ENCLOSURE No. MINUTES OF A MEETING #378 OF THE GENERAL FACULTIES COUNCIL HELD ON

Transcription

1 ENCLOSURE No. MINUTES OF A MEETING #378 OF THE GENERAL FACULTIES COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY. DECEMBER AT 3:00 P.M. IN THE BOARDROOM. W646 Present: Regrets: Guest: H. Tennant (Chair), S. O'Shea, B. Dua, A. Dastmalchian, L. Walker, C. Skinner, P. Wall, B. Marshalsay, L. Lavers, C. Loewen, M. Steed, A. Kizuk, C. Calver, H. Kharaghani, S. Chau, I. MacLachlan, E. Gardner, A. Luther, R. Dunford, J. Koch, S. Banerjee. R. Rogerson, M. Winzer, L. Jacobs, S. Alam, W. Winter, D. Graham, B. Chapman, A. Chan, J. Denbigh M. Schwartz (Secretary) C. Hosgood, F. Trinh Gordon Paterson APPROVAL OF AGENDA Dunford/Chan That the agenda for Meeting #378 be approved as circulated. Carried APPROVAL OF MINUTES Dunford/Chapman That the Minutes of Meeting #377 November 2, 1998 be approved as circulated with the following changes: Present: Add Jolene Denbigh and Cheryl Calver Under ITEMS ARISING FROM MINUTES Change: "In answer to Jon Koch..." to "In answer to Ian MacLachlan...". Carried Dunford/Chapman That the Minutes of a Special Meeting November 3, 1998 be approved as circulated with the change that it was held in the Students' Union Building, SU 300 rather than the Boardroom. Carried ITEMS ARISING FROM MINUTES There were no items arising from the minutes.

2 Page PRESIDENT'S REPORT ACCESS Program Howard Tennant reported that Seamus O'Shea and he have been in Edmonton and it is their belief that the University of Lethbridge will hear early in the new year with regard to the ACCESS applications. He explained that there are a number of issues the institution is sorting out, including, KPI's, ACCESS, research and infrastructure funding. Although the program provides for requests for operating funding and also for research dollars that would be in part with the funding formula, they do not address the work that needs to be done. Howard Tennant explained that at the last meeting of the Board of Governors, they approved that the Vice President (Academic), in conjunction with the associated dean, could proceed to advertise and hire the faculty that would be required to implement these programs. The second area of concern is space. Howard Tennant explained that there has been a preliminary study completed from the engineering consultant which confirms that the tennis court area is a viable resource site. The study has not yet come back as to the north end of University Hall which might present a problem. He reported that there is considerable fill to the north of University Hall. The tennis court offers the best site for the student's 10 minute walk that is required to change classes. Howard Tennant explained that the building would need to have architectural inspiration given the location. He mentioned that the University is hoping that dollars per space will be included as part of the funding formula. All indications point that the University enrollment will be up students for the fall of This spring will be highest enrollment ever. Howard Tennant then explained that round two of the ACCESS program must be submitted to the Department for the fall of 2000 by June 1, He indicated that the Board has asked to have the documents submitted to them by the February meeting. As of yet, the rules and templates have not been determined but Howard Tennant anticipates the same rules as were for the first submissions. These will now go back to the Deans to try to make the deadline of the February meeting of the Board of Governors. Howard Tennant indicated that GFC will be kept apprized Campus Alberta Partnership Howard Tennant indicated that Gordon Paterson, Chairman of the Board of Governors has been spending considerable time with Campus Alberta Partnership and will be attending a meeting on Wednesday with the Minister and the Deputy Minister. Howard Tennant mentioned that the definition of Campus Alberta is a system of interdependent institutions collaborating to deliver sustainable quality of life long learning. He pointed out the this University has always functioned as an independent

3 Page 3 institution by way of its philosophy, mandate and the way the University operates KPI's Howard Tennant reported that Seamus O'Shea is still managing the KPI's which will probably continue for a while longer Government of Alberta Howard Tennant commented that of great concern to the Government are the oil prices. They are at an all time low with gas prices being at a very high price. He reported that Government revenue is up due to diversification in the economy and revenue from taxes. Howard Tennant reported that talk in Edmonton is there is a projected surplus of approximately $200 m. One area advocated by the Provincial Treasurer is to see that this surplus goes towards tax cuts but surveys show that the Government should perhaps consider health and education. The budget is expected the third week of February Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) Howard Tennant reported that the Commissioner has now agreed that the Universities are not covered by this legislation until September 1, The drafting of FOIPP legislation is scheduled for spring of 1999 and the proposal presented to the commissioner will be one that will have no costs associated with it. Howard Tennant indicated that should an office be set up, there would the cost of staffing it by one assistant professor, therefore, he will be taking a proposal to the Board that will designate the President as the head of FOIPP and an appointment will be made whereby people can come by and ask for information. One of the areas that will be recommended to the Board is the schedule of fees that the Government has suggested for acquiring information. He commented that this Institution works in the open and all meetings, budgets, and annual reports are posted on the website. The University would continue to do their best to answer any questions through the conventional channels Intellectual Infrastructure Programs Howard Tennant reported that the Intellectual Infrastructure Programs received $1,557,000. He stated that $450,000 must be received from industry or industry like bodies to complete it. What this means is that roughly $2 m is tagged in and around the science annex. He indicated that there should be dollars coming in from ASRA and therefore, this University would be in a position to develop four labs and possibly recruit

4 some of the $1.3 m the Board had spent in developing the original buildings. Howard Tennant stated that he has asked Chris Bender to review and see if he can find, by way of architectural advising, to build the labs at a reasonable standard. In all likelihood, Dean Dua has recommended that four people, part of the plant physiology group, would be the people who would occupy that site. The site is currently occupied by the library. Howard Tennant indicated that now that there will be money to develop, the bad news will be that the material will now have to moved again. Howard Tennant, Barbara Marshalsay and Seamus O'Shea have a press conference on Wednesday, December 9, 1998 to show the public the need for space. Howard Tennant will then be asking the Board to go to tender to see if the University can rent real estate across town to store library materials. Associate Vice-President (Research) Howard Tennant announced that Dennis Fitzpatrick has advised him that he has accepted the position of Associate Vice-President (Research). He will be assuming the position on May 1 but will be back and forth on an intermittent basis for the first three months of Howard Tennant explained this his current professorship is in food science, chemistry and health science. He mentioned that Dennis Fitzpatrick is currently Chair of the Canadian Federation of Biological Sciences and as he completes this duty he will be wearing his University of Lethbridge hat. Alberta Science and Research Authority Howard Tennant explained that Lome Taylor, MLA from Medicine Hat is responsible for the Alberta Science and Research Authority, as well as the Minister of Science and Technology. As well, Lome Taylor is one of four people on the Treasury Board. Howard Tennant reported that Lome Taylor is enthusiastically taking on this position and doing a good job at advocating ASRA. Information Communication Technology Howard Tennant reported that the Information Communication Technology report on strategy has been tabled in the Legislature. In the report, he says Alberta should invest in education; Alberta should invest in infrastructure for research; Alberta should engage in more research and development; Alberta should go into the ICT business. He indicated that some of the University's programs should receive support thereby, giving room to make application for both ASRA funding and for advanced education funding. This is the type of report that led to SAIT receiving a new building when there was not to be any building.

5 Page 5 Another building being built is at the University of Calgary for research. This is with the combined effort of an anonymous donor and the City of Calgary Presidential Search Committee Howard Tennant explained that the Board of Governors had an extensive discussion about the committee structure and although they felt it to be too large, after considerable discussion, they accepted the GFC structure. Howard Tennant reported that the make up of the Committee is as follows: Chairman of the Board of Governors Chancellor 6 people appointed by the Board of Governors (John Gray, Auke Elzinga, Don Young, Bhagwan Dua, Leslie Lavers, Phil North) 6 people appointed by GFC; Howard Tennant reported that Leslie Lavers had advised him that they have received sufficient nominations to hold an election. 2 students; Howard Tennant reported that the Students' Union is in the advanced stages of selecting their 2 students. 1 person selected by AUPE/APO/Exempt; Howard Tennant reported that they are in the stages of working towards their appointment. Howard Tennant then reported that at the Senate meeting on Saturday, December 5, 1998, Geri Hecker, member of the Board of Governors as well as a member of Senate and President of the Alumni Association, expressed deep unhappiness on behalf of the Alumni Association in regard to not having a representative on this Committee. He indicated that Geri Hecker had mentioned that there are at least 2000 Alumni in southern Alberta and there was not much question given this fall when they were approached individually to donate money. He reported that the Alumni Association believes that they are an entity in their own right and have a strong investment in the University. Howard Tennant indicated that it might have helped Saturday if one of the members would have known that Leslie Lavers was an Alumni. Howard Tennant also reported that the Senate commented about the Board process on how the selection was made. He reported that he did not participate in the vote. Howard Tennant indicated that the Board had ongoing discussions since September on the selection process. Wilma Winter indicated that she had been aware that Leslie Lavers was an Alumni but felt it was not the time to present this as it would not have served any purpose on Saturday as it was a very emotional moment.

6 Page 6 Howard Tennant expressed appreciation to the Board in trying to receive a wider representation with their membership. Wilma Winter expressed the words that she had brought up at the Senate meeting in that she felt that the Board had done a very good job at selecting their representatives and that they had accomplished this in good faith. The names they had put forward was an admirable decision ITEMS FOR ACTION GFC Membership Dunford/Koch That GFC appoint the Vice-President (Academic) to be responsible for determining the number of eligible members of academic staff from each faculty effective January 1 of each year and for reporting at the April meeting Associate V.P. (Research) Appointment to GFC Luther/Dunford That GFC approve the appointment of the Associate V.P. (Research) as an Appointed Member, to the General Faculties Council, to replace the position of Director of Research Services, and that the Operating Manual reflect this change, effective immediately Cooperative Education Designation Lavers/Calver That GFC approve the recommendation that the following graduates, identified by their student number, from May, 1998 Convocation, having fulfilled the requirements, be given a new parchment including the co-op designation:

7 Page 7 Student Number: Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Management Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Management: Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Management: Rogerson/Koch That motion be amended by adding the following: and the Registrar be charged with contacting earlier graduands and offering them the option of exchanging their current parchment with one which indicated they graduated through the Co-op program. Discussion occurred in great length and it was decided that this will be reintroduced at the next meeting of GFC once the Registrar's office has a report on the number of students this would involve and the cost associated with changing and sending out parchments. Withdrawn MacLachlan/Chapman That motion be tabled. Defeated. ORIGINAL

8 Page GFC Member Appointments to Senate Dunford/Winter That nominations cease. Ian MacLachlan was acclaimed Academic Schedule - Final Examination Policy Lavers/Chan That GFC approve the Academic Schedule as outlined in Enclosure #7, page 35 of the Agenda Arts and Science Faculty Council Report Dua/Calver That General Faculties Council approve the following appointed members to Arts and Science Council for the 1998/99 academic year: L. Walker - Dean, Faculty of Education A. Dastmalchian - Dean, Faculty of Management C. Skinner - Dean, School of Fine Arts P. Wall - Dean, School of Health Sciences L. Lavers - Registrar B. Marshalsay - Acting University Librarian N. Aitken - Education Representative S. Zahir - Management Representative B. Hagen - Health Sciences Representative Dua/Dunford That General Faculties Council approve the following appointed members to Arts and Science Council for the 1998/99 academic year:

9 Page 9 L. Walker - Dean, Faculty of Education A. Dastmalchian - Dean, Faculty of Management C. Skinner - Dean, School of Fine Arts P. Wall - Dean, School of Health Sciences L. Lavers - Registrar B. Marshalsay - Acting University Librarian N. Aitken - Education Representative S. Zahir - Management Representative B. Hagen - Health Sciences Representative Admission Standards Committee Annual Report O'Shea/Lavers That GFC receive for information the Admission Standards Committee Annual Report for 1997/98, as outlined in Enclosure #9, page 60 of the Agenda Management Faculty Council Report Dastmalchian/Alam That General Faculties Council approve the appointment of the following (voting) members to Management Faculty Council for the academic year: A/S: Dave Brown Education: Gerald McConaghy Fine Arts/Nursing: Linda Nicol Library: Andrea Glover Registrar: Leslie Lavers VP Academic: Seamus O'Shea Associate VP (Academic): Shamsul Alam Dastmalchian/Chan That General Faculties Council approve the appointment of the following student members to Management Faculty Council for the academic year: ; r

10 Page 10 Camie Barber Jennifer Grant Tyler Shannon Cory Kawade (Alternate) Dastmalchian/Winter That General Faculties Council approve the appointment of the following Management Students' Society nominees to the committees indicated for the academic year: Curriculum Committee: Jason Bachmeier Salary tenure Promotion Committee: Rick Solberg Teaching Effectiveness Committee: Dave Vasas Curriculum Coordinating Committee Report O'Shea/Dunford That GFC approve the Faculty of Education Recommendations #1 - #5, pages 15-36, of the CCC Report. O'Shea/Dastmalchian That GFC approve the Faculty of Management Recommendations #6 - #19, pages 37-60, of the CCC Report. O'Shea/Wall That GFC approve the School of Health Sciences Recommendations #20 - #27, pages 61-79, of the CCC Report.

11 Page 11 O'Shea/Skinner That GFC approve the School of Fine Arts Recommendation #28, pages 80-87, of the CCC Report. O'Shea/Dua That GFC approve the Faculty of Arts and Science Recommendations #29 - #60, pages , of the CCC Report. O'Shea/Lavers That GFC approve the Office of the Registrar Recommendations #61 - #63, pages , of the CCC Report New Access Proposals O'Shea/Winter That GFC approve that program or course changes required to implement program expansions or new programs approved under the Access 1998 Program may be implemented for the 1999/2000 academic year only if approved by GFC on or before the regular May, 1999 meeting of GFC ITEMS FOR INFORMATION Letter from Howard Tennant to Gordon Paterson re: Presidential Search Committee Received as information.

12 Page Letter from Gordon Paterson to Howard Tennant re: Board of Governors appointments to Presidential Search Committee Received as information Dean of a Faculty Appointment Committee Received as information GFC Executive Committee Minutes of Meeting #337, November 23/98 Dunford/Chan That GFC receive for information the GFC Executive Committee Minutes of Meeting #337, November 23, ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION There were no items for discussion OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business ADJOURNMENT Rogerson/Dunford That the meeting be adjourned. Carried QUESTION PERIOD Question period was not minuted.