Minutes of the Senate Meeting of March 20, 1998

As approved at the April 17, 1998, meeting of Senate. Copies of Exhibits and Appendices not included here are available from the University Secretariat, Room 290, Stevenson-Lawson Building.

The meeting was held at 1:00 p.m. in Room 224 of University College.

SENATORS: 68

J. Adams, R. Archibald, K. Barrowcliffe, D. Bevan, I. Black, D. Braun, W.A. Bridger, C. Briens, P. Cain, C. Callaghan, M. Cheesman, R.P. Coulter, M. Cousineau, R. Darnell, P. Davenport, P. Deane, J. Deans, D. Fairbairn, M. Floryan, B. Garcia, W. Gibson, J.M. Good, R. Green, R. Harris, R. Hawkins, K. Howlett, N. Huner, C. Iwasiw, D. Jorgensen, C.-Y. Kang, A. Katz, W. Kennedy, G. Killan, G. Leckie, T.C.Y. Lo, C. McCreery, D. McLachlin, J. McKay, M. McNay, K. McQuillan, P.P. Mercer, J. Moorhead, G. Moran, A. Pearson, K. Porter, A. Prabhakar, S. Provost, D. Rosner, C. Seligman, D. Semotiuk, K. Shapiro, E. Singer, B. Singh, B. Slade, J. Snyder, D. Spencer, J.L. Stokes, S. Tan, C. Thomson, J. Thorp, R. Toft, S. Usprich, J.K. Van Fleet, R. Walker, A. Weedon, C. Weldon, E. Wood, M. Zamir

Observers: D. Jameson, T. Kennedy, R. Parks,

By Invitation: S. Singh, P. Watts

S.98-060 Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting February 20, 1998, were approved as circulated.

BUSINESS ARISING

S.98-061 BSc Honors Program in Computer Science with Software Engineering Specialization [S.98-049]

Professor Floryan referred to Senate minute S.98-049 concerning the introduction of a BSc Honors Program in Computer Science with Software Engineering Specialization. He cited the following statement: "Dr. Mercer advised that he could not identify any legal liabilities should Western adopt the term 'software engineering'." Professor Floryan questioned whether Dr. Mercer had considered the implications of the Ontario Professional Engineers Act relative to naming the new computer science program.

Dr. Mercer acknowledged that he had not reviewed the Ontario Professional Engineers Act, but that he would do so. His statement to Senate on February 20 was not a formal opinion based on a review of legislation: it was based on his familiarity with the issue because of the lawsuit at Memorial University over the use of the term "software engineering". The Professional Engineers Association is suing Memorial University for trademark infringement because CCPE hold the trademark on the terms "engineer" and "engineering".

Professor Floryan stated that the Memorial case does not involve the Ontario Professional Engineers Act. He quoted from an article by Connie Mucklestone called "Roundtable looks at issue of licensing software engineers" [Engineering Dimensions, January/February 1998]:

"..PEO deputy registrar Larry Gill, P.Eng., said that under the Ontario Professional Engineers Act, it is illegal to use a title that may lead to the belief that an individual is a professional engineer, if the individual is not. As far as PEO is concerned, he said, use of the term "software engineer" by anyone who isn't a professional engineer is a breach of section 40(2) of the Act which is punishable by maximum fines of $10,000 for a first conviction and $25,000 for any subsequent convictions..."

Professor Floryan contended that Senate was misinformed about the relevant legislation surrounding this issue and suggested that the use of the term "software engineering" should be revisited.

S.98-062 Rate of Promotion/Tenure and Time to Promotion/Tenure [S.97-197, S.98-004, S.98-023b]

Distributed with the agenda was a chart comparing the rate and time of promotion/tenure of male and female members of faculty who were hired by Western on probationary contracts at the rank of Assistant Professor from 1986 to 1991.

Dr. Moran made the following observations about the data:

At the Associate Professor level, there is not a significant difference between the percentage of males and females who have been promoted or their time to rank.

While five males of this group were promoted to Professor, no female faculty members were.

The faculty turnover rate is fairly high.

Dr. Moran stated that idiosyncratic variations might explain the differences, such as the tendency for individuals to be promoted to full Professor more quickly in some disciplines than in others, and significant differences in experience level among those appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor with probationary status.

Professor Cheesman thanked the Provost for providing the information. She stated that it confirmed her belief that idiosyncrasies exist in the rate and time to tenure and promotion of males and females and that the retention rate is low in the case of both male and female faculty. To address the high turnover rate among faculty, she suggested the initiation of a mentoring procedure to help new faculty members early in their career.

Dr. Moran stated that he will provide data on rate and time to tenure/promotion to Senate on an annual basis.

S.98-063 Equity Services Department [S.98-026b]

Dr. Mercer recalled that at the last Senate meeting Dr. Muñoz asked several questions about the Equity Services Department. Dr. Muñoz subsequently provided the following questions:

"The cost of hiring an Equity Officer is approximately equal to 100 journal cancellations at the library [based (generically) on $50,000 salary and benefits, and $500 per journal]. Is the workload at the Office of Equity Services so heavy that we need to undertake this expense in addition to the existing arrangements?"

"North American universities have witnessed a string of false, malicious and/or unwarranted accusations of racial and sexual harassment, in most cases encouraged by the Equity Officer. It is often believed that the absence of real cases entices Equity Officers to launch these accusations in order to justify their job. How is the workload of the Equity Officer going to be monitored? What measures is the UWO administration prepared to undertake in order to protect the UWO community from false accusations?"

Dr. Mercer stated the cost of hiring an Equity Officer is not an additional expense: the person hired recently replaces an Equity Officer who left the University. Compared with other Canadian universities, the resources that are devoted to Equity Services at Western are not disproportionately high. The workload of the Equity Officer is monitored by the Director of Equity Services. Western's Equity Office is involved in a broad range of responsive activities including inquiries from the community about Western's policies and general questions about human rights laws. Dr. Mercer declined to comment on the suggestion that there is a history of Equity Officers making unwarranted accusations.

S.98-064 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT

S.98-064a Federal Budget of February 24, 1998

Dr. Davenport reported that Finance Minister Paul Martin's budget announcement on February 24 was a landmark budget for Canadian universities because it puts higher education at the centre of the Canadian Opportunities Strategy. With respect to student aid, the government included in its materials a listing of the proposals put forward by the National Round Table on Student Assistance. The federal government, in its budget, listed those recommendations and showed the government's response. The Canada Millennium Scholarships will be funded by an endowment of $2.5 billion. This will be supplemented by Canada Study Grants provided through the Canada Student Loans Program. Tax relief and debt remission components for Canada Student Loans were introduced to alleviate the burden of student debt after graduation, including interest deductibility on student loans. The budget announcement also restored funding for the three federal granting councils to 1994-95 levels, an increase of about 12%. Unfortunately the increases to the granting council budgets after this first year are at the rate of inflation, which is not sufficient. The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) and its partner groups will continue to lobby the government for better research funding beyond 1998-99.

Ms. Barrowcliffe stated that it is important to have student involvement on the Millennium Fund Board and asked if Western will have any input into the composition of the Board. Dr. Davenport advised that he has not been involved in any discussions about the composition of the Board of the Millennium Fund but agreed to take her concern under advisement. The National Round Table on Student Assistance, which was the vehicle that enabled the progress made relative to the federal budget, included student representatives. Logically it would follow that a student would be a member of the Board. He recalled, however, that the composition of the Board for the Canadian Foundation for Innovation was simply announced without consultation.

S.98-064b Meeting with the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

Dr. Davenport stated that from March 9 - March 11 he chaired the Annual Meeting of AUCC in Ottawa. The guest speaker was Prime Minister Jean Chrétien who delivered an address outlining the importance his government attaches to higher education in shaping Canada's future. Dr. Davenport led a group of five university presidents who met with Finance Minister Paul Martin to discuss future federal engagement in student aid and university research and the role of universities in the knowledge-based economy. Both the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister were urged to pay special attention to the granting council budgets after the first year to bring them to a more competitive level with the United States and Europe. In particular the Prime Minister and Finance Minister were advised that the increase to the SSHRC budget was inadequate.

S.98-064c Update on Provincial Issues

Dr. Davenport advised that COU continues to lobby the provincial government for announcement of their designation of "professional" programs for which tuition fees can be set by individual university Boards of Governors. The news is vital in University budget preparation because it is a determinant of institutional revenues. If a government decision is not available by the first day or two in April, it may be necessary to delay Senate and Board consideration of the University Budget until May.

ENQUIRIES

S.98-065 Procedures Regarding Agenda Exhibits

Ms. Howlett referred to Exhibit VI, "Directive to SCUP re 1998-99 Budget", which contains the notice of motion about tuition increases and a nine page rebuttal prepared by Dr. Moran and Dr. Mercer. She stated that as a member of the Operations/Agenda Committee she participated in the discussion about the placement of the Notice of Motion on the Senate agenda, but was not aware that the nine page insert would be included as part of the Exhibit. She asked how this could happen without going through a Senate committee or subcommittee.

The Secretary of Senate explained that the Operations/Agenda Committee, at its meeting of March 12, 1998, considered and accepted Dr. Moran's request to include in the Exhibit a report prepared by himself and Dr. Mercer. Dr. Moran confirmed that he reviewed the document orally at the OAC meeting and that the Committee agreed to his request that the report be circulated with the Exhibit.

One Senator suggested that the report should not have been attached to the document containing the Notice of Motion.

S.98-066 "Software Engineering" [S.98-049; S.98-061]

Again referring to the program BSc Honors Program in Computer Science with Software Engineering Specialization, Professor Floryan stated his opinion that if Western uses the terminology "software engineering" the University will be in potential violation of two statutes -- the Ontario Professional Engineers Act and the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers who claim a proprietary interest in the use of the terms "engineering" and "engineer". He suggested that Western has two options: stop implementation of the computer science program in "software engineering" until the lawsuit between Memorial University and the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers is resolved or set funds aside to pay for possible legal actions against Western.

Responding to Professor Katz's question about delaying the implementation of the program, Dr. Davenport stated that a delay would not occur unless Senate voted to do so. Once Senate receives the report from Dr. Mercer following his review of the Ontario Professional Engineers Act, it can reassess the situation if deemed necessary.

Professor Jorgensen stated that because this issue was discussed by Senate and SCAPA at length the matter is closed.

Professor Floryan voiced concern about potential legal action, costs to the University and related budget implications.

[Dr. Davenport left the chair to participate in the discussion. Dean Pearson, Vice-Chair of Senate, assumed the chair.]

Dr. Davenport stated that the University should not bend to threats of legal action, but should decide what makes sense for itself as an academic institution. The law should be obeyed, and Dr. Mercer has agreed to review the relevant legislation and report back to Senate. Canadian universities are united in supporting Memorial University in the lawsuit involving the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers and the CCPE's claim of trademark infringement because Memorial offers a program in "software engineering". AUCC believes that Memorial University is fighting the right cause and will pay a portion of the legal costs. Dr. Davenport advised that if Senate desires to reverse the decision it took at the last meeting concerning the naming of the program a specific recommendation is required.

Dean Kang stated that the naming issue was carefully reviewed and debated at length by SCAPA and by Senate. The use of the term "software engineering" is an internationally accepted term which refers to software design. He contended that until the federal court's decision is made, Western should proceed as directed by Senate.

Professor Floryan reiterated that Western could be in violation of the Ontario Professional Engineers Act and trademark infringement and he quoted the penalties that are imposed under the Act. Dr. Mercer suggested that he and Professor Floryan should discuss this issue, review the legislation and bring a response to Senate in due course.

[Dr. Davenport resumed the Chair]

S.98-067 Faculty Salaries

Professor Seligman asked if it is true that there will be no change in faculty salaries until the first contract is negotiated between the Faculty Association and the University or whether there will be parallel salary negotiations in the interim. Dr. Mercer advised that it is required that all existing terms and conditions of the workplace prevail pending the determination of a first contract. Past experience at Ontario universities reveals that negotiation of a first contract typically takes at least one year. The possibility of salary adjustments being made retroactive to July 1, 1998, would depend upon the conditions negotiated in the first contract. The prospect of negotiating faculty salary and benefits along a parallel track while negotiations are ongoing between the union and the administration would be extraordinary.

Dr. Davenport cautioned that although these issues are important, Senate is not the proper forum for their discussion.

S.98-068 New Stadium/Participants' Committee [S.98-26c]

Mr. Black recalled that at the last meeting of Senate Dr. Mercer reported that a participants' committee would be struck to advise on the new stadium project, including the identification of what needs to be done to relocate activities that will be displaced by the construction of the new stadium. He asked who will be on the committee. Dr. Mercer stated that the terms and composition of the participants' committee have not been finalized, but the committee will have a broad range of representation from the University, the City, and potential users.

OPERATIONS/AGENDA COMMITTEE [EXHIBIT I]

S.98-069 Senate Membership: Graduate Studies: Medicine & Dentistry, Science and Health Sciences Constituency

On behalf of the Operations/Agenda Committee, it was moved by A. Pearson, seconded by

M. Cheesman,

That R. Lipson, elected representative for the Faculty of Graduate Studies: Medicine & Dentistry, Science and Health Sciences constituency, be granted a leave of absence (term from March 1 to August 31, 1998), and that Professor J. Moorhead be elected to serve as his alternate.

CARRIED

S.98-070 Composition of the Subcommittee on Capital Allocations (SUCA)

It was moved by A. Pearson, seconded by B. Singh,

That the composition of SUCA be amended to include the Planning Analyst, Institutional Planning and Budgeting, as a resource person (non-voting).

CARRIED

S.98-071 Review of the Restructured Procedures for Admissions, Academic Programs, and Scholarships (S.96-55)

Senate was advised that SCAPA and the Senate Operations/Agenda Committee have completed the mandated review of procedures for admissions, academic programs and scholarships which were approved by Senate in March 1996. The review focused primarily on the functioning and effectiveness of the "virtual committee" of deans which operates through an interactive electronic mail facility with a restricted mailing list, known as "DAP" (Deans: Academic Programs). SCAPA consulted users of DAP over several months and through this process identified a number of minor details that required fine-tuning. Overall, the restructured system that Senate approved in 1996 is working very well. The amount of time spent in committees has been reduced dramatically since SCAAPP, the Scholarship Committee, and four subcommittees were replaced by a system that delegates more authority to the Faculties (with their Deans acting as spokespersons through DAP) and focuses the work of SCAPA at the policy level.

S.98-072 Consideration of a Policy of Universal Salary Disclosure [S.98-003, S.98-023c]

Dean Pearson recalled that at the last meeting of Senate, the Operations/Agenda Committee was asked to review and advise as to how Senate might consider adoption of a policy of universal salary disclosure at Western. The Committee found that the question was more complex than expected. As a result of consideration a number of issues, detailed in Exhibit I, the Committee concluded that Senate's authority could extend only to recommending to the Board of Governors that the full disclosure of faculty salaries be pursued. Senate could not unilaterally establish a policy of salary disclosure, or direct the Board to do so.

Professor Seligman asked if the Operations/Agenda Committee considered the merits, positive or negative, of adopting a policy of universal salary disclosure. Dean Pearson stated that the Committee did not consider the merits, but focused on how adopting such a policy could be pursued.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP [EXHIBIT II]

S.98-073 University Planning (SCUP)

J. Cairney (graduate) was elected to the Senate Committee on University Planning to complete the term of R. Fahrig who has resigned (term to June 30, 1998).

S.98-074 Operations/Agenda Committee (OAC)

D. Banting (M&D) was elected to serve as Alternate for R. Lipson on the Operations/Agenda Committee while Professor Lipson is on leave (term March - August 31, 1998).

S.98-075 University Council on Student Housing (UCOSH)

M. Cousineau (term to March 31, 1999), and D. Dawson (term to March 31, 2000) were elected to the University Council on Student Housing.

ACADEMIC POLICY AND ADMISSIONS [EXHIBIT III]

S.98-076 BSc in Honors Kinesiology with a Specific Area of Concentration in Science

On behalf of SCAPA, it was moved by J. Thorp, seconded by N. Huner,

That the effective date for introduction of the BSc in Honors Kinesiology with a specific area of concentration in the Faculty of Science be changed from September 1, 1998, to September 1, 1997.

CARRIED

S.98-077 Home Economics Courses to be Renamed Human Ecology

It was moved by J. Thorp, seconded by N. Huner,

That, effective September 1, 1998, all Home Economics courses offered by Brescia College be renamed Human Ecology, as shown in Exhibit III, Appendix 1.

CARRIED

S.98-078 Concurrent HBA/LLB Program

It was moved by J. Thorp, seconded by R. Hawkins,

That, effective September 1, 1998, the Richard Ivey School of Business, in conjunction with the Faculty of Law, establish a concurrent HBA/LLB program, administered jointly by the two HBA/LLB Program Directors.

CALENDAR COPY

THE CONCURRENT HBA/LLB PROGRAM
Structure of the Program
The program is administered on behalf of the Richard Ivey School of Business and the Faculty of Law by the two HBA/LLB Program Directors, one of whom is appointed by the Richard Ivey School of Business and the other by the Faculty of Law.

Students enrolled in the first year of this concurrent program are registered in the Ivey Business School. Similarly, students in the first year of LLB are enrolled in the Law School. In Year Five, they are considered for financial purposes to be enrolled one-half year in the Ivey School and one-half year in the Law School. In Year Six, they are enrolled in the Law School.

Below is a brief outline of the program by year. The specifics may change as courses change in each faculty. For purposes of description, it is assumed that students do not take more than two years of course work prior to beginning HBA1; however, it is possible to undertake this program with more than 10 credits prior to HBA1.

Years One and Two:
All students must complete at least two years of full-time university courses obtaining 10 full credits. Students may take a wide variety of courses in any faculty and are discouraged from taking a business or commerce program. However, they must take Business 257.

Year Three:
All students must take the HBA1 year in Year Three.

Year Four:
All students must take first year Law in Year Four.

Years Five and Six:
Students will take an approved mix of required and elective courses from both faculties in these years. The student must take courses in the Faculty of Law totalling at least 45 credit hours. These courses must include: the compulsory core curriculum courses; a course relating to the philosophy of law or law in the international setting; as well as a course requiring a written essay worth at least two credit hours. This last course may be one integrated piece of work that satisfies the essay requirement and includes a significant business component.

Students' choices of elective courses are subject to the approval of the Program Directors, who must review proposed elective course selections to ensure that the objectives of the program are met. The elective courses may not include introductory courses of a dual law and business nature, such as Law and Accounting or Business Law.

Exchange Programs:
Students enrolled in the concurrent program may be eligible for exchange programs through either faculty in Year Six. The student must satisfy both Program Directors that his or her course load is appropriately balanced before permission will be given to participate in an exchange program.

Progression Standards:
Students in this concurrent program must meet the progression standards of each faculty and stand in the top half of their class, where class refers to year and the school 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. That student may, with permission from the appropriate Program Director, continue in one program and request the Faculty or School whose program was not selected for permission to complete that program at a later date.

Dean's Honor List:
Students in the program are considered for the Dean's Honor List depending on the faculty in which they are enrolled in any particular year.

Eligibility is determined by the Faculty of Law and the Ivey Business School.

Graduation with Distinction:
Eligibility to graduate with distinction for each degree is determined by each Faculty.

Fees:
The normal fees for the HBA and LLB programs apply to the HBA/LLB program. In the years in which a student is registered in the Faculty of Law, LLB fees are assessed; HBA fees are assessed when a student is registered in the Ivey Business School.

CARRIED

S.98-079 Faculty of Law: Second Term Format

It was moved by J. Thorp, seconded by R. Hawkins,

That, effective September 1, 1998, the format of the Bachelor of Laws program be revised by the introduction of January courses and February/March/April courses;

That the suffixes "c" and "d" respectively be used to designate January and February/March/April (FMA) courses in the Faculty of Law;

That all courses with a "c" suffix carry four credit weights; and,

That the add/drop period for the January courses be the first two days of the January Term, and the add/drop period for the February/March/April (FMA) courses be the first five days of the February/March/April (FMA) Term.

CALENDAR COPY

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

All courses in the first year are obligatory. They include Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Introduction to Legal Theory, Property, and Torts. During the month of January regular classroom instruction will be deferred. Students enrolled in first year will work exclusively in small groups developing research, writing, and advocacy skills.

Students in their second and third years must take fourteen to sixteen course credit hours in each term, with a minimum of twenty-nine hours and a maximum of thirty- one hours in the two terms combined; students may take more than thirty-one credit hours only with the permission of the Associate Dean (Academic).

The following courses must be taken in second year:
Administrative Law 401a/b
Company Law 403a/b
Evidence 414a/b
Income Taxation 438 a/b

The following courses must be taken in third year:
Civil Procedure 446a/b
Trusts 476a/b

The regular winter term in the Faculty of law is divided into two terms. The January Term runs for the four weeks after classes begin in January. Students enrolled in first year will work exclusively in small groups developing research, writing, and advocacy skills during the January Term. Students in second year will be enrolled in only one January course in which they will receive daily classroom instruction. Students in third year will select one from a range of optional January courses. These options are ordinarily restricted to no more than twenty-five students, and offer a major writing or other active learning component. Students will fulfill their remaining course requirements for the year during the February/March/April Term.

In second or third year a student must take at least one course that requires....

CARRIED

S.98-080 Admission Requirements for the Media, Information and Technoculture 3 Year Area of Concentration and Combined Honors

It was moved by J. Thorp, seconded by N. Huner,

That, effective April 1, 1998, the admission requirements for the Media, Information and Technoculture (MIT) 3 Year Area of Concentration and Combined Honors programs be revised as shown below.

CALENDAR COPY

Entrance to second year of the 3 year Area of Concentration (AOC) in MIT:

Entrance to the AOC is limited. All students with an average of 65 percent in their first five university courses are eligible to apply. Students will be evaluated for admission based upon their academic standing.

Entrance to the second year of the Combined Honors Program in MIT:

Entrance to the Combined Honors program is limited. Students must be accepted by both participating programs. A minimum requirement for admission to the second year of the MIT Combined Honors program is an overall average of 75 percent with no grade lower than 65 percent and a minimum of 70 percent in the required 020-level MIT half-courses. Students will be evaluated for admission based upon their academic standing.

CARRIED

S.98-081 020-Level MIT Program Requirements

It was moved by J. Thorp, seconded by D. Spencer,

That, effective September 1, 1998, students in the Media, Information and Technoculture (MIT) 3-year Area of Concentration and Combined Honors programs be required to take 3 half-courses at the MIT 020-level and that students be allowed to take up to two full-course equivalents at the 020-level in MIT.

CALENDAR COPY

Students in the MIT program are required to take three MIT 020-level half-courses, including MIT 025a/b, 026a/b and 027a/b. Students typically would take two of these in their first year, and one in their second year. MIT 024a/b is also available to interested students, but is not required.

CARRIED

S.98-082 Formats for Submission to SCAPA/DAP/Registrar's Office

It was moved by J. Thorp, seconded by J. Stokes,

That Senate approve the instructions, detailed in Exhibit III, Appendix 2 (pp. 1-7), for making changes to academic policy, programs and courses, including the introduction of deadlines and the formats for submission.

CARRIED

Professor Thorp advised that the form "Submissions to DAP" detailed in Exhibit III, Appendix 2, pages 5-6, will be amended as a result of the review of the Affiliated Colleges Agreement.

SCAPA INFORMATION ITEMS

S.98-083 Scholarship/Prize/Award Conditions

Senate was informed that SCAPA has approved on behalf of the Senate the following terms of reference for new scholarships, bursaries and awards. These will be recommended to the Board of Governors through the Vice-Chancellor:


Faculty of Science Students' Council Awards (4) (Faculty of Science)
Edward Kernaghan HBA Award (Richard Ivey School of Business)
Joan and Geno Francolini HBA Award (Richard Ivey School of Business)
Thomas Brent HBA Awards (2) (Richard Ivey School of Business)
Bruce Birmingham HBA Award (Richard Ivey School of Business)
Dez Windischmann Memorial Bursaries (2) (Faculty of Law)
First Nations Entrance Scholarship (Faculty of Law)
Mary Warner Prize in Human Rights (Faculty of Law)
Michael Allen Harte Award (Faculty of Law)
David S. Simmonds HBA Awards (Richard Ivey School of Business)
Parents' Fund Ontario Student Bursaries (11) (Any Faculty)
L. Maxwell Forsythe Scholarship in Medicine (Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Medicine)
Jean Winnifred Forrest Scholarships (2) (Faculty of Health Science, Nursing)
Nabisco Scholarship (Any Faculty)
County of Grey Scholarship (Any Faculty)

UNIVERSITY PLANNING [EXHIBIT IV]

S.98-084 A Reorganization of Continuing Studies, Mediated Learning, and Instructional Technology Resources

On behalf of the Senate Committee on University Planning, it was moved by W. Gibson, seconded by K. Shapiro,

That the responsibility for the activities of the Division of Continuing Studies and for University-wide instructional technology support be removed from the Faculty of Communications and Open Learning.

and

That academic responsibility for the development, offering, and ongoing monitoring of all diploma and certificate programs currently managed by the Faculty of Communications and Open Learning be transferred at the earliest opportunity to the relevant Faculty or Faculties. These programs should be developed and reviewed by Faculty EPCs. Non-credit courses should be coordinated through and offered by Continuing Studies. Enrolment in Certificate and Diploma program courses will be included in Faculty statistics for planning purposes and Enrolment Contingent Funding. Where no Faculty wishes to assume responsibility for a program, it will be discontinued.

Removal of Continuing Studies and University-wide instructional technology support from the Faculty of Communications and Open Learning will result in the following:

a) The Western Centre for Continuing Studies will be established as a cost-recovery unit reporting to the Vice-Provost with responsibilities for non-degree-credit courses, the Trois-Pistoles French Immersion Program, and, in cooperation with academic Faculties, certificate and diploma programs (where such programs are not offered solely by the Faculty)

b) The Instructional Technology Resource Centre (ITRC) will be established within Information and Technology Services (ITS) as a University-wide support service with responsibilities for:

c) A single position of Coordinator of Summer and Distance Studies will be established, reporting to the Vice-Provost, with the following responsibilities:

d) Use of the term "Mediated Learning" will be ended and replaced with "Distance Studies" and the responsibilities for Distance Studies will be allocated as follows:

The question was called and CARRIED.

S.98-085 Change of the Name of the Faculty of Communications and Open Learning to the Faculty of Information and Media Studies

It was moved by W. Gibson, seconded by K. Shapiro,

Given the elimination of the responsibility for the activities of the Division of Continuing Studies and for University-wide instructional technology support, that the name of the Faculty of Communications and Open Learning be changed to the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, effective immediately, as recommended by the Council of the Faculty.

CARRIED

S.98-086 New Operating Principles for Continuing Studies at Western

It was moved by W. Gibson, seconded by K. Shapiro,

That Senate endorse the following Operating Principles for Continuing Studies:

Operating Principles for Continuing Studies

  1. Continuing Studies operations must be self-funding.

  2. All Continuing Studies courses and programs must have a connection with the academy.

CARRIED

S.98-087 1998-99 Admission Policy and Practices

It was moved by J. Thorp, seconded by D. Jorgensen,

That Senate approve the following First-Entry Undergraduate Programs Admission Policy and Practices:

  1. That a minimum general standard of 75% be set for OAC graduates (a similar standard should be applied to non-OAC applicants).

  2. That students in all first-entry programs meeting the minimum standard of admission should be admitted unless the overall total is predicted to exceed 4250. If this expectation is expected to be exceeded, standards in individual programs should be adjusted upwards.

  3. The basis for admission to Music programs is the recommendation of the Faculty of Music which will assess each applicant through an audition, interview, and a music theory test; superior results in these assessments may offset a grade average of less than 75%.

  4. The Registrar, in consultation with the Office of the Deans, will consider the admission of students whose grades fall marginally below the minimum general standard and whose records provide evidence of exceptional promise. Such evidence might include:

    Accomplishment in athletics or leadership.

    Attendance at an outstanding high school, or school in another province or country, where student records at Western indicate graduates have unusually high levels of preparation for university level study.

  5. The Registrar will work with the Office of Institutional Planning and Budgeting to develop detailed records of student performance (e.g. first year grades, first year grade drop, required to withdraw, years to completion of degree). This data will be segregated for particular categories of students (e.g. OAC High Schools, Canadian Provinces, international students from different countries). In future years, these data will be used increasingly as supplementary information in considering student applications.

    Questions, responses and concerns raised during the discussion:

    The question was called and CARRIED.

    HONORARY DEGREES [EXHIBIT V]

    S.98-088 Honorary Degree Recipients - Spring Convocation 1998

    Senate received for information the Report of the Honorary Degrees Committee, detailed in Exhibit V, distributed at the meeting. The following individuals will be honored by conferment of honorary degrees at Spring Convocation 1998:

    Dr. Donald Rix - D.Sc. - Tuesday, June 9, 1998 at 3:30 p.m.

    Faculty of Health Sciences
    Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (DDS)
    Richard Ivey School of Business

    Dr. Alison Prentice - LL.D. - Wednesday, June 10, 1998 at 10:00 a.m.

    Faculty of Education
    Faculty of Communications and Open Learning

    Mr. Shayne Ainsworth - LL.D. - Wednesday, June 10, 1998 at 3:30 p.m.

    Brescia College
    Huron College
    King's College

    Ms. Janet Amos - D.Litt. - Thursday, June 11, 1998 at 10:00 a.m.

    Faculty of Arts
    Faculty of Social Science (Honors and ACS)

    Dr. John Colter - D.Sc. - Thursday, June 11, 1998 at 3:30 p.m.

    Faculty of Science

    Dr. David C. Smith - LL.D. - Friday, June 12, 1998 at 10:00 a.m.

    Faculty of Social Science (3-year programs)

    Mr. Bill Etherington - LL.D. - Friday, June 12, 1998 at 3:30 p.m.

    Faculty of Graduate Studies
    Faculty of Engineering Science
    Faculty of Law
    Faculty of Music

    S.98-089 DIRECTIVE TO SCUP re 1998-99 BUDGET [EXHIBIT VI]

    [Dr. Davenport left the Chair during the debate of this motion. The Vice-Chair of Senate, Dean Pearson, assumed the Chair]

    It was moved by K. Shapiro, seconded by C. McCreery,

    That the Senate direct the Senate Committee on University Planning to bring forward an operating budget for 1998-99 that is based on a maximum 5% average increase in tuition.

    Mr. Shapiro spoke in support of the motion. The post-secondary educational system in Ontario is drastically underfunded, and consequently, universities have made severe budget cuts which affect the quality of education and research . In difficult financial times all funding sources are examined, including revenue generated from tuition fees. Students cannot afford any more substantial increases in tuition. In the past five years the proportion of the University revenues from student tuition has risen from less than 20% to more than 30%. With the government's recent freeing of the restrictions on fee limits, the potential exists for UWO to regain much of what was lost from the grant cuts. However, this approach is seriously misguided because it incorrectly assumes that good students have the money to meet the increase. The government's student grant system ended this year and the Ontario Student Loan maximum was frozen for the indefinite future. While the government has promised to revise the student loan system in a way that is more responsive to student needs, that has not materialized. There is a growing number of students who will not be able to afford the tuition increases. Quality students may not be able to attend university.

    Mr. Shapiro stated that a 5% average increase in tuition rate across the board, as proposed by the motion, would allow for the CPI at 1.6% for the entire University budget. This is a compromise solution that provides a $3.9 million dollar increase over last year's budget.

    Several student Senators expressed dismay about the tone of the document prepared by Dr. Moran and Dr. Mercer, particularly the statement that "an average tuition increase of 5% is seriously misguided -- flawed in process and wrong in policy". They charged that the manner in which concerns about an average tuition increase of 5% were presented was non-constructive and insulting to some members of the Student Caucus on Governance who are asking that a legitimate examination of other budget options be examined.

    Dr. Moran acknowledged and regretted the students' interpretation of the written response to the proposal. He explained that he and Dr. Mercer regarded the proposal developed by the Student Caucus on Governance as well-reasoned, and as a result they took great care to articulate why it is an inappropriate proposal and one that is not in the best interests of the University as a whole or in the best interests of students. The response was not intended to be divisive. It attempts to illustrate the impact that a shortfall in revenue would have should tuition be restricted to 5% on average. The revenue shortfall of about $5 million could be accommodated only by reductions in expenditure and employment. Over the last few years the student aid portion of Western's budget has grown and Western remains committed to increasing student aid in the future. However, the federal and provincial governments must commit to helping students finance their studies and pay back their debts.

    Dr. Mercer echoed the Provost's apology, clarifying that neither he nor the Provost intended to offend the proposers of the motion or the Student Caucus that supports it. However, he acknowledged that he would not have changed the tone of the document no matter who proposed the motion. Dr. Mercer stated his belief that both groups desire the same end as can be seen in the following statement

    "Taken together, the most pressing requirement of the 1998-99 budget planning cycle at Western is for a substantial increase in revenue, so we can avoid further reductions in employment at the University, reductions which inevitably reduce the quality of the educational experience which we can offer our students."

    Mr. Parks gave a presentation in support of the motion which included the following points:

    Other Senators supporting the recommendation provided the following comments:

    Those speaking against the recommendation provided the following arguments:

    Professor Zamir stated that since the students are dissatisfied with the assumptions made concerning tuition rates and with the presentation of their motion along with a rebuttal prepared by Drs. Moran and Mercer, voting on the motion would be divisive.

    S.98-089a It was moved by M. Zamir, seconded by R. Hawkins,

    That the motion be postponed to the next meeting.

    Dr. Davenport voiced concern about the impact of the motion given the time frame regarding the presentation and approval of the budget. He stated his hope that the entire budget will be presented to Senate for approval at the April meeting. It is problematic if postponing the motion means that a budget would not be presented to the Board for approval at the April meeting.

    Professor Hawkins explained that if the motion is postponed to the next meeting of Senate, it would be brought forward together with other motions dealing with the budget.

    Mr. McLachlin stated that postponing the debate of the motion to the next meeting essentially defeats it, given that the budget must be drafted by the April meeting of Senate.

    The motion to postpone consideration of the main motion was called and was DEFEATED.

    Discussion of the main motion continued.

    Addressing concerns about the issue of consultation, Dr. Moran said that since the government's Financial Statement in December 1997, the University's senior administration has been engaged in consultation regarding fees with all sectors of the University community. The meeting with Mr. Parks was a positive one which focused on the issues of student aid and accessibility.

    Dr. Killan spoke against the recommendation. Over the last six years budget cuts have lead to a reduction in staff and faculty and a deterioration in the maintenance of the University's physical plant. However, class sizes continue to grow. Western must increase tuition levels in order to maintain the quality of education offered at Western and not pass on to the next generation of students further deterioration of the educational system.

    Professor Wood asked for clarification of the main motion because comments made during the discussion gives the impression that the administration is being requested to prepare a number of alternative budgets, thereby allowing Senate a choice. His interpretation of the motion is that the administration is asked to prepare a single budget based on a 5% average tuition increase.

    The Chair stated that the motion directs the Senate Committee on University Planning to bring forward an operating budget for 1998-99 based on a maximum 5% average increase in tuition. Since it is the practice of SCUP to present a single budget, he interpreted the motion to mean that a single budget would be presented for consideration.

    Student Senators clarified their intention that SCUP be directed to prepare one possible budget scenario based on a 5% average tuition increase, but that would not preclude SCUP from bringing forward another model.

    S.98-089b After some discussion, Mr. Shapiro, mover of the main motion, accepted the suggestion that the main motion be amended to read:

    That the Senate direct the Senate Committee on University Planning to bring forward an operating budget for 1998-99 based on a maximum 5% average increase in tuition rates as one possible alternative.

    The amendment was accepted by general consent, with no objections.

    S.98-089c It was moved by K. Barrowcliffe, seconded by R. Walker,

    That a role call vote on the main motion be conducted.

    The question was called and was DEFEATED

    The main motion, as amended, was called and was DEFEATED [25 in favor; 26 against; confirmed by recount.]

    S.98-090 REPORT OF THE ACADEMIC COLLEAGUE [EXHIBIT VII]

    [Dr. Davenport resumed the Chair.]

    The report of the Academic Colleague on the 239th meeting of the Council of Ontario Universities, detailed in Exhibit VII, was received for information. Topics discussed at the meeting included the President's Report, Report of the Task Force on Labour Market Issues, OUAC Rules of Engagement, Report of the Committee on Relationships between Universities and Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology, the AUCC Report and the Report of the Presidential Search Committee.

    S.98-091 NOTICE OF MOTION:

    Ex officio Student Positions on Selected Senate Committees and Subcommittees

    Ms. Howlett gave notice of the following motions concerning ex officio student positions on selected senate committees and subcommittees to be debated at the next Senate meeting:

    1. That the composition of SCAPA be amended by designating one of the three student seats as an ex officio seat for the USC Vice-President Education

    2. That the composition of SUTA be amended by designating the undergraduate student seat as an ex officio seat for the USC Teaching Awards Commissioner

    3. That the composition of SCITS be amended by designating the undergraduate student seat as an ex officio seat for the USC Communications Officer

    4. That the composition of SCUP be amended by designating the undergraduate student seat as an ex officio seat for the President of the USC

    5. That the composition of the Senate Nominating Committee be amended by designating the undergraduate student seat as an ex officio seat for the Chair of the Student Caucus on Governance

    Ms. Howlett explained that the rationale for proposing that one student position on selected Senate committees and subcommittees be designated as ex officio seats for members of the University Students' Council is to ensure that the most knowledgeable students in these areas sit on these committees at all times.

    Adjournment

    The meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m.

    Signed by:

    P. Davenport, Chair
    J.K. Van Fleet, Secretary