graduate students.
It was also pointed out that there was a relatively small number of entrance
scholarships, approximately 25, as compared to a much larger number of
graduate fellowships and stipends.
1BfIT
In response to concerns expressed about the ratio between faculty and
administrative positions, J. Munro drew Senate's attention to the fact that neither
category had increased at the same rate as enrolment growth and he felt that was a
more important focus of concern than the ratio between the two categories. A brief
general discussion followed.
iii) Engineering Science PhD Status Report
The following courses had been questioned, and as a result of a request by Senate
for consultation between the Department of Mathematics and the School of
Engineering Science, D. George reported on their status as follows:
ENSC801/ENSC 802: These courses replace ENSC 800 which has been
offered for approximately six years. The splitting of ENSC 800 into 801/802
happened coincidentally with the PhD program being presented to Senate. They
are in fact basic preparatory courses. Because mathematics is the language in that
area of Engineering the course descriptions may read similar to Math courses but
they are in fact Engineering Science courses.
ENSC 863: There is a related course in the Department of Mathematics and
Statistics - MATH 447 - which deals with error correcting codes but ENSC 863 deals
with the application of these codes in communication systems and related matters
and they are sufficiently different as to not interfere with each other. However,
Engineering Science will be putting forward a revised Calendar description and title
3.
S.M. 05/11/90
Page 3
for this course to clarify how the course stands in relationship to courses that might
have similar titles.
ENSC 883: This is a standard electrical engineering science course which can be
found in Math Departments with an orientation in that area. However, the
Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Simon Fraser does not have research in
this regard and so it appropriately is handled on the Engineering side.
ENSC 888: This is a standard course in mechanical engineering taught at both
the undergraduate and graduate level and does not duplicate any course in the
Department of Mathematics & Statistics.
D. George advised that discussions are continuing in the hope that a joint proposal for a
series of new courses which will be mathematical in nature but specifically tailored to be
of interest to graduate students in Engineering Science may emerge in the next annual
cycle of curriculum changes.
A suggestion to request that Senate direct the two departments to have a response in this
regard prepared by a specific date was deemed inappropriate by the Chair. However, the
Chair, on behalf of Senate, expressed the wish that if there was going to be a joint
initiative that it be done in a co-operative spirit and as quickly as possible.
4.
?
REPORT OF THE CHAIR
i) ?
On behalf of Senate, the Chair welcomed the following new Senator to the
meeting: B. Bedford, Faculty of Applied Sciences.
- ii) Senate was reminded that this was National Co-op Education Week and was
informed that Simon Fraser University was now the second largest Co-op school in
Canada with Co-op placements at approximately 1,500 per year. Co-op Education
now covers all Faculties and has expanded into the graduate area as well.
Congratulations were extended by the Chair on behalf of Senate to all those
associated with this very successful initiative at Simon Fraser University.
iii)
Senate was informed that the AUCC Commission established to look into the
quality of university education in Canada would be in Vancouver this week to hold
hearings in this area. The Chair advised that time constraints had not allowed
sufficient time to put together a University position on this matter so he would be
presenting a personal presentation to them which he hoped would find a broad
consensus of support in the University. He indicated his presentation would
address access and quality, and the link between the two, the issue of funding, and
some of the distinctive and interesting things Simon Fraser University has done in
terms of the educational experience.
iv)
Congratulations were extended to everyone associated with the 25th Anniversary
celebrations All functions, including the first Fall Convocation, proved to be very
successful.
• ?
v) ?
Paper S.90-46 - Annual Financial Statement
R. Ward, Acting Vice-President Finance was in attendance as a resource person.
Following a brief discussion during which A. Ward responded to questions, the
Annual Financial Statement of the University was received by Senate for information.
S.M. 05/11/90
Page 4
El
b
?
1iT1Tii1tiiUIi.iisiniIii:
The following are the results of elections to the undernoted Senate Committees:
Senate Committee on Continuing Studies (SCCS)
One Faculty Senator to fill an existing vacancy for term of office from date of election to
September 30, 1992.
Elected by acclamation:
?
M. Bowman
Senate Library Committee (SLC)/Library Penalties Appeal Committee (LPAC)
One Student Senator (Alternate) to fill an existing vacancy for term of office from date of
election to September 30, 1991.
Elected by acclamation ?
A. Di Fonzo
One Student Senator (Alternate) to fill an existing vacancy for term of office form date of
election to September 30, 1991.
Elected by acclamation:
?
S. Wade
Senate Undergraduate Admissions Board (SUAB)
One Student Senator to reDlace T. M
y
ers for balance term of office, from date of election
to September 30, 1991.
Elected by acclamation: ?
S. Bukovac
One Student Senator (Alternate) to fill an existing vacancy for term of office from date of
election to September 30, 1991.
Elected by acclamation: ?
S. Wade
Senate Committee on Honorary Degrees (SCHD)
One Student Senator to replace C. Green for no specified term of office. This election was
conducted by mail ballot with the results as follows:
Total valid ballots: 38
Individual candidates: S. Bukovac, K. Giffen, S. Wade
Individual receiving the highest number of
votes and declared elected: ?
S. Wade
Moved by J. Munro, seconded by J. Tuinman
"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of
Governors, as set forth in S.90-48, the following enrolment
limitations for the Summer 91-2 semester:
A target of 800 new students including:
5.
S.M. 05/11/90
Page 5
B.C. Grade 12 ?
50
B.C. College Transfer
?
300
Other Categories
?
450
and further, that SCAP be delegated authority to adjust
these targets based on the enrolment experience in the
Spring 1991-1 Semester, and consistent with the
University's commitment to the Access funding program"
Amendment moved by L. Palmer, seconded by E. Palmer
"that the GPA requirement for B.C. Grade 12 students
should be set at 2.75"
L. Palmer expressed opinion that based on the projections of the original motion it was
possible the GPA required for entry of B.C. Grade 12 students might go well above 2.75.
He was concerned that students who might do very well at the university would in fact be
excluded by the increase in GPA.
J. Munro informed Senate that setting the GPA at 2.75 for the summer would probably
make very little difference to the targets because of the relatively few Grade 12 students
available for summer admission. However, in the Fall, because of the large numbers
involved, the University has to be guided by the quota and not the GPA. If, for instance, an
additional 400 students were admitted because of the 2.75 GPA standard, this would
have a serious impact on some extremely sensitive areas in the University.
Concern was expressed that the amendment would set a precedent and that it would be
inappropriate for Senate to approve a precedent setting recommendation without being
more fully informed on the matter.
In reply to some confusion surrounding what semesters were covered by the motion, J.
Munro confirmed that the motion for approval by Senate related to the SUmmer 91-2
semester only, this being the first semester of the 91-92 admissions year. Spring 91-1 is
part of the current admission year and adjustments had to be made in order to meet the
90-91 enrolment targets approved by Senate last February. As explained at the October
meeting, revisions to the targets had to be determined prior to this meeting because the
admission process for the Spring semester was already well underway. It was pointed
out that the revised targets would allow the University to meet the overall FTE enrolment
target for 90-91 previously approved by Senate. For 91-2, the target is the best estimate
on a possible registration given experience from previous summer semesters.
Discussion continued with regard to the rational for the revised figures and the impact of
the proposed amendment, following which the mover and seconder agreed to withdraw
the amendment.
Question was called on the original motion,
and a vote taken. ?
ORIGINAL MOTION CARRIED
b)
?
Paper S.90-49 - Enrolment History - New Admissions
In reply to an inquiry as to why the number of mature students had declined over the past
decade, N. Heath, Director of Admissions, expressed opinion that the rise in B.C. college
S.M.05/11/90
Page 6
transfers and the relative drop in mature students is believed to be an off-setting rend. He
explained that this belief was based on two reasons. Firstly, the college system has
expanded considerably over the past several years making lower cost post-secondary
education available to mature students, not only in the Lower Mainland but also
throughout the Province; and secondly, the Registrar's Office has been actively
encouraging mature students who may not have fully developed academic skills to begin
their studies at the college level.
Opinion was expressed that should there be a reduction in funding from Victoria, the
University will have to modify its admission targets to parallel funding and inquiry was
made as to what planning had been done in this regard. J. Munro advised that the
planning done so far was based on a different scenario. However, if there were major
changes in budget allocations, enrolment planning/admission targets would have to be
reconsidered.
J. Munro informed Senate that his purpose in presenting this report to Senate was to try to
get an indication of the concerns of Senate with respect to the changes in admission
categories over time. He explained that , as Chair of SCEMP, he needed to be able to
direct the focus of that committee and he welcomed any suggestions or comments from
Senators in this regard.
iii) ?
Graduate Studies Committee/Senate Committee on Academic Planning
Paper S.90-50 - Master of Publishing
Moved by J. Munro, seconded by B. Bedford
"that Senate approve and recommend approval to the Board of
Governors, as set forth in S.90-50, the proposed Master of Publishing
Program, including the following new courses:
CMNS 670-4
Topics in Publishing Management
CMNS 671-4
Editorial Theory and Practice
CMNS 672-4
Design and Production Control in Publishing
CMNS 677-4
Directed Studies
CMNS 678-4
Contemporary Issues Seminar
CMNS 679-8
Publishing Internship
CMNS 870-5
Text and Control
CMNS 871-4
History of Publishing
CMNS 872-4
Technology and the Evolving Form of Publishing"
R. Lorimer was in attendance as a resource person.
It was pointed out that demand for the Publishing Minor had already exceeded available
resources and concern was expressed that sufficient resources would not be available to
support the graduate program or to support completion of the minor program which is
needed to enter the Masters program. J. Munro pointed out that this program, if approved,
will be reviewed along with a number of other new graduate programs previously
approved by Senate, at the December meeting of SCAP when implementation of new
programs will be considered. If implementation is to take place, the necessary resources
will have to be found either within the Faculty of Applied Sciences or from the University
at-large.
S.M. 05/11/90
Page 7
In reply to an inquiry as to the meaning of 'demonstrated familiarity with the publishing
industry', R. Lonmer indicated that it is hoped that the majority of students entering this
program will have had some employment within the publishing industry or taken the
undergraduate publishing minor. However, it will also be possible for students without
this background to be admitted to the program by doing qualifying work from some
aspects of the Minor program.
Referring to page 24, under the section titled Admission Requirements, B. Clayman
pointed out that an editorial change had been made by SCAP which was not reflected in
the paper and requested that the first sentence be deleted and replaced with the normal
university graduate admission requirements.
Question was called, and a vote taken.
?
MOTION CARRIED
Following a very brief discussion, the Annual Report of the Senate Committee on
Continuing Studies was received by Senate for information.
v) ?
Senate Undergraduate Admissions Board
a) ?
Paper S.90-52 - BCCAT Draft Principles and Guidelines
?
Moved by A. Saunders, seconded by R. Blackman
"that the Draft Principles and Guidelines, prepared by the B.C.
Council on Admissions and Transfer, and as amended by the
Senate Undergraduate Admissions Board in Document SUAB
198 (Revised), be approved by Senate and forwarded to the
Council as requested"
N. Heath, Director of Admissions, was in attendance as a resource person.
R. Saunders provided brief background information by explaining that the original
document has provided a framework for the transfer of students and the articulation of
credit within the Province for the past fourteen years. Revisions have been proposed by
the B.C. Council on Admissions and Transfer and forwarded to the three B.C. public post-
secondary institutions for consideration. The Senate Undergraduate Admissions Board
reviewed the proposed revisions and has recommended amendments which are now
before Senate to approve and send back to the Council.
Referring to the first amendment by SUAB with regard to deletion of the student mobility
clause, opinion was expressed that this clause was an attempt to compensate for the
problem, of accessibility in B.C. It was pointed out that many of the post-secondary
institutions are concentrated in the Lower Mainland and there should be more sensitivity
to people living outside the Lower Mainland who need the college system in order to
acquire post-secondary education at a lower cost within their own community prior to
transferring to an institute in the Lower Mainland.
ier two universities, A. Saunders
?
very similar in nature to SFU's and ?
which the Colleges wish to see
.
S.M. 05/11/90
Page 8
In reply to an inquiry about responses from the oti
reported that responses from both UBC and UVic are
that UBC has also rejected Principle #9, a principlE
adopted.
Question was raised as to procedure should BCCAT not accept the amendments made by
the universities. A. Saunders advised that he could not provide exact procedural
information at this time but felt that because the Council would be receiving various
amendments to the document, it was possible that Senate would see a revised version at
some future point.
Question was called, and a vote taken. ?
MOTION CARRIED
•i1iT1
!Tiit*i
I'1uIt(.]H&t.i!f.1tLI1.1iIIII1li
An oral report containing the following statistical information with regard to current space
and outlining in general terms the proposed capital plan for the next five years was
received by Senate for information:
Capital Plan:
I) West Mall Complex - Located west of the Library and north of the Gym. Scheduled for
completion in 1993. Approximately 135,000 net assignable square feet and will
contain the Faculty of Business Administration, Department of Economics, School of
Criminology, Continuing Studies with DISC. Will contain policy rooms, lecture
theatres, laboratories, student amenity space, and food services. Released space
would be the entire 7th floor of the Library which would be used for Collections and
student study space.
ii) Student residence of 500 beds with a subsidy for part of structure and rents paying the
mortgage. Will contain 100 bachelor units and 400 townhouse units.
iii)
Student Services Building - Centrally located. Scheduled for completion in 1994. The
building would unite all student services into one convenient location.
iv)
Instructional facility - Scheduled for completion in 1995. Approximately 60,000 net
assignable square feet..
v) Contemporary Arts Building - Scheduled for completion in 1995. Approximately
60,000 assignable square feet.
Buildings Underway
i) East Academic Annex - Located on the ring road across from B Lot. Scheduled to be
completed in Summer 1991. Approximately 13,000 net assignable square feet and
will house six 25-seat classrooms, 54 offices and a dance floor.
ii) Shrum Teaching Complex - Scheduled for completion in Spring 1992. Approximately
20,000 net assignable square feet with 16 25-seat classrooms, 54 offices, and some
lab space.
iii)
East Lecture Theatre Annex - Located in the area of the cherry orchard. Scheduled for
completion Spring 1992. Has one 163 seat lecture theatre, one 234 seat lecture
theatre, and one 258 seat lecture theatre.
iv)
South Science Building - Replacement for the present trailers. Scheduled for
completion in 1993. Will contain 50 offices, one 25-seat classroom and one 45-seat
classroom.
S.M. 05/11/90
Page
Current Shortfalls in Space
Requirements
The following percentages
for each category are
based on current space shortages
(89/90) with projections for
92/93 and 94/95; based on a formula for space adopted in
Ontario universities.
89/90
92/93
94/95
a) Classrooms
47%
31%
11%
b) Undergraduate Labs
06%
03%
02%
C)
Research Labs
37%
22%
29%
d) Offices
18%
20%
05%
e) Library
42%
56%
37%
Q ?
Food Services
37%
43%
30%
g) Student Space
48%
50%
51%
h) Athletic/Recreation
43%
58%
67%
I) ?
Maintenance
76%
94%
105%
In reply to several inquiries, A. Saunders agreed that the 105% was an incorrect amount.
It was based on a formula adopted by the Ontario university system, but it does not reflect
the mode of operation at SFU. He also noted that the projections were based on the
projected increases associated with the tenure of the Access Program. Should there be
major changes in these projections, the percentages would be modified.
A general discussion followed in which the lack of student amenity space at Simon Fraser
University was raised. In response to inquiry about the shortfall in the maintenance area
. and whether there was any concern for physical safety on campus, the Chair pointed out
that the University has to meet all regulatory requirements and is constantly monitored by
various safety officials in this regard.
Senate was reminded that capital planning was not "funded" projects but part of the plan
presented to Government each year. However, it was pointed out that the University was
on the verge of acquiring design money for the West Mall Complex.
7.
Notices of Motion
There were no notices of motion.
8.
Information
The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting of Senate is Monday, December 3,
1990.
The Assembly briefly recessed at 8:40 p.m. prior to moving into Closed Session.
W. R. Heath
Secretary of Senate
0