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

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES

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

Introduction of New Faculty

Professor Elsa Piersig – Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science
E. Perisig introduced herself to members of Council.  She stated that she was looking forward to working with her new colleagues at Lakehead.

1.
Approval of Agenda
It was moved by and seconded by K. Burnett and A. Guttman that the agenda be approved.
        Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes
Approval of the minutes from December 6, 2024.  (T. Puddephatt; J. Jarman)
The minutes were accepted as presented.
        
3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
None.

4.
Calendar Change Requests

i)  Psychology – Additional Deans – SS&H/SES)
It was moved by J. Jarman and seconded by D. Hannah that the following calendar change request for Psychology (Additional Deans) be approved.
2024-SOC-8755:  Course modification - UG - Psychology - Splitting PSYC 1100
        Carried.

ii)  Interdisciplinary Studies
It was decided that the following calendar change request be relegated back to the initiator for revisions.
2024-SOC-8759:  Course-Modifications-UG-Change Year Level and Cross-list with Music 2310
        Carried.
It was moved by J. Jarman and seconded by D. Mackinnon that the following calendar change request for Interdisciplinary Studies be approved.    
2024-SOC-8767:  Courses-Modifications-UG-Media, Film, and Communications-Change title to Website Design
            Carried.
It was moved by J. Jarman and seconded by D. Mackinnon that the following calendar change request for
Interdisciplinary Studies be approved.    
2024-SOC-8768:  Courses-New Course-UG-Media, Film, and Communications
        Carried.

iii)  Music
It was moved by A. Carastathis and seconded by D. Hannah that the following calendar change request for Music be approved.
2024-SOC- 8765:  New MUSI course crossed with MDST
        Carried.

5.1
Department/School Requests.
None.

5.2
Department/School Reports.

i). English
A. Guttman announced that the next McLeod Lecture will be held on January16, 2025.  Ontario's First
Poet Laureate Randall Adjei will deliver the MacLeod Lecture, entitled "Let Adversity Design You, Not
Define You."   Through Spoken Word Poetry, Inspirational Speech and Storytelling, Randell will share his
personal journey and how he transformed adversity into a powerful tool for personal transformation and
community development.

ii)  Interdisciplinary Studies
J. Jarman mentioned that A. den Otter is now on sabbatical leave.  D. Jobin-Bevans will be taking her
place as the Acting Coordinator of Media, Film and Communications while she is away.

iii) Music
E. Chugunov stated that the next Lumina Concert will be held on January 21, 2025 in the Jean McNulty
Recital Hall beginning at 12:30 pm.  See the Department of Music website for more details, and for future
LUMINA concerts.

iv)  Sociology
Dr. Chris Southcott was awarded the UArctic Research Chair in Resources and Sustainable communities.
The UArctic Chair in Resources and Sustainable Communities at Lakehead University (2025–2029)
focuses on ensuring that resource development benefits northern and Arctic communities. As demand for
natural resources grows and climate change makes Arctic resources more accessible, these regions,
particularly Indigenous communities, face significant social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Past resource exploitation has often resulted in minimal local benefits, job shortages, and social
disruptions. The Chair's research aims to mitigate these negative impacts by exploring policies and
development models that promote local control, sustainability, and the protection of traditional livelihoods,
ultimately fostering long-term community well-being

6.
Dean’s Report.
Friday, January 10, 2024. [written]
Happy 2025! Welcome to another year of challenges, opportunities, and possibilities. Our faculty remains
steadfast in meeting these challenges and we have shown that working together brings us closer to our
goals. We have excellent researchers and scholars who continue to inspire our students and impact our
communities. But we are mindful that well-being is vital to our work and students’ success. It is fitting that
health and wellness was the first presentation at the Provost Council on January 8. See accompanying
documents.

WELCOME Dr. Elsa Piersig, Department of Political Science.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following:
Dr. Sarah Olutola, for tenure and promotion to Associate Professor

Dr. Davut Akca, Dr. Keira Loukes, and Dr. Debra MacKinnon, for renewal.

ACTION items:
1.    Dean’s MCU textbook report to IPA is due on January 15. Department chairs are required to submit a summary compliance report to the Dean’s office, using this format: “Department X has X faculty and instructors and % has complied with the MCU directive.”

2.    Budget 2025-26 input from department chairs on total FCEs. Dean to consult with Assistant deans and department chairs for the budget presentation on February 5. Aim for more realistic targets.

3.    Curriculum Sustainability Framework follow-up with separate regular meetings with department chairs.

4.    Planned Institutional Strength to establish GR-PhD Social Justice in Thunder Bay was not realised by end of SMA3 (2024). The proposed PhD in Global Studies received numerous feedback and positive support from two consultation sessions. Work will continue to move this proposal forward in collaboration with the FGS and other units.

5.    Initiate a Faculty Strategic Plan following the themes outlined by the university strategic planning process and integrate other program directives and reviews.
    Thank you!
    Glenda

i)  Student Health and Wellness Resources: 
SHW Health Promotion Strategy - 2024 Update
Slides - Health Promotion Strategy Presentation
Information and Resources for Faculty and Staff (SHW webpage)
WellU Mental Health Champions (SHW webpage)

ii)  Research Certification Submissions Report, Oct 1-Dec 31, 2024
This report can be accessed using this link.

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report

i)  Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus - January 10, 2025

•    First, and foremost, I would like to express my delight that Dean Glenda Bonifacio has returned to work.  Tony Puddephatt and I met with Glenda this week about the Faculty business. My understanding is that she is arriving back in Thunder Bay today.  Please welcome her gently as she has clearly had a challenging few months.
•    December was busy with stepping in as Acting Dean and processing a steady series of cheque requisitions, emergency hire approvals, and such.  I did not have access to Faculty budget information, so I got secondary approval from the Provost’s office on items requiring significant financial outlays.
•    Marks Management was a challenge in the final week before the University closed, as marks were flooding in, but the approval software wasn’t working until late December 19th.  If anyone is seeing evidence that whole courses of students do not have approved marks, please report it to the Dean’s office.  Ashley Beda, in the Registrar’s Office, worked overtime to get this matter fixed and I extend my thanks to her for her efforts.
•    Budget information has been sent to the Dean’s office. As was announced at Senate, the budget planning for the coming year is being planned at 2024-25 levels.   The Dean has been asked to make a February budget presentation.  She will be asked to confirm the accuracy of her staffing complement and base budget. She will also be asked to review the status of current year spend and how that information can inform potential adjustments to your 2025-26 budget.    The Executive Team is also going to be developing a “targeted cuts” strategy.
•    Faculty requests (renewals/new needs).  All requests received have been forwarded to the Provost. I followed up with both David Barnett and David Richards. The Dean is now scheduling an in-person meeting with David Richards, so hopefully there will be news soon.
•    LUFA sent around a letter about Acting Deans and Assistant Deans. I responded by contacting David Barnett (Provost), Emily Cameron (Advisor to the Provost), and Gautam Das (President of LUFA).
•    Awards Committee.  I was in contact with Andrew Dean after the last council meeting, but his understanding is that he is extending financial support for a Research Chair as seed money and therefore expects a top-up from the Dean’s budget to match the $20,000 he is putting forward.  There are no records in writing of what Dean Bonifacio is committing and her plans involved contacting the External Relations VP to engage in fund-raising for this matter, so until there are solid commitments about where this money is coming from and how much is available, I am not moving ahead with running a competition. When Dean Glenda is back, the budget for this item can be sorted out.
•    Sue Viitala. One of the joys of December was working with Sue Viitala on a whole host of matters that arose.  Thank you so much to her!

ii). Dr. Tony Puddephatt – Thunder Bay Campus – January 10/2025

Tony thanked the faculty for their various inputs into the curriculum sustainability review, and noted honest attempts to create efficiencies and improve enrolments. He submitted the report to the provost’s office prior to the holiday break.

Tony encouraged faculty to please respond with comments to the strategic plan draft, as there seems to be a lack of commitment and needs more definitive plans, particularly about how to deal with some of the more acute issues facing us now.

Tony wanted to reiterate that the global studies planning is in a very early stage and we did not promise this for the purposes of SMA4 since it was too premature. However, this remains a project Glenda and others are passionate about, and it may involve other faculties outside of our own, so we can see where that goes in the future.

Tony thanked Glenda for her work and encouraged the faculty to support her as she returns back to her duties. He noted she does care about the faculty and will definitely fight for what is needed from administration; the more we help and support her the better our chances she will succeed in these battles to come.

It was noted that our faculty may have been mistreated in comparison to others from a budgetary perspective, systematically, and over many years. As such, many of our programs are operating at a bare bones level with only 2 faculty, which is clearly not acceptable to deliver quality programming. Thus, distributive justice between faculties should be seriously considered and examined at the next round of budget discussions to prevent any of the inequity that seems to be in place. Cuts at the administrative level should also be on the table as well, to save money for more important core academic program priorities.  

8.
Other Business.
None.

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  

The next Faculty Council meeting with be held in Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:00 am via Zoom.

10.
Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 11.12 am. (A. Carastathis)

ATTENDANCE
 
Thunder Bay Campus
K. Brooks
K. Burnett
A. Carastathis
L. Chambers
J. Chisholm
E. Piersig
A. Guttman
D. Hannah
D. Hayes
K. Holmes
S. Jacoba
S. Jobbitt
B. Maiangwa
T. Puddephatt
S. Sashahabi
C. Sanders
B. Vernier

S. Viitala - recording

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

Regrets
E. Chugonov
M. Stevenson
L. Potvn

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES

 Friday, December 6, 2024
 A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 10:00 am via Zoom.  
C. Sanders chaired the meeting in D. Hayes’ absence.

Presentation:
Brenda Huska
Knowledge Mobilization Specialist at EPID@Work Research Institute.
Knowledge Mobilization Specialist
EPID@Work Research Institute

The Northwestern Ontario Workplace & Worker Health Study, which Lakehead University has agreed to participate in, is hoping to encourage faculty participation in this study.  B.Huska gave a brief overview of the EPIC@Work Research Institute, and their mandate.  She shared a brief show which outline of what they do, and how those interested can become involved by taking the online survey.  More information can be found in the presentation which can be accessed here:  https://www.workinghealth.ca/ .

1.
Approval of Agenda
 It was moved by and seconded by I. Lemée and A. Guttman that the agenda be approved.
        Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes
Approval of the minutes from November 15, 2024.  (A. Guttman; I. Lemée)
The minutes were accepted as presented.
        
3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
S. Viitala stated that Mr. Dylan Mahzur, Director, Human Rights and Equity, would be attending our Faculty Council meeting on Friday, February 7, 2025, to discuss the roles of faculty/instructors with respect to the Ontario legislation on disability that will take effect in 2025.  Documents will be sent out in advance so everyone can review them before the meeting.

4.
Calendar Change Requests
None.

    5.1
Department/School Requests.
None.

5.2
Department/School Reports.
i). English:
A. Guttman stated that there will be an upcoming presentation which will be held on January 16,
2025 at 10:00 am.  More information will follow.

6.
Dean’s Report.
Friday, December 6, 2024.
J. Jarman

The Institutional Analysis and Planning Office is finalizing the planning for SMA4 in the coming months.  Additional information to that given by Dean Bonifacio was provided to this office upon request.

All hiring requests submitted to date to the Dean’s Office have been submitted to the Provost for review.


7.
Assistant Deans’ Report
i)  Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus
Faculty Research Award:  Research and Innovation VP, Andy Dean, has committed $10,000 per year for two years for a faculty research award.  While it was hoped we would be able to make two awards, this is only sufficient money for one award.  We will set up an Awards committee and description of the award shortly.

ii). Dr. Tony Puddephatt – Thunder Bay Campus
Dr. Puddephatt thanked everyone for submitting their Curriculum Sustainability Reports.  He stated that he would be working on this coming weekend.  C. Sanders thanked him for his work as Acting Dean for the month of November.

8.
Other Business.
None.

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

10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 am. (C. Sanders)

ATTENDANCE

Thunder Bay Campus
K. Burnett
L. Chambers
J. Chisholm
E. Chugunov
A. Guttman
D. Hannah
D. Hayes
S. Jacoba
S. Jobbitt
I. Lemée
B. Maiangwa
T. Puddephatt
C. Sanders
B. Vernier
R. Warburton

S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
A. den Otter
J. Jarman
D. Krupp
M. Stevenson
S. Olutola
R. McVeigh

Regrets
B. Birmingham
L. Forbes
D. Hayes
S. Jacoba

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES

 Friday, November 15, 2024
 A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 10:00 am via Zoom.

1.
Approval of Agenda
 
It was moved by and seconded by A. Guttman and L. Chambers that the agenda be approved.
        Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes
Approval of the minutes from October 11, 2024.  (A. Guttman; I. Lemée)
The minutes were accepted as presented.
        
3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
None.

4.
Calendar Change Requests

i) English
It was moved by A. Guttman and seconded by K. Burnett that the following calendar change request for English be approved.
2024-S0C-8705:  Course Deletion ENGL 4113
        Carried.

It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by D. Mackinnon that the following calendar change request for English be approved.
2024-S0C-8709:  New Course ENGL 3022 (cross listed with INDI 3012)
        Carried.

ii)  Gender and Women’s Studies
It was moved by L. Chambers and seconded by K. Burnett that the following calendar change requests for Gender and Women’s Studies be approved.
2024-SOC-7385:  Course Cross-list UG Department of Gender and Women's Studies (FREN-3603)
2024-SOC-8696:  Course-New-UG-Gender and Women’s Studies-3rd year Methods course
2024-SOC-8698:  Course-Discontinuing-UG-Gender and Women’s Studies-WOME 3133, 3310 & 4113
        Carried.

This calendar change request was relegated back to user for revisions,
2024-SOC-8700:  Course-Modification-UG-Gender and Women’s Studies-Title change for WOME 2711,
3355, 3356 & 4214

iii) Interdisciplinary Studies
It was moved by A. den Otter and seconded by D. Krupp that the following calendar change requests for Interdisciplinary Studies be approved.
2024-S0C-8704:  Courses-Modifications-UG-CRIM-Changes to CRIM 3355 title
2024-S0C-8708:  Discontinuation of MDST 3133/ WOME 3133
        Carried.

iv)  Languages
It was moved by S. Jacoba and seconded by Lemée, that the following calendar change request for Languages be approved.
2024-S0C-8733:  Elementary Oral French
        Carried.

v)  Social Justice Studies Program
2024-SOC-8702:  Course-Discontinuing- GR-Social Justice Studies-SOCJ 5113/ WOME 4113
It was moved by K. Burnett and seconded by D. Mackinnon that the following calendar change request for the Social Justice Studies Program be approved.
        Carried.

This calendar change request for the Social Justice Studies Program was relegated back to the user for
revisions.
2024-SOC-8703:  Course-Modification-GR-Social Justice Studies-SOCJ 5214/ WOME 4214

vi)  Sociology
It was moved by I. Lemée and seconded by E. Chugunov that the following calendar change request for Sociology be approved.
        Carried.

    5.1
Department/School Requests.
None.

5.2
Department/School Reports.
None.

6.
Dean’s Report.
November 15, 2024
Unavailable

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report
i). Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus
Glenda.   Our Dean visited Orillia and we had many topics and meetings planned. Unfortunately, she became sick almost immediately, spent a day in her hotel in bed, then went to Emergency at Orillia’s Soldier’s Hospital where she spent the remainder of her stay.  She has since been transferred to Thunder Bay and is at home on sick leave till January.  For the Assistant Deans, this has had several consequences: 1. None of the planned meetings in Orillia occurred, particularly not with VP External Mike den Haan, which was a meeting to discuss fund-raising, particularly for research chairs.  Other important planning meetings with respect to various Orillia matters also did not occur.  2. Both Tony and I have now had a month-long stint as Acting Dean added to our workloads, which we are happily willing to do, but it is rather startling.

SMA4 planning.  Heather Morrison (Institutional Planning) had asked the Deans for a second round of submissions re: SMA4 planning since she was not happy with the inputs that were given by deans in the first round.  With one day to produce this, I went through the Faculty website looking at curriculum changes for the past few years and I tried to make as many positive statements as I could about departments.  The main focus asked for was to try to identify places where there was the potential for 2% growth, as that is what is needed to keep pace with inflation.  Tony then added his thoughts and we sent that in, but haven’t heard anything more about it.  Maybe if Tony went to the Dean’s Council this week he can update us in his report and let us know if more SMA4 input will be needed, so we can prepare a little more thoroughly in future.

AACRAO conference. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGIATE REGISTRARS AND ADMISSIONS OFFICERS.  I attended a 4 day conference in Boston as the Orillia rep, along with a team of 8 people (7 of whom were from Thunder Bay).  It was a new type of conference for me, but I found it had a mixture of college and university administrators and deans involved with the management of student admissions, campus development.  I went to a number of sessions about trends in enrolment, and strategies of all types – I particularly focused on those about retention.

The timing of this conference was that we were there on American election day. There were 1,000 delegates, the vast majority of whom would have been Democrat voters and I can report how gutted many delegates were by the results.  Some, particularly from the southern states, had spoken about deputations by state legislators to find out how much funding universities were giving to EDI initiatives so as to cut university budgets by that amount, fears of deportation of students, the plan to cut the federal dept of education completely, and Trump’s plan to tax existing university endowments and build an “American Academy” were all under discussion.   

My own takeaways from this conference:  1.  Austerity backdrop:  students shifting to “Just enough, just-in-time” - meaning that students are opting for shorter and shorter programs and credentials – and dropping out when they get the job they were looking for – this has implications for “experiential learning” and the timing of “internships” if educational institutions are to see people complete their degrees.  2.  Splintering of the student market into several types: 1. Students who want a full-on in-person campus experience; 2. Students holding multiple jobs (right up the college-university spectrum and even including the Ivy League institutions including Harvard) who cannot afford “campus life” and have a clear focus on just the coursework – they need barriers dropped, non-traditional scheduling, and more online programming; 3. Adult learners without high school degrees and proliferation of programs aimed at simultaneous programs that involve high school/college/university accreditation.
Finally, I was struck by the extremely detailed, data-driven presentations about the student experience from application to alumni.

Fall Open House Orillia:  On Saturday we welcomed 413 guests onto campus, an increase of 33% from last year. Of those that attended 160 were future students (YOY increase of 28%!).   Good buzz and those faculty that represented their disciplines seemed happy with their experience given that we weren’t just sitting around, as has happened in the past, but busy talking with interested and mostly enthusiastic students and parents.   More interest in History than I’ve ever seen before, but also strong interest in English, Criminology, and Media, Film, and Communication Studies.  Many uncertain students and parents got enthusiastic about Interdisciplinary Studies, although the program, with its 16 disciplines usually has to be explained to them before they realize what a great option it is.   The importance of being a local option for those who want career options without leaving their homes was mentioned many times especially by parents in this cash-strapped time.

Awards.  The Research Chair awards are on hold until it is clear that we have the $16,000 a year needed to support them.  I have had email exchanges with Andy Dean to try to clarify Glenda’s plans, but he is only supplying $5,000 for one year, which is not enough for even one release.  Hopefully, I will have more positive information for the December meeting.  In the meantime, I suggest people concentrate on getting Research theme areas for CRC chairs in to Andy.

ii)  Dr. Tony Puddephatt – Thunder Bay Campus
Dr. Puddephatt thanked people for their feedback on the 4 year HBA general degree, he is working on changes and will try to return it for next meeting. He also thanked people for participating in the Global Studies graduate program consultation -- our faculty consultation was useful, the wider university consultation is pushed back into the new year, for when Dean Glenda Bonifacio returns. Dr. Puddephatt explained that Dr. Bonifacio is away on medical leave, with Dr. Puddephatt serving as acting Dean for the month of November, with Dr. Jarman taking over as acting Dean in December. Dr. Puddephatt thanked Susan Viitala and Jennifer Jarman for their support during this time. Updates about this situation will be shared as soon as more information becomes available.

8.
Other Business.
None.

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  
The next Faculty Council meeting with be held in Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 10:00 am via Zoom.

10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:25 pm.  (A, den Otter)

ATTENDANCE

Thunder Bay Campus
K. Burnett
L. Chambers
J. Chisholm
E. Chugunov
A. Guttman
D. Hannah
D. Hayes
S. Jacoba
S. Jobbitt
I. Lemée
B. Maiangwa
T. Puddephatt
C. Sanders
B. Vernier
R. Warburton

S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
D. Akca
P. Das
A. den Otter
J. Jarman
S. Jeppesen
D. Krupp
D. Mackinnon

Regrets
B. Birmingham
L. Forbes
D. Hannah
B. Parker
S. Shahsahabi

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL

MINUTES
Friday, October 11, 2024
A meeting of the Faculty Council was held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10:00 am via Zoom.

Presentation:
BA + BSc (Gen) / Multi-session BEd Regional Strategy

Dr. Meridith Lovell-Johnston
Chair of Graduate Studies and Research
Acting Chair of Undergraduate Education Program
Faculty of Education, Lakehead University – Orillia

M. Lovett-Johnston gave a summary/outline of how the proposed BA/BSc (General) and how it would work.
The intention with this strategy is to outline how Lakehead University can respond to the needs of the region for qualified teachers across elementary and secondary divisions. In developing this strategy, we understand that it will take two to three years to fully eventuate and requires many moving parts to come together.
(Please see attached document for further information.)

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

        Carried.
2.
Approval of Minutes
Approval of the minutes from September 13, 2024.  (J. Jarman and A. den Otter)
The minutes were accepted as presented.

 3.
Business Arising from the Minutes
i) Venue for Ph.D. Consultation
Be sure to RSVP.

 4.
Calendar Change Requests
i) Social Sciences & Humanities
2024-SOC-8637:  HBA General Program
A lengthy discussion was held regarding the pros and cons of the proposed HBA General Program.
T. Puddephatt requested that a vote be held in support of calendar change request 2024-SOC-8637.  A
vote was held’; however, the request was not passed.
    Carried.

ii) English
It was moved by R. Warburton and seconded by A. Guttman that the following calendar change request for English be approved.
2024-SOC-8663:  Cross Listed ENGL Course
    Carried.

iii)  Gender and Women’s Studies
It was moved by L. Chambers and seconded by R. Warburton that the following calendar change request for Gender and Women’s Studies be approved.
2024-SOC-8585:  Course-New and Discontinuing-UG-Gender and Women’s Studies-WOME 4012 and
WOME 4010 special topic with SOCJ
    Carried.

iv). Indigenous Learning
It was moved by A. den Otter and seconded by R. Warburton that the following calendar change request for Indigenous Learning be approved.
2024-SOC-8472:  Course-New-UG-Indigenous Learning-7 courses.
    Carried.

v)  Languages
It was moved by S. Jacoba and seconded by A. den Otter that the following calendar change request be approved.
2024-SOC-8521:  New Course-UG-French 2013.
    Carried.

The following calendar change requests were relegated back to Languages for further revision.
2024-SOC-8650:  Program changes - UG - Languages
2024-SOC-8671:  FRENCH 4012 La grammaire est une chanson douce

The following calendar change request required further revisions.
2024-SOC-8544:  Asian Studies Minor Program

vi) Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
It was moved by L. Potvin and seconded by R. Warburton that the following calendar change request for Outdoor Recreation be approved.
2024-SOC-8649:  Regulation Modification - UG - ORPT
Carried.

vii)  Social Justice Studies Program
It was moved A. den Otter and D. Mackinnon that the following calendar change requests for the Social Justice Program be approved.
2024-SOC-8562:  Course-New-GR-SJS-5012,5013,5015.
2024-SOC-8603:  Justice Studies-SOCJ 5017 and SOCJ 5010
    Carried.

viii). Additional Dean
It was moved by J. Jarman and seconded by R. Warburton that the following calendar change request be approved.
2024-HBS-8483:  Program_modification_UG_SocialWork_replacing discontinued course
Carried.

    5.1
Department/School Requests.
None.

5.2
Department/School Reports.

i). Gender and Women’s Studies
L. Chambers announced that their department will be hosting a “Lunch & Learn” on October 31, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm via Zoom.  The topic is entitled “Who’s Afraid of Childfree Cat Ladies:  Exploring Experiences of Stigma and Self-Stigma in Childfree Women.”  All are welcome.

ii). Outdoor Recreation
L. Potvin announced that there will be a Hide Tanning Workshop session to be held at the PACI Auditorium starting at 7:00 pm on Friday, October 18, 2024.  The lead instructors will be Jean Marshall and Shelby Gagnon.  For further information, please contact L. Potvin.

iii) Visual Arts
S. Shahsahabi announced that Department of Visual Arts will be hosting Professor Bonnie Devine as part of their Visiting Arts Lecture Series 2024.  Her talk will be in person open to the public on Friday, Oct 11th at 2 p.m. in MV2004. "Bonnie Devine will discuss her recent exhibition Land in War currently at the Tom Thomson Gallery in Owen Sound.
The eight large landscape paintings included in Land in War examine the various ways that land and its possession and control are at the heart of war.
The main intent of the exhibition is to center the land as a site and object of conflict and colonial desire and especially to convey the harm the land has suffered and the resilience and beauty it epitomizes.
In an era of increasing global conflict, this project, Land in War, allows Devine to think about Colonialism’s penchant for violent conflict and the devastation it repeatedly wreaks on human and non-human beings alike. It also expresses our collective passion for the history and beauty of this land, our home."

S. Shahsahabi stated that the Music and Visual Arts building had been vandalized during August
Efforts to clean up the building started right away once Security had contacted faculty members.
A discussion followed with mentioning security on campus; length of response time to clean things up for
start of classes; and response time with regard to work orders.

6.
Dean’s Report.
October 11, 2024
A. 2022 Employment Experience Survey
•Action Items
Community Public Talks/Public Professor Series has 2 volunteer speakers for Winter and Spring.
Winter Fest will have simultaneous events at Thunder Bay and Orillia Campuses. The Orillia session will be coordinated by the Assistant Dean, Dr. Jarman.

Faculty Strategic Plan in Spring 2025 to integrate the Curriculum Sustainability Framework and IQAP.

B. SMA 4 Enrolment Planning
•Consultation
IPA sent a high-level exercise on Wednesday, which was due Friday of the week, but the Dean opted to consult with the Assistant Deans, department chairs, and SJS coordinator to determine projections for the next 5 years.

C. Retention
•Student experience
Students are crucial to the growth of the faculty. While enrolment is within the purview of certain units, faculty has a big role to play in the retention of students in the programs and courses. Thunder Bay has a low population growth or less than four times the Ontario average, according to the new city manager, John Collin, in September 2024.

•Student representation
The constitution of the Faculty Council includes a student representative appointed by LUSU.  Different departments are encouraged to have a student representative to be inclusive.

D. SSHRC Tier 2 CRC (1/12027)
                      Based on the recent announcement for the VP Research Office, the faculty should take the opportunity to develop a CRC proposal, perhaps based at the Orillia campus. This will enhance the research culture tied to new graduate programming at the Orillia campus. Proposals welcome.

E. Proposed Creative Resilience and Global Studies (CReGLoS) Centre
                     A group of faculty members came together to develop a proposal for CFI to improve the infrastructure at the MVA building. This has led to the idea of creating a research centre around creative resilience and global studies with different themes to encourage cross-faculty collaboration. Open to all.

F. SSH and City of Thunder Bay
                     One of the mandates of the university is to be relevant to the communities we serve. SSH has a role to play in extending expertise and building formal arrangements for student experiential learning such as internships and coop placements.  The Dean has connected with the City Manager by email.

G. Int’l Conference Gender-Based Violence, Reva University/LU (Dec 5-6)
 LU has an MOU with Reva University in India. The former dean, Dr. Elizabeth Birmingham, visited Reva University some time ago,  and together with Dr. Mirella Stroink and Glenda Bonifacio, they comprise the academic counterpart of the international conference. Participants from LU will not pay any fees. Encourage graduate students and faculty members interested in the topic to submit abstracts. Details of the conference were circulated to department chairs and graduate coordinators.

7.
Assistant Deans’ Report

i). Dr. Jennifer Jarman – Orillia Campus
Lakehead-Georgian pathways.   You may have seen that there has been a change in direction in relation to pathway programs between Georgian and Lakehead.  This is due to a change in government priorities, which now centre around the development of “student-centred pathways”.  The existing combined programs – mostly STEM – took  in  their last cohorts this year and there will be no more intakes.  It is expected that this will lose Lakehead some science students.  Lakehead and Georgian are still very willing to work together, however, but the emphasis will reflect the provincial government’s priorities of developing new pathways.  There are 30 existing pathway programs, of which a few are social science and humanities programs.  Several Georgian programs lead into Lakehead’s Criminology program, a  Graphic Design program leads into Lakehead’s Media, Film, and Communications program.  

I’ve become a member of the Georgian College Liberal Studies, General Arts, and Science Program Advisory Committee and will report more in the future.

Also, Seneca College has reached out to Lakehead about a new pathway, which I will report on in the future.

Research Chairs:  Meetings have been scheduled with VP external, Mike den Haan, Dean Glenda, and to discuss fund-raising in relation to sponsored chairs.

Awards Committee for Faculty Research Chairs   - Proposal
The Faculty Research Chair – Awards committee
The award will consist of a .5 HCE teaching release for two years

1 distinguished chair for professor-level for both campus and 1 research chair for associate/assistant professor-level for both campuses

Proposed Awards committee composition:  5 members, including chair
2 Humanities
2 Social Sciences
No more than two people from the same discipline
At least two representatives per campus.  The entire committee to be involved in the determination of awards.

Timeline:  Applications due: April 12, 2025
Decisions: May 3, 2025

Hybrid Technology:  I have asked Vice President, Administration, Chris Glover to initiate a review of the adequacy of the new hybrid teaching technology given the number of complaints we are hearing about the quality of the solution and student outcomes.  This might be an issue that we can raise as a Faculty-wide concern in the Curriculum Feasibility study.

ii). Dr. Tony Puddephatt – Thunder Bay Campus
Tony Puddephatt presented the initial draft of the global studies program and welcomes feedback, inviting interested parties to join Oct 23 to continue discussion."

8.
Other Business.
Change of Date for December 6, 2024, Faculty Council meeting.
D. Hayes stated we would like to move our Council meeting scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024 to Thursday, December 5, 2025 at 10:00 am via Zoom.  D. Hayes stated that Friday was Fall Preview Day for the Thunder Bay campus, running from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm., and that moving the meeting would allow for participation at that event.  It was decided to move the meeting to Thursday.

9.
Next Faculty Council Meeting:  
The next Faculty Council meeting with be held on November 15, 2024, via Zoom.
10.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:03 pm.  (A. Guttman; A. den Otter)

ATTENDANCE
Thunder Bay Campus

G. Bonifacio
L. Chambers
A. Guttman
D. Hannah
D. Hayes
S. Jacoba
B. Maiangwa
L. Potvin
T. Puddephatt
J. Sanchez Martinez
C. Sanders
S. Shahsahabi
B. Vernier
R. Warburton
S. Viitala - recording

Orillia Campus
P. Das
L. Fiddick
J. Jarman
S. Jeppesen
A. den Otter
R. McVeigh
D. Krupp
M. Stevenson

Regrets
B. Birmingham
E. Chugunov