S ?

DRAFT UNTIL APPROVED BY SENATE

Minutes of a Meeting of the Senate of Simon Fraser University held on?

Monday, October 15, 2007 at

5:30

pm in Room 3210 WMC?

Open Session

Present:

Stevenson, Michael, President and Chair of Senate

Abduiwahab, Kamal

Black, Sam

Brennand, Tracy

Collinge, Joan (representing J. LaBrie)

Copeland, Lynn

Corbett, Kitty

Dagenais, Diane

Dickinson, Peter

Driver, Jon

Easton, Stephen

Fizzell, Maureen

Fox, Amy

Francis, June

Gordon, Robert

Harder, Derrick

Harding, Kevin

Hayes, Michael

Hemingway, Alex

Krane, Bill

Laba, Martin

Lee, Benjamin

Letourneau, Michael

Lewis, Brian

Li, Paul

Liljedahl, Peter

Malcoe, Lorraine Halinka

O'Neil, John

Percival, Cohn

Percival, Paul

Perry, Tom (representing L. Cormack)

Peters, Joseph

Pinto, Mario

Plischke, Michael

Popadiuk, Natalee

Russell, Robert

Shaker, Paul

Shermer, Thomas

Smith, Don

Thompson, Steve

Tiffany, Evan

Tse, Karen

van Baarsen, Amanda

Wakkaiy, Ron

Waterhouse, John

Williams, Peter

Williams, Tony

Ross, Kate, Registrar and Senior Director, Student Enrolment

Watt, Alison, Director, University Secretariat

Grant, Bobbie, Recording Secretary

Absent:

Brebner, Sarah

Gencay, Ramo

Hannah, David

Javed, Waseem

Lein, Adam

Louie, Brandt

MacArthur, James

Vaid, Bhuvinder

In attendance:

Angerilli, Nello

Beale, Alison

Dench, Sarah

Hoffer, Andy

Laitsch, Dan

Marcuse, Judith

Murray, Catherine

Popowich, Fred

Snowber, Celeste

Vaughn, Rodney

S.M. 15 October 2007

Page 2

On behalf of the University, the Chair welcomed the following new members to Senate: Lorraine

Halinka Malcoe, Faculty member, Faculty of Health Sciences; Paul Li, Faculty member,

Department of Chemistry; and Benjamin Lee, Student representative, Faculty of Health Sciences.

Approval of the Agenda

The Agenda was approved as distributed.

Approval of the Minutes of the Op

en Session of September 17, 2007

The Minutes were approved as distributed.

Business Arising from the Minutes

M. Letourneau expressed thanks and appreciation to Senate for its approval of the

amnesty motion that accommodated students wishing to attend the Student Society

General Meeting. He reported that the meeting was able to achieve quorum and pass very

important business relating to the reorganization and operation of the Student Society.

Report of the Chair

Paper S.07-110 - President's Agenda (For Information)

Reference was made to the information concerning GPA levels for BC 12 for 2005 and

2006. In response to a request for the same information for 2007, the Chair stated that the

information could be provided later since the data was not immediately available.

Referring to a statement that indicates that the University wishes to increase

undergraduate course availability, an inquiry was made as to the University's plans in this

area. Senate was advised that approximately two years ago Senate passed motions

respecting a timetable that would provide for standard time slots for certain courses in

order to allow better planning for both students and departments. Due to technical

difficulties the timetable has not yet been implemented but work is continuing. Course

turnaway data has identified certain courses that students have a greater difficulty

accessing and the Deans are focussing on these courses in order to provide better access.

In addition, plans are to carry out a more detailed study of this issue with a specific

department that has volunteered to take part. In terms of enhanced planning, the potential

of enabling students to register for one, two or three semesters was being investigated.

It was noted that an occurring theme within the document was that of budgetary

concerns, issues of FTE grant funding, and the potential diversification of funding

through private sources. In response to an inquiry as to whether SFU supports a primarily

publicly funded post-secondary system, the Chair confirmed that the University

absolutely supported a primarily publicly funded system and that SFU remains

overwhelmingly publicly funded. Discussion followed in which the Chair briefly

summarized the ways in which the University advocates for public funding, including

meeting with various officials from the Provincial and Federal Governments, working

with the other BC universities to formulate submissions on post-secondary education

issues to various committees and levels of government, working with AUCC with respect

S.M. 15 October 2007

Page 3

. ?

to federal funding, and annual meetings between the executive of the University and

representatives from the Ministry of Advanced Education.

In response to a question with respect to whether or not there was a list of corporations

which have made donations to SFU, the Chair did not believe a list existed but explained

that the majority of donations come with terms of reference for endowments which are

approved by Senate or as gifts in support of capital plans publicly approved by the Board

of Governors. A list of donating corporations was requested.

Reference was made to page 6 concerning the proposed increase in graduate enrolments,

and an inquiry was made as to whether consideration had been given to enhanced

provision of daycare spaces at the various SFU campuses as a recruitment tool for

graduate students. The Chair reported that on the Burnaby campus, the University is

involved in negotiations with the Society that runs the Daycare Centre for the expansion

of daycare facilities covering both the expanded university population and the residents

of UniverCity. With respect to Surrey and Vancouver campuses since there is no SFU

resident population, SFU has not pursued a specific SFU provision of service.

Concern was expressed by a Student Senator that the creation and retention of student

space was not given priority, especially in light of the many complaints being received by

the Student Society with respect to loss of common rooms, and a couple of examples

were given. The Chair explained that he was not aware of a decrease in student space in

S ?

the current year and that several years ago when this issue arose, a review was undertaken

and it was determined at that time that there were very marginal adjustments in student

space. The University recognizes the importance of providing space to students and has

made a regular provision for the refitting of student spaces, lounges, and furnishing to

upgrade the quality of existing spaces. In addition, as new facilities come on-line student

space is built into the plans as much as possible. Active consultation and negotiation are

underway with the Student Society to create a strong strategic plan for improved facilities

including a possible student centre at SFU. The Chair suggested that complaints or

inquiries about specific reductions in student space should be forwarded to the Chair or to

the Associate Vice-President, Students and International.

Question Period

There were no questions.

6. ?

Reports of Committees

Senate Committee on University Priorities

i) ?

Paper S.07-111 - International Centre for Art and Social Change

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by P. Shaker

S.M. 15 October 2007

Page 4

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

creation of the International Centre for Art and Social Change as a

Schedule A Centre"

Snowber, Faculty of Education and J. Marcuse, Director of Judith Marcuse Projects

were in attendance in order to respond to questions.

An inquiry was made as to why the Centre was only associated with the Faculty of

Education and not a broader range of departments within the University,

including units

such as the School for Contemporary Arts and the School of Interactive Arts and

Technology. It was pointed out that the Faculty of Education was concerned with social

justice and had many faculty and graduate students already doing the type of work

envisioned for the Centre. However, expectations were that collaboration and dialogue

would take place with many other areas in the University and it was hoped that the Centre

would eventually become a nexus for participants from a variety of fields including

contemporary arts, health, justice, business etc.

It was noted that even though a Schedule A Centre allowed participation from a broad

range of participants, and the Dean can appoint external members, they would not be able

to be members of the Steering Committee. It was pointed out that the intent was simply to

get the Centre started and there was no intent to exclude.

There was general enthusiasm for the proposal and suggestion was made that the

governance procedure be relaxed with respect to membership. The Chair encouraged the

proponents of the Centre to actively include those interested outside the Faculty of

Education and asked the Dean of Education to make sure the adjustments are made.

On that understanding, the question was called, and a vote taken. MOTION CARRIED

It was suggested that the Senate committees scrutinizing Centres and Institutes should

review the material more closely in order to avoid debate of issues that should have been

dealt with at an earlier stage.

ii) ?

Paper S.07-112 - Centre for the Stud

of Educational Leadershi

and Policy

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by P. Shaker

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

creation of the Centre for the Study of Educational Leadership and Policy

as a Schedule A Centre"

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

The question was called, and a vote taken. ?

MOTION CARRIED

S.M.

15

October

2007

Page

5

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iii) ?

Paper

S.07-113 - 

Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by J. O'Neil

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

creation of the Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and

Addiction (CARMHA) as a Schedule A Centre"

Discussion ensued about the issue of core and affiliate categories of membership and the

procedure used by the Faculty for the appointment of Adjunct Professors. A concern was

expressed about the nature of the governance structure, such as the decision-making

power of the Director, which appeared to be contrary to principles of democratic

governance. The Chair suggested that perhaps a review of the governance language of the

proposal was in order.

The question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

iv)

Paper

S.07-114 - 

Centre for Policy Studies on Culture and Communities

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by W. Parkhouse

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

creation of the Centre for Policy Studies on Culture and Communities as a

Schedule A Centre"

A. Beale and C. Murray, School of Communication, were in attendance in order to

respond to questions.

A suggestion to amend point

3.1

on page 6 to insert 'at the most two Directors' was

accepted as a friendly amendment.

The question was called, and a vote taken. ?

MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED

Paper

S.07-115 - 

Sierra Wireless Professorships in Mobile Communication -

Terms of Reference

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by W. Parkhouse

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

reference for the Sierra Wireless Professorship in Mobile Communication"

R. Vaughn, School of Engineering Science, was available to respond to questions.

• ?

Brief discussion took place with respect to the guidelines for the naming of

professorships. A brief summary of the support and financial contributions that Sierra

S.M. 15 October 2007

Page 6

Wireless has given to SFU over the past five years was provided to Senate. In response to

a question concerning the number of professorships named after corporations, the Chair

indicated that the information was not immediately available but could be provided.

The question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

vi)

Paper S.07-116 - Centre for Disability Independence

Research and Education

Moved by J. Waterhouse,econded by D. Smith

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

creation of the Centre for Disability Independence Research and

Education as a Schedule B Centre"

A. Hoffer, School of Kinesiology, was available to respond to questions.

In response to a concern that the Centre appeared to focus only on people with physical

disabilities, Senate was advised that there was no intended exclusion and that the research

will address all unmet needs and disabilities. A suggestion was made that the wording be

modified to clarify the broader intent and the Chair asked Dr. Hoffer to make an

adjustment to recognize that point.

Question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

vii)

Pa p

er S.07-117 - Cognitive Science Minor Program, Faculty of Arts and Social

Sciences

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by T. Perry

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

Cognitive Science Minor Program in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences"

F. Popowich, Director, Cognitive Science Program, was in attendance in order to respond

to questions.

The question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

viii)

Paper S.07-118 - International Experiential Learning Certificate, Facult

Business Administration

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by M. Fizzell

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

International Experiential Learning Certificate"

S.M. 15 October 2007

Page 7

Brief discussion took place with respect to the motivation for recommending one area of

study. Senate was advised that although students were free to chose a different country

and a different region of the world for the second international activity, it was felt that

since students had already put in considerable effort with the language and coursework

with one of the Faculty's partner schools for their first activity, the Faculty felt they

should have the opportunity to continue in the same area for their second activity.

In response to a question about possible options for the two activities, Senate was advised

that students could spend approximately two

—

semesters in another part of the world which

could be 8 months at the same institution, or could spend four months at a partner

institution and 4 months at a different region on the world in a co-op job for example.

The question was called, and a vote taken. ?

MOTION CARRIED

ix)

Paper S.07-119 -

Liber Ero

Chair in Coastal Studies - Terms of Reference

Moved by J. Waterhouse, seconded by M. Plischke

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

of reference for the

Liber Ero

Chair in Coastal Studies"

Clarification concerning the home department of the Chair took place and M. Plischke

• noted that the Deans of Applied Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences and Science would

likely be the deans consulted with respect to the this matter.

The question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

Paper S.07-120 — Re

ort on Academic Operations at Fraser International College

Sep

tember 2006 to Au gust

2007 (For Information)

S. Dench, Director, University Curriculum and Liaison, and N. Angerilli, Associate Vice-

President, Students and International were available to respond to questions.

Concern was expressed that the majority of international students still appear to be

coming from one specific area with large concentrations in one or two areas of study

within the University, and a question was raised about greater diversity. It was noted that

the University acknowledges that insufficient numbers of students have been recruited

from other Provinces or from the United States and recruiting efforts are being developed

to increase numbers from those sources. With respect to the concentration of Asian

students in FIC and a heavily weighted preference in terms of study areas, this has

partially resulted because FIC was late getting into the recruiting process for Fall 2006

due to delays in the completion of physical facilities for the College. Assurances have

been given that greater number of students will be recruited from areas such as Latin

America, Africa, and other parts of Asia. However, it should be noted that due to the size

•

and population in China and related areas, there will likely always be a majority of

students coming from that region of the world. In addition, enrolments in FIC have been

S.M. 15 October 2007

Page 8

restricted by the capacity of Canadian Consulates in various parts of the world to process

visas. In response to an inquiry for an estimate as to how long it might take FTC to

increase the diversity of international students, Senate was reminded that the decision of

students to attend a particular institution is a function of many things, including

recruitment, but strong efforts were being made to recruit from many parts of the world.

A further concern was expressed that the University may rely too heavily on FTC and not

develop strong internal processes with respect to international recruitment. Senate was

advised that Student Serviceiiad significantly expanded and enhanced its international

recruitment activities.

A question arose as to whether FTC policies were harmonized with SFU policies with

respect to disabilities, human rights, harassment, protection of academic freedom, etc.

Senate was advised that FTC has a code of conduct in place dealing with harassment that

applies to both students and faculty and is consistent with their obligations under BC

Human Rights. An opinion was expressed that because of the association between SFU

and FTC, the University has a responsibility to ensure that their policies are in line with

SFU standards and values. The Vice-President Academic stated that he was confident

that the written contract between the University and FTC provided adequate coverage

with respect to the issues raised but he would examine the contract language to make sure

and report back to Senate.

In response to an inquiry about attrition rates for FTC, Senate was advised that their

attrition rate has been low as only a couple of students had left thus far due to academic

performance issues, but it was still quite early in terms of numbers.

An inquiry was made to student consultation with the Academic Advisory Committee

(Appendix A). Senate was advised that FTC has undertaken to consult regularly with

groups of students once the student body had reached a critical mass.

A correction to the Senate paper to change January 2006 to February 2006 was noted.

In response to an inquiry concerning whether or not departments would be required to

develop courses for FTC, Senate was given assurance by the Vice President Academic

that academic units at SFU would not be required to develop course offerings for FTC.

Senate was advised that the Department of English had voted twice not to participate but

were told by senior administrators that they had no choice. Brief discussion followed with

respect to the circumstances surrounding this incident, and the Chair requested that the

Vice President Academic investigate the situation.

As part of the original agreement, it was noted that SFU was to receive a portion of the

revenue collected from tuition fees charged by FTC, and that a part of that income would

help to expand scholarship and bursary programs for all students. In response to an

inquiry about this issue, Senate was advised that part of the income has been directed

back to departments as a consequence of their participation in offering courses, some of

the money has gone to provide provision of ancillary or other services by SFU to FTC

S.M. 15 October 2007

Page 9

students, and some has been applied to pay off the capital costs of renovations in the

multi-tenant facility.

xi) ?

Pa p

er S.07-121 - Librar

Three Year Plan 2007-2010 (For Information)

L. Copeland, Librarian and Senator, was available to respond to questions.

A concern was expressed that in a document as essential as a three year plan, there was

little mention of the SFU Surrey campus especially with respect to future plans, capacity

for holdings, and outreach programs. L. Copeland indicated she would be pleased to meet

with faculty and staff at Surrey to initiate discussions in this regard.

Senate Librar

Committee

i) ?

Paper S.07-122 - Annual Report (For Information)

It was noted that the Senate Library Committee had approved a Designated Borrower

Card, an External Organization Borrower Card, and a Spousal Card. An inquiry was

made as to what action had been taken to publicize these new innovations. Senate was

advised that information about these changes was available on the Library's web site and

information was also provided at orientation sessions for new faculty but greater efforts

to communicate the information to the campus community appeared to be required.

Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies

Paper S.07-123 - Revision to Admission Requirements for the School of

Interactive Arts and Technology

Moved by B. Krane, seconded by W. Parkhouse

"that Senate approve the changes to the admission requirements for the

School of Interactive Arts and Technology to remove the existing one

science 12 course requirement"

The question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

ii)

Paper S.07-124 - Under

raduate Curriculum Revisions - Facult y

of Applied

Sciences (For Information)

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

under delegated authority approved changes to program requirements, admission

procedures and minor changes to existing courses in the School of Computing Science.

S.M. 15 October 2007

Page 10

iii)

Paper S.07-125 - Undergraduate Curriculum Revisions - Facult y

of Arts and

Social Sciences (For Information)

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

under delegated authority, approved changes to program requirements and minor changes

to existing courses in the following departments/programs: Asia-Canada, Cognitive

Science, Criminology, Economics, English, Archaeology, First Nations Studies, French,

and Geography. SCUS also approved, under delegated authority, WQB designations for a

number of courses in History, Infmational Studies, and Economics.

iv)

Pa p

er S.07-126 - Under

raduate Curriculum Revisions - Facult

of Business

Administration

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

under delegated authority, approved changes to program requirements and minor

revisions to existing courses in the Faculty of Business Administration.

Paper S.07-127 - Under

raduate Curriculum Revisions - Facult

of Education

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

under delegated authority, approved W designation for two courses in the Faculty of

Education.

vi)

Paper S.07-128 - Undergraduate Curriculum Revisions - Facult y

of Science

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

under delegated authority, approved WQB designations for courses in Earth Sciences,

Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

D) ?

Senate Nominating Committee

i) ?

Paper S.07-129 Revised -Elections

A revised version of Senate paper S.07-129 was distributed. Senate was advised that one

further nomination had been received for the Senate Committee on Continuing Studies -

Paul Li was elected by acclamation for the Senator at-large position to May 31, 2008.

The following candidates were also elected by acclamation: Timothy Beischlag, Faculty

Member from Health Sciences to the Senate Committee on University Teaching and

Learning; Lorraine Halinka Malcoe, Senator from Health Sciences to the Senate

Committee on University Priorities; Geoffrey Poitras, Faculty Member Alternate to the

Senate Committee on Disciplinary Appeals; Joe Paling (Regular Student member) and

Karen Tse (Alternate Student member) to the Senate Committee on Disciplinary Appeals.

Balloting resulted in the election of Tara Azimi as the Undergraduate Student (Alternate)

member on the Committee to Review University Admissions; and James Rankin as the

Student at-large member of the International Student Exchange Committee.

S.M. 15 October 2007

Page 11

Vacancies on the Senate Committee on Continuing Studies and the Senate Committee on

International Activities will be carried forward to the next meeting of Senate.

7. ?

Other Business

Paper S.07-130 - SFU Annual Library

Report 2006/07 (For Information)

The Annual Report of the SFU Library for the period 2006/2007 was received by Senate

for information.

ii)

Paper S.07-131 - Revision of B10.06 - Presidential Search Policy

Moved by P. Percival, seconded by M. Fizzell

"that Senate approve the revision of B10.06 Presidential Search Policy

dated

September 2007"

There were no objections to the following minor amendment to reflect the recent change

to the Student Society - 'President of the Student Society or designate' changed to

'President of the Undergraduate Student Society'.

Brief discussion followed with respect to election procedures for the students elected by

the student body, and point 1.6 concerning the establishment of further operational

procedures.

The question was called, and a vote taken.

MOTION CARRIED

Information

The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting of Senate will take place on Monday,

November

2007.

The Open Session adjourned at 7:15 pm and Senate moved directly into Closed Session.

Alison Watt

Director, University Secretariat