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

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES

Friday, April 11, 2025
 
A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  

Nominations Committee:  Election of Chair and Vice-Chair:  Report
P. Das, Chair of the Nominations Committee and S. Viitala gave a brief update with regard to the timeline to elect a new Chair and Vice-Chair of Faculty Council for the next academic year.  

Presentation:  Highlights of SMA4 – H. Murchison and D. Richards arrived at 10:20 am and made their presentation after Item 4. Calendar Change Requests; iii)

Dr. Heather Murchison:  Vice-Provost:  Institutional Planning and Analysis
Dr. David Richards:  Interim Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

H. Murchison and D. Richards shared the SMA 4 projections.  After years of decline, we are now starting to see an increase in the projection of students in our faculty over the next four years.  There will be increases on both campuses with the Orillia Campus seeing a larger number.
There will still be some “gives and takes” moving forward as there has been in the past and this will more than likely continue for the coming year.  

The following are a few of the discussion points:
•    With more enrollment, will there be more resources to help with the increase of students
•    The need for new and updated technology is and has been an issue.  How will this be improved?
•    Will there be penalties if enrolment targets are not met?
•    There are external forces that are impacting our faculty as well as the university as a whole such as freezing tuition; reduction of the number of international students. What can be done to mitigate these?
•    How to help small departments.
•    Overall stress and strain on faculty and staff is apparent; needs to be addressed.

1.
Approval of Agenda
 It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by A. Guttman that the agenda be approved.
        Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes
Approval of the minutes from March 7, 2025.  (A. Guttman; T. Puddephatt)
The minutes were accepted as presented.
        
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 C. Sanders that the following calendar change request for Gender and Women’s studies be approved with a friendly amendment.
2025-SOC-8700:  Course-Modification-UG-Gender and Women’s Studies-Title change for WOME 2711, 3355, 3356 & 4214
        Carried.

ii) Indigenous Learning
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded S. Jacoba that the following calendar change requests for Indigenous Learning be approved with a friendly amendment for 2025-SOC-8807.
2025-SOC-8805:  Course-New-UG-Indigenous Learning-Crosslist (Languages-operated course)_La Littérature Franco-Autochtone_INDI 3014/FREN 3013
2025-SOC-8807:  Course-Discontinuing-UG-Indigenous Learning-1314; 2811; 3312; 3811; 2173 & 3551
        Carried.

iii) Interdisciplinary Studies
It was moved by S. Islam and seconded by D. Krupp that the following calendar change request be approved with a friendly amendment.
2025-SOC-8825:  UG Program Changes - split PSYC-1100 – Criminology
        Carried.
    
iv)  Languages:
It was moved by S. Jacoba and seconded by K. Burnett that the calendar change requests for Languages be approved.
2025-SOC-8484:  Course-UG-New-Languages-Japanese for Beginners
2025-SOC-8821:  New Indigenous Literature Course
        Carried.

v)  Social Justice Studies Program
It was moved by L. Chambers and seconded by S. Jacoba that the following calendar change request for the Social Justice Stuides Program be approved.
2025-SOC-8703:  Course-Modification-GR-Social Justice Studies-SOCJ 5214/ WOME 4214
        Carried.

    5.1
Department/School Requests.
None.

5.2
Department/School Reports and Announcements.

i) English
A. Guttman announced that on Monday April 7, the Department of English held its annual student conference, with a dozen undergraduate and graduate students from both the Orillia and Thunder Bay campuses sharing their research papers. 

ii)  Gender & Women’s Studies
L. Chambers gave a shout out to R. Kimani-Dupuis with regard to hosting their annual event, Feminisms
at the Lakehead, which took place on April 9, 2025. There was good participation and The speakers were
excellent. Thank you all.!

iii)  Languages
S. Jaboba announced that in mid-April, Languages’ two Honours Thesis students presented their original
research at their inaugural research showcase. One student presented an analysis of Indigenous author
Michel Jean’s semi-autobiographical work while the other shared their interpretation of québécoise film
writer and director Anne Émond’s filmography. Over 25 students, faculty and community members
attended the event.

iv)  Music
E. Chugunov announced that April 14 was the last concert which will include New Music North, local composers and LU faculty.

v)  Outdoor Recreation
L. Potvin announced that the students Outdoor Recreation will be holding a community event in mid-September to raise money for various items used on campus.  More information to follow.

vi)  S. Shahsahabi mentioned that there will be an open house for R. Martin who will be retiring on June 20, 2025.  There will be a presentation followed by refreshments.  It will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in Studio MV 2006.
Just a quick reminder that Sunday will be the last day to view the Juried Art Show at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

6.
Dean’s Report.
Friday, April 11, 2025
Dean’s Report - Items

1.  End of term; challenges and academic integrity

2.  Applicant’s reception:  April 10 OR, April 24 TB – 6.05 to 6:55 pm meet/greet

3.  IPA revenue calculations based on grant revenue per major, under grad tuition by course registrations
     (FCEs and graduate tuition by enrolment in major), March 2025 Dean’s Council.

4.  Faculty Enrolment Revenue:  Budgeted Expenditures 2023/2024

5.  Approved Faculty Hiring 2025:  MFAC (LTA ext/Orillia), Visual Arts (TT/Thunder Bay), HIST
     (TT/Thunder Bay)

6.  Faculty Strategic Plan and Consultation Workshop:  April 29, 2025

7.  MCU Textbook Directive: 99% compliance Winter 2025, tracking will be on going.

8.  Research Funds Remuneration [does not include expense reimbursement]

9.  Art 27 CA, Dean’s approval for outside professional activities; faculty should be paid directly by
     organization and not thru university account

Exploring Potentials
1.  University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan – signed MOU; research and exchange
2.  York University:  PhD. Disaster Studies:  Introductory meeting in May 2025
3.  Orillia Office base

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report

i)  Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus
    Friday, April 11, 2025

1.    The Central Ontario ice storm disrupted courses at a very bad time, as classes were just ending, final assignments all due, and exams about to begin.  Ten days later, there are still staff and students in this region without power, particularly, but not exclusively, those in rural areas.  Assisting instructors and students to figure out alternative arrangements has been a priority.  The disruptions are particularly difficult for those graduating this year.

2.    The two hospitals in this region, Soldier’s Memorial Hospital (Orillia) and Royal Victoria Hospital (Barrie) are planning significant expansions.  Both will need appropriately trained personnel including social science and humanities graduates.  Discussions of exactly what is needed and how Lakehead might meet this demand are proceeding.

3.    The Awards Committee has been struck.  Doodle polls are underway to try to find an appropriate time to meet.

ii)  Dr. Tony Puddephatt – Thunder Bay Campus – April 11, /2025
D.  Puddephatt reported he had a lovely time at the juried art exhibition, as there were many excellent works of art on display, showcasing the excellence of the Visual Arts department and the capability of the students. He was very glad to see how impressive and inspiring the art was, as well as the sense of community among the students, teachers, and patrons.

8.
Other Business.
None.

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

10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:52 am. (K. Burnett; A. Carastathis)

ATTENDANCE

Thunder Bay Campus
K. Brooks
K. Burnett
A. Carastathis
L. Chambers
J. Chisholm
E. Chugunov
A. Guttman
D. Hannah
D. Hayes
I. Islam
S. Jacoba
D. Jobin-Bevans
L. Potvin
T. Puddephatt
J. Sanchez Martinez
C. Sanders
S. Shahsahabi
B. Vernier

S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
D. Akca

G. Bonifacio
P. Das
J. Jarman
D. Krupp
R. McVeigh
M. Stevenson

Regrets
D. Mackinnon

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES

Friday, May 9, 2025
 
A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  

Nominations Committee:  Election of Chair and Vice-Chair:  Report
D. Mackinnon and A. den Otter both put their names forward for the position of Chair of Faculty Council.  An email vote was held with votes being sent to S. Viitala.  After counting the submissions, A. den Otter was elected as Chair of Faculty Council for the coming academic year.  

J. Chisholm was the only name put forward for the position of Vice-Chair of Faculty Council.  Support was unanimous and she was elected for the next academic year.

Motion to Approve:  K. Burnett; D. Hannah
    Carried.

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

Approval of the minutes from April 11, 2025.  (A. Guttman; L. Chambers)
The minutes were accepted as presented.

3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
None.

4.
Calendar Change Requests
i)  2024-SOC-8544; HBA General Program
T. Puddephatt suggested that Council review the HBA General Program before he leaves for his one-year sabbatical beginning July 1/2025.
A lengthy discussion followed outlining the positive and negative aspects of having this program in place.  It was suggested that more collaborative work is required.

Motion:  To table the HBA General Program for further work and discussion. D. Jobin-Bevans; A. Guttman
A vote was held and the motion was passed.
    
ii)  Languages:
This calendar change request was relegated back for further information.
2025-SOC-8544:  Program-New-UG-Languages-New-Asian Studies Minor Program - In Department of LANG

    5.1
Department/School Requests.
None.

5.2
Department/School Reports and Announcements.
i)  English
A. Guttman noted that the 2024/2025 copy of the Artery has arrived today.  It is available for sale in the ‘
Lakehead University Bookstore on both campuses.

ii)  Visual Arts
S. Shahsahabi mentioned that Visual Arts has scheduled activities/workshops offered during Spring and
Summer 20205 through our studios in collaboration with local collective and cultural organizations.
The Visual Arts Department actively hosts and collaborates with Indigenous grassroots initiatives and
artists' collectives by holding joint workshops and offering our research facilities to enable Indigenous
youth in their education. During spring and summer, we host the Indigenous Youth Art Residency
Program that is funded through the ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency.
Please check our website and stay tuned for more information as we get closer to July.

6.
Dean’s Report.
Friday, May 9, 2025
Dean’s Report - Items

DISCUSSION POINTS:
1.     Congratulations! Teaching Award Nominees:
    Davut Akca- IS/Criminology
    Evgeny Chugonov – Music
    Steven Jobbit - History
    Sean Kim -Music
    Harvey Lemelin - ORPT
    Jeannette Mundinger Hardy - Languages
    Benjamin Maiangwa -Political Science
    Ryan McVeigh – IS
    Beverly Soloway - History
    Rodney Swatton - ORPT
    Kathryn Walton – English

2. SSH Certificates of Excellence Recognition: Teaching (2), Staff (1), Students (2)

3. SSH Strategic Workshop: Initiatives

Summary notes provided by Assistant Deans.

Next steps:
a. Discuss salient points from the themes at the department level (September-
October)
b. Finalize SSH Strategic Plan Directions (2025-2030) at Leadership Circle
meeting in November

c. Present at Faculty Council in December 2025

4. AI and Academic Integrity

5. Expectations in Teaching Online

6. Career Explorations in SSH

7. Budget Update and Cost Mitigations

8. Alternative Work Arrangements (Laserfiche)

9. Annual Department Highlights for SSH Focus – May 30

10. Networking for research collaboration and community engagement: disaster
studies

C. Sanders replace D. Hayes as Chair of Faculty Council for the Remainder of the Meeting.

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report
i)  Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus
    Friday, May 9, 2025

By Jennifer Jarman

1.    The Lakehead Research Chair Awards committee has been finalized, has developed criteria for the competition.  Closing date is today at 11:55 pm. The committee will meet next week to choose a recipient.  

2.    101s (applications from Ontario high school) and 105s (applications from outside Ontario).  SSH Thunder Bay had 100 fewer applications (-19%). 76% of the Thunder Bay SSH programs have either no or negative growth.   SSH Orillia had 68 more applications (+22%) than last year.  Overall,  in Orillia, the three main drivers of growth are English/Con-Ed Intermediate/Senior, (+41), Criminology (+35), and INTD (+22).  Orillia History also had an increase (+5). In Thunder Bay, Political Science (+11) has the largest increase in applications.

In Orillia, where we look at declines, some might actually be a shift due to the addition of Concurrent Education Intermediate/Senior options – for example, the two Orillia History programs -- BA (-7) and HBA (-17)  are down compared to last year, but the  Concurrent Ed (I/S) History is up by 15 and the Concurrent Ed I/S English and History) is up 3.    Maybe this suggests to us that adding new programs does not always create additional new student growth to the campus – sometimes students just refine their preferences within what is offered at our university.

Within INTD, the biggest jumps overall are in the shorter programs, with the BASc Con-Ed (+72%) and the accelerated HBASc Con-Ed (+26%) degrees having the highest increases. That seemingly speaks to a desire for a quicker university experience.

On the upside, overall confirmations at this time in the cycle are trending positively, with a year over year increase of 4%. June 2nd is the deadline for students to confirm their offers.  Faculty are invited to connect with incoming students to support their decision-making.
3.    Meetings are being arranged with universities in the Philippines, as while Lakehead has many partnership arrangements with 65 countries, we have no partnerships with the Philippines, which is one of the largest English-speaking countries in the world, one of the world’s sources of high calibre labour for the healthcare industry, the logistics industry, the telecommunications industry, and the media and public relations industries.  Once the Dean and I get further with outreach that would be relevant to our Faculty, we will share more.

ii)  Dr. Tony Puddephatt – Thunder Bay Campus 

Friday, May 9, 2025
Tony reported that the HBA General did not pass and that there may be more discussions in future.
He mentioned that he will be on sabbatical this year from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. He will continue his involvement in the Learners in Custody Programs.

8.
Other Business.
None.

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  
The next Faculty Council meeting:  TBA September, 2025 at 10:00 am via Zoom.
10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:03 pm.

ATTENDANCE

Thunder Bay Campus
G. Bonifacio
K. Burnett
L. Chambers
E. Chugunov
A. Guttman
D. Hannah
D. Hayes
S. Jacoba
S. Jobbitt
D. Jobin-Bevans
B. Parker
E. Piersig
T. Puddephatt
C. Sanders
S. Shahsahabi
B. Vernier
S. Viitala - recording

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

Regrets
L. Potvin
A. Carastathis