MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SENATE: OCTOBER 15,
1999
The meeting was held at 1:00 p.m. in A. Brandon Conron Hall, University College.
SENATORS: 59
J. Adams, R. Archibald, D. Bentley, D. Braun, R. Bryan, P. Cain, C. Callaghan, P. Canham, J. Clayman, M. Cole, R. Darnell, P. Deane, C. Down, J. Erskine, A. Esterhammer, D. Fairbairn, M. Floryan, R. Harris, R. Holt, J. Hore, D. Jorgensen, A. Katz, M. Kissel, M. Lawless, G. Leckie, F. Longstaffe, S. Lupker, J. MacKinnon, J. McKay, K. McKellar, D. McLachlin, K. McQuillan, I. Moore, P. Neary, J. Nicholas, A. Norris, K. Okruhlik, A. Oosterhoff, J. Orange, A. Pearson, M. Pendakur, D. Rosner, K. Rowe, R. Shroyer, S. Siegner, C. Sinal, E. Skarakis-Doyle, P. Skidmore, J. Stokes, D. Taub, R. Telfer, S. Usprich, J. Van Fleet, A. Weedon, G. Weese, L. Whittaker, E. Wood, R. Young, M. Zamir
Observers: S. McDonald, E. Redekop, and S. Tan
By Invitation: J. Thorp
On behalf of Senate, Dean Pearson, Vice-Chair, thanked a number of Senators, whose terms on Senate end October 31st, for their time and contributions to the work of Senate.
The minutes of the meeting of September 17, 1999, were approved with the inclusion of the following amendments (shown in italics):
Page 6: S.99-184: - second paragraph, second last sentence: ... the recent SOGS Presidential Election was nullified due to procedural errors.
- second paragraph, last sentence: She also voiced concern about marketing Internet voting to graduate students in such a short time span.
Mr. Kissel read aloud a letter from a student who expressed concern about campus buildings that g are not wheelchair accessible, in particular, McIntosh Gallery. He stated that as long as the student is unable to access the building she cannot take the courses for which she has registered. He asked what measures the administration is taking to make all academic buildings wheelchair accessible. Dr. Mercer, Vice-President (Administration), who was not present at the meeting, will be asked to respond to this issue at the next meeting.
Mr. McLachlin asked for an assessment of the success of the recent graduate student election of a representative to the Board of Governors. Ms. Van Fleet replied that all efforts were taken to advise graduate students of the election and of their PIN. Individual graduate students were contacted by graduate chairs and secretaries via email and posters were placed outside graduate chairs' offices to advertise the election. She stated that although the voter turnout was disappointing, from a technical perspective voting through the Internet went well.
Professor Lupker asked for clarification of the article in the London Free Press that stated Dr. Moran used "reserved powers" in dealing with four Engineering students who vandalized UWO residences on September 5, the night before students moved into the residences. Dr. Harris stated she could not comment on what was reported in the London Free Press, but she provided the following statement from the Calendar concerning Sanctions for Academic and other Offenses:
Registration in the University and the right to full access to the library, residences, specialized equipment or other University facilities implies a commitment on the part of a student to use such facilities in accordance with established rules. A student not fulfilling these obligations becomes liable to the imposition of academic sanctions.
For the benefit of Senators who were unaware of the details, Dr. Harris explained that on the evening of September 5, 1999, a number of Engineering students drove around campus throwing balloons filled with purple medical dye, which is difficult to remove, at the residence buildings. The attack on Delaware Hall broke a window in the staff room and dye was splattered virtually everywhere in the room. Damage was extensive. Four Engineering students eventually came forward to advise the University Police of their involvement in the incidents.
Following a meeting between the administration and all parties concerned, including the Acting Dean of Engineering Science and the Ombudsperson, the administration decided that deregistration of the four students for the current academic year 1999-2000 would be the punishment for defacing University property. Students who fail to meet the University's academic standards can be required to withdraw for a year, consequently this measure was deemed appropriate for the Engineering student who had failed to meet the University's standards of behavior. Also taken into consideration was the fact that the Provost and Dr. Mercer had met with a number of representatives of the Engineering Science faculty and students in February 1999 following an incident where an Engineering student was injured while attempting to carry out a "prank" during Homecoming 1998. The message at that meeting was that high-risk events and activities that threatened personal injury or indignity, or damage to property, had to be eliminated.
Dr. Harris advised that consideration was given to laying criminal charges, expulsion and suspension. Laying criminal charges was judged to be too harsh when the Acting Dean disclosed that a criminal conviction would prevent a graduate from being licensed as a Professional Engineer. Expulsion would mean the students could never complete their programs, and suspension -- which would have been recorded on their records in perpetuity -- was rejected in light of the students' expressed regret for their actions. The Student Disciplinary Code was not considered to be the appropriate mechanism to apply in this case. Clause A.3 of the Code stipulates that the "Code shall have not jurisdiction in cases where the corporate University ... has decided that a charge shall be laid". It was determined that the students would be deregistered which meant that there would be no annotation on their academic records. The four students received letters on September 14, 1999, that their registration as students for the current academic year would be rescinded.
Subsequent to the students' deregistration, extensive discussions took place involving the Acting Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Mercer, Dr. Moran, the students, their families, and a lawyer they had retained. The view taken by Acting Dean Moore was that the message that the Provost and Dr. Mercer had communicated at the February 1999 meeting with the Engineering faculty and students about traditions and activities of the Faculty had not been heard. On September 30, Associate Dean Floryan approached the Vice-Provost to express concern that so much attention was being focused internally on the students' deregistration that the larger issues of appropriate conduct were being obscured. On October 4, the President, Provost, Vice-Provost and Vice-President (Administration) met with Acting Dean Moore and Associate Dean Floryan. Through the discussions, it was concluded that the goals of the Faculty and the University would be better advanced if the four students returned to class provided they agree to pay for the damage. It was also agreed that a special team be commissioned to review the activities and traditions associated with the Faculty of Engineering Science. The following were subsequently named to that team: Ms. Frances Bauer, Ombudsperson; Mr. John Jardine, City Engineer and member of the Engineering Science Advisory Council; and Mr. Gary Weese, former City of London Fire Chief and a community representative on Western's Senate.
In response to a question about reports of a lawsuit against the University, Dr. Harris stated that a lawsuit on behalf of the four students was served on October 6 -- two days following agreement that their registration would be reinstated. She was unable to advise Senate of the current status of the suit, but stressed that it did not play a part in the decision that the students be reinstated. It was agreed that Dr. Mercer would be asked to advise Senate of the status of the lawsuit at the November meeting.
Mr. Tan questioned whether the actions of the administration compromised the procedures and policies of the Board and Senate. Dr. Harris disagreed, stating that due process was exercised.
Professor Katz asked if there are reserved powers that can be used against Faculty. Dr. Harris stated that Dr. Moran, who is absent, will respond to this question at the next Senate meeting.
Professor Katz referred to an advertisement placed by Wilfrid Laurier University which he characterized as discriminatory. Acknowledging leadership roles filled by a number of Western's senior officers, he asked whether COU has discussed the advertisement and what position COU will take in the matter. Professor Bentley, Academic Colleague, agreed to raise the issue at the next meeting of COU.
On behalf of the Operations/Agenda Committee, it was moved by K. McQuillan, seconded by E. Skarakis-Doyle,
That, effective January 1, 2000, the Constitution of the Faculty of Information and Media Studies be amended to include [as item 2.A.(ii)] in the membership of the Faculty Council "The Associate Dean(s) of the Faculty of Information and Media Studies".
CARRIED
On behalf of Senate the Provost approves the list of Candidates for Degrees upon the recommendation of the Registrar [S.96-124]. The list of Candidates approved by the Provost is appended to the Official Minutes of this meeting.
Senate received clarification of the composition and procedures of the School of Dentistry Promotion & Tenure Committee as set out in an exchange of correspondence between the Dean of Medicine & Dentistry and the Provost. Details are provided in agenda Exhibit I for this meeting.
The following were elected to the Electoral Board for Chancellor: P. Davenport, D. Bentley, R. Coulter, J. Garnett, T. Garrard, and R. Telfer.
H. Laschinger was elected to membership on the Senate Committee on Promotion and Tenure I for a three-year term (to November 2002) and J. Topolovec was elected to SCPT-I for a one-year term (to November 2000).
P. Cass was elected to membership on the Senate Committee on Promotion & Tenure II for a three year term (to November 2002) and J. Jakobi was elected to SCPT-II for a one-year term (to November 2000).
The following Members were elected to the Senate Committee on Appeals: D. Allison and E. Noble (terms to November 2002); and N. Curtis (term to November 2000).
The following Alternates were elected to the Senate Committee on Appeals: B. Avison and L. Falkenstein (terms to November 2002); and K. Stallaert (term to November 2000).
The election of members to the Standing Committee on Campus Recreation was deferred to the next meeting of Senate.
J. Russel and G. Weese were elected to membership on the Standing Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics for two year terms (to November 2001).
P. Cass and B. Roberts were elected to membership on the University Council on Animal Care for two years terms (to November 2001).
It was moved by J. Stokes, seconded by J. McKay,
That effective September 1, 2000, a Four-Year Bachelor of Arts Program in Music Administrative Studies be introduced in the Department of Music History in the Faculty of Music.
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BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC ADMINISTRATIVE STUDIES (MAS)
Admission Requirements
Six approved OAC credits, including OAC1 English and OAC Calculus, one of which may be OAC Music or equivalent Conservatory certificates (Grade IX vocal or instrumental with Grade III Theory).
Recommendation of the Faculty based on evidence of ability to manage the curriculum (usually manifest in at least Grade VIII performing ability). An interview and/or audition may be required, and the Faculty contacts each applicant regarding specific audition requirements and dates. Conservatory certificates not required.
Progression Requirements
A student who at the end of an academic year has achieved a weighted average of at least 65% and a passing grade in each course of his/her approved program may progress to the next year.
The Dean may impose special conditions on future registration, or require a student to withdraw from the Faculty of Music, if that student:
1. fails to achieve the required average, or
2. fails one or more courses, or
3. fails to complete all first-year requirements by the end of the second year of full-time
registration.
A student required to withdraw from the Faculty of Music shall be required to withdraw from the University unless admitted to another Faculty.
Graduation Requirements
Students must achieve a weighted average of at least 65% in the 20 courses counted for graduation from the program. A maximum of 25 course attempts will be allowed.
YEAR 1
Economics 020
Business 020
Calculus 050a/b
Music 030F/G, 049a/b, 050a/b, 055a/b
One of Music 031F/G, 230F/G, 231F/G
YEAR 2
Statistics 023a/b, 024a/b
ACS 180 OR Psychology 164
Business 257
1.0 course in Composition and/or additional Theory chosen from Music 029a/b, 229a/b, 249a/b,
250a/b Electives: 1.0 course or equivalent from List C (approved courses for MAS)
YEAR 3
ACS 372 OR ACS 360a/b and 361a/b
ACS 280F/G, 310a/b, 320a/b
Half course in Music History from List A
Half course in Music History from List B
Elective: 0.5 course or equivalent from List C (approved courses for MAS)
Elective: 1.0 course or equivalent in Music normally chosen from Music 195a/b, MIT 251a/b
YEAR 4
ACS 330a/b
Music 498a/b
Half course in Music History from List A
Half course in Music History from List B
Half course in Music History from either List A or List B
Electives: 2.5 courses or equivalent from List C (approved courses for MAS)
Mr. Kissel asked why this program is not offered as an honors level program. Dean Stokes replied that no ACS program is offered at the honors level so Music chose to propose it as a general level program.
Professor Bryan asked why Calculus 50a/b had been included in Year 1 of the Program. Dean Stokes advised that the Faculty of Music had followed the template provided by the Faculty of Social Science which included Calculus 50a/b as a required course.
The question was called and CARRIED.
[Secretarial Note: The repeat of the line Economics 156a/b in List C in Exhibit III, Appendix I, is a typographical error.]
It was moved by P. Deane, seconded by K. Okruhlik,
That, effective September 1, 2000, a four-year general Bachelor of Arts program in English be introduced by the Faculty of Arts.
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Four-Year General BA in English
A mark of at least 60% in English 020E, 022E, or 024E. Students should consult with the Department prior to admission.
7.5 senior English courses including:
English 200 or 201a/b and 204F/G
One of English 211, 212, 214E, 224E, 234E
One of English 244E, 254E, 264E, 274E
One of the above not already chosen or English 209E, 232E, 253E, 258E, 284E, 289E
3.5 additional senior English essay courses, no more than two of which may be at the 100-level.
A half-course at the 400 level is optional.
CARRIED
It was moved by J. MacKinnon, seconded by J. Clayman,
That the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Richard Ivey School of Business Administration introduce a concurrent Honors Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of Arts in Honors Business Administration program, effective September 1, 2000.
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CONCURRENT HONORS BHSc/HBA PROGRAM
Admission
Normally, students will apply for the concurrent degree program during their second year in the BHSc program. To be eligible for admission consideration for the concurrent program, students must complete all requirements for the first two years of the BHSc program, obtain a minimum two-year (ten credit) average of 80%, and achieve a minimum 70% grade in Business 257. Demonstrated participation in extra curricular and/or community activities, leadership, and work experience are also admission criteria. Applications must be made in writing to the BHSc Program Chair and the HBA program by the published deadlines for the Ivey Business School. Entrance to the program is competitive and limited.
Students applying to the Richard Ivey School of Business Academic Excellence Program (AEP) are also eligible to be considered for the concurrent program, as are students who have completed the first two years of the BHSc program and the first year of the HBA program.
Program Requirements
Students registered in the concurrent program are expected to abide by all guidelines associated with each of the individual programs.
Progression Standards
Students in the concurrent program must meet the progression standards of each Faculty or School, and stand in the top half of their class in the year and School/Program in which they are enrolled.
Failure to Meet Progression Standards
A student who fails to meet the progression standards in any year must withdraw from the concurrent program. With permission from the appropriate HBA Program Director and/or the BHSc Standing Committee Chair (depending upon the current year of registration), the student may continue in one program and request permission from the other Faculty or School to complete that program at a later date.
Dean's Honor List
Students in the concurrent program are considered for the Dean's Honor List in the Faculty in which they are enrolled. For HBA, only grades obtained in 300 and 400 level courses taken at Ivey are used for determining the Dean's Honor List. This list is comprised of approximately the top 10% of each section in HBA 1 and the top 10% of all of HBA 2. It is determined by vote of the teaching faculty. Those who achieve Dean's Honors List over all courses taken at Ivey at the completion of the joint program will graduate as Ivey Scholars.
Graduation With Distinction
Students registered in the Honors BHSc/HBA program can obtain distinction in either or both of HBA 1 or HBA 2 by achieving an 80% average. This designation is independent of the Dean's Honors List and is based on the grades obtained in all courses recognized for credit by Ivey. This includes courses taken elsewhere at UWO during the Honors BHSc/HBA program and grades obtained on Exchange.
Exchange Programs
Students enrolled in the concurrent program may be eligible for HBA exchanges in Year Five. A student must satisfy both Program Directors/Chairs that his or her course load is appropriately balanced before permission will be given to participate in an exchange program.
First Year
Health Sciences 021
One of Biology 022, 023 or 026
One of Psychology 020 or 023, or Sociology 020 or 1.0 full course equivalent credit chosen
from Anthropology 025F/G, 026F/G and 027a/b
Business 020
1.0 full-course equivalent elective
Second Year
Health Sciences 201, 202F/G, 203a/b, 204F/G, 205a/b, 206a/b
Business 257
0.5 elective chosen from non-Health Science courses
Third Year
Business Administration 300, 301, 302y, 303, 304, 305, 307, 308, 316y, 326y
Fourth Year
Health Sciences 303a/b, 305a/b, 306a/b
Business Administration 420y
2.5 Business Administration elective credits chosen from available 400-series courses
0.5 Health Sciences elective
Fifth Year
Health Sciences 302F/G and 401
2.0 Business Administration elective credits chosen from available 400-series courses
1.5 Health Sciences electives
CARRIED
It was moved by D. Jorgensen, seconded by J. Stokes,
That the Preliminary Year Program at Brescia College be amended to read as follows:
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[Brescia College offers] a co-educational preliminary year program for students who have a minimum of 24 credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). A minimum 70% average in an academic program oriented toward university studies with most courses at the advanced level of difficulty is required for admission consideration. Prerequisites for Preliminary Year courses will normally be the same as for the Ontario Academic Credits.
Students from outside Ontario are admitted with the equivalent of Ontario Grade 12 on the basis of percentage and rank in class.
The preliminary year consists of five courses selected from: English 010E, Geography 010, History 014, Mathematics 017a and 012b, Religious Studies 011, Sociology 010, French 002 or 010, German 002, Spanish 002. Successful completion of the preliminary year requires a pass standing in all five courses with a minimum overall average of 60%.
Students who have successfully completed the preliminary year are formally eligible to apply for admission to Brescia College, The University of Western Ontario, and its other affiliated colleges. Admissions decisions will be based on academic performance and completion of prerequisite courses and the Dean's decision regarding admissions is final.
Courses taken in the preliminary year will be part of the student's overall academic record. These five courses however constitute the basis of admission to university study and do not carry university credit. Students may appeal course marks following the usual procedures (see relevant Academic Rights and Responsibilities Section of the Calendar) but failure of a preliminary year program may not be appealed.
Although there are no scholarships available for entrance to this program, upon completion of this qualifying year, students are eligible for Brescia's entrance scholarships to first year.
Professor Bryan noted that traditionally students in the Preliminary Year are below average in Mathematics 017a and 012b. Since students are required to pass all five courses in the Preliminary Year or fail the entire year, this has put pressure on instructors to modify the material to accommodate these students. He asked if SCAPA had considered the implications of the requirement to pass all courses with a minimum overall average of 60%.
Responding to questions regarding the proposal, Professor Thorp said that courses in the Preliminary Year are considered OAC equivalents. Successful completion of the year would not lead automatically to acceptance into first year. For this reason the revised calendar copy refers to formal eligibility to apply for admission to first year. The required overall average of 60% which is a minimum average only.
It was moved by R. Bryan, seconded by R. Wood,
That the proposed amendment to the Preliminary Year Program at Brescia College be referred back to SCAPA for further review of the implications involved in requiring a minimum overall average of 60%.
CARRIED.
It was moved by J. MacKinnon, seconded by E. Skarakis-Doyle,
That effective for the 2000-2001 academic year, the calculation of the admission average for applicants to the undergraduate program in Physical Therapy be based upon the last ten (10) full or equivalent courses completed, as shown on the transcripts submitted with the student's application.
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(Page 85 of the 1999 UWO Academic Calendar)
Under Additional Details, item 5:
Admission into the program will remain limited to 64 students. Applicants will be considered for admission to the Physical Therapy program primarily on the basis of their academic record in the ten (10) full or equivalent courses most recently completed.
CARRIED
It was moved by D. Jorgensen, seconded by P. Deane,
That effective September 1, 2001, the Clothing, Textiles and Design Program at Brescia College be withdrawn.
CARRIED
SCAPA reported that the Committee has approved on behalf of the Senate the following terms of reference for new undergraduate scholarships, awards and bursaries for recommendation to the Board of Governors through the Vice-Chancellor:
The Charles Drake Undergraduate Medical Access Bursaries (Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Medicine) was withdrawn from the report.
Senate received notification of the establishment of The Salamander Chair in Environmental Engineering, details of which are contained in Exhibit IV.
Senate received notification of the establishment of the Hannah Chair in the History of Medicine, detailed in Exhibit IV. This Chair was formerly the Jason A. Hannah Chair for the History of Medical and Related Sciences which was established as a five year term chair in 1973.
Senate was advised that SCUP authorized the submission to the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies (OCGS) of a proposal for a full cost recovery, course-based, part-time M.Eng. Program in Design and Manufacturing to be offered jointly by Western, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and McMaster University. In the event the program is approved by OCGS, a proposal to establish and initiate the program will be recommended to SCUP and Senate.
Information concerning Graduate Bursary Assistance, detailed in Exhibit IV, Appendix I, was provided for information.
SCUP has approved on behalf of Senate the terms of reference for the following new scholarships, bursaries, prizes, for recommendation to the Board of Governors, through the Vice-Chancellor.
The Annual Report of the Senate Committee on Promotion and Tenure I, detailed in Exhibit V, was provided for information.
The Annual Report of the Senate Committee on Promotion and Tenure II, detailed in Exhibit VI, was provided for information.
The Annual Report of the Senate Committee on Appeals, detailed in Exhibit VII, was provided for information.
The Report of the Academic Colleague on the 247th meeting of the Council of Ontario Universities, provided in Exhibit VIII, was received for information. Topics covered in the report include: Dr. David Smith's studies of "Quality Indicators and Quality Enhancement in Universities: Experiences in Other Jurisdictions" and "The Prospective Labour Market for University Faculty: Implications for Ontario"; and Dr. Heather Munroe-Blum's draft of the report to the Ontario government entitled "Strengthening Ontario's Innovation System: the Strategic Role of University Research."
In response to a question about the Smith report, Professor Bentley stated that it is his understanding that Dr. Smith expects to file his report in January.
Announcements and Communications, detailed in Exhibit IX, were provided for information.
Mr. Clayman stated that opinions differ about the University's method of penalizing four engineering students accused of vandalizing UWO residences during Orientation Week and that the imposition of academic sanctions for non-academic violations may infringe upon the jurisdiction of Senate. He suggested that an ad hoc review committee be struck to look into the imposition of academic sanctions for non-academic violations and that the review committee be made up of five Senators, including one student.
It was moved by D. Lawless, seconded by D. Braun,
That Senate create an ad hoc committee comprised of 5 Senators, at least one of whom must be a student, to examine the procedures taken in imposing academic sanctions for non-academic violation.
The Chair's suggestion that the motion be referred to the Operations/Agenda Committee, as is often the case with a motion given under New Business, was opposed by some Senators. It was therefore moved by J. Stokes, seconded by J. Nicholas,
That the motion presented by Mr. Lawless and Mr. Braun be referred to the Operations/Agenda Committee to allow it to be appropriately placed on the next Senate agenda and discussed at the next Senate meeting.
CARRIED
The meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m.
Signed by:
A. Pearson, Vice-Chair
J.K. Van Fleet, Secretary