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DRAFT UNTIL APPROVED BY SENATE
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SENATE OF SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY HELD
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ON MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1994 KLAUS RIECKHOFF HALL, 7:00 P.M. ?
OPEN SESSION
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Present:
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Stubbs, J.O., Chair
Alderson, E.
Amason, K.
Bacani, J.
Beattie, S.
Blaney, J.
Boland, L.
Bullock, D.
Chan, K.
Ciria, A.
Clayman, B.
Crawford, C.
Dean, C.
Dhir, R.
Dill, L.
Dobb, T.
Dunsterville, V.
Eaton, C.
Einstein, D.
Ethenngton, L.
Giffen, K.
Hafer, L.
Henirich, K.
Hoeflich, K.
Jones, C.
Lord, T.
Luk, W.S.
Marteniuk, A.
Mathewes, R.
McInnes, D.
Meredith, L. (representing S. Shapiro)
Morrison, T.
Mueller, B.
Munro, J.
Naef, B.
Osborne, J.
Palmer, E.
Percival, P.
Pinfield, L.
Rawicz, A.
Sanghera, B.
Swartz, N.
Winne, P.
Wu, S.
Heath, W.R., Secretary
Grant, B., Recording Secretary
Absent: Barrow, R.
Chunn, D.
Driver, J.
LeMare, J.
Mauser, G.
McAskill, I.
Perry, T.
Segal, J.
Stewart, M.L.
Warsh, M.
Wickstrom, N.
Wideen, M.
In attendance:
Lorimer, A.
E
S.M. 06/06/94
Page 2
On behalf of Senate, the Chair welcomed newly elected Senators, K. Chan, D.
Einstein, A. Mathewes, T. Perry, A. Rawicz, and S. Wu to the meeting and
extended congratulations to those Senators who had been re-elected and were
starting new terms of office.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The Agenda was approved as distributed.
2.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE OPEN SESSION OF MAY 16. 1994
The Minutes were approved as distributed.
3.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
There was no business arising from the Minutes.
4.
REPORT OF THE CHAIR
On behalf of the University, the Chair wished to thank and express his
appreciation to everyone for their participation and contributions to the June
Convocation ceremonies. He acknowledged that there had been changes in the
ceremonies this year and that a number of comments had been received in this
respect. He indicated his intent to open up a discussion on Convocation, and
anyone having any issues or suggestions regarding changes to or suggestions
about certain features of the ceremony was invited to pass their ideas along to
the President.
5.
a) SENATE
REPORT
NOMINATING
OF COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE
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0
i) ?
Paper S.94-25 - Elections
The following are the results of elections conducted at Senate:-
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ACADEMICPLANNING (SCAP)/SENATE
COMMITTEE ON
UNIVERSITY BUDGET (SCUB)
One Senator
(at-large) to replace J. D'Auria for balance term of office, from date
of election to September 30, 1994.
Candidates: C. Crawford, L. Hafer, P. Percival
Elected:
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L. Hafer
One Student Senator to replace S. Wade for balance term of office, from date of
election to September 30, 1994.
Candidates: K. Chan, D. Einstein,
S.
Wu
Elected:
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D. Einstein
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA AND RULES (SCAR)
Two Senators (at-large) to replace S.
Wade and L. Boland for balance terms of
office, from date of election to September 30, 1994.
Candidates: J. Driver, D. Einstein,
K. Hoeflich
Elected:
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J. Driver
K. Hoeflich
S.M. 06/06/94
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1
SENATE COMMITTEE ON CONTINUING STUDIES (SCCS
Two Faculty Senators to replace J. Cavers and J. D'Auria for balance terms of
office, from date of election to September 30, 1994.
Elected by acclamation:
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C. Crawford
L. Hater
One Student Senator (Alternate) to replace S. Wade for balance term of office,
from date of election to September 30, 1994.
Candidates: J. Bacani, T. Morrison
Elected: ?
J. Bacani
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HONORARY DEGREES (SCHD)
One Student Senator to replace S. Wade from date of election for no specified
term of office.
Candidates: J. Bacani, R. Dhir, D. Einstein
Elected:
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J. Bacani
SENATE LIBRARY COMMITTEE (SLC)/LIBRARY PENALTIES APPEAL
COMMITTEE (LPAC
One Student Senator Alternate to replace R. Jahn for balance term of office, from
.
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date of election to September 30, 1994.
Candidates: K. Chan, S. Wu
Elected:
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S. Wu
SENATE NOMINATING COMMITTEE (SNC)
One Senator (at-large) to replace K. Mezei for balance term of office, from date of
election to September 30, 1994.
Candidates: R. Dhir, K. Giffen
Elected:
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R. Dhir
SENATE APPEALS BOARD (SAB)
One Faculty Senator to replace L. LeMare for term of office from July 1, 1994 to
October 31, 1994.
Elected by acclamation: ?
R. Mathewes
SENATE UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS BOARD (SUAB)
One Senator (at-large) to replace L. Palmer for balance term of office, from date
of election to September 30, 1994.
Candidates: K. Chan, C. Crawford
Elected:
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C. Crawford
S.M. 06/06/94
Page 4
ELECTORAL STANDING COMMITTEE (ESC) ?
0
One Senator (at-large) to replace J. D'Auria from date of election for no specified
term of office.
Elected by acclamation:
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P. Percival
VICE-CHAIR OF SENATE
One Senator (at-large) to replace M. Bowman as Vice-Chair of Senate for term of
office from date of election to May 31, 1995. The Vice-Chair of Senate also
becomes an ex-officio member of the Senate Committee on Agenda and Rules.
Elected by acclamation: ?
L.
Boland
b) SENATE COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC PLANNING/SENATE GRADUATE
STUDIES COMMITTEE
i) ?
Paper S.94-42 - Faculty of Education - Graduate Curriculum Revisions
Moved by
J. Munro, seconded by J. Blaney
"that Senate approve and recommend approval to the Board of
Governors the curriculum revisions for the Faculty of Education as
set forth
in S.94-42 as
follows:
i)
Credit change from three hours to five hours for EDUC 874
ii) Varied credit hours for Special Topics Courses, EDUC 710-714
and EDUC 720-724"
Concern was expressed about setting a precedent by allowing variable credit. It
was noted, however, that while this was
a change at the
graduate level, the
practice is in use at the undergraduate level.
Question was called and a vote taken.
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MOTION CARRIED
Senate received information that acting under delegated authority of Senate, the
Senate Graduate Studies Committee approved prerequisite changes for EDUC
873-5, 871-5, 867-5, and 863-5.
ii)
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Paper S.94-43 - Discontinuance of graduate programs in Languages and
Linguistics
Moved by J. Munro, seconded by B. Clayman
"that Senate approve and recommend approval to the Board of
Governors, as set forth
in S.94-43, the discontinuance of the
following programs that formerly resided in the Program in
Languages and Linguistics:
Master of Arts - Teaching of French
S.M. 06/06/94
Page 5
Ph.D - French
M.A. - Spanish
Ph.D - Spanish"
Question was called, and a vote taken. ?
MOTION CARRIED
iii)
Paper S.94-44 - Proposed Master of Publishing Program
Moved by J. Munro, seconded by B. Clayman
"that Senate approve and recommend approval to the Board of
Governors, as set forth in S.94-28, the proposed Master of
Publishing Program"
R. Lorimer, Director, Canadian Centre for Studies in Publishing, was in
attendance in order to respond to questions..
Senate was provided with background information as to why the program was
being relocated from the Faculty of Applied Sciences to the Faculty of Arts and
why the proposal had been returned for further consideration by Senate.
Concerns were expressed about the cost of offering this program, and a lengthy
discussion took place about what effect implementation of such a program would
have on the academic quality of existing programs, particularly in light of the
current financial circumstances facing the University.
Discussion ensued about how decisions are made with respect to the
implementation of new programs, and Senate was provided with information
about the process. Concern was expressed that Senate had no input into the
procedure and was not informed about the outcome of deliberations.
N. Swartz
indicated his intent to forward a motion to SCAR for consideration with regard to
the issue of procedure as he felt it would be desirable for Senate to be better
informed and have some further input in the process.
Question was called, and a vote taken.
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'MOTION FAILED
(15 in favour, 19 opposed)
iv)
Paper S.94-45 - SCIMO Report Recommendations
Motion #1:
Moved by J. Munro, seconded by K. Giffen
"that Senate approve the following recommendations from SCIMO
1.1. That Departments should plan required course offerings six semesters in
advance, publish complete information on course offerings and instructors
three semesters in advance in the Registration Handbook, and adhere to
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the University's policy of publishing course outlines two weeks before the
start of telephone registration. (SCIMO recommendation 3)
S.M. 06/06/94
Page
1.2 That the University should ensure that the balanced commitment to
teaching and research required of tenure-track faculty is properly reflected
in the evaluation of performance in contract renewal, tenure, promotion
and in the performance reviews for salary increases. Departmental
Tenure Committees, Deans and the University Tenure Committee should
ensure that appropriate weight in the evaluation is given to teaching and
teaching-related activities, such as graduate student supervision. (8)
1.3 All faculty starting their academic careers are expected to participate in
general and discipline-specific seminars and workshops on teaching and
teaching-related activities to be co-ordinated by the Centre for University
Teaching. These workshops and seminars should be given each fall
semester and the teaching assignments for new faculty should be
scheduled to allow full participation in such a course. (10)
1.4 All new faculty should be given a teaching assignment below the
department norm during their first year, but no new faculty member should
be assigned less than half the normal teaching assignment during his/her
first year. (11)
1.5 The University should provide the instructors of large classes with support
in the form of workshops to assist in developing skills for large class
instruction, appropriate administrative assistance and workload
recognition. (15)
1.6 The Centre for University Teaching should develop a program which could
be adapted to varying departmental needs to assist in the training of TAs.
Faculty members should be encouraged to use tutorials more effectively
and should actively participate in the training of Task. (16)
1.7 The University should assess the effectiveness of its programs by
surveying students in progress, students who have graduated, and
students who have left the institution without graduating, as well as
employers, to ensure that the University is fulfilling its mandate to provide
quality education which is the foundation for a highly skilled population.
The Office of Analytical Studies should be the coordinating office for
surveys of former students; units interested in surveying students who
have graduated should consult with Analytical Studies prior to undertaking
a survey, and survey results should be returned to that office. (30)
1.8 SCIMO recommended that its mandate as an ad hoc committee should be
taken up by a new standing Senate Committee on University Teaching
and Learning. (32)
Proposed Terms of Reference: Senate Committee on University Teaching
and Learning
Standing Committee reporting to Senate annually in May.
Purpose:
1. To assist departments in the development of methods of evaluating
teaching.
2. To develop new standard teaching survey instruments and to develop
a policy regarding the regular use of teaching surveys by all course
instructors.
3. To undertake a periodic review of the programs of awards given for
excellent teaching in the University.
S.M. 06/06/94
Page
• 4. To receive periodic reports on programs developed and delivered by
the Centre for University Teaching and to provide advice on future
activities of the Centre.
5.
To assist Departments and Faculties in implementing new teaching
technologies and methods.
6.
To support the ongoing examination of all learning methods in order to
continue to improve the University's instructional quality and cost
effectiveness.
Membership:
Chair
Elected by Senate
2 year term
4 Faculty Members
Elected by Senate
2 year term
(staggered initially)
1 Graduate Student
Elected by Senate
1 year term
1 Undergraduate Student
Elected by Senate
1 year term
Director, Centre for
Secretary (Voting)
University Teaching
(This incorporates SCIMO recommendations 6,7,9,19 and 32)"
Senate was reminded that the purpose of the paper before Senate was to report
on the disposition of the SCIMO report recommendations. Motion one contained
recommendations requiring consideration by Senate, while motion two reported
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on the disposition of the other SCIMO recommendations.
Concerns were expressed about the vagueness of the wording in certain sections
of the document, and a lengthy discussion ensued with respect to clarification of
the wording and intent of various sections under motion #1, particularly with
respect to Items 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.8 sub-section 2. It was noted that with
the exception of 1.8, all items contained in motion one were statements of
principle and provided an opportunity for Senate to express its views on these
matters. In response to concerns expressed that the wording in some of the
items might conflict with current University policies with respect to tenure,
promotion, contract renewal, and faculty workload, Senate was assured that the
paper before Senate does not change existing policy but merely reinforces such
policy statements.
Amendment moved by N. Swartz, seconded by P. Percival
"that the Item 1.2 be changed as follows:
That the University should ensure that the balanced commitment to
teaching and research required of tenure-track faculty is properly
reflected in the evaluation of performance in contract renewal,
tenure, promotion, eligibility for sabbatical leave,
and in the
performance reviews for salary increases......
It was noted that the existing sabbatical leave policy is silent on the issue of a
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balanced commitment to teaching and research, and concern was expressed that
it might be unwise to pass such an amendment without knowing what the
S.M. 06/06/94
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implication would be on the policy. However, it was pointed out that since these
items are merely statements of principle, the policy would not be formally
changed and there would be no harm in having Senate express its opinion on
this matter.
Question was called on the amendment,
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AMENDMENT FAILED
and a vote taken. ?
(18 in favour, 21 opposed)
Amendment moved by P. Percival, seconded by A. Rawicz
"that Item 2.36 under Motion #2 be deleted and added to Motion #1
as follows:
1.9
Every senior academic administrator (Dean and above)
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should teach a course at least once every two years"
Question was called on the amendment,
and a vote taken.
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AMENDMENT CARRIED
Amendment moved by N. Swartz, seconded by C. Eaton
"that Item 1.8, sub-section 2 be deleted"
Considerable discussion took place with regard to evaluation of teaching, and
concerns were expressed about the use of teaching surveys as a primary means
of evaluation, and about the lack of a provision to encourage new methods and
experimentation in teaching. It was pointed out that SCIMO recognized that
course surveys were not the only method of evaluation and Senators were
referred to pages 12-13 of the SCIMO report. It was also noted that Item 1.8,
sub-section 2 was included because of concerns about the nature of course
survey questionnaires currently in use at the present time, and that while it could
be incorporated within the more general statement under 1.8, sub-section 1, it
was felt important enough to warrant a separate recommendation. With respect
to the exploration of new methods of teaching, Senate was advised that the
President has established a task force on instructional technology and academic
computing which will be addressing such issues.
Question was called on the amendment,
and a vote taken.
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AMENDMENT FAILED
Amendment moved by R. Mathewes, seconded by K. Hoeflich
"that the word 'required' be deleted from Item 1.1
as follows:
That Departments should plan
required
course offerings six
semesters in advance......
Opinion was expressed that it was of particular importance for the offering of
required courses to be planned in advance as a matter of fulfilling the University's
obligation to students. On the other hand, departments are not precluded from
planning all course offerings and are encouraged to do so.
Question was called on the amendment,
and a vote taken.
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AMENDMENT FAILED
.
S.M. 06/06/94
Page 9
Amendment moved by R. Mathewes, seconded by A. Rawicz
"that the word 'expected' be changed to 'strongly encouraged' in
Item 1.3 as follows:
All faculty starting their academic careers are
strongly encouraged
to participate in general and discipline-specific seminars and
workshops .....
'I
Question was called on the amendment,
and a vote taken.
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AMENDMENT FAILED
Concerns were expressed about the increased use of sessional instructors to
teach courses, and clarification was requested as to whether or not sessional
instructors were also expected to participate in the seminars and workshops on
teaching. It was noted that while this particular recommendation would not
prevent sessional instructors from participating, it was focused towards faculty
members.
Amendment moved by P. Winne, seconded by K. Hoeflich
"that the following be added as Item 1.8.7 under Motion #1:
1.8.7 To explore means by which sessional instructors might be
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supported and guided in providing effective teaching"
Question was called on the amendment,
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AMENDMENT CARRIED
and a vote taken. ?
(22 in favour, 7 opposed)
QUESTION WAS CALLED ON THE MAIN
?
MAIN MOTION AS
MOTION, AS AMENDED, AND A VOTE TAKEN. ?
AMENDED CARRIED
Motion #2
Moved by J. Munro, seconded by J. Bacani
"that Senate receive recommendations
as outlined in 2.1, 2.2, 2.3,
2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 and 2.8
for information"
Reference was made to 2.2.2 and opinion expressed that while the suggestions
are certainly worthwhile sentiments, they are not possible to implement in the
current financial atmosphere.
Clarification was requested as to the status of the recommendations outlined in
motion #2, and Senate was informed that the recommendations have no formal
status at the present time but are being referred to various constituencies within
the University for consideration.
Referring to 2.3.2, opinion was expressed that the wording of this paragraph
implied that teaching was not a scholarly activity, and it was suggested that the
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wording be revised in some way so as not to exclude teaching from that definition
of activity. Reference was also made to 2.3.4 with regard to responsibilities of
S.M. 06/06/94
Page 10
faculty members, and it was suggested that the wording of the fourth item be
revised to take into account administrative participation at the University level as
well as contributions at the departmental level.
Question was called, and a vote taken.
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MOTION CARRIED
C)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA AND RULES
i)
?
Paper S.94-46 - Change of Membership - SCAP. SCCS, SLC
Moved by L. Boland, seconded by P. Percival
"that Senate approve the membership changes to SCAP, SCCS,
and SLC as detailed in S.94-46"
Question was called, and a vote taken. ?
MOTION CARRIED
SENATE COMMITTEE ON UNIVERSITY BUDGET
i)
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Paper S.94-47 - Report - For Information
Senate was provided with a brief summary of the process leading up to the report
being presented for information. Senate was informed that it was SCUB's hope
to have more openness between the Committee and the university community in
terms of the budget, the development of the budget, and input from the university
community at-large.
Discussion ensued with respect to non-recurring/recurring budget transfers, the
innovation funding announced by the Ministry, and the budget process in general.
K. Heinrich, Chair of the Senate Committee on University Budget extended
thanks to all of those who provided the Committee with responses and hoped
that next year more people will take an active role in the process.
6
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OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
7. ?
INFORMATION
The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting of Senate is Monday, July 4,
1994.
The Assembly moved directly into Closed Session at 9:45 p.m.
W.R. Heath
Secretary of Senate
C
