The meeting was held at 1:00 p.m. in A. Brandon Conron Hall, University College.
SENATORS: 82
J. Adams, D. Bentley, D. Bevan, R. Bohay, D. Braun, W.A. Bridger, R. Bryan, C. Callaghan, P. Canham, T. Carmichael, V. Chahal, M. Chernoff, R. Coulter, D. Cunningham, M. Curry, P. Davenport, J. Davies, P. Dean, P. Deane, H. DeLasa, E. Dipchand, C. Down, J. Erskine, A. Esterhammer, D. Fairbairn, M. Floryan, T. Fulton, J. Garnett, W. Gibson, R. Hawkins, C. Herbert, P. Hong, N. Huner, F. Irani, D. Jorgensen, A. Katz, G. Killan, M. Kissel, W. Lai, F. Longstaffe, S. Lupker, J. MacKinnon, S. Mangsen, D. Martin, C. McAulay-Weldon, J. McKay, M. McNay, K. McQuillan, L. Milligan, I. Moore, G. Moran, P. Neary, J. Nicholas, K. Okruhlik, A. Oosterhoff, J. Orange, M. Parker, A. Pearson, M. Pendakur, C. Piper, T. Rajan, S. Rich, J. Roth, K. Rowe, C. Sinal, P. Skidmore, D. Small, J. Stokes, L. Tapp, R. Telfer, B. Tepperman, B. Timney, T. Topic, J. Van Fleet, J. Vance, G. Vanderburg, A. Vandervoort, G. Weese, M. Weyers, L. Whittaker, M.A. Wilkinson, D. WilliamsonObservers: D. Jameson, E. Redekop, S. Tan
By Invitation: D. Janelle, J. Thorp
The minutes of the meeting of December 10, 1999, were approved as circulated.
Dr. Davenport reported that COU continues to lobby the Ministry about the critical issue of operating funding: a significant increase in the operating grant is needed to accommodate enrolment increases, including the double cohort. It is not known when the government will release its announcement on operating funds and allowable tuition fee increases. Consequently, the University's budget recommendations, which will be issued to the Deans and Budget Unit Heads in the next few weeks, must be prepared in a context where revenues are unknown. The Provost will meet soon with student groups to discuss tuition fee increases in the absence of a formal proposal from the government.
COU continues to stress to the Ministry that a longer term funding plan is necessary in order to build a budgetary framework which will be required over the next several years to accommodate enrolment increases and make effective use of the SuperBuild construction.
Dr. Davenport reported that Western submitted four projects to the SuperBuild Growth Fund: the Accessibility and Quality Project, the Medical Sciences Building, and two joint projects with Fanshawe College, in nursing and communications. The SuperBuild Growth Fund announcements are expected to be made in February and March.
On behalf of the Operations/Agenda Committee, it was moved by A. Pearson, seconded by J.L. Stokes,
That Bernd Frohmann and Michael Nolan, elected representatives to Senate for the Faculty of Information and Media Studies constituency, be granted leaves of absence,
and
That Margaret Ann Wilkinson and Gloria Leckie be elected to serve on Senate as their Alternates (terms from January to April, 2000).
CARRIED
M. Weyers was elected to serve as a Member on the Nominating Committee to replace R. Telfer who has resigned (term to November 2000). C. Callaghan was elected to serve as an Alternate on the Nominating Committee for R. Darnell who is on leave (term January to June 30, 2000).
It was moved by A. Pearson, seconded by W.A. Bridger,
That the Senate establish the Subcommittee on Research Ethics Policy (SUREP) as a subcommittee of the University Research Board, as detailed in Exhibit I, approval item 3.
S.00-04a It was moved by R. Hawkins, seconded by D. Jorgensen,
That the Composition of the Subcommittee on Research Ethics Policy be amended as follows:
To be elected by Senate for two year terms (staggered):
• Chair of the Subcommittee
• Two Ethicists
• Two additional members
To be appointed by the Vice-President (Research) for a two year term
• One Hospital/Research Institute representative
Professor Hawkins stated that he is concerned that the committee reflect the view of the university community on ethical policy. In addition, he did not think it appropriate that a Senate committee have only appointed and ex officio members. Some of the subcommittee's members should be elected by Senate to reflect better the University community's sense of ethics.
Dr. Bridger did not oppose the proposed amendment, but stated that the important issue is that the University have a committee that is able to address fundamental questions that will arise as a result of research protocols involving human subjects. Membership on the committee must include individuals who are experts qualified to comment on these issues.
The amendment was called and CARRIED
S.00.04b The main motion, as amended was called and CARRIED. The terms of reference and composition of the Subcommittee on Research Ethics Policy, as approved are:
Subcommittee on Research Ethics Policy
Terms of Reference:
To review issues relating to research involving human subjects and make recommendations to the Vice-President (Research).
To decide appeals of final decisions made by the research ethics boards.
Composition:
To be elected by Senate for two year terms (staggered):
• Chair of the Subcommittee
• Two Ethicists
• Two additional members
To be appointed by the Vice-President (Research) for a two year term:
• One Hospital/Research Institute representative
Ex officio:
• Vice-President (Research) or designate
• Chair of the Health Sciences Research Ethics Board
• Chair of the Non-Health Sciences Research Ethics Board
• Director, Office of Research Services, or designate
• Deputy Chair of the Health Sciences Research Ethics Board (non-voting unless acting as Alternate for the Chair of the Health Sciences Research Ethics Board)
The Subcommittee shall meet as required, but at least twice annually.
The Subcommittee may establish ad hoc working groups and bring in expertise as required.
The Office of Research Services (Research Ethics section) shall act as Secretariat to the Subcommittee.
In February 1997, the Senate approved alternative procedures for appointments, promotion and tenure in the Faculty of Health Sciences, in recognition that the Faculty structure was unique.
In approving the alternative procedures, Senate also mandated a review of them by February 2000:
That, by February 1, 2000, the Provost initiate a review of these alternative procedures to determine whether they should be established through formal amendment to Conditions of Appointment. Any amendments to Conditions of Appointment would follow the usual procedures.
In 1998, the UWO Faculty Association became certified to represent full- and part-time faculty at The University of Western Ontario. As a result, under the terms of the Ontario Labour Relations Act, a "freeze" exists on conditions of employment. Appointments, promotion and tenure procedures are conditions of employment, and therefore it would be inappropriate to conduct the review while a first collective agreement is being negotiated.
Senate Election Procedures define candidate and voter eligibility for Senate membership. The procedures have been revised as shown below with respect to the candidacy of faculty members with joint appointments, to be consistent with Procedures for Joint Appointments within the University, approved in June of 1997.
Pursuant to Senate Resolution:
A member of faculty, holding an appointment in more than one academic unit (or constituency within that unit) other than the Faculty of Graduate Studies, shall be regarded as a full-time member of the Departments (Faculties) in which he/she holds a joint appointment for the purposes of eligibility to vote in Senate elections and to stand for election to Senate. A faculty member with a joint appointment in two or more Faculties (other than the Faculty of Graduate Studies) may cast one vote in each Faculty in which he/she has an appointment. A faculty member whose departments are within the same Faculty may cast only one vote in such an election.
The following were elected to the Selection Committee - Senior Director, Information Technology Services: R. Chelladurai, R. Eagleson, J. Garnett, G. Leckie.
G. Leckie was elected to the Senate Grievance Committee to serve as an alternate for R. Darnell who is on leave (term: January - June 30, 2000).
R. Gowing was elected to the Senate Review Board Academic to complete the term of G. Sholdice who has resigned (term to November 2000).
P. Théberge was elected to the Senate Committee on Academic Policy and Admissions to complete the term of B. Frohmann who has resigned (term to December 31, 2001).
C. McWilliam will serve as Alternate on the University Research Board for R. Darnell who is on leave (term: January to June 30, 2000).
G. Cherian will serve as Alternate on the Operations/Agenda Committee for M. Westmacott who is on leave (term: January to June 30, 2000).
On behalf of SCAPA, it was moved by T. Fulton, seconded by G. Moran,
That Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors, through the Vice-Chancellor, the revised Affiliation Agreement between the Board of Governors of The University of Western Ontario, Brescia College, Huron College, and King's College, as shown in Exhibit III, Appendix 1.
CARRIED
It was moved by T. Fulton, seconded by P. Skidmore,
That a Four-Year BSc (Human Ecology) Foods and Nutrition program be introduced at Brescia College and the Faculty of Science, effective September 1, 2000.
CALENDAR COPY
FOODS AND NUTRITION PROGRAMS
Note: Common first and second years are taken by students in both the 3-year and the 4-year programs. [First and second years are outlined on page 285 of the 1999 Academic Calendar.]
FOUR-YEAR BSc (HEc) PROGRAM
Third Year
Principal Courses
Subsidiary Courses
Fourth Year
Principal Courses
Subsidiary Courses
CARRIED
It was moved by T. Fulton, seconded by J. MacKinnon,
That the current undergraduate appeal policy in the School of Physical Therapy be changed to provide greater flexibility to the School in allowing students to continue in the program under special conditions.
CALENDAR COPY (Page 85, 1999-2000 Academic Calendar)
Academic Regulations
Progression in the program will be based on each year's achievement, the minimum for which is:
Tests, assignments and practical work, as well as performance in final examinations will constitute the final mark in each course.
A student who fails a course (a course may be of one-half or one full credit) or who fails to meet the progression requirements as noted above, will normally be considered to have failed the year and will be required to withdraw from the program. Such students may petition the School on medical or compassionate grounds for relief from the requirement to withdraw. Should such a request be granted, the School will review each individual case and determine the conditions to be met by the student to remain in the program.
Examinations (S.92-172)
(no change)
Failed Year (S.93-304)
(delete)
CARRIED
It was moved by T. Fulton, seconded by R. Bohay,
That Senate approve the sessional dates for Dentistry and Medicine, as outlined below:
DENTISTRY DATES:
2000
2001
[Note: For the 2000-2001 year the fall term for Dentistry is 14 weeks in length in order to meet the minimum standards required for accreditation.]
MEDICINE DATES:
2000
CARRIED
It was moved by T. Fulton, seconded by G. Killan,
That English 265E: American Women Writers: 1800 to the Present be introduced at King's College, effective September 1, 2000.
CALENDAR COPY
English 265E: American Women Writers: 1800 to the Present
This course will examine the diverse range of American women's writing and their contribution to
the American literary tradition from the nineteenth century to the present. Representative writers
will be studied, with emphasis on major figures such as Fuller, Alcott, Harper, Jewett, Gilman,
Wharton, Cather, Welty, Angelou, H.D., Rich, and Morrison.
Antirequisite: English 255E at King's taught in 1996-2000.
Prerequisites: At least 60% in one of English 020E, 022E, 024E or the former English 026, and
60% in all subsequent English courses, or permission of the Department.
3 hours.
(King's)
CARRIED
It was moved by T. Fulton, seconded by S. Mangsen,
That Senate approve a revision to the policy on exact ties noted below to discourage Faculties from granting an award to two or more recipients, i.e., splitting awards, or granting awards "in name only".
AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS/AWARDS - EXACT TIES (S.97-219b)
One scholarship, award, medal or prize will be awarded except in the case of exact ties (without rounding) where the award value will be split equally. Faculties are strongly discouraged from splitting any award including scholarships, awards, medals and prizes, or from granting any award "in name only".
CARRIED
SCAPA approved on behalf of Senate the following Terms of Reference for a new undergraduate Scholarship for recommendation to the Board of Governors through the Vice-Chancellor:
At its October meeting, Senate approved the establishment of a Four-Year Bachelor of Arts program in English to be introduced by the Faculty of Arts effective September 1, 2000. At the request of the Department of English and the Faculty of Arts, the implementation date has been revised from September to May 1, 2000, in order to allow a student who has satisfied the requirements for the degree to graduate from it in the Fall.
Professor Thorp reported that a subcommittee of SCAPA will investigate the possibility of revising the academic year to allow for an extra week off between New Year's Day and the beginning of classes. The term must contain a certain number of class days and exams must end on the last day of April. A proposal will be presented to Senate in due course.
Professor Coulter asked that the subcommittee keep in mind that students in the professional programs have different needs with regard to the academic year, i.e., students in the Faculty of Education must return on January 3.
Ms. Parker expressed concern that extending the Christmas holiday by an extra week might result in the academic year extending into May, which would present a number of problems for students. Professor Thorp stated that the inclusion of an extra week does not mean that the academic year will extend beyond April 30. The subcommittee of SCAPA investigating this matter must devise an algorithm that will take many factors into consideration, including the number of teaching days required by the Government, the examination period, and the implications of scheduling examinations on Sundays.
Senate received for information a document entitled "SCAPA White Paper: The Reform of the Undergraduate Program" detailed in Exhibit III, Appendix 2. The document will be circulated for comment to Deans, Associate Deans and Department Chairs, and published in Western News. The deadline for responses is Monday, March 13, 2000, and they should be directed to Professor J. Thorp, Chair of SCAPA, c/o University Secretariat, Room 290, Stevenson-Lawson Building.
Professor Thorp provided an overview of the document, with the use of slides, copies of which are available at the University Secretariat upon request.
Discussion of the White Paper included the following concerns:
• The impact the reform will have on programs offered at the Affiliated Colleges.
• The question of the reform's effect on cross-flow of funds between Western and the Affiliated Colleges
• The impact on recruitment, e.g., there are many exceptionally good liberal arts students who may not come to a university that stipulates they must take a half course in mathematics, perhaps a subject not taken since grade 10 or 11.
• The effect on the Scholars Electives Program and the Western Scholars Program.
• The continuance of three-year degree offerings and the question of whether the demand for three-year programs will wither after the Ontario high school régime is reduced from five years to four years.
Professor Thorp acknowledged that many of the concerns were raised during the deliberations of the subcommittee. He stated that at all stages of the discussions leading up to the White Paper a representative from one of the affiliated colleges participated. However, it was agreed that questions on how the Affiliated Colleges would be affected would be set aside during the development of the document. Now that the White Paper is under consideration, the concerns of the Affiliated Colleges must be addressed.
Professor Thorp stated that it is expected that the matrix will be adjusted for professional baccalaureate degrees such as the BSc, BMus and BESc. It is planned that a working group will meet with each department to determine how to implement the core program.
Professor Thorp reiterated that the document will be circulated as widely as possible with an invitation for comments to be submitted by March 13, so that Calendar text can be developed for consideration by Senate at the May meeting.
S.00-23 The Donald K. Jackson Chair in Entrepreneurship
It was moved by K. McQuillan, seconded by L. Tapp,
That Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors, through the Vice-Chancellor, the establishment of the Donald K. Jackson Chair in Entrepreneurship in the Richard Ivey School of Business as described below:
The Donald K. Jackson Chair in Entrepreneurship
In recognition of the Ivey Business School's commitment to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate leadership in the field of entrepreneurship, The University of Western Ontario is proud to establish, for a term of five years, the Donald K. Jackson Chair in Entrepreneurship at the Richard Ivey School of Business.
At the time of appointment, the appointee will be a member of the faculty of the Richard Ivey School of Business at The University of Western Ontario and will have demonstrated specific expertise in the area of entrepreneurship. Preference will be given to individuals with an interest in business strategy and/or general management.
The responsibilities of the appointee will be to develop innovative research and teaching materials to broaden the dissemination of the School's unique teaching and research programs through the Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Growth. The IEIG's mission is to support and promote entrepreneurship in Canada through relevant and applied research, learning experiences and resources developed for entrepreneurs, students of entrepreneurship and mature organizations seeking ways to stimulate, implement, manage and sustain growth.
Through the teaching and research conducted by the Donald K. Jackson Chair in Entrepreneurship, the Institute will distinguish itself in Canada as the primary source of relevant, applied world-class research and understanding of growth in entrepreneurial organizations. Through a wide variety of educational media, the IEIG will also be instrumental in helping entrepreneurs achieve their growth potential and advancing an entrepreneurial culture.
Appointment to The Donald K. Jackson Chair in Entrepreneurship will be for a period of five years.
The appointee will be recommended by a selection committee constituted as follows:
Funding for the Chair will be provided by a generous term donation of $500,000 from Donald K. Jackson, MBA '67, paid at $100,000 per year over five years.
The funding will be used to provide salary support for the incumbent and to support the expenses of research and case writing. Within these general guidelines, the use of the funds should be as flexible as possible with the proviso that the incumbent will consult with the Dean of the Business School in determining the exact allocation.
CARRIED
S.00-24 George and Mary Turnbull Faculty Fellowship
It was moved by K. McQuillan, seconded by L. Ttapp,
That Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors, through the Vice-Chancellor, the establishment of the George and Mary Turnbull Faculty Fellowship in the Richard Ivey School of Business as described below:
George and Mary Turnbull Faculty Fellowship
In recognition of the Ivey Business School's commitment to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate leadership in national and international business, the Richard Ivey School of Business at The University of Western Ontario is proud to establish the George and Mary Turnbull Faculty Fellowship.
The objective of the George and Mary Turnbull Faculty Fellow is to retain at the Richard Ivey School of Business individuals who demonstrate leadership in national and international business.
Funding for the faculty fellowship will be provided by a generous donation of $500,000 from George (HBA'49) and Mary (BA'48) Turnbull, endowed at The University of Western Ontario. This donation will establish the George and Mary Turnbull Faculty Fellow in perpetuity.
The amount available for spending each year will be in accordance with the University's Investment Payout Policy (Policy 2.11) as it relates to endowed funding, and which may be amended from time to time. The fellowship will be used to annually supplement the salary of a faculty member within the richard ivey school of business.
The holder of the George and Mary Turnbull Faculty Fellow shall be selected on the recommendation of a selection committee constituted as follows:
The Fellowship will be for a 3-year term, renewable at the discretion of the selection committee. The stipend provided to the holder of the fellowship will terminate upon completion of the term.
CARRIED
S.00-25 Nortel Networks Director, Asian Management Institute
It was moved by K. McQuillan, seconded by L. Tapp,
That Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors, through the Vice-Chancellor, the establishment of a term-funded chair to be known as the Nortel Networks Director, Asian Management Institute, as detailed below:
Nortel Networks Director, Asian Management Institute
In recognition of the Ivey Business School's commitment to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate leadership in business, The University of Western Ontario is proud to establish, for a term of five years, a chair to be known as the Nortel Networks Director, Asian Management Institute.
At the time of appointment, the appointee will be a member of the faculty of the Richard Ivey School of Business at The University of Western Ontario. The responsibilities of the appointee will be to develop innovative research and teaching materials to broaden the dissemination of the school's unique teaching and research programs.
Appointments to the Nortel Networks Director, Asian Management Institute, will be for a period of five years beginning in the spring of 2000.
The appointee will be recommended by a selection committee constituted as follows:
Funding for the Chair will be provided by a generous donation of $750,000 us from Nortel Networks, paid at $150,000 us per year over five years.
The funding will be used to provide salary support for the incumbent and to support the expenses of research and case writing. Within these general guidelines, the use of the funds should be as flexible as possible with the proviso that the incumbent will consult with the associate dean of human resources at the business school in determining the exact allocation.
CARRIED
S.00-26 Earl H. Orser/london Life Faculty Fellowship
It was moved by K. McQuillan, seconded by L. Tapp,
That Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors, through the Vice-Chancellor, the establishment of the Earl H. Orser/London Life Faculty Fellowship in the Richard Ivey School of Business as described below:
Earl H. Orser/London Life Faculty Fellowship
In recognition of the Ivey Business School's commitment to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate leadership in Business, The University of Western Ontario is proud to establish, for a term of four years, the Earl H. Orser/London Life Faculty Fellowship in the Richard Ivey School of Business, based on a generous donation from london life of $89,000. In the fourth year, the Richard Ivey School of Business will provide the additional funds required for the fellowship from the Ivey Annual Fund donations to unrestricted research funds.
The funds will be held by the university for the exclusive use of richard ivey school of business. The fund balance will earn interest in accordance with the University's Investment Payout Policy (Policy 2.11) as it relates to non-endowed funds, as may be amended from time to time.
The funding will be used to provide salary support for the incumbent and to support the expenses of research and case writing. Within these general guidelines, the use of the funds should be as flexible as possible with the proviso that the incumbent will consult with the Dean of the Richard Ivey School of Business in determining exact allocation.
The Ivey Business School will endeavour to make the appointment to the fellowship as early as possible.
The appointee will be recommended by a selection committee constituted as follows:
CARRIED
S.00-27 Louis Lagassé Family Faculty Fellowship
It was moved by K. McQuillan, seconded by L. Tapp,
That Senate approve and recommend to the Board of Governors, through the Vice-Chancellor, the establishment of the Louis Lagassé Family Faculty Fellowship in the Richard Ivey School of Business as described below:
Louis Lagassé Family Faculty Fellowship
In recognition of the Ivey Business School's commitment to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate leadership in national and international business, The University of Western Ontario is proud to establish, for a term of two years, the Louis Lagassé Family Faculty Fellowship, in either the finance or marketing teaching group, with a particular emphasis on entrepreneurship, as identified by the Richard Ivey School of Business.
Mr. Louis Lagassé has provided a donation of $100,000 to fund this fellowship. The funds will be held by the university for the exclusive use of Richard Ivey School of Business and will be expended at $50,000 per year for the two year term of the fellowship. The fund balance will earn interest in accordance with the University's Investment Payout Policy (Policy 2.11) as it relates to non-endowed funds, as may be amended from time to time.
The funding will be used to provide salary support for the incumbent. Within these general guidelines, the use of the funds should be as flexible as possible with the proviso that the incumbent will consult with the Dean of the Richard Ivey School of Business in determining the exact allocation.
The Ivey Business School will endeavour to make the appointment to the fellowship as early as possible.
A selection committee constituted as follows will recommend the appointee:
CARRIED
Senate received for information the Full-time Faculty Distribution, Appointments and Recruitment by Gender Report, detailed in Exhibit Iv, Appendix 1. Departments are required to report annually, through the deans, on the number of male and female applicants for regular full-time academic positions, as well as the number of males and females interviewed and subsequently appointed. This year, a new format was adopted for the consolidated university report providing both historical and interinstitutional context. The report originates in the Office of the Provost & Vice-president (Academic) and was prepared by Professor D. Janelle, Acting Assistant Vice-provost (Faculty Affairs).
Professor Janelle stated the direction of change and direction in gender composition of the professoriate at Western are consistent with workplace changes in Canadian society and more specifically within the academy. Western's change in faculty distribution by gender is also consistent with trends in the PhD applicant pool. As an overall conclusion the report demonstrates that the changes in gender distribution are a function of more than just recruitment practices. Demographics is a factor that alters the gender composition; career progression patterns in terms of the time and rank by gender is another way in which the overall pattern is altered; and retirement patterns also influence the percentage of faculty by gender. Dr. Janelle suggested that in the future it would be useful to focus on some specific issues while building upon the base which is established in this particular report. He observed that in comparing western to other universities it is important that the universities with which we are compared be those with characteristics similar to western's in terms of the faculty composition and academic programs offered.
Dean Neary asked if the information in the report could be reported by faculty to provide a sense of what is happening within the faculties as well as within the institution. Professor Janelle agreed that this information would be helpful and took the suggestion under advisement.
Professor Jorgensen stated that one must keep in mind the extent to which the gender composition of a faculty changes is largely dependent on the number of new appointments made. In constructing reference for Western in relation to other universities in the Ontario system or across canada, one thing that should be visible in the representation is the relative significance or relative proportion of new appointments made in faculties. Professor Janelle stated that Statistics Canada provides data that considers new appointments on an annual basis for universities as a whole and that one could probably obtain a breakdown from Statistics Canada on the actual pattern change at the different universities. It is also important to know if the new appointments are probationary or tenure level versus those that are limited term.
Responding to a question by Professor Davies, Professor Janelle referred to the footnote about resignations and retirements found on page 2 of the report. The retirement patterns, especially in the last few years, have had a very significant impact on gender distribution. Dr. Davenport added that a few years ago the provost presented a study involving a particular cohort that entered the university between 5 and 8 years ago and followed the individuals to determine how many continued on in their career or left. He suggested that this study could be updated.
Professor Floryan asked if statistics on starting salaries by gender can be added to this report. Professor Janelle stated that the report is compiled under a Senate mandate established in 1984. Salary information is not required but could be a consideration.
The report of the Academic Colleague on the 248th Meeting of the Council of Ontario Universities, detailed in Exhibit IV, was provided for information.
Responding to Mr. Tan's question concerning the millennium scholarships, Dr. Davenport stated that a committee of COU is working with the Ministry on a number of issues involving student aid, and it is hoped that any savings in the method in which Ontario distributes the millennium scholarship funds will be returned to student aid. The issue of student aid will be discussed at the next COU meeting.
Announcements & Communications, detailed in Exhibit VI, were provided for information.
Professor Milligan asked for information on the new 750 seat classroom adjacent to the Natural Sciences Centre. Dr. Moran reported that the classroom, which was approved as part of last year's capital budget, is at the design stage. The design involves a 450 seat main floor and 250 seat balcony. The advantages of this design include improved sight lines, proximity to the instructor and acoustic advantages; the balcony can be closed so the room can be used for smaller classes.
Dr. Moran reported receiving numerous concerns about the design over the last two weeks, and as a result he is planning a meeting to provide an opportunity for further consultation, even though the time lines are tight. The meeting will involve the design team, including the acoustic consultant, and faculty who wish to raise their concerns about the design. He clarified that final authority for the project rests with the board, but the project will be presented to senate prior to construction. The matter of design and siting of the new classroom will be before the Subcommittee on Capital Allocations in early February, then to SCUP, then to Senate for information in March.
The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
P. Davenport, Chair
J.K. Van Fleet, Secretary