DRAFT UNTIL APPROVED BY SENATE

Minutes of a meeting of the Senate of Simon Fraser University held on

Monday, April 2, 2007 at 7:00 pm in Room 3210 WMC

Present:

Stevenson, Michael, President and Chair

Breden, Felix

Copeland, Lynn

Corbett, Kitty

Dagenais, Diane

Dickinson, Peter

Driver, Jon

Easton, Stephen

Fizzell, Maureen

Fox, Sasha (Graham)

Francis, June

Gencay, Ramo

Gordon, Irene

Gordon, Robert

Harder, Derrick

Haunerland, Norbert

Hayes, Michael

Honda, Barry

Jones, John (representing B. Lewis)

LaBrie, John

Liljedabl, Peter

MacLean, David

Percival, Cohn

Percival, Paul

Peters, Joseph

Pierce, John

Pinto, Mario

Plischke, Michael

Russell, Robert

Schellenberg, Betty

Shaker, Paul

Shermer, Thomas

Smart Carolyne

Vaid, Bhuvinder

van Baarsen, Amanda

Warner, D'Arcy

Waterhouse, John

Weeks, Daniel

Williams, Peter

Open Session

Absent:

Black, Sam

Brennand, Tracy

Caufield, Sarah

Delgrande, John

Dunnet, Margo

Ester, Martin

Gregory, Titus

Javed, Waseem

Joifres, Michel

Kelly, Vanessa

Krane, Bill

Lewis, Glyn

Li, Wei

Louie, Brandt

MacKenzie, Christine

McArthur, James

Rebman, Rachelle

Smith, Don

Zandvliet, David

In attendance:

Branda, Neil

Campbell, Stephen

Dench, Sarah

Egan, Kieran

Golnaraghi, Farid

Hatala, Marek

Moore, Donna

Osborne, Judith

Saif, Mehrdad

Ross, Kate, Registrar and Senior Director, Student Enrolment

Watt, Alison, Director, University Secretariat

Grant, Bobbie, Recording Secretary

S.M. 2 April 2007

Page 2

Approval of the Agenda

The Agenda was approved as distributed.

Approval of the Minutes of the Open Session of March

2007

The Minutes were approved as distributed.

Business Arisin

from the Minutes

There was no business arising from the Minutes.

Report of the Chair

The Chair reported that Federal funding for post secondary education continues to

improve. In addition to the continuance of existing Federal programs related to the

Innovation Agenda, funding has been slightly improved to granting councils and new

improvements have been made to graduate scholarship funding. In addition, the Federal

Government has promised $800 million in transfer payments for post secondary education

in the next year's budget.

The Chair reiterated statements made at the last meeting. Although financial resources

from Provincial and Federal sources have improved, the funding formula still does not

include inflation considerations and, when taken together with declining enrolment and

retention rates, the University's budget remains in a certain amount of difficulty.

Question Period

R. Gencay had submitted questions pertaining to the issue of attracting and retaining Phi)

students, and making SFU more competitive in the process.

In response to his question as to why SFU did not make multi-year contract offers to PhD

students, Senate was informed that many SFU departments do make multi-year funding

guarantees. SFU has a fairly decentralized system wherein departments have access to

graduate fellowships, TA/TM positions, as well as faculty research grants, all of which can

be combined to make multi-year offers.

With respect to a second question about the timing of entrance scholarships, R. Gençay

expressed his view that decisions for these scholarships were not made early enough, thus

putting SFU at a competitive disadvantage with other institutions. Senate was advised that

entrance scholarships are currently centrally administered and the timing of the decision

was based on a compromise established several years ago. Discussions were underway

with Graduate Studies staff and Graduate Program Chairs about the necessity of moving

this date earlier, thus requiring departments to move their admissions process earlier.

Alternatively, this process could be decentralized and entrance scholarship funds allocated

directly to departments on a formula basis, thus allowing departments to use the funds to

make improved admission offers. The downside of a decentralized system was that the

funds would have to be distributed evenly across the University, which did not necessarily

guarantee funding would go to the best students. Because the current practice was causing

problems and therefore required change, these proposals would likely be brought forward

to the Senate Policy Committee on Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries for consideration.

In addition, the Provincial Government has asked universities to describe how they will

use the new Provincial Scholarship program funding. SFU intends to link those new funds

to the Entrance Scholarship program, thereby increasing the amount of a scholarship,

which will then provide departments more flexibility to offer multi-year awards.

S.M. 2 April 2007

Page 3

A further question was raised by R. Gencay with respect to teaching assistantships. It was

his impression from talking to graduate students that their workload was too heavy and did

not allow sufficient time for their research. The Dean of Graduate Studies pointed out that

departments administer teaching assistantships, and if there are concerns about workload,

departmental chairs should closely monitor the number of hours students are being

required to work to make sure they conform to the collective agreement and to ensure that

students are not penalized if they bring concerns to the attention of their supervisor. In

addition, graduate students also have the option of raising issues with their Union (TSSU).

Reports of Committees

Senate Committee on Universit

Priorities

Paper

.07-5

Bachelor of Applied

Science in Mechatronic S

stems Engineering

(Major, Honors, and Minor)

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by J. Peters

"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the

proposal for a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechatronic Systems

Engineering (Major, Honors, and Minor) offered by the Faculty of

Applied Sciences"

•

F. Golnaraghi and M. Saif, School of Engineering Science, were in attendance to respond

to questions.

Brief discussion took place with respect to the proposed start date of September 2007.

Senate was advised that the first year of this program depended heavily on courses already

in existence. Advertisement and recruitment for the program, contingent on its approval,

was underway and there would be no problem offering it for Fall should approval be

granted. ?

The question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

ii)

Paper S.07-53 - Nanomed Canada Research Network

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by S. Easton

"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors, the

creation of the Nanomed Canada Research Network (NANOMED

Canada) as a Schedule B Centre reporting to the Vice President Research"

N. Branda, Department of Chemistry, was in attendance to respond to questions.

In response to a question concerning how ongoing funding would be developed, Senate

was advised that all avenues within the University (Advancement Office, Vice-President

Research, etc) would be looked at. Expectations were that a minimum level of funding,

•

approximately $30,000 per year, would be needed for the administration of the Centre.

Brief discussion followed with respect to salary funding and how future directors would be

named. Senate was advised that some positions, such as the network manager, would not

S.M. 2 April 2007

Page 4

be filled until funding was in place and that a general committee would carry out the

responsibilities in the meantime. Dr. Branda indicated that he assumed the appointment of

a future Director would be made in accordance with Policy R40.01.

The question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

iii)

Paper S

.07-54

- Centre for Ima

ginative

Education

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by P. Shaker

"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the

creation of the Centre for Imaginative Education as a Schedule B Centre"

K. Egan, Faculty of Education, was in attendance in order to respond to questions.

In response to an inquiry about why SCUP

changed

the

original proposal from a Schedule

A Centre to a Schedule B Centre, Senate was advised that it was because of the number of

members from outside of the Faculty of Education.

It was noted that there were no regular members of the Centre identified and a question

arose about why the group of people listed on page 8 were identified as Associate

members. Senate was advised that this was a way to distinguish members who would be

actively involved in running the Centre from those who would be less involved.

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

iv)

Paper

S.07-55 -

David Wheeler Institute for Research in Mathematics Education

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by B. Vaid

"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the

creation of the David Wheeler Institute for Research in Mathematics

Education as a Schedule A Centre within the Faculty of Education"

S. Campbell, Faculty of Education, was in attendance in order to respond to questions.

Brief discussion ensued with respect to the

Statement of Purpose

on page 4 of the

document.

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

Paper

S.07-56 -

LoIm Foundation Chair in Business Administration— Terms of

Reference

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by M. Fizzell

"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the terms

of reference for the Lohn Foundation Chair in Business Administration"

An inquiry was raised as to why this Chair was specifically tied to the Dean's position.

Senate was advised by the Vice-President, Academic that many Faculties of Business, in

S.M. 2 April 2007

Page

Canada and internationally, offer chaired appointments in conjunction with an appointment

•

for a Deanship so this was not unique to SFU. In addition, the Chair was created in

recognition that some support would help meet the market conditions with respect to salary

levels for senior leaders in Business Administration.

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

vi)

Paper S

.07-57 -

BC Leadership

Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience in Child Health

and Development

- Terms of Reference

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by J. Pierce

"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the terms

of reference for the BC Leadership Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience in

Child Health and Development"

D. Weeks, Senator, Department of Psychology was in attendance in order to respond to

questions.

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

vii)

Paper

S.07-58 -

Three Year Academic Plan 2007-2010

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by S. Easton

"that Senate approve the Three Year Academic Plan for 2007-2010"

J. Waterhouse, Senator and Vice-President, Academic was in attendance in order to

respond to questions.

In response to an inquiry about the term 'Weekend University' on page 13 of the

document, Senate was advised that this is a concept name being used at this point to

develop a program in Continuing Studies that would provide opportunities for adult

students to return to the University and earn degree credit by taking courses on weekends

and on some evenings.

Reference was made to statements on page 10 with respect to enrolment growth and

inquiry was made as to whether there were any contingency plans in place should these

targets not be met. Senators were reminded that this was a planning document and

although it was necessary to have some broad direction for long term planning,

adjustments would be made based on actual enrolment experience.

Reference was made to Goal 10 on page 20 with respect to succession planning. A

suggestion was made that courses such as training sessions on Administrative Justice

should be included in this section since courses of this nature were valuable in assisting

faculty when considering administrative roles in their careers. The Vice-President

Academic stated he would take the suggestion under advisement and pointed out that there

are additional programs already established by Academic Relations to assist faculty in

• ? administrative roles.

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

S.M. 2 April 2007

Page 6

B) ?

Senate Committee on Enrolment Mana

gement and Planning

i) ?

Paper

S.07-59 -

SFU Under graduate

Enrolment Plan 2007-2008

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by S. Easton

"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the

2007/08 enrolment plan as laid out in the document entitled,

Simon Fraser

University Undergraduate Enrolment Plan, March 14, 2007"

J. Heslop, Acting Director, Analytical Studies was in attendance in order to respond to

questions.

Reference was made to Table 6p on page

and concern was expressed about the unequal

distribution of international students across Faculties. It was pointed out that the target for

international students was established at 10%, yet international students represented almost

19% of enrolment in Business Administration. Questions arose as to how such a high

concentration of international students in one Faculty benefited the experience of domestic

students within the University, and whether such a high proportion of students whose first

language was not English had any impact on faculty workload issues. Senate was advised

that the senior administration was aware that Business Administration had a higher

proportion of international students than a number of other units on campus, and ways of

managing international student enrolment more effectively were under review. The Vice-

President Academic advised that he was not aware that the international student population

posed a heavier workload on faculty members and felt that the proportion of domestic

students having some difficulty was not dramatically different from the proportion of

international students having difficulty. It was pointed out, however, that the University

has established a number of different mechanisms to assist faculty members and students

in such areas as Foundations of Academic Literacy and the Student Learning Commons.

Brief discussion turned to the issue of retention rates for international students versus

domestic students. Senate was advised that the retention rate for international students in

the first year was somewhat lower, but thereafter the retention rates for all students were

similar.

In response to an inquiry about DTO target enrolments, Senate was advised that since they

had not been met, they were intentionally not included in this year's plan but it was still

the University's expectation to meet the targets over the long term.

A question was posed about enrolment targets in Health Sciences and Senate was advised

that international student enrolment was expected to grow with the total enrolment for

Health Sciences but was expected to be maintained at the same proportion across all

Faculties.

The Vice President Academic reiterated that the targets were simply planning devices and

as enrolment experience developed over the next several semesters, adjustments would

have to be made.

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED ?

S.M. 2 April 2007

Page 7

ii) ?

Paper S.07-60 - Undergraduate

Admission Tar

ets 2007-2008

Motion 1

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by S. Easton

"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the

Domestic undergraduate admission targets for each Faculty, by semester

and basis of admission category as indicated in Table 1, and that SCEMP

be delegated authority to make adjustments based on actual enrolment

experience in Summer (1074) and Fall (1077)"

J. Heslop, Acting Director, Analytical Studies was in attendance in order to respond to

questions.

An inquiry was made as to whether there was any information on retention rates by

Faculty. Senate was advised that data for Faculties, including data on those required to

withdraw for academic reasons, was available on the web site of Analytical Studies.

Although specific data could not be recalled, Senate was advised that the highest retention

rate was in the Faculty of Business Administration, the lowest in the Faculty of Science.

An opinion was expressed that the considerable effort invested by Business in student

engagement activities such as clubs and interaction between students, faculty and staff

resulted in increased retention rates.

Brief discussion took place with respect to the entrance GPA in relation to meeting the

enrolment targets. Senate was advised that in all Faculties except Business Administration,

. ?

the minimum GPA has been lowered from 80% to

75%

and the guaranteed admission from

colleges through transfer is likely to decrease from

2.5

to 2.

Reference was made to page

Appendix A with respect to the proposed solutions to

anticipated shortfalls, and a concern was expressed about the proposed 1% increase in

student credit load. It was pointed out that due to higher tuition costs, the trend is for

students to decrease credit loads per semester simply because they can not afford to

maintain full time studies. In answer, it was pointed out that the 1% increase in student

credit load represented less than 1 credit increase, on average, per student. J. Heslop also

noted that if more course spaces were available, students might take more courses. It was

stressed that the proposed enrolment targets were not contingent on the assumption that

student credit loads would increase.

Reference was made to Tables 1 and 2 and a question was raised as to why there was such

a discrepancy in admission numbers for Business Administration for BC 12 and BC

College students. Senate was advised that the same grade point average for admission

applied to both groups; the Spring semester was not a large intake semester for BC 12

students; and since Business had overshot its targets in the current academic year, SCEMP

decided to cut back numbers gradually in Business for the next academic year. An opinion

was expressed that it appeared that the cutbacks were being made to domestic students and

an inquiry was made as to why there was still a large number of international student

admissions allotted for the Spring semester. Since this information was not readily

available, the Vice-President Academic advised he would follow up with a response.

It was noted that a shortfall in meeting enrolment targets and declining retention rates and

enrolment standards would have a serious academic and financial impact on the

S.M. 2 April 2007

Page 8

University. A question was raised as to what would happen in the event of a serious

shortfall. Senate was advised that if the University failed to attract and retain the planned

number of students, budget cuts would become necessary since SFU cannot carry a deficit.

A general discussion took place with respect to the Government-set enrolment targets.

Senate was advised that arguments have been made to allow an increase in graduate

student numbers to be substituted

for

some of the undergraduate enrolment targets that

have been set. However, the Chair expressed opinion that if there were severe problems

across the whole of the post-secondary system in meeting the objectives of the

Accessibility Agenda, the Government might have to adjust its targets.

Question was called, and a vote taken. ?

MOTION 1 CARRIED

Motion 2

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by S. Easton

"that Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors the

International undergraduate admission targets for each Faculty and each

semester as indicated in Table 2, and that SCEMP be delegated authority

to make adjustments based on actual enrolment experience in Summer

(1074) and Fall (1077)"

At the time Senate approved the ]BT contract with Fraser International College, a concern

was raised that the University's infrastructure with respect to international students would

diminish. Senate was advised at that time that SFU's infrastructure would continue to grow

and, in the event that the contract with FIC was not continued, SF0 would be able to take

over this responsibility. An update on SF0' s activities in this area was requested. It was

pointed out that SF0 has signed a number of agreements with agents who are providing

well-qualified international students and significant effort is being focused on retention

and transition issues related to international students. In addition, the whole issue of

enrolment growth and retention, both domestic and international, is under consideration

and work is being done in many areas to improve the overall student experience at SFU.

Question was called, and a vote taken. ?

MOTION 2 CARRIED

C) ?

Senate Committee on Under

graduate Studies

i) ?

Paper S.07-61 - Revision to Hi

h School Admission Reufrements

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by M. Fizzell

"that Senate approve changes to the undergraduate admissions

requirements as follows:

SFU's requirements for admission of students from high school will be

changed from five to four courses: English 12 and three (3) additional

examinable courses

SF0 will harmonize the English Language Requirement and the Literacy

Requirement as the 'English Language and Literacy Requirement'

These changes would be effective for admission of students in Fall, 2007"

S.M. 2 April 2007

Page 9

S. Dench, Director, University Curriculum and Institutional Liaison, and D. Moore,

Associate Director, Admissions, were in attendance in order to respond to questions.

By way of background information, Senate was advised that the proposed revision was an

attempt to streamline the admission process and make it easier for students to understand

exactly what is required.

An opinion was expressed that reducing requirements from five courses to four, actually

made it more difficult for students to access the University because of this narrowed

requirement. Senators were reminded that modeling had shown that students with the four

course model would probably have a lower admissions GPA because the

5th

course had

frequently elevated students' admission GPA.

It was noted that all of the required courses for admission were examinable courses and a

concern was expressed that SFU was still requiring students to sit the provincial exams. It

was pointed out that many other institutions, especially in Ontario, have dropped this

requirement and opinion was expressed that this placed SFU at a disadvantage. Senate was

advised that this issue was currently under discussion and that the Registrar and Senior

Director of Student Enrolment was in close contact with UBC in this regard. Universities

in BC are investigating this issue and have agreed to share information.

A concern was also expressed about the timing of September 2007 for this change to take

effect. It was pointed out that many students may have already selected the courses which

they wish to use to get into SRI and they will have insufficient opportunity to respond to

this change. Senate was advised that for Fall 2007, if a student is admissible under either

model (five course model or the proposed four course model) they will be admitted.

Reference was made to the proposed harmonization of the English Language and Literacy

Requirement. It was noted that recent media coverage had revealed that some high school

students have gone to international and other recognized institutions to take their English

12 or equivalent courses in order to increase their grades in these courses. A concern was

expressed that students might be able to work around the proposed wording to inflate their

grades, thus appearing to have English language competency and literacy. Senate was

advised that most students with English as a second or additional language use IELTS or

TOEFL, which are the preferred mechanisms for admission.

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

ii) ?

Paper S.07-62 - Revisions to B.C. Universit

Transfer

Senate was advised that minor editorial corrections were required to the motion as it

appeared on the paper distributed to Senate. The corrections (insertion of the word 'credit',

and deletion of the word 'of) are reflected in the following motion.

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by S. Easton

"that Senate approve changes to the criteria for B.C. University Transfer

students to read as follows:

• From: Applicants in good standing at other recognized universities may

be admitted on completion of at least one full year (30 credit hours) of

transferable work with a minimum 60% (2.0) average.

S.M. 2 April 2007

Page 10

To: Applicants in good standing at other recognized universities may be

admitted on completion of at least 24 credit hours of transferable work

with a minimum 60% (2.0) average"

D. Moore, Associate Director of Admissions, was in attendance in order to respond to

questions.

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

iii)

Paper S.07-63 - Revision to the Minimum Admission Requirements for all

Faculties

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by I. Gordon

"that Senate approve the change in Minimum Admission Requirements

for all Faculties to read as follows: The minimum admission average will

vary depending on the number of applications received, and on spaces

available. The minimum is determined by the respective Faculty."

D. Moore, Associate Director of Admissions, was in attendance in order to respond to

questions.

An inquiry was made as to why the specified minimum of 67% was being removed from

the requirement. Senate was advised that some Faculties were not admitting students

whose grade point average was above 67% even though they had not met their enrolment

targets, and it was felt that the University was at risk for complaint by students who,

according to the Calendar, met the Calendar admission requirement of 67% but not the

requirement set by the Faculty.

A suggestion to amend the motion was accepted. The last sentence would read 'The

minimum will be determined by the respective Faculty

but in no case will be less than

67%."

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED

iv)

Paper S.07-64

- Curriculum Revisions - Faculty

of Applied Sciences (For

Information)

Senate received information that the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies, acting

under delegated authority, approved new courses, the deletion of courses, and minor

changes to existing programs and courses in the following areas: Interactive Arts and

Technology, Computing Science, Communication, Engineering Science, and Kinesiology.

Paper S.07-65 - Curriculum Revisions - Facult

of Business Administration (For

Information)

Senate received information that the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies, acting

under delegated authority, approved changes to the requirements of the Marketing and

MIS concentrations in the Faculty of Business Administration.

S.M. 2 April 2007

Page 11

. ? vi) ?

Paper S.07-66 - Curriculum Revisions - Faculty of Education (For Information)

Senate received information that the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies, acting

under delegated authority, approved W and B-Sc designations to existing courses in the

Faculty of Education.

vii) ?

Pa p

er S.07-67 - Curriculum Revisions - Facult

of Science (For Information)

Senate received information that the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies, acting

under delegated authority, approved changes to the requirements of the Cohort Science

Programs at Surrey, the Management and Systems Science program at Surrey, and the

General Science Program.

Senate Committee on A

genda and Rules

Paper S.07-68 - Draft Conflict of Interest Polic

y (For Information)

J. Osborne, Vice-President Legal Affairs, was in attendance in order to respond to

questions.

The draft Conflict of Interest Policy was received by Senate for information.

Senate A

eals Board

i) ?

Paper S.07-69 - Annual Re

p ort (For Information)

S ?

P. Liljedahl, Senator and Chair of the Senate Appeals Board, was in attendance in order to

respond to questions.

The Annual Report of the Senate Appeals Board for 2006 was received by Senate for

information.

Senate Committee on International Activities

i) ?

Paper S.07-70 - Annual Re

ort (For Information)

J. Driver, Senator and Chair of SCIA, was in attendance in order to respond to questions.

The Annual Report of the Senate Committee on International Activities, including a report

from the International Student Exchange Committee (ISEC), was received by Senate for

information.

Senate Graduate Studies Committee

i) ?

Paper S.07-71 - Curriculum Changes - Faculty of Health Sciences (For

Information)

Senate received information that the Senate Graduate Studies Committee, acting under

delegated authority, approved minor changes to the Master of Science program in

Population and Public Health including a change of title and description for PPH 887.

S.M. 2 April 2007

Page 12

ii) ?

Paper S.07-72 - Curriculum Revisions - Facult

y of Education (For Information)

Senate received information that the Senate Graduate Studies Committee, acting under

delegated authority, approved changes to the Counselling Psychology Program, including

new courses and minor changes to existing courses.

On behalf of the Department of Psychology, D. Weeks wished to acknowledge the co-

operation and collegial approach of the Faculty of Education in working with the

Psychology Department to bring forward these changes which address important issues of

perception between Counselling Psychology and Clinical Psychology.

7. ?

Other Business

There was no other business.

Information

The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting of Senate is Monday, May 14, 2007.

The Open Session adjourned at 9:10 pm and Senate moved directly into Closed Session.

Alison Watt

Director, University Secretariat