Senate

The Chair requested that agenda item 6 be divided to allow for separate

consideration of recommendations coming forward from the Faculty of

Graduate Studies Council. A new #7 was proposed for that purpose and

the remaining items were renumbered accordingly.

MOVED by Mr. Dawood, SECONDED by Mr. Hewitson that the Agenda be approved as amended.

CARRIED.

Mr. Johnson questioned the wording in the Minutes regarding the requested day of academic amnesty. He stated that it was his understanding that amnesty extended to labs and seminar classes. Dr. Hayes informed Mr. Johnson that a notice had been circulated to Faculty from Deans' Council stating that attendance in some lab classes, clinical placements and practicums was mandatory, and students in these courses should be advised that they were required to attend labs, clinical placements and practicums on that day. It was suggested that the minutes be amended as follows: "Mr. Johnson responded that students would be informed via the on-line calendar, communication bulletins, bulletins from LUSU and The Argus that the amnesty did not extend to certain labs and other required classes."

MOVED by Mr. Johnson, SECONDED by Dr. Saliba that the Minutes of Senate Meeting #2006 - 9 be approved as amended.

CARRIED.

There was no business arising from the Minutes.

4. Late Additions to the Fall 2006 Graduands' List

MOVED by Dr. Dadgostar, SECONDED by Mr. Johnson that Senate approve for graduation Ms. Meghan Gaudette - BABED, ENGL, PJ, and Mr. Muhammed Abushah - BENG.CIVI, ENGDIP.CIVI.

CARRIED.

The proposed 2007/2008 Calendar changes had been posted to the Senate website.

MOVED by Dr. Strang, SECONDED by Dr. Carastathis that the proposed undergraduate Calendar changes in Sociology and Music be referred to the Senate Undergraduate Studies Committee and the Senate Budget Committee.

CARRIED.

MOVED by Dr. Saliba, SECONDED by Dr. Dadgostar that the proposed graduate Calendar changes in Engineering be referred to the Faculty of Graduate Studies Council and the Senate Budget Committee.

CARRIED.

5.3 Faculty of Education Regulation Change

MOVED by Dr. O'Meara, SECONDED by Mr. Hewitson that the proposed undergraduate regulation changes in Education be referred to the Senate Academic Committee.

CARRIED.

MOVED by Dr. Leitch, SECONDED by Dr. Yu that the recommendations in the Reports of the Senate Undergraduate Studies Committee and the Senate Budget Committee, with respect to proposed Calendar changes in Mechanical Engineering (referred at the November 3, 2006 Senate Meeting), Geography, Mathematical Sciences, Applied Biomolecular Science Program, Computer Science, Philosophy, Psychology, and Forestry and the Forest Environment be approved.

CARRIED.

The Senate Budget Committee had recommended for approval the Political Science Calendar changes, but the Senate Undergraduate Studies Committee had deferred final consideration due to lack of quorum.

The Senate Budget Committee and the Senate Undergraduate Studies Committee had deferred the Faculty of Education HBEd (Aboriginal Education) (referred November 3, 2006).

MOVED by Dr. Pulkki, SECONDED by Dr. Yu that the recommendations in the Reports of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Council and the Senate Budget Committee with respect to proposed Calendar changes in the Master of Public Health (MPH), Kinesiology, MSc, and Psychology (MA and MSc) be approved.

CARRIED.

MOVED by Dr. Pulkki, SECONDED by Dr. Yu that the recommendations in the Reports of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Council and the Senate Budget Committee with respect to proposed new PhD in History and the proposed new Type III Graduate Diploma in Kinesiology be approved in principle, to be submitted to the Ontario Council of Graduate Studies (OCGS) for appraisal with final Calendar entries to be submitted to Graduate Council after OCGS approval of the programs.

CARRIED.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies Council had recommended for approval the MD/MPH and English Calendar changes, but the Senate Budget Committee had deferred final consideration due to lack of information from the academic units.

The Senate Budget Committee had recommended for approval the Forest Sciences PhD Calendar changes, but the Faculty of Graduate Studies Council had deferred final consideration until its February meeting.

MOVED by Dr. Pulkki, SECONDED by Dr. Yu that the recommendations in the Report of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Council on proposed Calendar changes with respect to Time Extension Regulation, Leave of Absence Regulation, and Master's Thesis Examination be referred to the Senate Academic Committee and the Senate Budget Committee.

CARRIED.

Dr. Courtland, Chair of the Senate Organization Committee, reviewed the Report which had been posted on the Senate website.

MOVED by Dr. Courtland, SECONDED by Mr. Dawood that the recommendations for revised terms of reference of the Senate Research Committee be approved as outlined in the Report of the Senate Organization Committee of January 17, 2007.

CARRIED.

MOVED by Dr. Courtland, SECONDED by Dr. West that the recommendations for revised terms of reference of the Senate Undergraduate Studies Committee be approved as outlined in the Report of the Senate Organization Committee of January 17, 2007.

CARRIED.

MOVED by Dr. Courtland, SECONDED by Dr. Dadgostar that the Policy on Absenteeism on Standing Committees be revised as recommended in the Report of the Senate Organization Committee of January 17, 2007.

CARRIED.

Dr. McPherson introduced the Report of the Senate Committee on Teaching and Learning (SCTL) which had been posted on the Senate website. Dr. McPherson noted that a sub-committee of the Senate Committee on Teaching and Learning had worked over the past two months to review and revise the Policy on Course Evaluations at Lakehead University. Dr. McPherson reported that, upon initiating the review of the Course Evaluation Policy, a number of issues had been raised such as: some Faculty would like the Committee to revisit how evaluations are used at Lakehead University; summative vs. formative evaluation; the instrument itself; the use of other methods of collecting information; and, how students could access the results to make decisions related to course selection. She stated that these were complex issues and, to address these concerns, the Committee needed to devote the time necessary. Dr. McPherson continued by informing Senators that the Committee was in the process of gathering the course evaluation policies for all Ontario universities and for fourteen other Universities across Canada. The Committee was currently analyzing and summarizing the information as a starting point for more discussion on these topics, but in the meantime Dr. McPherson indicated that the Committee had produced a Policy that clearly reflected what was currently taking place at Lakehead University. Dr. McPherson noted that the Policy also summarized the major responsibilities of those groups who would participate in the activities outlined.

Dr. McPherson advised Senators that the Vice-President (Academic) & Provost had put in place the procedures to conduct course evaluations this term using the traditional distribution of paper. She noted that the

Policy presented for approval neither supported the continuation of the distribution and collection of paper course evaluations nor the potential change to an on-line method in the future. It focused on the guiding principles that reflect what had been taking place at Lakehead. Finally, Dr. McPherson mentioned that the Policy had been reviewed by the Office of Institutional Analysis and Government Relations, the Interim Secretary of Senate, the Deans, the Instructional Development Centre, LUFA, and a student representative and senator who had worked with the Committee throughout the process.

Dr. McPherson concluded her report by informing Senators of the following two amendments to the revised Policy on Course Evaluations: addition of the first sentence under Item 3.4 "The transmission and storage of the survey data will be undertaken in a manner to protect the confidentiality of the instructors' results." and under Item 3.5, the deletion of "and academic unit".

MOVED by Dr. McPherson, SECONDED by Mr. Hewitson that the Policy on Course Evaluations be approved as amended above.

Prof. King voiced her concern that anonymity of students was extremely important and some assurance needed to be given so that students would only evaluate once.

Dr. McPherson had been requested to provide Senate with an understanding of what changes were reflected in the new Course Evaluation Policy. She stated that the new Policy included the current practice of course evaluations at Lakehead as well as designation of responsibility. Dr. McPherson informed Senate that Item 3.5 noted that the summary of evaluations by Faculty shall be provided to the Deans and the heads of each of the academic units, and to the SCTL, followed by posting of the aggregate data on the Lakehead University website. Dr. McPherson reported that the old Policy did not state what happened to the aggregate data. Dr. McPherson commented further that Item 4 was a new section which stated the responsibilities of the SCTL.

Professor Phillips expressed concerns with Item 4.1. He noted that the approval process for procedures to administer and analyse the data needed to be retained by Senate, not by the SCTL and the Office of Institutional Analysis and Government Relations.

Dr. McPherson stated that the SCTL was the body that represented Senate and it was responsible for matters relating to teaching at Lakehead. It was her understanding that the SCTL would report to Senate following Committee meetings; therefore, Senate would have the final approval.

MOVED by Professor Phillips, SECONDED BY Mr. Hewitson that Item 4.1 of the revised Course Evaluation Policy be amended to read as follows: "The procedures to collect, administer and analyse the data will be developed by the Senate Committee on Teaching and Learning and brought to Senate for approval. The Office of Institutional Analysis and Government Relations will collect the data and compile the results."

CARRIED.

MOVED by Dr. Leggatt, SECONDED by Dr. Newhouse that the first sentence of Item 3.2 of the revised Course Evaluation Policy be amended to read: "Evaluations will take place near the end of the course preferably during the second or third last week of each course given over one or two terms."

CARRIED.

MCPHERSON/HEWISTON MOTION WAS CARRIED AS AMENDED.

10. Report of the Joint Senate Committee for NOSM

Dr. Farrell, Chair of the Joint Senate Committee for NOSM, reviewed the Report which had been posted to the Senate website.

MOVED by Dr. Farrell, SECONDED by Dr. Leitch that the NOSM Academic Calendar of Events for 2007-08 be approved.

CARRIED.

MOVED by Dr. Farrell, SECONDED by Dr. Leitch that the NOSM Curriculum Preamble be approved.

CARRIED.

MOVED by Dr. Farrell, SECONDED by Dr. Leitch that the Course Descriptions for Year 3 be approved.

CARRIED.

Dr. Farrell noted that the MD/MPH Calendar changes which were referred to the Joint Committee for NOSM had been deferred for further consideration.

11. Academic Schedule for 2007-2008 including Report of Senate Academic Committee re Academic Schedule

Dr. West, Chair of the Senate Academic Committee, reviewed the Committee's Report which had been posted to the Senate website. He noted that the Committee had agreed to accept the Academic Schedule for 2007/08, as presented at the December 1, 2006 Senate Meeting, with the exception that the winter classes would begin on Monday, January 7, 2008. Dr. West reported that the regulation Sub-Committee would work with the Registrar to prepare an academic schedule for two or three years in advance.

MOVED by Dr. West, SECONDED by Mr. Johnson that the Academic Schedule for 2007-2008 be approved.

Concern by a number of Senators continued to revolve around the Thursday, September 6^th start date. Ms. Foshay advised members that if the Thursday, September 6^th start date did not remain class schedules would back up into the exam timetable.

Dr. West reiterated that the Regulation Sub-Committee would work in conjunction with the Registrar to prepare an academic schedule for two or three years in advance.

WEST/JOHNSON MOTION WAS CARRIED.

12.Proposed Schedule of Senate Meetings for 2007/08

The Proposed Schedule of Senate Meetings had been posted to the Senate website.

MOVED by Dr. Saliba, SECONDED by Dr. Dadgostar that the proposed Schedule of Senate Meetings for 2007/08 be approved as posted.

Dr. Strang informed Senators that the Faculty of Sciences and Humanities had passed a motion requesting Senate to consider an earlier Friday start time for Senate meetings.

Dr. Gilbert reported that if Senate began at 2:30 p.m. on Fridays, three Senators would be unable to join the meeting; if the meetings were to begin at 3:30 p.m., two Senators would be unable to attend; and one Senator would be unable to join at 4:30 p.m. (not available until 5:30 p.m.).

SALIBA/DADGOSTAR MOTION WAS CARRIED.

MOVED by Mr. Johnson, SECONDED by Dr. Pulkki that Dr. Gary Boire be approved as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2010, and that Dr. Geoffrey Lewis Hudson be approved as Adjunct Professor in the Master of Public Health Program in the Faculty of Professional Schools, effectively immediately to June 30, 2010.

CARRIED.

Dr. Warburton advised Senators that the following Honorary Degree recipients would be addressing the 2007 Convocation:

Friday- Goyce Kakegamic - Doctor of Letters;

Saturday morning -Richard (Dick) Pound - Doctor of Laws; and,

Saturday afternoon - Dr. David Strangway - Doctor of Science.

Mr. Dawood mentioned that LUSU had requested student representation on the Senate Honorary Degrees Committee. Dr. Warburton reported that the Committee would be meeting to discuss this issue.

Dr. Uddin indicated that he had been out of the country for the past 6 months and had just resumed the Chair position. He stated that the Committee met on December 6, 2006, but he was not in attendance. Dr. Uddin indicated that at the December meeting, the Committee had discussed legal representation regarding the e-mail Policy. The Committee recommended to Administration the name of a lawyer, but Administration did not approve; therefore, Mr. Pawlowski had been requested to put forward a preferred lawyer in hopes that this particular lawyer would be acceptable to both parties. Dr. Uddin concluded by reporting that the next Committee meeting was scheduled for February 5, 2007.

Dr. Gilbert reported that the Senate Academic Appeals Committee (SAAC) had reviewed an appeal, noting that the original decision of the Committee was upheld. Dr. Gilbert suggested that SAAC could review the idea of the Committee presenting a summary of appeals for the year, instead of the President reporting on individual appeals.

Dr. Gilbert informed Senate that MTCU had approved Lakehead's Multi-Year Agreement.

He commented briefly on the Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI) Draft Strategic Plan, noting that hearings had been held throughout the Province, including Thunder Bay, and that representatives of the University had attended that hearing and submitted a brief. He advised members that a copy of the brief would be made available to Senate posted to the web with the documentation for this meeting.

Dr. Gilbert reported that he had just returned from Toronto where he had been requested to be a panel member at the 'Wireless Cities' Summit", noting that his presentation had dealt with the exposure to electric and magnetic fields and assessment of the risk associated with the usage of WiFi networks. He also reported that he had given the same presentation at the Lakehead University Board of Governors' Retreat last weekend and he would+++++ be presenting to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Board in April.

A member asked for an update regarding the special advisory committee for the Law School. Dr. Gilbert reported that three applications had been received, noting that the deadline for applications was the end of January.

Dr. Hayes began her report by informing Senators that on January 20^th the Deans and she were in attendance at the Board of Governors' Retreat. Dr. Hayes added that discussion took place regarding the progress of the Academic Plan, noting that SUSC, SBC, and SAC were working through the outline of the Plan and recommendations from the Committees were due March 1, 2007.

Dr. Hayes referred to the 2005-06 Annual Report of the Ombudsperson which had been circulated at the beginning of the meeting, adding that Mr. Colosimo was away from campus. Dr. Hayes commended Mr. Brendon Johnson for his dedication to the Ombudsperson Committee. She noted that the Report included caseload statistics and selected student issues and recommendations. A question arose regarding Issue 3 - students' rights to view final exams. Dr. Brown reported that last year the Senate Academic Appeals Committee had received an appeal where the student involved had requested to see one of his exams. The Sessional Lecturer who taught the class had not had his contract renewed; therefore, he had destroyed all past exams. The Senate Academic Appeals Committee recommended to Senate that the Policy on Students' Rights to View Final Examinations be reviewed to possibly include the direction that Professors who were retiring or Sessional Lecturers who did not have their contracts renewed should be required to submit all past exams to the Faculty/Department involved. Dr. Brown reported that this recommendation had been tabled at the May 2006 Senate Meeting, noting that no action had been taken regarding the Policy.

Dr. Hayes updated Senators on the interview process for the Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities, adding that one candidate had been interviewed this week and two additional candidates would be on campus next week. She also mentioned that the Vice-Provost (Aboriginal Initiatives) position had been posted and she was hopeful that the position would be filled quickly.

She concluded by providing the following dates of interest: Occupational Health and Safety Training Sessions for all Deans, Department Chairs and Directors - February 8^th and 12^th; Research & Innovation Week - February 28^th to March 2^nd; and Undergraduate

Program Review Audit Committee (UPRAC) visit - March 12^th to 14^th.

Dr. Hunt began by thanking Dr. Joey Farrell for her leadership of the Joint Senate Committee. Dr. Hunt noted to Senators that there were only 5 courses approved for year 3. He indicated that the design of the curriculum was totally integrated and all of the information that a medical student needed to learn in their third year was incorporated in these year-long courses. The setting of the learning was in 10 communities across Northern Ontario where the students lived for 7 months. During this period, students would be experiencing issues on topics of relevance to the Northern Ontario community in which they would be living as they learned the basics of the clinical care of patients. Dr. Hunt added that there were both advantages and disadvantages of this model. The advantages were continuing relationship with patients, stronger relationship with preceptor, and relationship with the community. The disadvantages could be the need for the student to move and the potential for isolation.

Finally, Dr. Hunt reported that the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's Faculty Association (NOSMFA) had its first collective agreement.

Dr. Brown referred to the Report which had been posted to the Senate website.

Dr. Gilbert had addressed this issue under Item 16.

The meeting adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Deighton, seconded by Mr. Dawood at 6:10 p.m.

____________________________ __________________________

P. Merriman, Acting Secretary Dr. F. Gilbert, Chair