Senate Agenda, May 18, 2001 - EXHIBIT III

REPORT OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC POLICY AND AWARD (SCAPA)

FOR APPROVAL

1. Introduction of a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) in Health Information Management (HIM)

Recommended: That a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) in Health Information Management (HIM) be introduced in the Faculty of Health Sciences, effective September 1, 2001.

NEW CALENDAR COPY

FOUR-YEAR HONORS BHSc IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (HIM)

The undergraduate program in Health Information Management (HIM) is being developed as a stream in the existing 4-year Honors program in Health Sciences. Students would take the Health Sciences required courses in Year 1, prior to being admitted to the HIM Program. This is a limited enrollment program with up to 30 registrants.

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year

Background:

Mission Statement: This Program provides a unique opportunity to the student to acquire a health knowledge base in the general operation of the health care system and the role of health information in providing effective strategies for delivery of health services to the public. Strategies for health and wellness, health issues across the life span and an outline of the Canadian health care system will be combined with the health information management components of generating, handling and evaluating information and utilizing it to improve delivery of health care services.

Rationale: The Bachelor of Health Sciences Program is committed to understanding society's need for health and wellness and the changing needs of society. One of these needs is health information management, a new and developing discipline (Health Informatics in Canada: Definitions, Education, and the Path Ahead; HEALNet; D. Buckeridge, 1999). Given the complexity of both the health system and information systems, either domain trying to go it alone will not be able to successfully address this complex interplay of systems. Educational programs under consideration should consider not only the long term vision of both those systems but balance them with the short term needs or demands for information.

The results of a 1999 Canadian Health Records Association (CHRA) survey of acute care facilities (1,000 mailed surveys; n = 426, with representation from all Canadian provinces and territories) indicated that there is a current need for health records professionals. The survey determined that there were 598 health records professional vacancies at responding institutions over the previous 12 months, of which only half had been filled at the time of the survey. Fourteen percent of respondent institutions reported hiring non-health records professionals to fill positions, more than half of whom did so because of a lack of qualified applicants. The number of health records vacancies were expected to increase by 76% over the following 12 months (from 235 to 414), and the number of supervisory and management positions were expected to double over that same period.

Acute care is only one facet of the health care system where health information management professionals will be recruited. Other facilities include community care access programs, health clinics, regional health authorities, government health ministries and other agencies (both federal and provincial), and industry (software and hardware companies; health insurance; consulting firms).

Program Objectives:

A proposal for four new courses has been forwarded to DAP (Deans: Academic Programs Virtual Committee) for approval: Health Sciences 208F/G: Introduction to Health Informatics, Health Sciences 315E: Advanced Health Informatics, Health Sciences 412a/b Health Information Management (Databases & Database Management), Health Sciences 413a/b Health Information Management (Clinical Information Systems)

2. Withdrawal of Western Centre for Continuing Studies Programs

2a Withdrawal of Certificate Program in Addiction Studies

Recommended: That, for the Certificate program in Addiction Studies, offered by The Western Centre for Continuing Studies in partnership with the Faculty of Social Science,

REVISED CALENDAR COPY

Certificate in Addiction Studies
(no new admission: effective September 2001)

Note: All students enrolled in this program must complete its requirements within 5 years of their date of admission. Certificate courses will no longer be offered effective September 2002.

Background:

The Certificate in Addiction Studies was introduced by the Faculty of Part-Time and Continuing Education in 1991. In recent years the decline in applications and enrollment has prompted a review of the viability of the program. It has been decided that the program, given the low enrolment, should be withdrawn.

There are 37 students who could still elect to finish the Program in Addiction Studies. Each will be contacted by Continuing Studies in order to determine whether he or she intends to complete the program. The Program will continue to be offered with the Faculty of Social Science as the academic partner.

2b Withdrawal of the Certificate Program in Case Management for Long-Term Care

Recommended: That, for the Certificate program in Case Management for Long-Term Care, offered by The Western Centre for Continuing Studies in partnership with the Faculty of Health Sciences,

REVISED CALENDAR COPY

Certificate in Case Management for Long-Term Care
(no new admission: effective September 2001)

Note: All students enrolled in this program must complete its requirements within 5 years of their date of admission. Certificate courses will no longer be offered effective September 2002.

Background:

The Certificate in Case Management for Long-Term Care was introduced by the Faculty of Part-Time and Continuing Education in 1993. In recent years the decline in applications and enrollment has prompted a review of the viability of the program. It has been decided that the program, given the low enrolment, should be withdrawn.

There are 38 students who could still elect to finish the Program in Case Management for Long-Term Care. Each will be contacted by Continuing Studies in order to determine whether he or she intends to complete the program. The Program will continue to be offered with the Faculty of Health Sciences as the academic partner.

2c Withdrawal of the Certificate Program in Second Language Teaching

Recommended: That, for the Certificate program in Second Language Teaching offered by The Western Centre for Continuing Studies in partnership with the Faculty of Arts,

REVISED CALENDAR COPY

Certificate in Second Language Teaching
(no new admission: effective September 2001)

Note: All students enrolled in this program must complete its requirements within 5 years of their date of admission. Certificate courses will no longer be offered effective September 2002.

Background:

The Certificate in Second Language Teaching was introduced by the Faculty of Part-Time and Continuing Education in 1988. In recent years the decline in applications and enrollment has prompted a review of the viability of the program. It has been decided that the program, given the competition from the private sector and the low enrolment, should be withdrawn.

There are 23 students who could still elect to finish the Program in Second Language Teaching. Each will be contacted by Continuing Studies in order to determine whether he or she intends to complete the program. The Program will continue to be offered with the Faculty of Arts as the academic partner.

3. Part-Time Admission Deadlines (S.93-268, S.98-250, S.99-164)

Recommended: That, effective September 1, 2001, the admission deadline for Summer Evening and Intersession be changed from March 15 to March 1.

REVISED CALENDAR COPY
(Western Academic Calendar, pg. 7, Undergraduate Sessional Dates)

March 1 Last day to receive admission applications for Spring/Summer Distance Studies, Summer Evening and Intersession from students applying for the first time. All supporting documentation must be submitted within seven days of this date.

Background:

Currently, there is one deadline for applicants applying to distance studies (March 1) and a different deadline for those applying for Intersession and/or Summer Evening (March 15). It would be less confusing to prospective applicants to have one deadline for all sessions beginning in May. In addition, the earlier deadline would give the Admissions Office more time to process applications and students more time to register in courses.

4. Inclusion of FIMS in Faculty Scholars Program

Recommended: That effective September 1, 2001, the Faculty Scholars Program be introduced in MIT.

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FACULTY SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Another option for students who enter the University with an admission average of 90% or greater is the Faculty Scholars Program, a Faculty-specific enhanced program of study. Each Faculty with a Faculty Scholars Program may enrol its students using a Faculty-specific designation (e.g., Faculty of Arts Scholar, Faculty of Science Scholar etc.) to accompany the traditional program designations (e.g., Honors, Combined Honors, etc.). Admission to the program and approval of course selections is granted by the Dean of the Faculty designated by the applicant.

Students in Faculty Scholars programs are pursuing degrees in one of the traditional subject areas already offered at Western. Like Scholar's Electives students, Faculty Scholars may receive special permission to depart from standard first-year requirements, e.g., they could enroll in upper-year courses in year one, enroll in more than five courses, or take all courses from a single Faculty. The Dean of the student's home Faculty will appoint a faculty advisor for each senior student in the program. Faculty Scholars may receive special recognition in the form of academic and social activities organized by their home Faculty. They may also participate in special programming for Scholar's Electives students organized by the Educational Development Office.

Admission to the Program

The Faculty Scholars Program is open to all students who apply for full-time admission to the first year in the Faculties of Arts, Engineering Science, Information and Media Studies, Music, Science or Social Science and who have achieved at least a 90% admission average.

Students entering their second, third or fourth year in the Faculties of Arts, Information and Media Studies, Medicine & Dentistry, Science or Social Science may also apply to enter the program, provided they have registered in five full courses or equivalent in each September-April session, meet the criteria for the program (e.g., no more than six courses from the 020-199 level for the three year degree [where available], the four year non-honors degree [where available] and the honors degree) and have maintained at least an 85% average in each year of university study, with no grade lower than 60% over the entire program. Exceptions to these requirements will be approved by the Dean(s) of the Faculty only in extraordinary circumstances.

Students registered in the Faculties of Engineering Science or Music must also maintain an 85% average in each year of study with no grade lower than 60%. However, Faculty of Engineering Science students must include no more than eight full courses from the 020-199 level, while Faculty of Music students must include no more than nine full courses from the 020-199 level. Exceptions to these requirements will be approved by the Dean(s) of the Faculty only in extraordinary circumstances.

Affiliated Colleges

Each Affiliated College may offer a Faculty Scholars Program leading to a BA degree under the same conditions. Admission to the program shall be granted by the Dean or by the Principal of an Affiliated College and, where appropriate, in consultation with the Dean(s) of the constituent University Faculties involved in the proposed course of study.

Progression in the Program

The achievement of an average of at least 85% in each year of study, with no grade lower than 60% over the entire program is necessary for progression to the next year of the program. Faculty Scholars in Arts, Science or Social Science register in no more than six courses at the 020-199 level. Faculty of Engineering Science students register in no more than eight courses from the 020-199 level, while Faculty of Music students register in no more than nine full courses from the 020-199 level. All other courses must be numbered 200-499. Students in the program must register in at least five full courses or equivalent each September-April session.

Diploma Designations

Students who are successful in completing this rigorous program of study will receive degrees with the designation "Faculty of Arts Scholar" or "Faculty of Social Science Scholar" etc.

Background:

Because of the uncertainties in founding and implementing a new program, it was considered that it would be best to wait until the MIT program was stable before introducing the Faculty Scholars Program. Since the program is now in its fourth year, it now seems appropriate to develop the Faculty Scholars Program, and there is considerable student demand for it.

5. Course Outlines

Recommended: That Senate approve the addition of a note on plagiarism to be added to course outlines, as highlighted below:

COURSE OUTLINES (S.1658, S.2258, S.91-229, S.95-178, S.99-154)

At the beginning of each course, Departments, Schools or Programs must inform students of the following information to allow students to make informed decisions on their course selection and the scheduling of their studies.

1. A written outline of each course offered by the Department, School or Program (or Faculty), containing a general description of course content. If the course is taught by more than one instructor, the name of the person responsible for the course [course coordinator] shall be included in the outline.

2. A statement of what is expected of the student by way of preparation, tests, exercises, essays, laboratory reports, etc. (hereafter called "assignments").

3. An indication that plagiarism(1) is a serious Scholastic Offence.

4. If written work will be assigned in the course, a reference to the possible use of plagiarism checking software(2).

5. If computer-marked multiple-choice tests and/or exams will be given, a reference to the possible use of software to check for unusual coincidences in answer patterns that may indicate cheating.

6. A statement of the methods by which student performance will be evaluated and of the relative weight of assignments(3).

7. An exact timetable of assignments. When exact dates cannot be supplied, a tentative or rough schedule should be issued, with an exact schedule to follow as soon as possible. This regulation does not preclude the administration of surprise assignments and quizzes, as long as the total number, approximate frequency, and the value of such assignments is specified in the course outline.

8. If applicable, a list of the prerequisites for the course and a notation(4) regarding the Senate regulation with respect to the student's responsibility for ensuring that course prerequisites have been successfully completed or special permission from the Dean obtained.

6. School of Nursing Policies on Attendance, First Aid Certificates and Students Transporting Patients

Recommended: That the Program Policies on Attendance, First Aid Certification and Transporting Patients be approved for the School of Nursing of the Faculty of Health Sciences, effective September 1, 2001.

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PROGRAM POLICIES

Clinical Placements

Clinical placements are an important component of all programs and may be scheduled for days, evenings and weekends. Placements are arranged in London and other communities. Students are responsible for transportation to placements.

Attendance

Due to the significance of theoretical and practice knowledge in developing professional competence, students are expected to demonstrate professional responsibility through regular attendance at, or participation in all scheduled learning activities. Much of the learning that takes place will be a result of preparation and engagement with the material as well as active dialogue with colleagues and faculty. Therefore, students are expected to attend ALL classes, laboratories, seminars, workshops and clinical practice and clinical conferences.

While marks may be awarded for participation, they are not awarded for attendance. The implications for non-attendance are outlined in the Academic Policies/Regulations Section of the UWO academic calendar.

Clinical practice is an integral part of a nursing student's preparation for professional practice. Attendance at clinical practice is critical to success in the program and to professional competence. Frequent absence will be considered unprofessional behaviour and may result in an unsatisfactory clinical performance appraisal. Students' clinical progress will be evaluated on the clinical practice time they have completed in each rotation and course. There is no opportunity for make-up time in clinical practice. In the event of an absence, the student must notify the clinical agency and instructor.

Clinical practice includes: Term I praxis seminars; Nurses Work Visits; Family visits; Lab practice; Institutional or community practice

First Aid Certificate

Undergraduate students are required to obtain a valid Standard First Aid Course certificate (St. John Ambulance or Canadian Red Cross) upon admission to the program. This certificate will not need to be renewed annually.

Students will present their valid First Aid certificate to their praxis seminar/clinical instructor at the beginning of the academic year in which they are admitted. Failure to comply with this policy will result in students being denied access to professional practice courses [N052, N252, N362, N382, N392, N421, N498, N499].

Transporting Patients

Under no circumstances, during clinical experience or outside of this time, are students permitted to transport patients in patients' or students' personal vehicles.

Background:

Attendance Policy
In the past, problems have been encountered when students were absent from clinical placements. Although in some cases the absence is legitimate (e.g., illness or compassionate reasons), in others it was not. In some courses clinical make up time was available (e.g., one day per term) but students have interpreted this to mean that they are entitled to miss one or two clinical days. The School of Nursing would like to address this concern by discontinuing arrangements for clinical make up time.

While it would be ideal to offer all students the opportunity for extra clinical time, it is a drain on Faculty time and resources. This proposal allows for students to be evaluated on their performance in clinical practice based only on the clinical days worked. Students who miss clinical days can no longer arrange to make up the time lost; attendance is important and non-attendance will jeopardize their success. If there are documented extenuating circumstances, such as an extended sick leave, the student can repeat the course.

Clinical practice is an unpaid placement in a clinical setting. Evaluation of the student's performance is a joint responsibility of faculty and students who complete identical forms separately and review them during an evaluation meeting.

A minor change has been made to the calendar copy to include the note on clinical placements under the Program Policies heading. The note currently exists in the calendar. The words "may be scheduled for any time" have been amended to state more clearly that clinical placements may take place during days, evenings and weekends.

First Aid Certificate
In past years, the possession of a Standard First Aid Certificate was a requirement for students entering clinical practice in the first year of the nursing program. At some point this requirement was deleted. The purpose of reinstituting this requirement is to ensure that students have the knowledge and theory related to first aid care and to generate consistency among UWO and Fanshawe College nursing program policies as the School of Nursing moves toward admitting the first class of the Western-Fanshawe Collaborative BScN program in September 2001.

Transporting Patients
The School of Nursing adheres to the Standards for Nursing Practice set by The College of Nurses of Ontario. Although the Standard for the Therapeutic Nurse-Patient Relationship sets guidelines which govern transporting patients, there is a need for a more specific policy concerning nursing students' practice in community nursing, specifically in the area of mental health nursing where students are caring for and working with patients in group homes and in community-based programs. In these areas the potential exists for students to be asked to transport patients to and from activities. The purpose of the policy is to provide guidelines which will safeguard patient and student safety as well as students' liability potential.

FOR INFORMATION

1. Report on New Scholarships and Awards

SCAPA has approved on behalf of the Senate the following Terms of Reference for new scholarships, awards and bursaries for recommendation to the Board of Governors through the Vice-Chancellor:

Irene Harris and Mildred MacPherson Entrance Award (Faculty of Graduate Studies, Library and Information Science)

Awarded to a full-time student of outstanding quality entering the masters program in Library and Information Science based on academic achievement (minimum 78% academic average). The recipient will be selected by the Scholarship and Awards Committee in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies. This award was established by Dr. Roma Harris through Foundation Western to honour and thank Irene Harris and Mildred MacPherson for their commitment to the importance of education, their encouragement of young people who want to further their opportunities through advanced study, and their service to the community.

Value: $1,000
Effective Date: May 2002

Dean Carol P. Herbert Bursary (Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Medicine)

Awarded to a student in the undergraduate medical program who demonstrates financial need. This bursary was established by a generous gift from Dr. Carol P. Herbert.

Value: $300
Effective May 2002

W. Donald R. Eldon Scholarship (Faculty of Social Science)

Awarded to an undergraduate student in any year beyond year one of a program in Social Science based on academic achievement (minimum 80% average). Primary preference will be given to students in History and secondary preference will be given to students in Economics. The Faculty of Social Science will select the recipient. This scholarship was established by a generous gift from Dr. W. Donald R. Eldon (BA '48).

Value: $1,000
Effective from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006 only

1. The following statement [as corrected by Senate] on Plagiarism should be added to course outlines:

Plagiarism: Students must write their essays and assignments in their own words. Whenever students take an idea, or a passage from another author, they must acknowledge their debt both by using quotation marks where appropriate and by proper referencing such as footnotes or citations. Plagiarism is a major academic offence (see Scholastic Offence Policy in the Western Academic Calendar).

2. Plagiarism Checking: The University of Western Ontario uses software for plagiarism checking. Students may be required to submit their written work in electronic form for plagiarism checking."

3. The policy of the University is that, when a course instructor wishes to change the evaluation procedure, as outlined in his or her course outline at the beginning of the year, prior approval must be obtained from the dean of the faculty concerned.

4. If there are prerequisites for a course, they should be listed on the course outline and the following statement should be added:

"Unless you have either the requisites for this course or written special permission from your Dean to enroll in it, you will be removed from this course and it will be deleted from your record. This decision may not be appealed. You will receive no adjustment to your fees in the event that you are dropped from a course for failing to have the necessary prerequisites."