Faculty Council Meeting - May 9, 2025 - Last Meeting for this Academic Year

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