Acadia University Senate
Minutes


SENATE MEETING OF 14 March 2005

A meeting of the Senate of Acadia University occurred on Monday,  2004, beginning at
4:05 p.m. with Chair Ian Wilks presiding and 43 members present.
 
1)   Minutes of the Meeting of
14 February 2005
 
 
 
   From Vice-President (Student
   Affairs)
   -re Integrated Scholarship   
       Program Report Revised
       (045-39-VPS)
 
It was moved by L. Oliver and seconded by R. Perrins that the minutes of Monday, 14 February 2005 be approved. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P. Cook noted that her handout (Appendix B to these minutes) at the February meeting of the Senate had a slight error.  An amended and updated version was handed out at this meeting (APPENDIX A).
 
It was agreed to amend Item 3)d) Curriculum Committee - re Faculty of Arts (045-26-CRE) Para 2, last sentence to read "A friendly amendment was made, changing "Women's Studies" heading to "English" as far as the two English courses were concerned."
 
It was agreed to amend Item 2) - re Ad hoc Committee Membership, third sentence by changing "employee" to "Senator".
 
MOTION WAS CARRIED AS AMENDED.

2) Announcements and
   Communications
   a) From the Chair
      -re Regrets
     
 
      -re Agenda
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
      - re Senate Vacancies
 
 
   
 
 
      -re Annual Reports
 
 
      - re Executive Committee -
        Equity Officer Selection
        Committee Representative
 
   
 
   -re Non-Voting Status of  
        Senators
 
 
 
 
Regrets were received from G. Bissix, R. Conrad, P. Corkum, A. Irving, S. Lochhead, M. Murphy and S. Phillips.
 
Additions to the agenda: under item 3)c) Business Arising from the Minutes - Ad hoc Committee On Graduation Ceremonies, a report with recommendations for Senators to consider was distributed electronically one week ago.  It was agreed to add this to the agenda for discussion and decision.
 
The Chair noted item 3)a) was deferred at the last meeting of Senate and will be dealt with today.
 
I. Wilks reminded Senators of the importance of filling vacancies on Senate and Senate Committees.  The Recording Secretary has compiled the annual list of vacancies and distributed to those responsible for filling for consideration at the May meeting.  The positions of Chair and Deputy Chair are to be dealt with at the April meeting and a full compliment is desired for September. 
 
He noted that annual reports from all Senate committees are due for the May meeting as well.
 
 
 
I. Wilks reported on action taken by the Senate Executive Committee regarding the request to select a Senator for the Equity Officer selection committee.  S. Franceschet was selected as that representative.  This selection was approved by general consent.
 
 
I. Wilks noted that when the By-Laws Committee brings forward a motion to change the name "Provost" to "Vice-President Student Affairs", senators may also wish to consider changing the voting status associated with that position.  If so, the issue may be addressed in an amendment to the By-Laws motion.

  b) From the Vice-President
       (Academic)
      -re Internationalization
 
 
 
      -re Learning Commons
 
 
   
 
 
      -re Strategic Planning
           Update
 
 
 
   
 
      -re April Senate Meeting
          Location
 
   
 
      -re Registrar's Role on
          Senate Committees
 
 
   
 
      -re Baptist Convention
 
 
R. Nilson thanked those who participated in the internationalization review with Dr. Don Wells.  A report on this will be ready by the end of March for circulation and recommendation.
 
The Writing Centre was officially opened under the direction of Stephen Ahern.  The Learning Commons Space Committee, chaired by Sara Lochhead with representatives from faculty and students, has begun working with the architects.  Thanks was expressed to those who responded to the call for support on the various committees in the Learning Commons.
 
 
Weekly updates of the strategic planning activities and meetings have been posted on the website and will continue until April 11, when a daylong planning session is scheduled to produce a "recommendation report".  Faculty, staff, and students were encouraged to attend this session for information and input.  More information on this will be posted on the website. 
 
 
R. Nilson suggested the next scheduled meeting of Senate could be held in conjunction with the above mentioned session.  He suggested U-Hall Auditorium may be used.  There was no objection to this proposal.
 
 
The VP(A) questioned the need to have the registrar chair many of the Senate committees when the Senate is faculty driven.  The Chair referred to By-Laws Article VI 4) which states that "unless otherwise specified in these By-laws, the Chairperson of each committee shall be elected annually from among, and by, its membership".
 
In reply to a question from the floor, the VP(A) stated that arrangements have been made to meet with representatives of the Baptist Convention regarding input in the Strategic Planning process.
 
H. Hopkins noted that in the "whereas" of the convocation recommendations, to be considered later, it emphasises current values and practices, but no reference made to the historical traditions of the University.  Inclusiveness is used as if it was part of the founders criteria, however it was religious liberty which ignited the vision to found this University.  It is important to touch base with the historical roots when going through the strategic planning process.
  c) From the Registrar -
      Timetable, Instruction
      Hours, and Examination
      Committee - Teaching
      Hours Guideline Report
   

 
 
R. Jotcham reported the TIE committee has met many times concerning this issue and has submitted material/proposals to the Division of Distance and Continuing Education for consideration.  It is expected to have a final report for the April meeting of Senate.
 
P. Abela expressed frustration at the length of time this issue is taking to be resolved.

  3) a) From the Registrar -
      Course Requirements for
      Various Programs
      (045-32-REG)
 
 
 
A handout, prepared by the Registrar's Office on course requirements for various programs and attached to the February minutes as  APPENDIX A, was deferred to this meeting.  This document listed an analysis of required versus elective courses by program.  The Chair encouraged debate based on whether degree programs should be specialized or more general - should there be a larger or smaller number of required courses?
 
R. Jotcham indicated the choices on this report were based on the calendar...those listed as required and those listed as elective.  She confirmed the choices are not very clear in most programs.
 
What is an Acadia education all about?  The statistics alone and a lack of understanding of the context of various programs makes it difficult to find a good basis for discussion.  B. Matthews suggested something on this matter may come to Senate from the Strategic Planning Academic Advisory Group (SPAAG).
 
Discussion followed with the points:  some Senators felt this was a very important issue and could not be dealt with in a regular meeting of Senate; an ad hoc committee to address this issue would be more in keeping with past practise; an open forum or special meeting of the Senate on this issue; important for Senate who has a say in this question; to form an ad hoc committee would take time; concern for overload if dealt with on April 11th ; and a special meeting following the April 11th may be more informative and could include findings brought forward by the Strategic Planning process.  
 
It was decided to have a regular meeting of Senate in April and at that time, after the strategic planning results are known, consider a special meeting to deal with this issue.  The Chair asked of the VP(A) that this document and issue be taken to SPAAG.

  b) By-Laws Committee
      -Amendment to Article VII 
      and VIII (045-37-LAW)
 
 
It was moved by A. Mitchell and seconded by A. Quéma that the amendments to Article VII and VIII (b) of the Senate Constitution and By-Laws as described in the last minutes as notice of motion and giving the Executive Committee power to act on behalf of Senate in extraordinary circumstances be accepted.
 
MOTION CARRIED.

c) Ad hoc Committee on
      Graduation Ceremonies
      (045-38-CON)
 
 
It was moved by D. Brodeur and seconded by A. Franceschet that
the recommendations presented by the Ad hoc committee to examine the graduation ceremony and included in this report (APPENDIX B) be approved by Senate, with the intention that the recommendations be implemented as soon as feasible.
 
P. Cook spoke to this report, indicating that the program for the graduation ceremonies of Acadia University had not changed since the mid-1930's.  A thorough review of this program was done and much work put into this report by the committee.  A call for input from the Acadia community resulted in 48 submissions.  Difficult debate and much discussion was given to the submissions and reference was often made to Senate's motion which stated "that all aspects of the current ceremony are in accordance with the values and practices of all interested parties".  Input of Senate is welcome at this time.
 
The Chair asked that Senators' comments and amendments be directed to the "Summary of Recommendations" on the last page of this report, one at a time.
 
Much discussion was held with following points made:
• Chair of Senate should be included in ceremony, but not centre stage in official regalia;
• Excluding spiritual nuance and the University Chaplain from the ceremony, is not acceptable;
• Providing an outline for the Chancellor is insulting;
• The Queen is still the Head of State and meaningful to some families and the singing of one verse of "God Save the Queen" adds dignity and respect to the convocation;
• It is felt that if this report is accepted as is, many supporting and financial contributing alumni would be offended;
• It was recognized that the committee has put many hours and much thought in this report;
• The spiritual aspect of a convocation is a right of passage, not just a ceremony;
• One of the responsibilities of the BOG is to ensure a spiritual dimension to academic life for students at Acadia University and this undermines that responsibility;
• The University Trustees also have a responsibility for any changes made to this ceremony;
• The religious/spiritual component to the last convocation was moving and fulfilling;
• The graduating class president should be asked to give reflections on his/her last four years at Acadia;
• Other institutions have kneeling as part of their ceremony, but it is not required;
• In terms of hierarchy - the Chancellor's remarks are his/her remarks to make and should be left that way;
• We may not like the idea of hierarchy here at Acadia; however, it is what this hierarchy represents as well as what the ceremony and degrees themselves represent that is important;
• The committee recommendations were made based on input from the University Community;
• International students should not be expected to sing O Canada if we wish to be all inclusive;
• 48 responses is a very low and disappointing rate, however, they were very opinionated;
• It is not the intent to impose morals, spirituality, or religion on anyone during a convocation ceremony, but graduating students should be exposed to these traditions as it is part of the heritage of Acadia University;
• This institution is a non-denominational one;
• These recommendations do not have to be implemented this year and likely will not as Senate's approved recommendations will have to go to BOG.
 
In reply to a question from the floor, the Chair clarified that Senate has the authority to suggest changes to the convocation ceremonies.  Any question regarding Senate's authority to do so, should have came up in January when the initial motion was proposed. 
 
The President felt it was appropriate to discuss the report, but that Senate alone cannot go forward and mandate the changes.  Before it can be implemented, it must have the input of the broader university community, as this is a ceremony that has to do with the very structure of the university and the university's interface with its various publics, such as the alumni, graduates, and parents.  The conferring of the degree is an academic (therefore a Senate) matter.
 
Senators examined each recommendation of Appendix 1 of the committee's report and changes requiring a vote are indicated with the following results:
 
#1  (minor amendments accepted)
Students should be provided with a history of the elements of the graduation ceremony and be instructed about appropriate protocol as part of the graduation rehearsal.
 
#2  (no amendments)
Graduation tickets should be provided to students prior to March 31st with those not collected redistributed on a first come, first served basis prior to the end of the winter term.
 
#3  (no amendments)
The graduation ceremony should be webcast and recorded.
 
#4  (no amendments)
The processional should commence no later than 20 minutes prior to the published start time of the ceremony.
 
#5  (no amendments)
Faculty should line the front stairs of University Hall so that the graduates can process past them.
 
#6  (minor amendments accepted)
The flags from the home countries of our students should be displayed in the auditorium.
 
#7  It was moved by B. Matthews and seconded by I. Spooner that recommendation #7 be amended to read "The Chair of the University Senate should be seated in the front row".
 
It was clarified that official Acadia University regalia does exist and is currently worn by the President and the Chancellor.
 
MOTION WAS CARRIED.
 
#8  (no amendment)
Stage seating should be made more comfortable.
 
#9  (deferred)
 
#10  (no amendment)
Graduates should proceed across the stage individually.
 
#11  (no amendment)
Those receiving degrees should be referred to as graduands.
 
P. Cook clarified the term "graduand".  The time from admission to Senate approval of the list, they are students.  From the time the list is approved until the Chancellor confers the degrees, they are graduands.  After conferral, they are graduates.
 
#12  (no amendment)
Graduates should don their caps in front of the Chancellor, tip their caps to the Chancellor, shake hands with the President and receive their degrees from their Dean or Director.
 
#13  (no amendment)
University medals should be presented to graduates by the Chancellor at the same time that their degrees are received.
 
#14  (removed from the list completely)
It was moved by G. Dinter-Gottlieb and seconded by B. Matthews that this recommendation be removed from the list.
 
The President spoke to this amendment stating the list of Honorary Degrees is long and will never get completed if restricted to one such degree a year.
 
MOTION WAS CARRIED.
 
#15  (no amendment)
Convocation speakers should be inspirational and not necessarily Honorary Degree recipients.
 
#16  (removed from the list completely)
It was moved by B. Matthews and seconded by L. McDonald that this recommendation be removed from the list.
 
MOTION WAS CARRIED.
 
#17 to #23 (deferred)
 
A friendly amendment to the original motion was accepted by D. Brodeur and A. Franceschet so that it stated:   that the recommendations presented by the Ad hoc committee to examine the graduation ceremony and included in this report (APPENDIX B) be approved by Senate as accepted, amended, deleted, or deferred as listed above.
 
MOTION AS AMENDED WAS CARRIED.


I. Wilks noted that the remainder of the agenda items as well as the deferred items from the Ad hoc Committee on Convocation Ceremonies Report would be dealt with at the April meeting of the Senate.


 6) Adjournment P. Cabilio moved this meeting be adjourned.  It was 6:35 p.m.

 

________________________________

D. Murphy, Recording Secretary

 
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Ad hoc Committee to Examine the Graduation Ceremony
Report to Senate – March 2005
 
Background
 
The following motion was passed at a meeting of the Senate of Acadia University held on January 14, 2005:
 
It was moved by G. Dinter-Gottlieb and seconded by R. Cunningham that
Whereas the graduation ceremony is an important and public part of the academic life of this university, involving faculty, students and the wider community;
 
Whereas it is important that the content of these ceremonies reflect current values and practices of all interested parties;
 
Whereas the Senate of Acadia University, in its role of providing academic governance, has primary responsibility for the content of these ceremonies;
 
Be it resolved that an ad hoc committee of Senate be struck to examine all aspects of the current ceremony, to ensure that they are indeed in accordance with the values and practices of all interested parties, and to recommend changes where they are not.  This committee will consist of a senator from each of the four faculties, two student senators, the University Marshall, and the Vice-President, Student Affairs, who will chair the committee.  The Nominating committee will finalize the membership of this ad hoc committee, which will be called “the ad hoc committee to examine the graduation ceremony”.  This ad hoc committee will consult widely, and bring a report to Senate by the March meeting.
 
The composition of the committee was approved at Senate’s February 14, 2005 meeting.  The members of the committee are listed at the conclusion of the report.
 
Process
 
The committee executed the following activities to ascertain the opinions about the graduation ceremony from the Acadia community:
 
1.  Each faculty senator solicited input from their respective faculty colleagues.
2.  The undergraduate student senator solicited input from all undergraduate students and invited comments from the graduating class of 2005 at the grad fair held on March 2, 2005.
3.  The graduate student senator solicited input from all graduate students.
4.  The vice-president, student affairs solicited input from the University community and from the members of the graduating class of 2004.
5.  The University Marshall solicited input from those who regularly participate in the graduation ceremony.
 
All submissions were reviewed by the members of the committee.  The committee also received a summary of the evolution of the ceremony since Acadia’s founding and examined practices employed by other universities.  The ad hoc committee met on March 4, 2005 to consider the submissions and determine “the values and practices of all interested parties.” 
 
 
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All submissions will be attached to the minutes from the meetings held by the ad hoc committee and forwarded to the Secretary of Senate.
 
Themes
 
The committee identified several themes that appeared throughout the submissions:
 
1.  Tradition and pageantry are important elements of the ceremony.
2.  The ceremony should emphasize respect and inclusiveness.
3.  The ceremony should serve the interests and celebrate the accomplishments of the graduands.
4.  The ceremony should reflect the diversity that exists on the Acadia campus.
5.  Whenever possible graduands should have the opportunity to interact and share the ceremony with faculty and  academic administrators with whom they are closest.
 
Submissions, Observations & Recommendations
 
The committee’s deliberations were divided into five categories:  pre-ceremony, setup, ceremony, program and post-ceremony.  A summary of the recommendations is provided in Appendix 1.
 
Pre-ceremony
The graduation rehearsal for spring convocation takes place at the end of March and all potential graduates are encouraged to attend the practice for important information about the day of the ceremony.  The committee felt that it is helpful to provide students with the history of the ceremony so that students have a better understanding of its symbolic elements.  Students should also be instructed in appropriate protocol.  For example, at past graduations, graduates have not realized that they should remove their caps during the singing of O Canada.
 
Numerous students expressed concern about having only 3 convocation tickets in the first allocation.  Currently, additional tickets become available during the graduation week and normally there is sufficient capacity for all those who wish to attend.  The issue stems from family members not being able to book travel arrangements because they do not have guaranteed tickets.  The committee recommends that students have the opportunity to collect their tickets until March 31 at which time the remaining tickets will be made available to students on a first come, first served basis.  This will provide sufficient opportunity for those wishing to attend graduation to make suitable travel arrangements.
 
Given that Acadia has such a large number of international students, distance makes it  impossible for many of their relatives to attend the graduation ceremony.  In an effort to make the ceremony accessible to as many families and friends as possible, it is recommended that the ceremony be webcast and recorded so that it may be watched in real time or viewed at a later date.
 
On occasion, the ceremony begins late because of the time it takes for those participating in the processional to enter the auditorium.  It is recommended that the processional from War Memorial Gymnasium commence no later than 20 minutes prior to the published start time of the ceremony.
 
The committee agreed that the practice introduced at the 2004 Fall Convocation and the Installation of Dr. Gail Dinter-Gottlieb of having the faculty precede the students in the processional and line the stairs as the students entered University Hall was a very good one and should be continued.
 
 
 
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Setup
 
Several years ago, the flags from the countries that are represented in our student body were displayed on the stage.  The committee felt that this practice should be reintroduced as it speaks to the diversity of our student body and is particularly welcoming for both the students and their families who have traveled long distances for the ceremony.
 
The committee believes that the Chair of the University Senate should have a more prominent role in the graduation ceremony signifying both the academic nature of the ceremony and Acadia University’s bicameral governance.  The committee recommends that four large chairs be placed in the front row of the stage and that those chairs be occupied by the Chancellor, the President & Vice-Chancellor, the Chair of Senate and the Chair of the Board of Governors.  The committee further recommends that the Chair of Senate be supplied with distinctive Acadia University regalia.
 
A number of faculty members noted that the stage seating is quite uncomfortable.  The committee recommends the replacement of the chairs that are placed on the stage risers.  It is suggested that the high back, padded chairs that are currently in the Clark Commons might be appropriate and could be borrowed for the occasion.
 
 
Ceremony
 
Several submissions recommended that prayer no longer be included in the ceremony.  The committee discussed this at great length and agreed that reflective time at the beginning of the ceremony was an important aspect of the event but that it should be as open and inclusive as possible.  It was agreed that this element should be called the Invocation rather than the Prayer of Invocation. 
 
There was a clear theme among the submissions that the ceremony be focused on the graduands.  The committee agreed and felt it important that a graduand have a speaking role in the ceremony.  It is therefore recommended that the President of the Graduating Class lead the Invocation.
 
Many members of the Acadia community felt that graduates should proceed across the stage individually.  The committee supports this sentiment in light of Acadia’s desire that each student who forms part of the University community feels recognized as a unique individual.
 
The practice of having the Chancellor ask those receiving specific degrees to rise and conferring the degrees in an omnibus fashion was considered appropriate.  It is recommended, however, that the word “student” be replaced with “graduand” as the latter is a more appropriate term.
 
It was clear from the submissions that people are not comfortable with graduates kneeling before the Chancellor.  It appeared that most of those expressing their views understood the symbolic nature of this action but still felt it to be antiquated and that it was frequently viewed as demeaning.  The committee felt that this aspect of the ceremony is not necessary and instead recommends the following:
 
1.  The graduate’s name be announced by the University Marshal.
2.  The graduate proceed across the stage (left to right facing the audience), stop in front of the Chancellor (who is seated), don his/her cap and tip it to the Chancellor in recognition.
3.  The graduate continue to the right to shake hands with the President (who is standing)
4.  The graduate receive his/her degree from the Dean or Director and proceed down the right stairs.
 
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It was the committee’s wish that department heads have a role in the awarding of the degrees as they are likely the most familiar to the graduates.  However, the committee felt that, while desirable, this was not likely to be logistically feasible. 
 
The committee agreed that University medals should be awarded to graduates when they are receiving their degrees.  In these cases, the graduate’s name would be announced as well as the medal(s) they are receiving.  The graduate would proceed toward the Chancellor who is standing, don his/her cap and receive his/her medal before proceeding to the President.
 
The committee recommends that there be only one Honorary Degree recipient per faculty.  Further, it is recommended that convocation speakers be chosen on the basis of their ability to inspire our graduates and should not necessarily be the Honorary Degree recipients.
 
A retrospective view of the graduation ceremony led the committee to conclude that the Chancellor’s remarks have varied over time.  It is the committee’s recommendation that the Chancellor be provided with a suggested outline for a brief statement.  This will ensure consistency between convocations and over the terms of different Chancellors. 
 
Based on feedback from across the University community, it is recommended that the Benediction should invite further reflection on the solemnity of the ceremony for all in attendance and be free of religious affiliation.  It should be noted that this element of the service provided the most substantial debate for the committee.  It was the general sense of the committee that respect for the founders of the University was a very important element of tradition and that the recommendations in no way are intended to dispense with tradition but rather to create new traditions that acknowledge and celebrate our rich history while respecting the diversity of our community.  We are reminded that inclusiveness was one of the founding tenets of our University.
 
It was very clear from the submissions that God Save the Queen was not considered to be a necessary aspect of the ceremony.  The committee agreed that a musical selection (preferably the Alma Mater) performed by Acadia students would provide a more appropriate opportunity for reflection and celebration before the recessional.
 
Recent graduates noted that they found the practice of distributing alumni packages to be distracting.  The committee recognizes the importance of welcoming recent graduates as alumni and recommends that a more complete welcome occur in another venue during the graduation week.
 
The area at the base of stairs becomes so congested with those taking photographs that the graduates cannot easily make their way back to their seats.  It is recommended that there be a designated area for those wishing to take pictures.   Graduates and their families might appreciate an appropriately appointed area, with back drop, at the base of the stairs for this purpose.  It is further recommended that retaining a professional photographer to take pictures of individual graduates be explored.
 
Program
 
It was noted that a number of Acadia’s international graduates do not know the words to O Canada.  It is recommended that the words, in both official languages, be printed on the last page of the program. 
 
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Post-ceremony
 
The committee agreed that Acadia has one of the nicest convocation receptions in Canada and that the reception was further enhanced last fall convocation with changing the venue to the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens.  The committee recommends that all future receptions be held at the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens.
 
The committee believes that all aspects of the ceremony and reception should be reflective of celebrating the academic accomplishments of our graduates and that commercialized events should be discontinued.  It is recommended that the selling of merchandise be restricted to store locations and that degree framing occur outside the reception area.  For example, if the KC Irving Centre is to be used, framing could occur on the lower level outside the auditorium.  Appropriate signage should be introduced to direct people to the framing and campus store.
 
Motion
 
It is moved that the recommendations presented by the Ad hoc committee to examine the graduation ceremony and included in this report be approved by Senate, with the intention that the recommendations be implemented as soon as feasible.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
Paula Cook, Vice-President, Student Affairs, Chair
Darlene Brodeur, Faculty of Pure & Applied Science, Senator
Antonio Franceschet, Faculty of Arts, Senator
Susan Markham-Starr, Faculty of Professional Studies, Senator
Erika Nahm, Graduate Student Senator
Aly Nolan, Student Arts Senator
Maurice Tugwell, University Marshal
Robert Wilson, Faculty of Theology, Senator
 
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Appendix 1
 
Summary of Recommendations
 
  1. Students should be provided with the history of the graduation ceremony and be instructed about appropriate protocol as part of the graduation rehearsal
  2. Graduation tickets should be provided to students prior to March 31st with those not collected redistributed on a first come, first served basis prior to the end of the winter term.
  3. The graduation ceremony should be webcast and recorded.
  4. The processional should commence no later than 20 minutes prior to the published start time of the ceremony.
  5. Faculty should line the front stairs of University Hall so that the graduates can process past them.
  6. The flags from the home countries of our students should be displayed on the stage.
  7. The Chair of the University Senate should be seated at centre stage and wear official Acadia University regalia.
  8. Stage seating should be made more comfortable.
  9. An Invocation should be delivered by the President of the Graduating Class.
  10. Graduates should proceed across the stage individually.
  11. Those receiving degrees should be referred to as graduands.
  12. Graduates should don their caps in front of the Chancellor, tip their caps to the Chancellor, shake hands with the President and receive their degrees from their Dean or Director.
  13. University medals should be presented to graduates by the Chancellor at the same time that their degrees are received.
  14. There should be only one Honorary Degree recipient per faculty.
  15. Convocation speakers should be inspirational and not necessarily Honorary Degree recipients.
  16. Guidelines for the Chancellor’s Remarks should be developed.
  17. The Benediction should be inclusive and free of religious affiliation.
  18. A musical performance by students should close the ceremony (preferably the Alma Mater).
  19. Alumni pins should be presented in a separate ceremony.
  20. An area should be created to accommodate photographers.
  21. The words to O Canada should be printed in the program in both official languages.
  22. The graduation reception should be held at the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens.
  23. Commercial activities should not be included in the graduation reception.