FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES

 Friday, February 6, 2026
 A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  

GUEST
Dr. Aamir Tayeib:  Vice-Provost International
A. Tayeib gave a presentation to our Faculty council, followed by a discussion period. Topics covered were:
•    Major government changes to numbers and process of international students
•    Timelines of Visa applications vs Offers from Lakehead
•    How to support international students when they arrive at Lakehead
     *Links to the presentation will follow.

AGENDA

1.
Approval of Agenda
 It was moved by J. Chisholm and seconded by E. Chugunov that the agenda be approved.
         Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes
It was moved by D. Akca and seconded by D. Hannah that the minutes from January 9, 2026 be approved.
        Carried.
 
3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
1.  SS&H Faculty Strategic Planning Committee
G. Bonifacio stated that she hoped more faculty would be nominated or self-nominate themselves to be a part of this committee.

4.
Calendar Change Requests
    i) History
    It was moved by M. Stevenson and seconded by K. Burnett that the following calendar change request from the Department of     History be approved
            Carried.

    ii) Languages
    It was moved by I. Lemée and seconded by C. Sanders that the following calendar change request for the Department of              Languages be approved.
            Carried.
    iii) Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism
    2025-SOC-9151:  ORPT Requirement update
    2025-SOC-9152:  ORPT Requirement Updates
    As no one was present from the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism to speak to the two calendar change requests, they were tabled for the next Faculty Council meeting on Friday, March 13, 2026.

    iv) Additional Dean
    It was moved by G. Bonifacio and seconded by T. Puddephatt that the following calendar change request for NAT be approved.
    2023-NAT-8431: Admission Requirements for the Honours Bachelor of Science in Forest
    Ecosystems/Bachelor of Science in Forest Ecosystems
            Carried.
    
    5.1
Department/School Requests.
A. den Otter stated that she has sent an invitation to Dr. Langis Roy, Vice-Provost Research, come to our next Faculty Council meeting on March 13, 2026.
It was suggested that a representative from Student Affairs be invited to come to one of our Faculty Council meetings.
A. Tayeb stated he would like to come back to any of our Faculty Council meetings in the future.

5.2
Department/School Reports and Announcements.

i) English
Works in Progress Talk:  Marvelous Mothers:  First Steps by Dr's Monica Flegel and Judith Leggatt.
Held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm in the Telepresence Room (ATAC 5041
and OA 2020).

Ii ) Gender and Women’s Studies
L. Chambers reminded everyone about their upcoming event, Feminisms in the North…Reproductive
Deserts:  Turtle Island and Beyond.  This event will take place after the end of classes and before exams.  
More information to follow.

iii) Interdisciplinary Studies
D. Akca stated that there will be a webinar on March 19, 2026 from 12-1:15pm entitled The Role of
Interfaith Dialogue Against Polarization.   Please join us to hear from representatives of different faiths to explore this topic.  

iv) Music
E. Chugunov stated that the last LUMINA concert will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in the Jean
McNulty Recital Hall.  Please check the Department of Music’s website for more information.
(https://www.lakeheadu.ca/programs/departments/music/news)

v)  Social Justice Studies Program
K. Brooks stated that the MA in Social Justice Studies: Official Launch, held at the Orillia
Campus on January, 29, 2026, was a great success.

vi)  Visual Arts
K. Holmes stated that Shelby Gagnon, a former gradate of Visual Arts at Lakehead University (HBFA;
2019), designed the uniforms for Canada’s Olympic Curling Team for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in
Italy.
A 2-Spirit Anishinaabe/Cree multidisciplinary artist from Aroland First Nation, Shelby’s work centres on
storytelling, land connection, identity, and community wellness. Her practice spans murals, painting,
installations, community-engaged projects, hide tanning, and land-based art. Shelby brings together art,
culture, and movement to honour ancestral teachings and contemporary Indigenous expression.
Link to CBC article:  In life and in art: How an Indigenous artist used 2026 Olympic curling uniforms to
share her heritage.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/winter/curling/shireen-ahmed-curling-...

6.
Dean’s Report.
Friday, February 6, 2026

ITEMS:

I.  Congratulations.!
Dr. Davut Akca:  Tenure and promotion to Associate Professor (IS, Criminology)
Dr. Gail Kuhl:  Renewal (ORPT)
Dr. Debra Mackinnon:  Tenure and promotion to Associate Professor (IS, Criminology)
Dr. Benjamin Maiangwa:  Tenure and promotion to Associate Professor (Political Science)

Merit Awards
Dr. Davut Acka (IS, Criminology)
Dr. Jason Blahuta (Philosophy)
Dr. Steven Jobbitt (History)
Dr. Chris Sanders (Sociology)

II. INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS

a.    College Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University,
       Kampala, Uganda – delegation to visit Lakehead

b.   Indo-Pacific Scholarship and Fellowships with: De La Salle
    University (Philippines), National University of Vanuatu (Vanuatu),
    University of Fiji (Fiji), University of the Philippines (Philippines), and
    University of the Ryukyus (Okinawa, Japan)

c.     Global café?

III. SSH STUDENT TRUST ACCOUNT - DONATIONS WELCOME

IV. SSH BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS:  2026 -2027
    A discussion followed with questions related to enrollment and budget considerations.

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report
i)  Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus – Friday, February 6, 2026

•    A preliminary look at SMA4 actual data just released shows that while our SMA4 planned enrolment for 2025 was 1,699 students, our actuals are 1,597. Our faculty is 102 students below the planned enrolments.

•    The Orillia Academic Committee met for the first time with the Provost. Following the meeting, it has been suggested that this committee play a more active role in supporting the Provost’s academic plan development. This requires a change in mandate. This suggestion will be discussed at its next meeting.

•    Preparatory work is underway for a possible student exchange program with the Criminology program at Northumbria University in the UK.

•    Lakehead Orillia is getting a $3.4 million upgrade from the province of Ontario, designated for a deferred capital renewal audit, lighting upgrades, and fire alarm replacement.  

ii)  Dr. Doug Ivison (Acting Assistant Dean) – Thunder Bay Campus – February 6, 2025

•    Along with Leigh Potvin from ORPT, on Jan. 15 I attended a meeting with a delegation from Rainy River First Nations to begin discussions about a potential MOU between Rainy River First Nations and Lakehead. They expressed an interest of collaborating with Lakehead in the area of health and in developing initiatives related to the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre, or Manitou Mounds.

•    On Feb. 10, I’ll be representing the Faculty along with Kristin Burnett at a meeting with Seven Generations Education Institute, in part to discuss renewing the MOU between SGEI and Lakehead.

•    In March, a delegation of students and faculty members from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Makerere University in Uganda is planning to visit Lakehead. Details are still being confirmed, but it looks like, among other things, they’re looking to explore the possibility of collaborations with our Faculty. Details will be shared as we learn more.

•    Recruitment is now focusing on converting applicants into enrolments in Fall 2026. Upcoming Thunder Bay events include March Break Open House on March 20 and the Applicant Reception on April 23. In addition, Indigenous Student Preview Day will take place on April 22. Grade 11 Preview Day will take place on February 18, but unlike previous years will not feature an Academic Fair and will be largely run by the Recruitment team.

8.
Other Business.
None.

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  
The next Faculty Council meeting with be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  Deadline for submissions for the agenda:  Friday, March 6, 2026.

10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:37 am.

ATTENDANCE
Thunder Bay Campus
K. Brooks
K. Burnett
A. Caratathis
L. Chambers
J. Chisholm
E. Chugunov
A. Dunning
L. Forbes
D. Hannah
K. Holmes
D. Ivison
D. Jobin-Bevans
R. Kimani-Dupius
I. Lemée
J. Liu
B. Maiangwa
R. Maundrell
B. Parker
E. Piersig
S. Pound
T. Puddephatt
C. Sanders
C. Wick
S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
D. Akca
G. Bonifacio
P. Das
A. den Otter
V. Hébert
J. Jarman
N. Lochhead
D. Mackinnon
S. Olutola
M. Stevenson
K. Walton

Regrets
S. Jacoba
R. McVeigh
L. Potvin
S. Webb-Campbell

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES
Friday, January 9, 2026
 
A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, January 6, 2026, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  

GUESTS
Dr. Gautam Das:  President, Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA)
Dr. Robert Mawhinney:  Chief Negotiator – LUFA
Dr. Gautam Das, Dr. Robert Mawhinney and Mr. Ben Hubbard attended our Faculty Council meeting on Friday, January 9, 2026.  They did a short presentation on several subjects followed by a brief question period.  Faculty were encouraged to attend the regular LUFA coffee and discussion meetings.

Introduction of New Faculty Member
Dr. Annie Dunning – Department of Visual Arts:  Thunder Bay Campus As our first tenure-track hire in 10 years, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome our new colleague, Dr. Annie Dunning. Sam and I are particularly ecstatic to no longer be a department of two people. Annie completed her Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Guelph and, in 2024, completed a PhD in Visual Arts at York University. As
PhD programs in visual arts are quite a new degree option in Canada, Annie is our very first studio faculty member to hold a doctorate degree. Annie has previously taught at the University of Guelph, York University and also here at Lakehead when she covered a sabbatical back in 2010 - so we’re very happy to be welcoming her back to Thunder Bay.

AGENDA
1.
Approval of Agenda
 It was moved by R. Warburton and seconded by J. Jarman that the agenda be approved.
        Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes
It was moved by C. Sanders and seconded by R. McVeigh that the minutes from December 5, 2025 be approved.
        Carried.
        
3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
1.  International Dual Degrees

4.
Calendar Change Requests

    i) Additional Dean
    i) Business Administration
    It was moved by R. Warburton and D. Ivison that this calendar change request was relegated back to the initiator in Business Administration
    2025-SOC-8998-B-B:  Business 1056, 1076, and 2110 - Thunder Bay
            Carried.
    
    5.1
Department/School Requests.
Dr. Aamir Taiyeb, Vice-Provost International, has been tentatively scheduled for our Faculty Council meeting on Friday, February 6, 2026.    
D. Ivison suggested that Dr. Langis Roy, Vice-Provost Research, be invited to one of our Faculty Council meetings in the near future.

5.2
Department/School Reports and Announcements.
i) Music
E. Chugunov stated that there will be a LUMINA concert held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in the Jean
McNulty Recital Hall.  Please check the Department of Music’s website for more information.

ii)  Research and Innovation Week
C. Sanders stated that he is the Chair of the Undergraduate Conference Committee for Research &
Innovation Week, and invites undergraduate submissions from the Faculty of Social Sciences and
Humanities. Students may present either an oral or poster presentation, and projects may be completed
or in progress. Work previously presented at departmental conferences or other venues is welcome.  This
is a reminder to encourage your students to submit their abstracts.

iii)
J. Jarman mentioned that there are three upcoming workshops this weekend for 20 high school students.  
The workshops will be focusing on building relationships as well as interest in the program.

iv) English
S. Pound stated that he will be the Acting Chair of English from January 1 to June 30, 2026.  He is
replacing D. Hayes while he is on sabbatical leave.

6.
Dean’s Report.
Friday, January 9, 2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR !
Welcome, Dr. Annie Dunning! Welcome back, FC Members!

• Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) Steering Committee

• CSR Supplemental Review, 2025 Annual Department Reports

• 2026 Conversion Initiatives and Activities
March Break Open House:    Friday, March 20 (Thunder Bay)
                Saturday, March 21 (Orillia)

Applicant Receptions:         Thursday, April 9 (Orillia)
                Thursday, April 23 (Thunder Bay)

Campus Tour Program:      Monday-Friday (year-round) Thunder Bay and Orillia

• Academic Support Zone: for student success
Contact Dr. Clara Sacchetti-Dufresne, Coordinator

• Academic Integrity and Use of AI

• SSH Budget Presentation – February

• SSH Faculty Strategic Working Group
Dean, Assistant Deans (2), Social Sciences (2), Humanities (2)

• Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships for Canadians Program (Global Affairs)
Gender and Climate Change in the Indo-Pacific Region: Mitigation and Adaptation for
Sustainable Development. SSH and NRM joint project in South Korea, Japan, Fiji, the
Philippines, and Vanuatu

• Inclusive Research Excellence Grant Program (Lakehead University)
EDI in SSH Research Practice: Training Program for Graduate Students
Report Date

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report

i)  Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus
Report for Friday, January 9, 2026

1.    The Ice-storm symposium summaries have been sent out to the community participants.  Further follow-up and next steps are being scheduled in the New Year.

2.    Enrolment management.  The new rules that saw the Registrar set the campus location such that courses listed as Barrie, Orillia, or Thunder Bay can only been taken by students on that campus, have implications for enrolment.  If a department wants an online course to be taken by students on either campus, they have to select “online campus” regardless of the situation of the host department. If your online enrolments are lower than you expect, this may be the reason.

3.    I provided support on the IPA data analysis helping the Dean to make the case that our Faculty has been growing for four years, which according to Heather Murchison, has us bucking international trends in social science and humanities enrolments, which have trended downwards in this period.

4.    I continued to work with the International Office to help working towards raising the profile of the faculty for recruitment and dual degrees. At the moment, we are working on building relations with universities in the Philippines and the United Kingdom.

ii)  Dr. Doug Ivison (Acting Assistant Dean) – Thunder Bay Campus
Report for Friday, January 9. 2026

D. Ivison stated that there was a meeting this morning regarding the Social Justice Studies framework of the proposed Ph.D. program.  It is hoped that this will be submitted to Faculty Council soon for approval and are hoping to have the proposal submitted by June 30, 2026.

8.
Other Business.
i)  Social Sciences and Humanities Strategic Plan Working Group
G. Bonifacio stated that there will be a SS&H Strat Plan Working Group Committee created to work on the new 5 year strategic plan.  There will be representation from both campuses which will include both Assistant Deans.  It was decided that this will not be a special working committee.  It was also decided that there would be an email sent out regarding a “call of interest.”  Both nominations and self-nominations would be accepted.  

Motion:  The selection of the SS&H Strategic Plan Working Group Committee be composed of the Dean, both Assistant Deans, two members, ideally from each of the Social Sciences and the Humanities.
Moved by C. Sanders; seconded by R.McVeigh.
            Carried.

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  

    The next Faculty Council meeting with be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  Deadline for submissions for the agenda:  Friday, January 30, 2026.

10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am.

ATTENDANCE

Thunder Bay Campus
K. Brooks
K. Burnett
A. Caratathis
L. Chambers
J. Chisholm
E. Chugunov
A. Dunning
L. Forbes
D. Hannah
K. Holmes
D. Ivison
S. Jacoba
D. Jobin-Bevans
R. Maundrell
E. Piersig
S. Pound
C. Sanders
B. Vernier
R. Warburton

S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
D. Akca
G. Bonifacio
P. Das
A. den Otter
J. Jarman
D. Mackinnon
R. McVeigh
M. Stevenson

Regrets
L. Potvin

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES

Friday, April 8, 2022

A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 10:00 am via Zoom.

Election:  Chair and Vice-Chair of Faculty Council
M. Stevenson, Chair of the Nominations Committee, announced that the Committee received two nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2022/2023 academic year.  M. Flegel was nominated for Chair of Faculty Council and V. Hébert was nominated for Vice-Chair of Faculty Council.  M. Stevenson announced that both were acclaimed without a vote as per our Faculty Constitution.  Both were looking forward to another year in their respective positions!    

1.
Approval of Agenda
It was moved by L. Chambers and seconded by J. Roth that the agenda be approved.

        Carried.

2.
Approval of Minutes
Approval of the minutes from March 11, 2022.  (L. Chambers; K. Burnett)
The minutes were accepted as presented.
 
3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
None.

4.
Calendar Changes
i)  Gender and Women’s Studies
It was moved by L. Chambers and seconded by J. Roth that the following calendar change for Gender and Women’s Studies be approved:
2022-SOC-7868:  Course- Modification-UG-GWS-WOME course name update to PSYC-operated course.

    Carried.

Ii)  Indigenous Learning
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by A. den Otter that the following calendar change for
Indigenous Learning be approved:
2022-SOC-7502:  Course-Discontinuing-UG-Indigenous Learning -Honours Project I and II.

    Carried.

iii)  Social Justice Program
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by T. Puddphatt that the following calendar change for
Indigenous Learning be approved:
2021-SOC-7712:  Adding the Orillia Campus Option to the MA In SOCJ.

    Carried.

5.
Department/School Reports.
i)  English
D. Ivison stated that the English Student Association (ESA) was having a Zoom party which will include the launch a new edition of The Artery.  Please check out the information at https://www.lakeheadu.ca/programs/departments/english/english-student-as... if interested.

ii) Indigenous Learning
K. Burnett announced the R. Robson will be retiring on June 30, 2022.

iii)  Interdisciplinary Studies
J. Jarman announced the Media Arts Showcase an in-person event which will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. The annual showcase is presented by the Media, Film and Communications program at the Orillia campus, and open to students from all disciplines with accomplishments in creative arts. This year’s showcase will feature video, sound, photography, interactive sculptures, digital media and more, depicting and emphasizing themes of personal, professional and social change, flexibility and resilience, faced over the last two years.  This is event is open to the public; however, registration is required.  To register email adenotte@lakeheadu.ca.

iv)  Outdoor Recreation
S. Pound announced that T. Potter will be retiring on June 30, 2022.

v)  Music
A. Carastathis stated that this was week two of public activities.  Week three will be next week and the events will be posted on their web page as well as their Facebook account.

vi)  Visual Arts
K. Holmes announced that Moe Trainor was retiring this year.  Please feel free to send her a message.  The Department will miss her!
The fourth year Visual Arts students will have a pop-up art gallery on campus.  The last day is tomorrow and is located beside the cafeteria.  They were also interviewed about the situation in Ukraine by Superior Morning.

6.
Dean’s Report.
No exciting news to report at this time.  It has been a tough year and thank you to all for your hard work and dedication!  Looking forward to next year!    

Enrollment:  There are no new enrollment numbers yet but are expected the week of May 2.  Please contact me if you are not receiving regular updates and I shall make sure they are sent to you. Conversions are important at this time of year and one on one contact seems to work best.

March break was very successful this year with quite a few students committing to Lakehead.

Hiring:  Our faculty received two tenure track replacements for next year.  The rest of the requested positions are on hold pending budget and enrollment.  

Discussion Points:
•    There are no new FCEs and we are trying to retain the ones we have.  
•    It was mentioned that Senate needs to become more active and a place where faculty can discuss issues that concern them and their departments/schools as well as the university as a whole.
•    When planning for Spring/Summer courses, offer those that will serve students effectively but be aware of your budget.  
•    Covid rules for on campus will change as of May 1, 2022.  Please watch for updates.
•    The sharing of information between upper administration and faculties is an ongoing concern and should be addressed at some point if things are going to improve.

7.
Assistant Dean’s Report:
Continue to advise students in the BA General program.  
Work continues contacting students who have “stopped out” in order to facilitate their return back to Lakehead and try to put them in touch with their home departments/school.
Working with B. Perrault to confirm those SGEI students who will be graduating from the BA General this year.
Will be uploading templates on the Faculty Commons site for use when contacting potential students.   

8.
Other Business:
None.

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  Friday, May 6, 2022 at 10:00 am via Zoom.

10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 am.  (K. Burnett; T. Puddephatt)

ATTENDANCE
Thunder Bay Campus
R. Maundrell
D. Ivison
L. Primavesi
B. Birmingham
T. Puddephatt
B. Maiangwa
R. Robson
M. Flegel
L. Chambers
C. Sanders
J. Roth
A. Carastathis
S. Pound
K. Burnett
K. Holmes
E. Chugunov
G. Colton
S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
M. Stevenson
A. den Otter
J. Jarman

Regrets:
V. Hébert
I. Lemée

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES
 Friday, December 5, 2025
 
A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  
AGENDA
1.
Approval of Agenda
 
It was moved by R. McVeigh, and seconded by D. Ivison that the agenda be approved.
        Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes

It was moved by R. McVeigh and seconded by D. Ivison that the minutes from November 14, 2025 be approved.
        Carried.
        
3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
None.

4.
Calendar Change Requests

    i)  History
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by M. Stevenson that the following calendar change request for History be approved.
    2025-SOC-9145:  Course-Modification-UG-Indigenous Learning-Minor course change for IL operated INDI 3435/ENST 3435/NORT 3435

            Carried.

It was moved by M. Stevenson and seconded by R. Maundrell that the following calendar change request for History be approved.
    2025-SOC-9157:  Comparative Religion Minor UG Course Switch
    
            Carried.
    
    iI)  Indigenous Learning
    It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by R. McVeigh that the following calendar change request for Indigenous Learning be approved.
    2025-SOC-9144:  Course-Modification-UG-Indigenous Learning-Minor course change for IL operated INDI 3435/ENST 3435/NORT 3435
    
            Carried.

    iii) Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by A. Carastathis that the following calendar change request for Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism be approved.
    2025-SOC-9150:  Course change - UG - Prereq update ORPT-4911

            Carried.

    iv)  Sociology
It was moved by C. Sanders and seconded by T. Puddephatt that the following calendar change request for Sociology be approved.
2025-SOC-9106:  Course-Modification-UG SOCI-4012: adding crosslists WOME-4012, SOCJ-5017

    v) Additional Dean

    i) Business Administration
    This calendar change request was tabled for further information.
    2025-SOC-8998-B-B:  Business 1056, 1076, and 2110 - Thunder Bay
    
    5.1
Department/School Requests.
Dr. Gautam Das and Dr. Robert Mawhinney are scheduled to attend our Faculty Council meeting on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Dr. Aamir Taiyeb, Vice-Provost International, has been tentatively scheduled for our Faculty Council meeting on Friday, February 6, 2026.    
D. Ivison suggested that Dr. Langis Roy, Vice-Provost Research, be invited to one of our Faculty Council meetings in the near future.

5.2
Department/School Reports and Announcements.

i)  Research and Innovation Week
C. Sanders stated that he is the Chair of the Undergraduate Conference Committee for Research &
Innovation Week, and invites undergraduate submissions from the Faculty of Social Sciences and
Humanities. Students may present either an oral or poster presentation, and projects may be completed
or in progress. Work previously presented at departmental conferences or other venues is welcome.

FSSH has historically been underrepresented at R&I Week, and this is an excellent opportunity to
showcase the strength of our faculty. Participation offers valuable professional development experience,
and the event is designed to highlight our students.

Please help spread the word and encourage your undergraduate students to submit an abstract. I know
this is a busy time of year, so I am happy to support students in preparing their submissions or developing
their presentations.

6.
Dean’s Report.
There was no Dean’s report for this meeting.

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report
i)  Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus

Report for Friday, November 14, 2025 (This report was not included in the minutes of November 14.)

•    Sadly, Dean Glenda Bonifacio’s mother died on November 11th.  Dean Bonifacio is travelling to the Philippines and will return on December 11th.  

Social Sciences and Humanities Enrolment update from Institutional Planning and Analysis

•    At a recent meeting with H. Murchison I was provided with an up-to-date position of our Faculty’s enrolments.  There is much good news to share.  

•    For the fourth year in a row, recovery of full-time enrolment in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities is projected to continue (projected enrolment at Nov 1, 2025 based on data extracted Oct 19, 2025). 

•    Full-time enrolment is expected to increase by 6% year on year. 

•    Full-time undergraduate enrolment is projected to be up 6% compared to last year.  Although full-time undergraduate enrolment is projected to decrease by 2% (12 students) on the Thunder Bay campus, full-time undergraduate enrolment is projected to increase by 13% (76 students) at Lakehead Orillia.

•    Graduate student enrolment is also projected to increase by 4% to just over 100 students across the two campuses.

•    The official census has just been taken and will be reported to the government at the beginning of December.  Following the submission of this "official file", Institutional Planning and Analysis will update its data tables and will also develop a data package for Deans. 
•    In the meantime, if any department would like more detail on their projected Fall 2025 enrolment, they can reach out to IPA.

Lakehead - International Visa update
•    Vice-Provost International Aamir Taiyeb reports that there is good news from the federal budget regarding Lakehead’s international visas.  There will be a broadening of the criteria for foreign student visas from graduate students only to undergraduates as well.  This should make it possible for Lakehead to fill its allocation of foreign visas, which apparently did not occur this year.  If any departments are involved in recruitment efforts targeted to undergraduate students, the possibility of them being able to come is much better this coming year.

Orillia Recruitment Open House
•    There was a very successful open house in Orillia this past weekend with a total of 332 prospective students touring the campus.  

Report for Friday, December 5, 2025
•    Orillia space.  I have made an inquiry to the Principal’s office concerning space planning with respect to SSH faculty offices.  There are no plans to take away any SSH offices, although there are requests to have other people use the offices when members are on sabbatical and not planning to be in their offices during this period.  These requests are at faculty member’s discretion.  I reiterated that we have urgent needs including upgrading the current carrel space for LTAs and contract lecturers in relation to privacy and Zooming needs, for bringing all our faculty members together in one space instead of being divided between the two University Avenue buildings, as well as long-standing requests for Media and Psych labs to support members’ research and teaching programs.

•    Post Ice Storm Symposium.  As part of the Dean’s plan to build SSH and community connections, a plan to hold a symposium emerged from a discussion with York University about a potential partnership with York’s Disaster Studies phd. We subsequently held a Post Ice Storm symposium, AFTER THE ICE STORM: SHARING STORIES AND BUILDING DISASTER-RESILIENT COMMUNITIES, on November 7th, 2025.  This event was opened by Ontario’s Minister for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Jill Dunlop and the Orillia mayor, Don McIsaac.  The mayor noted that this was the worst natural disaster to hit Orillia in 70 years.  Over the course of the day, 35 participants from organizations that work with the vulnerable sector shared their experiences, challenges, needs, and worked to identify gaps with the goal of laying the groundwork to make sure that vulnerable people would be included in future emergency needs planning in this region.   The Social Sciences and Humanities was well represented on the organizing committee, and acted as facilitators and speakers at the workshop.  There are plans for future events and possibly a SSHRC application.

•    Philippines recruitment and partnering.  Discussions with the International Office are ongoing with reference to recruitment and potential partnerships for the Philippines for SSH programs.  The Philippines is one of the world’s largest English-speaking countries and has many has strong ties with Canada, so it is an important country for us to work with.  The High Commission in Manila has hosted networking events that our contacts have attended. The work of building connections between Lakehead and relevant partners is developing.  
    A SSH Orillia Festive Party is being organized for December 15th at a local pub.  


ii)  Dr. Doug Ivison (Acting Assistant Dean) – Thunder Bay Campus
     Friday, December 5, 2025
•    Fall Preview Day – Thanks to all who participated in yesterday’s Fall Preview Day. All units were represented, which was good to see.
•    Social Justice PhD – The committee held another meeting to work out details for the framework of the proposed PhD program. We’re preparing something for the January meeting of SJS, and if SJS approves the proposal in principle will share it with Faculty Council.
•    The Vice-Provost (International) gave a report at Senate on Dec. 1 discussing the implications of recent changes affecting international students. He confirmed that the decreased quota should not have a negative impact as it reflects current numbers, and also noted that graduate students will no longer require a PAL, which is significant for Lakehead given that the vast majority of our international students are graduate students.

8.
Other Business.
i)  Dean’s Return
The question was asked when G. Bonifacio would be returning to Orillia.  J. Jarman shared the information that she would be leaving to return to Orillia on Thursday, December 11, 2025, and would be back to work at shortly after that.

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  
The next Faculty Council meeting with be held in Friday, January 9, 2026 at 10:00 am via Zoom.  Deadline for submissions for agenda:  Monday, January 5, 2026 (Friday, January 2, 2026 is a holiday.)

10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:33 am.

ATTENDANCE
Thunder Bay Campus
B. Birmingham
K. Brooks
K. Burnett
A. Caratathis
J. Chisholm
E. Chugunov
D. Hannah
D. Hayes
K. Holmes
D. Ivison
D. Jobin-Bevans
R. Maundrell
T. Puddephatt
T. Rollo
C. Sanders
C. Wick
S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
D. Akca
A. den Otter
J. Jarman
D. Krupp
D. Mackinnon
R. McVeigh
M. Stevenson
K. Walton

Regrets
P. Das
L. Forbes
I. Lemée
S. Jacoba
L. Chambers
L. Potvin
R. Warburton

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES
Friday, November 14, 2025
 
A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  

GUESTS:
Ms. Aimee Juan:  Associate Vice-Provost Students – Office of Student Affairs
Mr. Joel Symons:  Manager, Student Conduct & Case Management - Office of Student Affairs

Presentation:  Protocol for Course Syllabi:  Course Syllabus Statements & the Academic Integrity Code
=====================
J. Symons and A. Jaun gave a power point presentation dealing with course syllabus and the academic integrity code.  They reviewed the following:  
•    Section II:  Responsibilities and Expectations:  Faculty and Instructors:  19.  Faculty and Instructors have the right to use educational strategies that encourage Students to act with integrity in academic matters.
•    Academic Integrity Statements Course Syllabus Suggestions outlining the four steps.
•    Academic Integrity Code, Section VI:  Factors that ought to be considered when assigning a remedy or sanction for breaches of Academic integrity.
•    Academic Integrity Code:  Section VI:  Sanction and factors to consider when assessing a Sanction.
A question and answer period followed, and it was decided that this topic required further discussion at a later date.

Link:
Power Point Presentation

1.
Approval of Agenda
 
It was moved by D, Mackinnon, and seconded by D. Hannah that the agenda be approved.
        Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes

It was moved by D. Akca and seconded by L. Chambers that the minutes from October 17, 2025 be approved.
        Carried.
       
3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
None.

4.
Calendar Change Requests

I). Gender & Women’s Studies:
It was moved by L. Chambers and seconded by R. Maundrell that the following calendar change requests for Gender and Women’s Studies be approved.
2025-SOC-9083: Course-New-UG-Gender and Women's Studies-Crosslisting Philosophy operated PHIL
operated PHIL 3419 WOME 3419
2025-SOC-9130:  Course-modification-UG-WOME 4012-adding a cross list to SOCI 4212.
2025-SOC-9131:  Course-New-UG-Gender and Women's Studies-Creating new "Special Topics
in Feminist Global Justice" WOME/SOCJ

        Carried.

    iI)  History
It was moved by M. Stevenson and seconded by D. Mackinnon that the following calendar change requests for History be approved.
    2025-SOC-9078:  HIST_New_Grad_Courses History
2025-SOC-9123:  Course-Modification-UG-Indigenous Learning-Crosslisting IL-operated INDI 3011 & 4013 w/ History
    2025-SOC-9118:  Courses - UG- Northern Studies - Course Name Changes
    2025-SOC-9121:  Course Modification-UG-NORT4213-Remove INDI-4213 from cross list

            Carried.
    
    iIi)  Indigenous Learning
    It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by R. McVeigh that the following calendar change requests for Indigenous Learning be approved.
    2025-SOC-9093:  Course-Modification-UG-Indigenous Learning-Crosslisting IL-operated INDI 3011 & 4013 w/ History
    2025-SOC-9116:  Course-Discontinuing-UG-Indigenous Learning-uncrosslisting INDI 2054 that is Faculty of Natural Resources Management-operated
    2025-S0C-9117:  Course-Discontinuing-UG-Indigenous Learning-INDI 4213
    2025-SOC-9138:  Course-Discontinuing-UG-Indigenous Learning-decrosslisting Social Work operated course, INDI 4411
2025-SOC-9139:  Course-Discontinuing-UG-Indigenous Learning-decrosslisting Education operated course, INDI 3130
2025-S0C-9146:  Course-Modification-UG-Indigenous Learning-Updating INDI 2431
2025-SOC-9147:  Course-Discontinuing-UG-Indigenous Learning-Deleting INDI 2317, 2711, 2331 & 3233   

        Carried.

    iv) Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism
It was moved by L. Potvin and seconded by R. Warburton that the following calendar change request for Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism be approved.
    2025-SOC-9149:  Course-New-UG-ORPT-4014, cross listed with SOCJ 5019

            Carried.

    v)  Philosophy
It was moved by R. Maundrell and seconded by L. Chambers that the following calendar change requests for Philosophy be approved.
    2025-SOC-9111:  Program Modifications-UG-Philosophy 3810 Update
2025-SOC-9124:  Course-New-UG-Gender and Women's Studies-Crosslisting Philosophy operated PHIL 3419
        Carried.

    vi) Political Science
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by R. Warburton that the following calendar change request for Political Science be approved.
    2025-SOC-9120:  remove IL cross list from POLI 4213
            Carried.

vii)  Social Justice Program
It was moved by L. Chambers and seconded by D. Hayes that the following calendar change requests for the Social Justice Program be approved.
2025-SOC-9091:  Course-Modification-GR-Social Justice Studies-SOCJ-5017: adding SOCI cross listed.
    2025-SOC-9092:  Course-New-GR-Social Justice Studies-Cross listing SJS with History-operated course, History of Neoliberalism HIST-5032/SOCJ-5032
    2025-SOC-9140:  Course-Modification-GR-Social Justice Studies-Title change for GWS-operated SOCJ 5214
                Carried.

    It was moved by E. Chugunov and seconded by M. Stevenson that the following two calendar change requests for the Social Justice Program be approved.
    2025-SOC-9132:  Course-New-GR-Social Justice Studies-Creating new "Special Topics in Feminist Global Justice" WOME/SOCJ (GWS-operated)
    025-SOC-9135:  Course-New-GR-Social Justice Studies-Adding/Cross listing "Resisting Fascism" (
                Carried.
    
    It was moved by L. Potvin and seconded by M. Stevenson that the following calendar change request for the Social Justice Program be approved.
    2025-SOC-9142:  Course-New-GR-SOJC-5019, cross listed with ORPT-operated course OUTD 4014
                   Carried.

    viii) Additional Dean
    i) Education
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by D. Ivison that the following calendar change request for Education be approved.
    2025-SOC-9141:  Remove Cross-Listing from EDUC-3130
                Carried.
    
    i)  Health & Behavioural Sciences
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by D. Ivison that the following calendar change request for Health and Behavioural Sciences be approved.
    2025-SOC-9134:  Course_Mod_UG-SocialWork_remove Cross listing
                Carried.

    v) Natural Resources Management
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by D. Ivison that the following calendar change request for Natural Resources Management be approved.
    2025-NAT-9134:  De-crosslisting NRMT 2054 with INDI-2054 as requested by the Department of Indigenous Learning
                Carried.

    5.1
Department/School Requests.
A. den Otter stated that if anyone would like to invite someone to speak at Faculty Council, please notify S. Viitala and herself.
It was suggested that Dr. Aamir Taiyeb, Vice-Provost International, be invited to one of our next Faculty Council meetings.  

5.2
Department/School Reports and Announcements.

i)  English
It was moved by D. Hayes and seconded by R. Warburton that Dr. Lesley Clement be appointed as
External Adjunct Professor in the Department of English for a four-year term.  
        Approved.

ii)  Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism
It was moved by L. Potvin and seconded by C. Sanders that Mr. Mike Walton be appointed as External
Adjunct Professor in the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism for a four-year term.
         Approved.

6.
Dean’s Report.
There was no Dean’s report for this meeting.

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report
i)  Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus
    Friday, November 14, 2025, 2025
See Minutes of December 5, 2025 for this Report.

ii)  Dr. Doug Ivison (Acting Assistant Dean) – Thunder Bay Campus
     Friday, November 14, 2025
Fall Preview Day – Dec. 4. If your Department/School isn’t able to participate in this recruitment event, please let me know.

Social Justice Studies PhD – the committee met last week and is planning to meet again next week. The goal is to draft a framework for a PhD program to be presented for discussion at the SJS meeting in January. If SJS faculty members approve this framework in principle, we will bring it to Faculty Council in the Winter term for information. We will then prepare the full proposal brief with the goal of submitting it by the end of June. It will come to Faculty Council for approval following the usual processes. If anyone not currently a member of SJS is interested in being included in the PhD program, please contact me or Kevin Brooks.

Professional Doctorates. I met earlier this week with the Dean of Graduate Studies to discuss the possibility of creating a professional Doctorate in our Faculty. Professional or Industry Doctorates differ from the traditional PhD in that they are designed for those already working in the field or industry of the discipline who are looking for an additional credential, and thus is aimed at domestic students, and rather than being expected to produce original research, they’re expected to produce applied research of relevance to their current employment. A number of universities offer a Doctor of Education, for example.

University of Toronto has a number of such programs (mostly in Education) and are looking to offer more across the university. The main difference between their Professional Doctorates and PhD programs is an increase in the number of required courses and the substitution of an applied research project instead of a dissertation based on original research.

The Dean of Graduate Studies envisions these degrees as more flexible than a traditional PhD, with no residency requirement, more flexible program requirements, and faster times to completion. He’s hoping that our Faculty will be interested in creating such a program, which could either be discipline-specific or more general.

8.
Other Business.
i)  Discussion:  Memo from Provost & Vice-Present (Academic) RE:  Office Space Utilization & Attendance.
This memo outlined the obligations under Article 16.01.02 of the LUFA Collective Agreement regarding
on-campus presence and absence notification.  A discussion was held as to what this might mean moving
forward, and how it might be implemented and monitored.  Space was definitely deemed an issue.

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  
The next Faculty Council meeting with be held in Friday, January 9, 2026 at 10:00 am via Zoom.

10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 am.

ATTENDANCE
 Thunder Bay Campus
K. Burnett
A. Caratathis
L. Chambers
J. Chisholm
E. Chugunov
D. Hannah
D. Hayes
K. Holmes
S. Jacoba
D. Jobin-Bevans
D. Ivison
I. Lemée
B. Maiangwa
R. Maundrell
B. Parker
L. Potvin
C. Sanders
R. Warburton

S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
D. Akca
A. den Otter
J. Jarman
D. Mackinnon
R. McVeigh
M. Stevenson
K. Walton

Regrets
K. Brooks
P. Das
L. Forbes
B. Vernier

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES

 Friday, October 17, 2025
 A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  

GUEST:
Dr. Gillian Balfour:  Provost & Vice-President (Academic)

A. den Otter welcomed Dr. Balfour to Lakehead University and to our Faculty Council meeting.

Dr. Balfour introduced herself and went on to give a brief history of her time in academia.  She completed a PhD in Sociology at the University of Manitoba where she focused on socio-legal studies and feminist criminology. Her research interests included a critical analysis of restorative justice and sentencing law reforms intended to address the over-incarceration of Indigenous women.

Before joining Lakehead University, she served as Provost and Vice-President Academic at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) since 2022, where she was the chief budget officer and academic leader with a unique government mandate to provide online and on-campus learning for 30,000 learners.
Prior to her time at TRU, Dr. Balfour served as Vice Principal and Academic Dean at King’s University College at Western University from 2020 to 2022.

Her leadership background includes almost two decades at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, where she was the Associate Dean of Trent Online and Centre for Teaching and Learning.

A brief discussion followed.
=====================
1.
Approval of Agenda
 It was moved by C. Sanders, and seconded by R. McVeigh that the agenda be approved.

        Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes
It was moved by D. Hayes and seconded by D. Akca that the minutes from September 12, 2025 be approved as circulated.
        Carried.
 3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
None.

4.
Calendar Change Requests

i) Gender & Women’s Studies
It was moved by L. Chambers and seconded by E. Chugunov that the following calendar change request
for Gender & Women’s Studies be approved.
2025-SOC-9043:  Course-Modification-UG-Gender and Women's Studies-Course title name change for
WOME 1100
        Carried.
    
ii)  History
It was moved by M. Stevenson and seconded by P. Das that the following calendar change request for
History be approved.
2025-SOC-9079: New HIST Undergrad Course

        Carried.

iii) Indigenous Access
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by D. Ivison that the following calendar change requests for
Indigenous Access be approved.
2025-SOC-9050:  Admission Requirement Addition for all Indigenous Access Programs
2025-SOC-9059:  Program Update for Indigenous Transition Year Program
2025-SOC-9061:  Course restriction change to include Indigenous STEM Access Programs students in
ITYP 1191 course

        Carried.

iv) Interdisciplinary Studies
It was moved by D. Akca and seconded by R. McVeigh that the following calendar change requests for
Interdisciplinary Studies be approved.
2025-SOC-9065:  Course-Discontinuing-UG-Criminology-4015-Criminal-Profiling
2025-SOC-9077:  Course-Modification-UG-Criminology-3135-Description

        Carried,

It was moved by R. McVeigh and seconded by J. Jarman that the following calendar change request for
Interdisciplinary Studies be approved.
2025-SOC-9082:  Program; Minor modification; UG; Interdisciplinary Studies; Concentration Updates

        Carried.

It was moved by J.  Jarman and seconded by R. McVeigh that the following calendar change requests for
Interdisciplinary Studies (MDST) be approved.
2025-SOC-9098:  Media, Film, and Communications Internships Minor Changes
2025-SOC-9099:  Media, Film, and Communications Minor Small Change

        Carried.

v) Music
It was moved by E. Chugonov and seconded by S. Shahsahabi that the following calendar change
request for Music be approved.
2025-SOC-9056: New Music History courses/ deletion of old courses

        Carried.

vi)  Philosophy
It was moved by R. Maundrell and seconded by L. Potvin that the following calendar change request for
Philosophy be approved.
2025-SOC-9085:  Courses-New and Discontinued-UG-Philosophy

        Carried.

vii)  Sociology
It was moved by C. Sanders and seconded by R. McVeigh that the following calendar change
requests for Sociology be approved.
2025-SOC-8880:  Changes to Title, Description, Prerequisites and Notes
2025-SOC-8881:  Cross Calendared Changes to Title, Description, Prerequisites and Notes
2025-SOC-8945:  New 5th (Graduate) Year Course SOCI-5102

        Carried.

viii)  Visual Arts
It was moved by S. Shahsahabi and seconded by E. Chugunov that the following calendar change
requests for Visual Arts be approved.
2025-SOC-9018:  VISUAL ARTS PRE-REQ FIX
2025-SOC-9019:  HBFA/HBFA,BED IS replacement courses

        Carried.

    5.1
Department/School Requests.
None mentioned.  A. den Otter stated that if anyone would like to invite someone to speak at Faculty Council, please notify S. Viitala and herself.

5.2
Department/School Reports and Announcements.
i)  History
M. Stevenson recommended that Dr. Tom Peotto be appointed as External Adjunct Professor in the
Department of History for a four-year term.  (Recommendation Memo from Dr. Stevenson; CV for Dr.
Peotto) (Please contact S. Viitala if you wish to view Dr. Peotto’s CV.)

        Approved.
6.
Dean’s Report.

Friday, October 17, 2025

1.    Curriculum Sustainability Annual Reports
•    Submitted the report to the Provost for her review/suggestions
•    Will meet with Chairs for one hour at the end of October to discuss

2.    New Programs
    All new programs now require to have a market analysis first
    This will be based on the cost; return; demand; and evidence-based information.

3.    Faculty Complement Plan- Five Years
•    2.5 FCE
•    Core courses and Electives
•    Contractual/CA course releases
•    Sabbatical
•    Retirement
    All Deans will now be involved with SEM planning with the first meeting to be held in November
    2025.

4.    Evolution: Integrated Academic and Research Plan
•    SSH Faculty Research Plan: Themes and endowed chairs
5.    Envisioning Faculty Structure
•    Will include everyone.
    General discussion followed.

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report

i)  Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus
    Friday, October 17, 2025

CS Report
I have been working on the Curriculum Sustainability Report for our Faculty.  The information was reviewed carefully to ensure all departments were using the correct template.  The final version was submitted to G. Bonifacio for her review and approval before it was sent to the Provost.

ii)  Dr. Doug Ivison (Acting Assistant Dean) – Thunder Bay Campus
     Friday, October 17, 2025

CS Report
I assisted the Dean with the Curriculum Sustainability Report, reviewing each department submission, and making suggestions and changes where warranted.

OUF
This is the largest student recruitment event in North America. The event was held at the Metro
Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto on the weekend of September 27 and 28, 2025.  I attended as well as L. Potvin from the Thunder Bay Campus.  A. den Otter and D. Akca from there from the Orillia Campus.  There was a lot of interest expressed in Lakehead prgrams both for programs at Orillia and Thunder Bay.  
The event was well attended.

Fall Preview Day
Our Fall Preview Day for the Thunder Bay campus will take place on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Please RSVP if you plan to attend, and also if you require assistance with setup.  We are hoping that there will be representation from all Departments for this important event.  As well, guided tours and information sessions related to undergraduate admissions, financial aid and support services will be offered

8.
Other Business.
i)  G. Bonifacio reminded everyone about the NERPS Conference taking place during March 2026.
Thank you to those who expressed interest in this conference in Tokyo. Please refer to the link below and consider submitting a proposal with your colleagues and students. Should you have any questions or are interested in participating, please contact her directly.
Link to Conference Website for more information:  https://nerps.org/nerps-2026-japan/

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  
The next Faculty Council meeting with be held in Friday, November 14, 2025 at 10:00 am via Zoom.

10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:38 am.

ATTENDANCE

Thunder Bay Campus
G. Bonifacio
K. Burnett
L. Chambers
J. Chisholm
E. Chugunov
D. Hannah
D. Hayes
S. Jacoba
D. Jobin-Bevans
D. Ivison
I. Lemée
B. Maiangwa
R. Maundrell
E. Piersig
L. Potvin
T. Puddephatt
C. Sanders
S. Shahsahabi
C. Wick
S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
D. Akca
P. Das
A. den Otter
V. Hébert
N. Lochhead
R. McVeigh
S. Olutola
M. Stevenson
K. Walton

Regrets
A. Carastathis
L. Forbes
K. Holmes
B. Parker

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES

 Friday, September 12, 2025
 A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  

PRESENTATION:

Mr. Joel Symons:      Manager, Student Conduct & Case Management
                                 AI and academic integrity
J. Symons gave a presentation on AI with regard and how it affects student assignments, tests, and exams.  It also included an update on the use of detection tools currently used to identify when AI is suspected of being used.  A discussion followed noting the following:

•    Need a standard detection tool(s) for the entire university to use;
•    Cost to be covered by Administration rather than by each faculty or department;
•    Revert back to the “old” ways, eg. In class written tests rather than online;
•    Consider the effects on the environment.

Link to Presentation for more Information:  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IzMDI8H0CiZtIYfhjP2ymx_XT4bZufhV...

Introduction of New Faculty

Dr. Shannon Webb-Campbell – Tenure Track Appointment:  Department of English (Orillia Campus)
D. Hayes welcomed Dr. Webb-Campbell to the department and mentioned that everyone was looking forward to working with her, both at the Orillia and Thunder Bay Campus.

Ms. Céline Wick – Tenure Track Appointment:  Department of Indigenous Learning (Thunder Bay Campus
Ms. Wick was introduced by K. Burnett as the newest member of the Department of Indigenous Learning.  She stated that Ms. Wick is an exciting addition to the department and that everyone was happy to have here, and were looking forward to working with her.  Ms. Wick is currently working on her Ph.D. and is hoping to complete it soon.

Dr. Neven Lochhead – Two Year Limited Term Appointment:  Department of Interdisciplinary Studies: Media, Film and Communications (Orillia Campus)
A. den Otter introduced Dr. Never Lochhead as the newest faculty member in the MDST program.  Everyone is excited to have him start and to begin work on various projects in collaboration with faculty and students.

1.
Approval of Agenda
 It was moved by C. Sanders, and seconded by S. Jacoba that the agenda be approved.

        Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes
Approval of the minutes from May 9, 2025.  (D. Krupp and D. Hayes)
The minutes were accepted as presented.
        
3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
None.

4.
Calendar Change Requests

i)  English
It was moved by D. Hayes and seconded by K. Burnett that the following calendar change requests for the Department of English be approved.

    2025-SOC-8837:  Minor Modification
    2025-SOC-8838:  Specialization in Cultural Studies
    2025-SOC-8842:  Course New UG ENGL Life Writing
    2025-SOC-8843:  Minor Modification x3
    2025-SOC-8922:  program discontinuing UG ENGL
    
    Carried.

i) Gender & Women’s Studies
It was moved by L. Chambers and seconded by D. Krupp that the following calendar change requests for the Department of Gender and Women’s Studies be approved.

2025-SOC-8897:  Course-Modification-UG-Gender and Women's Studies-Housekeeping change for SOCI-operated course (SOCI 4033)
2025-SOC-8926:  Program-Modification-GR-Gender & Women’s Studies-Housekeeping change clarifying Program Requirement for GWS specialization
2025-SOC-8942:  Course-Modification-UG-Gender and Women's Studies-Minor change to clarify course category (Core, Group 1 & 2) for WOME 2012, 3132, 3603 & 4012

        Carried.

ii) Indigenous Learning
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by D. Ivison that the following calendar change request for the Department of Indigenous Learning be approved.
2025-SOC-8860:  Program-Major modification-UG-Indigenous Learning-IL Fall Back Degree (4yr BA)

        Carried.

iii) Interdisciplinary Studies
It was moved by D. Krupp and seconded by D. Mackinnon that the following calendar change request for the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies be approved.
2025-SOC-8833:  Course-New-UG-INTD

        Carried.
    
iv)  Languages:
It was moved by S. Jacoba and seconded by K. Burnett that the following calendar change request for Languages be approved.
2024-SOC-8671:  FRENCH 4012 La grammaire est une chanson douce
    
        Carried.

It was moved by S. Jacoba and seconded by K. Burnett that the following calendar change requests for Languages be approved.
2025-SOC-8850:  Change of title and course description to reflect course content.
2025-SOC-8851:  Change of title and course description to reflect course content.
2025-SOC-8852:  Change of title and course description to reflect course content.
    
        Carried.

It was moved by S. Jacoba and seconded by K. Burnett that the following calendar change requests for Languages be approved.
2025-SOC-8915:  New course (FREN-1210) 0.5 to replace half of FREN-1200
2025-SOC-8916:  New course (FREN-1211) 0.5 to replace half of FREN-1200
2025-SOC-8917:  New course created FREN-2212 0.5FCE to replace part of FREN-2201
2025-SOC-8918:  New course created FREN-2213 (0.5 FCE) to replace part of FREN-2201
2025-SOC-8919:  New course created FREN-2110 (0.5 FCE) to replace part of FREN-2101
2025-SOC-8920:  New course created FREN-2111 (0.5 FCE) to replace part of FREN-2101

        Carried.

It was moved by S. Jacoba and seconded by K. Burnett that the following calendar change requests for Languages be approved.
2025-SOC-8923:  Languages (French): New course to replace honours thesis course
2025-SOC-8924:  Languages (French): New course to replace honours thesis course

        Carried.

vi) Music
It was moved by E. Chugunov and seconded by A. Carastathis that the following calendar change requests for the Department of Music be approved.
2025-SOC-8816-A:  MUSIC PROGRAM CHANGES - Education Program Related
2025-SOC-8816-B:  MUSIC PROGRAM CHANGES
2025-SOC-8986:  Music admission requirement changes

        Carried.

vii) Outdoor Recreation
It was moved by J. Rosenthal and seconded by D. Mackinnon that the following calendar change requests for the Department of English be approved.
2025-SOC-8885:  ORPT Housekeeping
2025-SOC-8981:  ORPT Prerequisite Updates

        Carried.


v)  Social Justice Studies Program
It was moved by D. Mackinnon and seconded by D. Ivison that the following calendar change request for the Social Justice Studies Program be approved.
2025-SOC-8949: Course-Modification-GR-Social Justice Studies-SOCJ 5018 special topic minor housekeeping

        Carried.

ix)  Sociology
It was moved by C. Sanders and seconded by I. Lemée that the following calendar change requests for the Department of Sociology be approved.
2025-SOC-8883:  Discontinue Course
2025-SOC-8944:  New Third Year Course
2025-SOC-9008:  Remove SOCI 3011 from Calendar
2025-SOC-9009:  New Second Year Course

        Carried.

x) Visual Arts
It was moved by K. Holmes and seconded by D. Ivison that the following calendar change request for the Department of Visual Arts be approved.
2025-SOC-8938:  Visual Arts MINOR PROGRAM DELETIONS AND NEW PROGRAM PROPOSAL

        Carried.

    5.1
Department/School Requests.

i)  Request that the Provost & Vice-President (Academic be invited to a Faculty Council meeting.

5.2
Department/School Reports and Announcements.

i)  Gender & Women’s Studies
International Day of Peace Event by Gender and Women’s Studies, Social Justice Studies and Mendlife Canada invites the Lakehead University community to a hybrid International Day of Peace event on September 19, 2025, from 1:00PM to 4:00 PM. The event will be held at both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, as well as via Zoom. This engaging program will feature a documentary from the Gender & Climate Activism course, led by Mohit Dudeja (Contract Lecturer) during the Summer of 2025, alongside presentations from students across the Faculty of Education, Social Justice Studies, Gender
& Women’s Studies, and the Department of English.


ii)  History
M. Stevenson recommended that Dr. Michel Beaulieu be appointed as External Adjunct Professor in the
Department of History for a four-year term.  (Recommendation Memo from Dr. Stevenson; CV for Dr.
Beaulieu; (Please contact S. Viitala if you wish to view Dr. Beaulieu’s CV.)
Approved.

iii)  Indigenous Learning
J. Sanchez Martinez will be hosting a discussion on Indigenous Water Views on October 22, 2025 in the
Library at 5:30 pm.

iv)  Music
E. Chugnov stated that the first LUMINA concert will take place on September 23, 2025.  Please check the website for more information.

6.
Dean’s Report.
Friday, September 12, 2025
WELCOME!
EVOLUTION 2025-2030: SSH Faculty Strategic Plan process [and new Provost’s Academic Plan] Curriculum Sustainability Annual Department Report due 22 September
60th LU anniversary: SSH Focus #2 department highlights due 30 Oct
SSH Faculty Awards: certificate of recognition and gift, Dec 2025 (?)
•    Teaching [annual, from Contributions to Teaching Award nominees)
•    Staff (biennial, nominations by students or faculty)
•    Students (annual, undergraduate and graduate, nominations by faculty)
Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships for Canadians, Global Affairs: LU proposal by SSH and NRM, August 6, 2025) • Gender and Climate Change in Indo-Pacific Region: Mitigation, and Adaptation for Sustainable Development
• Fiji, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, and Vanuatu; 8 MA students, 8 faculty researchers
Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS) 2026 Conference, Tokyo, Japan
Exploring international degree pathways: MFAC
Revitalize Centre for Northern Studies
After the Ice Storm: Sharing Stories and Building Disaster-resilient Communities, Nov 7, Orillia [symposium-workshop]

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report

i)  Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus
    Friday, September 12, 2025

Social Science and Humanities Research Chair Competition
The Lakehead Social Science and Humanities Research Chair Awards Committee is delighted to announce that the first Lakehead Social Science and Humanities Faculty Research Chair holder is Dr. Debra Mackinnon.  This faculty-based research chair has been established to enhance the research culture within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities and contribute to the broader scholarly environment at Lakehead University.

Dr. Mackinnon is an Assistant Professor in the Interdisciplinary Studies Department. Her research explores the intersections of urban governance, technology, surveillance, security, and social justice. 

Dr. Mackinnon’s research project, Libraries as Critical Social Infrastructure, starts from the recognition that public libraries increasingly reflect and have become sites of broader intersecting social problems including the opioid epidemic, mental health care crisis, lack of affordable housing, and changing perceptions of public safety. Her project will focus on the changing role of small to medium-sized public libraries through a collaborative study that will investigate current challenges, successes as well as opportunities for community and capacity building.

Enrolments

Great news.  Our faculty enrolments are higher than they there last year.

I have done a rough estimate of the relationship of our faculty’s enrolment to this year’s IPA projections for each program. The Institutional Planning and Analysis enrolment data for the year will not be available till November, so I’m approximating based on what is available through MyInfo.   If this MyInfo data is structured the same way as the IPA data, the IPA enrolment projections are very close to the actual enrolments for most programs.  Using the data, the faculty’s biggest programs (Criminology, English, History, BA General, and Interdisciplinary Studies) hit or slightly exceeded their projections.   Smaller programs where the actual enrolments are within 1 or 2 students of the projections include Gender and Women’s Studies, Music,  Outdoor Recreation, and Languages.
I still have unanswered questions about the data for the departments of Political Science,  Sociology, Indigenous Learning, and Philosophy.
If the Myinfo data is structured the same way as the IPA data, all the faculty’s graduate programs match or exceed their projected enrolments.  
In other words, with respect to the enrolments in programs in our faculty, there is a lot to be positive about.

Other Initiatives
This summer I worked to support many of the other initiatives occurring in our faculty, including the possibilities of collaborating with York University’s Disaster Studies Phd, supporting outreaches by Dean Glenda Bonifacio through the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines with respect to recruitment opportunities and possible collaborations with universities with similar programming, efforts to support space management in Orillia, finding a home for the MA SJS and a possible doctoral program in SJS.  I am also working on a Lakehead Orillia team planning a November 2025 workshop to discuss the impact of the April 2025 Orillia ice storm on organizations working with members of Orillia’s vulnerable sector and on another team working to bring a large national conference focusing on food insecurity and sustainability to the Orillia campus.

ii)  Dr. Doug Ivison (Acting Assistant Dean) – Thunder Bay Campus
     Friday, September 12, /2025

Faculty orientation which was held on Friday, August 29, 2025 had a good turn out with roughly 25 to 30 students attending.  The biggest cohort was from Outdoor Recreation.  Most departments were represented.

The Ontario University Fair is scheduled for the weekend of September 27 and 28. Myself and L. Potvin will be going.   If anyone has any programs they would like highlighted, please let me know.  

I am continuing to work on the grad programs as well as the Ph.D. proposal.

8.
Other Business.
None.

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  
The next Faculty Council meeting with be held in Friday, October 17, 2025 at 10:00 am via Zoom.

10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 am.

ATTENDANCE
 Thunder Bay Campus
G. Bonifacio
K. Brooks
K. Burnett
A. Carastathis
L. Chambers
J. Chisholm
E. Chugunov
D. Hannah
D. Hayes
S. Jacoba
D. Jobin-Bevans
K. Holmes
D. Ivison
I. Lemée
B. Maiangwa
R. Maundrell
B. Parker
E. Piersig
J. Rosenthal
J. Sanchez Martinez
C. Sanders
B. Vernier

S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
D. Akca
P. Das
A. den Otter
S. Jeppesen
D. Krupp
D. Mackinnon
M. Stevenson
S. Webb-Campbell

Regrets
L. Forbes
J. Jarman
R. McVeigh
L. Potvin
S. Shahsahabi

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL
MINUTES
 Friday, February 7, 2025
 A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  

Guest Speaker
Mr. Dylan Mahzur, Director, Human Rights and Equity, gave an overview of the Ontario Legislation on disability taking effect in 2025.  His presentation focused on what is and what will be happening with the AODA standards.  In advance of this Faculty Council meeting, links were shared outlining some background information on the proposed recommendations for post-secondary standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”).  Listed below is a summary of the information that was shared.  
 
In 2005, the Government of Ontario put into law the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”), whose stated goal is for the creation of an accessible Ontario by 2025.
 
As we near that deadline, the provincial government is scheduled to enact post-secondary education standards as part of the AODA, which will legally require all publicly-funded colleges and universities in Ontario to develop and deliver a comprehensive set of standards to accommodate students with disabilities.
 
While these proposed standards are aimed at all aspects of the University, I wanted to highlight two areas that are most relevant to faculty members: assessment, curriculum, and instruction as well as digital learning and technology.
 
We certainly recognize that faculty members have very full plates already and that these proposed standards may appear overwhelming at first glance. However, faculty members will not be alone in the implementation of these standards. Rather, the implementation of these standards is a university-wide initiative that will require the support of all administrative and academic units.

A discussion followed which raised such points as:  Lack of resources; no commitment from government regarding funding; need time to convert/process documents; and the need new and/or updated policy in place.
1.
Approval of Agenda
 It was moved by S. Jacoba and seconded by A. Carastathis that the agenda be approved.
        Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes
Approval of the minutes from January 10, 2025.  (S. Jobbitt; E. Chugunov)
The minutes were accepted as presented.
        
3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
None.
4.
Calendar Change Requests
i)  BA General Program
It was moved by A. Carastathis and seconded by C. Sanders that the following calendar change request for the BA General Program be approved.
2024-SOC-8750:  Academic regulations for the BA General Program.
        Carried.

ii)  History
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by E. Chugunov that the following calendar change request for History be approved.
        Carried.

iii)  Interdisciplinary Studies
It was moved by R. McVeigh and seconded by J. Jarman that the following calendar change request for Interdisciplinary Studies be approved.
2024-SOC-8771:  Courses-Modifications-UG-Media, Film, and Communication-Creative Music and Sound Arts
        Carried.

iv)  Languages
It was moved by S. Jacoba and seconded by J. Chisholm that the following calendar change request for Languages be approved.
2025-SOC-8788:  Languages – UG
        Carried.

v)  Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism
The following two calendar change requests for Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism were tabled for our next Faculty Council meeting on March 7, 2025, as there was no one to speak to it.
2025-SOC-8789:  OUTD course modification - UG
2025-SOC-8786:  Program Changes - changes to course requirements - UG

    5.1
Department/School Requests.
None.

5.2
Department/School Reports.
i). English
A. Guttman announced an upcoming event that English has organized to mark both R & I and Freedom to
Read Week. The event is open to all members of the university community as well as members of the
public, and is being held in partnership with the Thunder Bay Public Library.  The event is in-person
only and takes place on February 26, 2025, at 6:30 pm. Mary J.L. Black library.
A. Guttman mentioned that the Annual Student Conference will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025, this year.  It will be held in the teleconference rooms of both campuses.  More information will follow.
A. Guttman asked everyone to come out and support the local theatre and especially those faculty
involved in the productions.  

ii)  History
S. Jobbitt mentioned that on February 27, 2025, there will be a screening of a film entitled, The
View from Up Here.  This event takes place from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm in the PACI Auditorium.  The event
is free and everyone is welcome.

iii)  Gender and Women’s Studies
L. Chambers stated that the Gender and Women’s Studies Department will be holding their annual event,
Feminisms at the Lakehead, will take place on April 9, 2025.  More information will follow soon.

iv)  Interdisciplinary Studies
J. Jarman stated that the annual Media Showcase event will take place on March 6, 2025.  The show is
entitled, Lights, Camera, Activism.  More information to follow.

v)  Indigenous Learning
K. Burnett mentioned that J. Sánchez Martínez will be giving a talk entitled, an Indigenous Message on
Water 2.0 and the 2025 Northwest Climate Gathering Artists, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, during
Research and Innovation Week.  It will be held from 4:00 to 5:30 pm in the Bora Laskin Education
Building, 2nd Floor, ALIR Gallery and Room 2001.

vi) Music
E. Chugunov stated that there will be a concert entitled, New Directions in Music Performance,
Composition and Education, which will be held during Research and Innovation Week on Tuesday,
February 25, 2025 from 3:00 to 3:45 pm.  It will take place in the Jean McNulty Recital Hall.

vii)  Visual Arts
S. Shasahabi stated the annual Student Juried Art Exhibition will once again be held at the Thunder Bay
Art Gallery.  Our Opening Reception and Awards Night which will be held on Friday 28 March 2025 at
7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00pm).   Everyone is welcome!

6.
Dean’s Report.
Friday, February 10, 2025
The Dean shared her presentation to the Budget Review Committee in the following areas: faculty status, budget overview, program plans, and position requests. In addition to previously approved faculty hiring requests submitted to the Provost, 4 additional FTEs were requested to sustain core programming and growth at the Orillia campus, 1 FTE in Social Justice Studies, and 1 FTE curator in Visual Arts. The Dean recommends conducting a faculty strategic planning session in April to integrate the Curriculum Sustainability Framework and the Program Quality Review.
A discussion followed.

C. Sanders replaced D. Hayes as he had to leave early.

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report
i)  Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus
    February 7, 2025
Awards:  Dean Bonifacio has confirmed that she will offer a .5 FCE release for academic year 2025/26 or 2026/27 for worth $ 8,112.00 + benefits (increases as of Sept 1, 2025) to match the $20,000 ($10,000 per year) for 2025-27 committed by the Research Dean.  VP Research Andy Dean is offering the money for one award for two years, rather than the two smaller awards discussed previously.   

Motion:  I move that we establish a Faculty-based Research Award.  

It was moved by J. Jarman and seconded by K. Burnett that the motion to establish a Faculty-based Research Award be approved.
    Carried.

Motion:  I move that we establish an Awards committee that will determine the criteria for the award and run a competition as soon as possible.  Committee composition will be as follows:
•    5 members, including the Dean (non-voting) and Assistant Dean (chair), with 2 members from Humanities disciplines and 2 members from Social Sciences disciplines.  No more than one member from the same discipline to be included.  There shall also be at least one representative per campus.  

It was moved by J. Jarman and A. Guttman that the motion to establish an Awards committee that will determine the criteria for the award and run a competition as soon as possible be approved.
    Carried.

Other news:  (1) Progress on Orillia building fund.  On January 23, Lakehead Orillia hosted dignitaries as they officially received a $1.5 million cheque as part of the $15 million committed by the County of Simcoe has committed for a new building on the Orillia campus.  This new building will include teaching spaces, an Indigenous learning and gathering centre, student programming space, and a new centralized student services hub.  Until the new building is in use, we continue with the current practices of early scheduling for teaching and administrative needs, intensification of use of existing space through re-appropriation of common areas for dedicated purposes, use of temporary modular furniture, and use of rented facilities for overflows.

ii). Dr. Tony Puddephatt – Thunder Bay Campus – February 7, /2025
     No report was available.
8.
Other Business.
i)  Formation of Nominations Committee to Consider Nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair of Faculty
Council for 2025/2026.
D. Hayes called for volunteers to sit on the Nomination Committee for Chair and Vice-Chair of our Faculty
Council for the coming academic year.  The following put their names forward:  
Pallavi Das, Aris Carastathis, Daniel Hannah and Chris Sanders.  They will meet soon to elect a Chair
and develop a timeline for the process.  

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  
The next Faculty Council meeting with be held in Friday, March 7, 2025 at 10:00 am via Zoom.
10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:44 am. (C. Sanders)

ATTENDANCE
 
Thunder Bay Campus
G. Bonifacio
K. Brooks
K. Burnett
A. Carastathis
L. Chambers
J. Chisholm
E. Chugunov
E. Piersig
A. Guttman
D. Hannah
D. Hayes
S. Jacoba
S. Jobbitt
S. Sashahabi
C. Sanders
R. Warburton
S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
D. Akca
P. Das
J. Jarman
D. Mackinnon
R. McVeigh
M. Stevenson

Regrets
D. Krupp
L. Potvin
T. Puddephatt
C. Southcott

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES
 Friday, March 7, 2025

A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  
1.
Approval of Agenda
 It was moved by A. Guttman and seconded by D. Hannah that the agenda be approved.
        Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes
Approval of the minutes from February 7, 2025.  (E. Chugunov; A. Carastathis)
The minutes were accepted as presented.     

3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
None.

4.
Calendar Change Requests
i)  Additional Dean
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by C. Sanders that the following calendar change request be approved.
2025-SCI-GEOG Program Update - Splitting ECON 1100 & PSYC 1100
        Carried.

ii)  Outdoor Recreation
It was moved by L. Potvin and seconded by D. Krupp that the following calendar change requests for Outdoor Recreation be approved.
2025-SOC-8786:  Program Changes – changes to course requirements-UG
2025-SOC-8789:  OUTD course modification-UG
        Carried.
 5.1
Department/School Requests.
None.

5.2
Department/School Reports.
To be discussed after “Other Business.”

6.
Dean’s Report.
Friday, March 7, 2025
March 7, 2025
Dean’s Report

* SMA 4 Enrolment Projections – meeting with IPA and Interim Provost next week. Summary questions and
concerns were provided.

*Faculty Strategic Planning on April 29 with department chairs and program coordinators. Assign a representative if unable to attend from 8:45 am to 4:00 pm. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

*Curriculum Sustainability Framework: next report in May 2025.

*Fall 2025 Orientation, SSH Faculty Session on August 29, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Request a representative from each department to welcome students. Format different this time with a student-centred approach. Student Success will facilitate an activity; suggest focusing on the career trajectories of getting a degree in SSH. Open to other ideas.

*2026 Viewbook from Recruitment Office, reviewed by Assistant Deans. Department chairs will be contacted about program content and identify student testimonial submissions.

*Graduate awards will be adjudicated by graduate coordinators and endorsed by the Dean (e.g., OGS).

*Graduate Speaker Series, Fall 2025. Will a different format work best for our students? No uptake for Winter 2025.

*Desired frequency of meetings for Leadership Circle.

*Art. 16.07.05. Dean to meet 1/3 of tenured faculty in a 3-year cycle to get to get to know them better.

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report
i)  Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus
    March 7, 2025
1.    Awards Committee.  We put out calls for committee members for the research awards committee.  

2.  Speeding up process of issuing contracts for Contract Lecturers.    Problem Addressed:  Chairs, administrative officers, and contract lecturers have often experienced lengthy delays in the arrival of signed contracts for courses. These delays have caused problems that have been raised repeatedly by instructors:  they experience high levels of uncertainty about whether or not they are actually going to be employed by Lakehead and may seek contracts elsewhere while they wait, which in turn can create the need for second or even third rounds of hiring that are very time-consuming and uncertain for all involved.  Delays also waste precious administrative time as repeated inquiries concerning the whereabouts of missing contracts are made and tracked all around the university.  Delayed contracts also mean that contract lecturers lack timely library and D2L access, and they may miss important orientation and training events.   Lesser known problems include the consequences that instructor names are not listed on the schedule early so students do not know who is teaching a particular class. This may be a factor in the very high drop-and-switch rate that our Faculty experiences during the first few  weeks of term.  There is almost a two-tiered registration process with many switches occurring after the first set of selections, which makes it hard to manage enrolments.  

After a series of problems last term arising in the Interdisciplinary Studies department and from other departments in December, I raised the delay problem matters with a number of parties, including the Human Resource office, our Administrative Managers (Carolyn Rimkey and Sue Viitala), Dean Glenda Bonifacio, and various members of the Provost’s Office.  All parties acknowledged that the delays were very undesirable.  Sue Viitala, Carolyn Rimkey and Human Resources officers are now working on a redesigned system for issuing contracts.  We just had a first run of the spring/summer hiring for Interdisciplinary Studies with the result that contract lecturers received contracts within one week from the time requested!  We await more tests from other departments and also some new software promised for next September to allow for even higher levels of efficiency.
Thank you to all who participated in the discussion, especially Carolyn Rimkey (INTD Orillia) and Sue Viitala (Dean’s Office), and Tajinder Kumar (HR).

3.  Strategic Enrolment Management.
Institutional Analysis has now provided five-year projections to the Faculty departments and have finalized the SMA4 targets.  Overall, their projections involve an additional 378 students to our Faculty over the next five years, unevenly distributed across programs, departments, and the two campuses.    

ii)  Dr. Tony Puddephatt – Thunder Bay Campus – March 7, /2025
1. Tony thanked people for feedback on HBA general and said he has revised it based on previous comments and will bring it back to faculty council in a future meeting.

2. Tony mentioned the possibility of developing a PhD in SJS, building on the success of the MA program. It is recognized that careful planning and strategic hiring would be necessary. Dr. Kevin Brooks is working with program members, as well as IPA, to determine possible paths forward.

8.
Other Business.
i)  Formation of Nominations Committee to Consider Nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair of Faculty
Council for 2025/2026.
D. Hayes called for volunteers to sit on the Nomination Committee for Chair and Vice-Chair of our Faculty
Council for the coming academic year.  The following put their names forward:  
Pallavi Das, Aris Carastathis, Daniel Hannah and Chris Sanders.  They will meet soon to elect a Chair
and develop a timeline for the process.  

5.2
Department/School Reports and Announcements
i) English
A. Guttman announced that on Monday April 7, the Department of English will be holding its annual student conference, with a dozen undergraduate and graduate students from both the Orillia and Thunder Bay campuses sharing their research papers.  More information will follow.

ii)  Gender & Women’s Studies
J. Chisholm announced that the Gender and Women’s Studies Department will be holding their annual
event, Feminisms at the Lakehead, which will take place on April 9, 2025.  More information will follow
soon.

iii)  History
S. Jobbitt mentioned that there is an upcoming film festival from Docs North 7 which will be taking place in
Thunder Bay from March 8-12.  It starts on Saturday and runs until Wednesday. As the title suggests, this
will be their 7th workshop.  For more information, please contact R. Harpelle.

iv) Interdisciplinary Studies
J. Jarman stated that the Media Arts Showcase was held at the Orsi Family Learning Commons at 500 University Avenue, Orillia ON.  The reception began at 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  The screening of student films and multimedia works began at 5:30 to 7:30 pm in OA 1022.  The students did most of the work which helped to develop their managerial conflict resolution skills.

v)  Music
E. Chugunov announced that there will be Student Recitals held on March 18, 2020 at 12:30 pm.  Please check the Music website for more information.  

vi)  S. Shahsahabi mentioned that the annual Student Juried Art Exhibition will once again be held at the
Thunder Bay Art Gallery.  The Opening Reception and Awards Night which will be held on Friday March
28 March 2025 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00pm).   Everyone is welcome!

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  
The next Faculty Council meeting with be held in Friday, April 11, 2025 at 10:00 am via Zoom.

10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:24 am. (A. Guttman; K. Burnett)

ATTENDANCE
 Thunder Bay Campus
G. Bonifacio
K. Brooks
K. Burnett
A. Carastathis
J. Chisholm
E. Chugunov
A. Guttman
D. Hannah
D. Hayes
S. Jacoba
S. Jobbitt
D. Jobin-Bevans

B. Maiangwa
L. Potvin
T. Puddephatt
S. Shahsahabi
C. Sanders

S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
D. Akca
P. Das
J. Jarman
D. Krupp
D. Mackinnon
R. McVeigh
M. Stevenson

Regrets
L. Chambers
B. Vernier
S. Jeppesen
B. Parker