DRAFT UNTIL APPROVED BY SENATE

. ?

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SENATE OF SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY HELD

ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1 • 1993 KLAUS RIECKHOFF HALL, 7:00 P.M.

OPEN SESSION

Present: ?

Stubbs, JO., Chair

Alderson, E.

Absent: ?

Barrow, A.

Amason, K. ?

Dhir, R.

Bacani,J.

Eaton, C.

Beanie, S.

Etherington, L

Blaney, J.

Giflen, K.

Boland, L

Ingram, E.

Bowman, M.

Jespersen, J.

Bullock, D.

LeMare, L.

Carlson, A.

McAskiII, I.

Cavers, J.

Segal, J.

Chunn, D.

Soheili, A.

Ciria, A.

Waite, K.

Clayman,B.

Warsh,M

Crawford, C.

Wideen, M.

D'Auria, J.

Dill, L.

Dobb, T.

Driver, J.

Dunsterville, V.

Hater, L

Heinrich, K.

HoetIich, K.

Hoegg, J.L.

Irwin, J.C.

Jahn, R.

Lord, T.

•

Luk, W.S.

Marteniuk, A.

In attendance: Heath, N.

Mauser, G.

Reilly, N.

McInnes, D.

McKeown, B.

Mezei, K.

Morrison, T.

Munro, J.

Naet, B.

Osborne, J.

Palmer, E.

Palmer, L

Percival, P.

Pint ield, L.

Shapiro, S.

Stewart, M.L.

Swartz, N.

Wade, S.

Wickstrom, N.

Winne, P.

Wotherspoon, A.

Wrenn, P.

Heath, W.R., Secretary

Grant, B., Recording Secretary

S.M. 01/11/93

Page 2

On behalf of Senate, the Chair welcomed Ms. D. Mclnnes and Ms. B. Naef,

Order-In-Council Appointments to the Senate.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

The Agenda was approved as distributed.

2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE OPEN SESSION OF SEPTEMBER 20.

1993

The Minutes were approved as distributed.

;1 FiI[cL;t.Ji I

I1dE[Iii

University Planning

As a follow-up to his report in Closed Session at the last meeting, the

Chair wished to comment in the Open Session'On the planning process for the

University. He indicated that since his arrival

SFU he had familiarized himself

with the University. He continued to seek advice from the University community

as to how to proceed in the future. He felt it was very important for the University

to initiate planning, especially in times of fiscal constraints when decisions will

have to be made with respect to the allocation of limited funds. He also felt it was

important to revisit the assumptions made in the Challenge 2001 document in

order to bring it up-to-date, and that, it was. necessary to pull together some of the

documents, issues and proposals which the University has generated over the

past period of time to see how they all fit together, and to provide some sense of

what future opportunities are available to the University within the current

financial picture

order to retain control of the direction that the University wants

a partial

take. Although

focus on

some

planning,

existing

the

committees

Chair felt that

such

some

type

SCAP

and

committee

SCUB deal

with

its

membership to be drawn from the whole-

University community could be

established to focus on the planning process for the institution as a whole. He

also indicated that the idea of forming task forces to focus on particular issues

which needed careful examination was also attractive. The Chair reiterated that

no matter what format was initiated, a planning process has to be developed

fairly soon and it was his wish that it be an open and consultative process that

draws on the expertise and experience within the University.

^01;1015 

9 01 - 

AWN 1491 s 

o rm Im 

Ministry of Skills. Training and Labour

The Chair reported that although there had been no correspondence from

the new Ministry, he had met with several civil servants and it was his belief that

there would be no major changes in dealing with the Government at the

bureaucratic level. In his opinion, the Government is still in transition trying to

settle into the new structure and determine how it will operate and what its

priorities will be. The Government appears to be very committed to eliminating

the deficit and, since the university receives a major portion of its funding from

them, this is of very significant concern as it appears that most of that reduction

will be achieved through cut-backs There also appears to be a very strong focus

by the Government on skills training and meeting the current needs of the

S.M.O1/11/93

Page 3

economy so it is very important to persuade the Ministry that universities are in

fact very much part of the answer to those things.

ii) On behalf of the University, the Chair extended congratulations to

Professors Grubel and McWhinney, both successful candidates in the recent

Federal election.

D-

Paper S.93-45 - Elections

The following are the results of elections conducted at Senate for

membership on the following Senate committees:

SENATE APPEALS BOARD ?

- - --

One Faculty Senator

to replace P. Winne from date of election for no specified

term of office.

Elected by acclamation: Lucy LeMare

SENATE UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS BOARD (SUAB)

Two Student SenatOrs and One Student Senator Alternate

to replace T.

Morrison, S. Wade, and K. Hoeflich for one-year terms of office, from October 1,

• ?

1993 to September 30, 1994.

Balloting at the last meeting resulted in the election of T. Lord as a Regular

member, and in a tied vote between the next two candidates - D. Bullock and R.

Dhir. A run-off election was therefore necessary to determine the second

Regular member and the Alternate member.

Elected: ?

R. Dhir (Regular)

D. Bullock (Alternate)

I) ?

Paper S.93-52 - Annual Report (For Information)

Reference was made to the statistics in the Appendix and concern was

expressed about the unevenness in the reporting of departmental data. The

value of having this type of information in the report was also questioned. Senate

was advised that whatever is reported by departments is included in the report

but because departments determine what kinds of information they wish to

provide, an unevenness does exist in the report. J.L. Hoegg, Chair of SCCS,

advised Senate that the Committee would be pleased to receive Senate's advice

in terms of how to better obtain and report this information. Senate was also

advised that this information was required for Statistics Canada, and just

recently, requested by the Provincial Government since there appears to be an

increasing interest in looking at programs that particularly respond to the

economy.

S.M.O1/11/93

Page 4

Within the report itself, it was noted that regular evening program courses are

grouped in with a' wide range of other activities so that it. was difficult to

understand what the total figures actually represent. Suggestion was made that

it would be much more informative

if regular evening courses could be broken

down in terms of what proportion of a unit's course offerings are taught in the

evening and what proportions are represented by Department and by Faculty.

The Chair informed Senate that SCAR has recommended that the Chair, the

Registrar, and the Dean of Continuing Studies meet in

order to discuss the

concerns of Senate

with regard to the report and its content.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC PLANNING

Paper S.93-53 - Report -

Senate Committee on International Students

The Chair informed Senate that in order to facilitate more open debate on

this issue, SCAR has recommended that Sehàtè reconstitute itself as a

committee of the whole. The Chair also indicated that prior to moving into a

committee of the whole, after a motion is formally put on the table, he would

invite J. Munro, as Chair of SCAP and S. Shapiro, as Chairóf SCIS to give a

brief presentation. . The Chair.also advised that since there is

an assumption that

the Chair would have a particular position on the issue

under discussion' and

therefore might be

in a conflict of interest, it is normal for the Chair to step down

And' have someone else ,chair the debate'. However, since the Chair has not

been personally involved with this specific issue befOre Senate, it might not be

germane but he wished to bring it to Senate's attention,at this point. .

Moved by L. Boland, seconded by S. Wade

' ?

. ..'.

"that the rule requiring the Chair to step down if, Senate

moves into

a committee of the whole be suspended to 'allow him 'to remain in

the Chair"

Question was called, and a vote taken.

.1 MOTION CARRIED

Moved by J. Munro, seconded by S. Wade.

"that Senate approve the-following principles: ., "

..,

that the presence on campus of international students from the

widest possible spectrum of countries enriches, campus' life and

contributes to international understanding and frienship .and

should therefore be encouraged

that in order to attract internatio

nal students 'of the highest

calibre and to make a meaningful contribution to economic

development, a scholarship, program for 'international

undergraduate students is desirable, particularly for students

from countries which have bee

n underrepresented at Simon

Fraser University

S.M. 01/11/93

Page 5

C) that in order for the University to fulfill its obligations to Canadian

society and the local community, the accessibility needs of

domestic students must be recognized as placing limitations on

the number Of international students who can be accepted, and

that the maximum percentage of new international students

admitted to the University should be reduced from the present

Note: the current level of admissions of international

undergraduate students is 5.2%, the total number of

international students is 5.7%, and the ten-year average (83/84

to 92/93 for new admissions is 5.9%

d) that tuition fees for international undergraduate students should

reflect the operating costs of the University and should be

greater for international students than for domestic students"

- Disdus -

sion ensuecclabout whtrr flbtthtin1 itdë td-cover lFfUr - - - - -

principles or whether each principle would be voted on separately. Senate was

informed that there was one motion on the floor containing four principles.

A motion by N. Wickstrom, seconded by R. Jahn that each issue be dealt with ad

seriatim was deferred until debate as committee of the whole took place.

J. Munro and S. Shapiro were asked by the Chair to provide brief presentations.

. J. Munro explained that SCAP preferred to deal with these issues at the level of

principle rather than at the level of detail. He advised Senate that the issue of

admission of international students in limited enrolment programs is still under

consideration by SCAP and that SCAP will be consulting with Departments and

Faculties as regards to the SCIS recommendation that a 10% limit for

international students be applied to all limited enrolment programs.

S. Shapiro drew Senate's attention to the three reports from SCIS - a majority

report and two minority reports - which he felt reflected the complexity of the

issue and the diversity of opinions within the Committee. He explained that

although there were differences of opinion, the Committee felt it was essential to

putforward the set of recommendations which spell out the practices which SCIS

felt should be followed. As Chair of the Committee, he wished to thank all of its

members for their hard work and participation in this committee.

N. Heath and N. Reilly, members of SCIS, were seated.

Moved by A. Wotherspoon, seconded by S. Wade

"that Senate move into a committee of the whole"

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

•

The committee of the whole dissolved, and discussion followed on the motion in

the report.

S.M.

01/11/93

Page 6

Moved by N. Wickstrom, seconded by

Jahn

"that the four principles be voted on

adsenatim"

Question was called, and a vote taken.

Principle A

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

PRINCIPLE A CARRIED

Principle B

There appeared to be general agreement to.this principle but concerns were

raised about the feasibility and practicality of implementation; Discussion ensued

about present regulations and forms of support available to international

students, and possible ways to recruit students from a variety of countries.

Question was called, and a vote taken.

PRINCIPLE B CARRIED

Principle C

In response to a request for clarification with respect to the second line under the

Note, Senate was advised that all of the data in the paper refers to

undergraduate students, and there was no objection to inserting the word

undergraduate in the Note.

Senate was also advised that if this motion passes, nothing will change until

SCAP comes back with a specific recommendation for Senate approval.

Opinion was expressed that a set of principles should guide decision-making and

reflect things that are in agreement for all time and suggestion was made that it

was not appropriate to have specific recommendations such as the 7% quota

which may change from time to time included in a statement of principle.

Amendment moved by L. Boland, seconded by .S. Wade

"that the following tOw be deleted: "and that the maximum

percentage of new international students admitted to the University

should be reduced from the present 7%""

Question was called, and a vote taken.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

Opinion was expressed that since the future of this country, and particularly this

province is tied to the Pacific Rim, adoption of this principle sends out the wrong

message.

The need for this particular resolution was questioned since it appears that the

total percentage of visa students seems to have decreased over the last decade.

It was pointed out that even though the figures have been moving down slowly,

SFU still maintains levels of foreign. students at three to four times the norm at

other Universities.

- ?

1-'

S.M.O1/11/93

Page 7

Opinion was also expressed that in voting down this recommendation, the

message being sent to the community was that the access needs of domestic

students not be recognized by placing limits on the number of visa students to be

accepted, and it was felt that this was not a desirable public policy.

Discussion briefly turned to admission practices at other universities.

Question was called, and a vote taken. PRINCIPLE C, AS AMENDED, CARRIED

Principle D

Senate was reminded that adoption of this principle should be understood to be a

recommendation to the Board of Governors since the power to set tuition fees

does not fall under the jurisdiction of Senate.

-- -- - - In response-to-an inquiryastoihe-Intentotthe- motion

- Se natewaslnformedthaf

the first part of the motion stating that tuition fees should reflect the operating

costs of the university is true for all students, and that the second part merely

states that fees should be higher for international students than for domestic

students but does not imply that full-cost recovery should be applied.

Question was called, and a vote taken.

PRINCIPLE D CARRIED

Moved by P. Percival, seconded by L. Palmer

"a further principle that concentration of international undergraduate

students in a few programs is considered undesirable and that

SCAP be directed to produce a policy which sets a percentage limit

on international student enrolment that applies equally to each and

every program"

Although he was aware that

SCAP is presently looking at this issue, P. Percival

indicated that he wished to see it included as a statement of principle.

J. Munro informed Senate that the University is currently a defendant in a Human

Rights Council action on exactly this policy

and he felt it would be unwise for

Senate to pass this principle without first seeking legal advice.

SCAP will still

deal with the recommendations made by SCIS about program level quotas but

before a proposal comes back to Senate it would be better to have a sense of

what the consequences of adopting this principle might be.

A suggestion to delete the second part of the motion dealing with the directive to

SCAP which would then turn the motion into a statement of principle only, was

accepted as a friendly amendment.

Moved by A. Wotherspoon, seconded by G. Mauser

"that the motion, as amended, be tabled so the University can

obtain legal opinion of the possible effects"

0 ?

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION TO TABLE CARRIED

S.M. 01/11/93

Page 8

OTHER BUSINESS

Ubrary

A. Jahn advised Senate that 1500 signatures had been collected opposing

the Library cutback in hours.

Secretary's Note: The package containing the signatures has been forwarded to

the Chair of the Senate Library Committee.

ii)

Computing Services

Referring to the recent proposal to implement charges for computing

services, P. Percival expressed opinion that since computer access by students

using assignment labs is considered as part of instruction, he felt that the

proposal had considerable impact on the academic policy of the University.

Traditionally the University has used modern methods of instruction and

encouraged the use of computers to educate students, and he felt that Senate

should have an opportunity to consider this issue. Following a suggestion that

this matter be referred to SCAR, P. Percival undertook to bring a motion to

SCAR for consideration. The Chair indicated that no action will be taken on this

report until SCAR has considered the motion.

iii)

Student Services Fee

Referring to an inquiry from L. Palmer as to whether the student health

services budget had been increased as a result of the institution of a new student

services fee, the Chair indicated he would look into the matter.

7. ?

INFORMATION

The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting of Senate is Monday,

December 6, 1993.

The Assembly recessed briefly at 8:50 p.m. prior to moving into Closed Session.

W.R. Heath

Secretary of Senate