Minutes Template

Acadia University Senate
Minutes

SENATE MEETING OF 10 JANUARY 2000

A meeting of the Senate of Acadia University occurred on Monday, 10 January 2000, beginning at 4:10 p.m. with the Chair Maurice Tugwell presiding and 45 members present.

1) Minutes of the Meeting of
   13 December 1999
It was moved by G. Bissix, seconded by P. O’Neill that the minutes of 13 December 1999 be approved.
Page 4 - G. Pyrcz requested the following be added following the last paragraph on this page: “G. Pyrcz spoke to the question of the authority of Senate, indicating that Senate, as a body has, and Senators, as individuals have the right to express opinions on any matter.”
Page 6 - M. Leiter suggested second sentence of eighth paragraph should read “… 7.2 course equivalents” rather than "7.2h courses".
MOTION CARRIED AS AMENDED.

2) Announcements and
Communications
       a) From the Chair
            -re Agenda

The Chair, M. Tugwell asked for approval to reorder the agenda for this meeting. It was agreed to the following order: 3)c), 4)a), b), c) and 3)a).

            -re regrets Regrets were received from P. Corkum, G. Draper, A. Irving, and S. Langille

            -re Senate Web Page The Chair announced Recording Secretary, Donna Murphy, has the Senate Web site ready to go online and should be accessible by January 14th. This site includes the Current Agenda, the Latest Approved Minutes of Senate, and a Membership List of Acadia’s Senate. It may be found listed on the Academics page of Acadia University or by using the URL http://ace.acadiau.ca/senate/home.html

    b) From the President K. Ogilvie welcomed Senators back after the Christmas break.
He congratulated the University Computing Services, under the direction of Dr. Leiter who ensured that Acadia University was Y2K compliant.
Dr. Ogilvie informed Senators that our Chancellor, Arthur Irving is recovering from surgery and wished him well.
He announced that a large number of visitors, including the Premier, will be on campus this week viewing the Acadia Advantage Program.
The President outlined two events he will be involved in outside the University. One is an international trial on biotechnology in New York and the other is the presentation of a document by the Canadian Roundtable on Electronic Business to the Canadian Government in Ottawa.

    c) From the Vice-President
         (Academic)
M. Leiter commented on the success of the Academic Support Program, instituted by the Admissions and Academics Standing (Appeals) Committee. Of the 37 students who enrolled in this support program, 20 have achieved a SGPA greater than 2.0 and only two had to be dismissed. Of the 15 students whose appeals against dismissal were accepted but not required to participate in ASP, only one achieved a SGPA greater than 2.0. P. Cook confirmed that the program is being offered to those first year students who did not do well at mid year and will continue for the original group as well.

3) Business Arising from
     the Minutes
    c) Timetable, Instruction
        Hours and Examinations
        Committee (990-22-TIE)

It was moved by M. Leiter, seconded by B. Griffith that the 2000 - 2001 University Calendar Dates from the Timetable, Instruction Hours and Examinations Committee as attached to the December, 1999 Agenda, be accepted.
J. Cayford noted these additions: Sept 1, 2 - International Student Orientation and dates for residences opening, Sept 2 (new) and 4 (returning).
It was moved by G. Ness, seconded by R. Davies that “Classes begin - winter term date” be changed to second Monday of January.
G. Ness noted the extra days before term begins are beneficial to faculty, but more importantly, travel arrangements for returning students are much easier and convenient than in mid-week.
J. Cayford pointed out the study break date is co-ordinated with other Nova Scotia universities for various reasons, and with the Halifax music festivals so Acadia’s music students may participate. She asked if this beginning date for winter term would necessitate a change for the break as well?
After discussion, the motion on the floor to amendment the calendar was withdrawn.
It was moved by P. Cabilio, seconded by G. Bissix that the calendar dates be amended to read “Classes begin - winter term date on Monday, January 8, 2001" and all events on the academic calendar be moved accordingly, except for study week and spring convocation.
MOTION CARRIED.
AMENDED MOTION WAS CARRIED.

4) New Business
    a) Divinity College -
        Curriculum Changes
        (990-23-DIV)

It was moved by L. McDonald, seconded by R. Morrison that the Divinity College curriculum changes and addition as attached to this meeting’s agenda be accepted by Senate.
One correction was noted to BIBL 3013: New Testament 1, second sentence the word “also” was removed.
MOTION CARRIED.

    b) President - Posthumous
        Degrees (990-23-PRE)
It was moved by K. Ogilvie, co-seconded by the Deans and the Vice-President (Academic) of Acadia University that the motion concerning posthumous degrees as attached to this agenda be accepted.
The President clarified that those students who are in their final year and who have actually completed the requirements for their courses and would have received a degree had they lived to graduate would actually receive a ‘real’ degree. Those students who have not completed the requirements to graduate even though they would have been eligible to graduate had they done so, would receive a ‘posthumous’ degree. As well, this degree would come into effect this current academic year, beginning September 1999.
As discussion was held on this motion, minor changes were made. The final version follows:
It was moved by K. Ogilvie, co-seconded by the Deans and the Vice-President (Academic) of Acadia University that posthumous degrees may be awarded to students who at the time of death were potential graduates and in the final year of their programme. A committee consisting of the appropriate Dean, the Registrar, and the Vice-President (Academic) may recommend that the Senate award a degree posthumously. Following Senate approval the Registrar shall invite the family to designate an individual to accept the degree on behalf of the deceased student or make arrangements for accepting the degree after Convocation. The student’s name shall be listed on the Convocation programme as the recipient of a posthumous degree and presented to the Chancellor by the appropriate Dean or Director.
MOTION CARRIED.

    c) Curriculum Committee -
        Faculty of Arts
        (990-25 to 31-CRE)
It was moved by T. Regan, seconded by R. Davies that the curriculum changes for the Faculty of Arts as circulated with the agenda be accepted.
MOTION CARRIED.

        Faulty of Pure and
        Applied Science
        (990-32 to 38-CRE) It was moved by C. MacLatchy, seconded by P. O’Neill that the curriculum changes for the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science as circulated with the agenda be accepted.
Much discussion was held on the issue of double major requirements with agreement that a clear set of criteria must be outlined in the calendar for students..
It was moved by G. Pyrcz, seconded by D. Looker that page 6 under Bachelor of Science (Double Major), Point 4, third sentence be amended to read “The second major is a minimum of 30h in another subject chosen in consultation with the department offering the first major.”
MOTION CARRIED.
This motion was also applied to #7 under Bachelor of Science with Honours (with second Major).
It was pointed out that all requirements for admission would apply under double majors.
J. Cayford noted that in some schools we have programs, there is no major, therefore it would be wise to ask the schools to articulate what would be a major to go along with the Science programs so it would be clear to students. It was suggested that Professional Studies discuss how their disciplines might be adapted as second 'major' in the BSc double major programs.
MOTION CARRIED.

        Faculty of Professional
        Studies
        (990-39 to 42-CRE)
It was moved by W. McLeod, seconded by G. Ness that the curriculum changes for the Faculty of Professional Studies as circulated with the agenda be accepted.
MOTION CARRIED.

3) Business Arising from the
    Minutes
    a) Academic Program
        Review Committee -
        Cluster Review of
        Biology, Geology, and
        Environmental Science
        (990-21-APR)

As indicated by the Chair, the meeting of Senate returned to item 3)a) of the agenda. Specifically, the item was #4 of the Academic Program Review Committee’s report on the Cluster Review of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science as continued from the 13 December 1999 meeting of Senate. Senate was in Committee of the Whole. It was agreed to continue the item at this point.

    -re Academic Program
        Review Committee
        - Motion to return
        committee's report
        on the Cluster
        Review of Biology,
        Geology, and
        Environmental
        Science
        (990-43-APR)

As indicated by the Chair, the meeting of Senate returned to item 3)a) of the agenda. Specifically, the item was #4 of the Academic Program Review Committee’s report on the Cluster Review of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science as continued from the 13 December 1999 meeting of Senate. Senate was in Committee of the Whole. It was agreed to continue the item at this point.
It was moved by P. Taylor, seconded by G. Bissix that the Academic Program Review Committee report on the Cluster Review of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science be referred back to the APRC with the request to revise this report to better reflect the contents of the external review.
M. Leiter pointed out that the external review is ‘the report’. The role of the APRC is to manage the process of getting the review done and then to take the recommendations and act on them. It was not to do another evaluation. The observations in the report on the biology department must be addressed. He felt the committee filled its mandate and reported on the external review. K. Ogilvie felt it was not appropriate for the Senate to put specific instructions on this matter to the committee because it would limit the free expression on academic issues.
Various Senators spoke regarding the APRC’s responsibility to report accurately to Senate, the need to include good points as well as bad in reports to Senate, and the desire to have reports which draw points from external reviews in a way which reflects a true picture of such reports to Senators.
It was moved by P. Taylor, seconded by G. Pyrcz that the motion be amended to read “that the Academic Program Review Committee report on the Cluster Review of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science be referred back to the APRC with the request to reconsider it in light of the comments made by Senators in the committee of the whole.
MOTION CARRIED
It was moved by D. Looker, seconded by P. O’Neill that Senate move out of Committee of the Whole.
MOTION CARRIED.
It was moved by P. O’Neill, seconded by P. Taylor that the amended motion be accepted.
MOTION CARRIED.

6) Adjournment
G. Pyrcz moved this meeting adjourn. It was 6:04 p.m.

1) Minutes of the Meeting of 13 December 1999	It was moved by G. Bissix, seconded by P. O’Neill that the minutes of 13 December 1999 be approved. Page 4 - G. Pyrcz requested the following be added following the last paragraph on this page: “G. Pyrcz spoke to the question of the authority of Senate, indicating that Senate, as a body has, and Senators, as individuals have the right to express opinions on any matter.” Page 6 - M. Leiter suggested second sentence of eighth paragraph should read “… 7.2 course equivalents” rather than "7.2h courses". MOTION CARRIED AS AMENDED.
2) Announcements and Communications a) From the Chair -re Agenda	The Chair, M. Tugwell asked for approval to reorder the agenda for this meeting. It was agreed to the following order: 3)c), 4)a), b), c) and 3)a).
-re regrets	Regrets were received from P. Corkum, G. Draper, A. Irving, and S. Langille
-re Senate Web Page	The Chair announced Recording Secretary, Donna Murphy, has the Senate Web site ready to go online and should be accessible by January 14th. This site includes the Current Agenda, the Latest Approved Minutes of Senate, and a Membership List of Acadia’s Senate. It may be found listed on the Academics page of Acadia University or by using the URL http://ace.acadiau.ca/senate/home.html
b) From the President	K. Ogilvie welcomed Senators back after the Christmas break. He congratulated the University Computing Services, under the direction of Dr. Leiter who ensured that Acadia University was Y2K compliant. Dr. Ogilvie informed Senators that our Chancellor, Arthur Irving is recovering from surgery and wished him well. He announced that a large number of visitors, including the Premier, will be on campus this week viewing the Acadia Advantage Program. The President outlined two events he will be involved in outside the University. One is an international trial on biotechnology in New York and the other is the presentation of a document by the Canadian Roundtable on Electronic Business to the Canadian Government in Ottawa.
c) From the Vice-President (Academic)	M. Leiter commented on the success of the Academic Support Program, instituted by the Admissions and Academics Standing (Appeals) Committee. Of the 37 students who enrolled in this support program, 20 have achieved a SGPA greater than 2.0 and only two had to be dismissed. Of the 15 students whose appeals against dismissal were accepted but not required to participate in ASP, only one achieved a SGPA greater than 2.0. P. Cook confirmed that the program is being offered to those first year students who did not do well at mid year and will continue for the original group as well.
3) Business Arising from the Minutes c) Timetable, Instruction Hours and Examinations Committee (990-22-TIE)	It was moved by M. Leiter, seconded by B. Griffith that the 2000 - 2001 University Calendar Dates from the Timetable, Instruction Hours and Examinations Committee as attached to the December, 1999 Agenda, be accepted. J. Cayford noted these additions: Sept 1, 2 - International Student Orientation and dates for residences opening, Sept 2 (new) and 4 (returning). It was moved by G. Ness, seconded by R. Davies that “Classes begin - winter term date” be changed to second Monday of January. G. Ness noted the extra days before term begins are beneficial to faculty, but more importantly, travel arrangements for returning students are much easier and convenient than in mid-week. J. Cayford pointed out the study break date is co-ordinated with other Nova Scotia universities for various reasons, and with the Halifax music festivals so Acadia’s music students may participate. She asked if this beginning date for winter term would necessitate a change for the break as well? After discussion, the motion on the floor to amendment the calendar was withdrawn. It was moved by P. Cabilio, seconded by G. Bissix that the calendar dates be amended to read “Classes begin - winter term date on Monday, January 8, 2001" and all events on the academic calendar be moved accordingly, except for study week and spring convocation. MOTION CARRIED. AMENDED MOTION WAS CARRIED.
4) New Business a) Divinity College - Curriculum Changes (990-23-DIV)	It was moved by L. McDonald, seconded by R. Morrison that the Divinity College curriculum changes and addition as attached to this meeting’s agenda be accepted by Senate. One correction was noted to BIBL 3013: New Testament 1, second sentence the word “also” was removed. MOTION CARRIED.
b) President - Posthumous Degrees (990-23-PRE)	It was moved by K. Ogilvie, co-seconded by the Deans and the Vice-President (Academic) of Acadia University that the motion concerning posthumous degrees as attached to this agenda be accepted. The President clarified that those students who are in their final year and who have actually completed the requirements for their courses and would have received a degree had they lived to graduate would actually receive a ‘real’ degree. Those students who have not completed the requirements to graduate even though they would have been eligible to graduate had they done so, would receive a ‘posthumous’ degree. As well, this degree would come into effect this current academic year, beginning September 1999. As discussion was held on this motion, minor changes were made. The final version follows: It was moved by K. Ogilvie, co-seconded by the Deans and the Vice-President (Academic) of Acadia University that posthumous degrees may be awarded to students who at the time of death were potential graduates and in the final year of their programme. A committee consisting of the appropriate Dean, the Registrar, and the Vice-President (Academic) may recommend that the Senate award a degree posthumously. Following Senate approval the Registrar shall invite the family to designate an individual to accept the degree on behalf of the deceased student or make arrangements for accepting the degree after Convocation. The student’s name shall be listed on the Convocation programme as the recipient of a posthumous degree and presented to the Chancellor by the appropriate Dean or Director. MOTION CARRIED.
c) Curriculum Committee - Faculty of Arts (990-25 to 31-CRE)	It was moved by T. Regan, seconded by R. Davies that the curriculum changes for the Faculty of Arts as circulated with the agenda be accepted. MOTION CARRIED.
Faulty of Pure and Applied Science (990-32 to 38-CRE)	It was moved by C. MacLatchy, seconded by P. O’Neill that the curriculum changes for the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science as circulated with the agenda be accepted. Much discussion was held on the issue of double major requirements with agreement that a clear set of criteria must be outlined in the calendar for students.. It was moved by G. Pyrcz, seconded by D. Looker that page 6 under Bachelor of Science (Double Major), Point 4, third sentence be amended to read “The second major is a minimum of 30h in another subject chosen in consultation with the department offering the first major.” MOTION CARRIED. This motion was also applied to #7 under Bachelor of Science with Honours (with second Major). It was pointed out that all requirements for admission would apply under double majors. J. Cayford noted that in some schools we have programs, there is no major, therefore it would be wise to ask the schools to articulate what would be a major to go along with the Science programs so it would be clear to students. It was suggested that Professional Studies discuss how their disciplines might be adapted as second 'major' in the BSc double major programs. MOTION CARRIED.
Faculty of Professional Studies (990-39 to 42-CRE)	It was moved by W. McLeod, seconded by G. Ness that the curriculum changes for the Faculty of Professional Studies as circulated with the agenda be accepted. MOTION CARRIED.
3) Business Arising from the Minutes a) Academic Program Review Committee - Cluster Review of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science (990-21-APR)	As indicated by the Chair, the meeting of Senate returned to item 3)a) of the agenda. Specifically, the item was #4 of the Academic Program Review Committee’s report on the Cluster Review of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science as continued from the 13 December 1999 meeting of Senate. Senate was in Committee of the Whole. It was agreed to continue the item at this point.
-re Academic Program Review Committee - Motion to return committee's report on the Cluster Review of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science (990-43-APR)	As indicated by the Chair, the meeting of Senate returned to item 3)a) of the agenda. Specifically, the item was #4 of the Academic Program Review Committee’s report on the Cluster Review of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science as continued from the 13 December 1999 meeting of Senate. Senate was in Committee of the Whole. It was agreed to continue the item at this point. It was moved by P. Taylor, seconded by G. Bissix that the Academic Program Review Committee report on the Cluster Review of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science be referred back to the APRC with the request to revise this report to better reflect the contents of the external review. M. Leiter pointed out that the external review is ‘the report’. The role of the APRC is to manage the process of getting the review done and then to take the recommendations and act on them. It was not to do another evaluation. The observations in the report on the biology department must be addressed. He felt the committee filled its mandate and reported on the external review. K. Ogilvie felt it was not appropriate for the Senate to put specific instructions on this matter to the committee because it would limit the free expression on academic issues. Various Senators spoke regarding the APRC’s responsibility to report accurately to Senate, the need to include good points as well as bad in reports to Senate, and the desire to have reports which draw points from external reviews in a way which reflects a true picture of such reports to Senators. It was moved by P. Taylor, seconded by G. Pyrcz that the motion be amended to read “that the Academic Program Review Committee report on the Cluster Review of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science be referred back to the APRC with the request to reconsider it in light of the comments made by Senators in the committee of the whole. MOTION CARRIED It was moved by D. Looker, seconded by P. O’Neill that Senate move out of Committee of the Whole. MOTION CARRIED. It was moved by P. O’Neill, seconded by P. Taylor that the amended motion be accepted. MOTION CARRIED.
6) Adjournment	G. Pyrcz moved this meeting adjourn. It was 6:04 p.m.