Equity with university awards
Dawne Clarke, chair of the Admissions and Academic Standing committee on senate, put forward a motion that the Connie Munroe award and the McDougall Family Love of The Game prize be approved. The motion for the Connie Munroe award carried.
Kristi Allain, chair of the senate nominating committee, asked Clarke how Admissions and Academic Standing addresses equity in the awards, stating that 50 per cent of the awards are for men only. She noted that men “represent a minority” of STU’s student population.
She suggested a policy that would allow the university to equitably distribute funds, similar to one implemented by the University of New Brunswick.
Clarke said the committee receives the awards from Dionne Izzard, the director of advancement for annual and planned giving, who liaises with donors wishing to make donations.
She said awards come as the committee receives them and it does not have a say in what the donor’s wishes are or should be.
“Unfortunately, it’s not the purview of our committee to be able to say ‘we need to send this back,'” said Clarke.
Robin Vose, a history professor at STU, suggested approaching donors diplomatically about changing the terms of who receives certain awards.
Karla O’Regan, an associate professor of criminology, said there’s time for a conversation as the motion only needs to be passed by the end of the year, suggesting that senate could come back to it.
Kim Fenwick, St. Thomas University’s acting president and vice-chancellor, passed the motion and said the Admissions and Academic Standing committee should contact the office of advancement to see if donors would be open to changing terms of reference and deliver a report on awards, in general, to confirm if there is, indeed, an inequity.
Changes to political science and international relations honours program
Dawne Clarke, chair of the Senate Curriculum Committee, put forward three motions about the political science and international relations honours program.
The first motion was that the calendar wording changes to the honours in international relations be approved. The second motion was that POLS-4003 (Independent Study) be removed as a requirement for the honours in international relations.
The first motion was that POLS-3903 (Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods) be added as a requirement for the honours in international relations.
All three motions carried.
Special meeting on student enrolment
Jean Sauvageau, vice president of the Faculty Association of the University of St. Thomas (FAUST), put forward a proposal about senate holding a special meeting regarding student enrolment.
During an in-camera session of senate last month, in which a report on student enrolment was presented, Sauvageau said not much time was devoted to discussing the report and solutions. FAUST is asking for a meeting as early as possible.
He added enrolment is a “major driver” of university finances and said some financial information would be welcome at the meeting.
Kim Fenwick, St. Thomas University’s acting president and vice-chancellor, suggested a town hall open to the whole university community as a “more appropriate” avenue to share discussions and information that people wish to receive.
Fenwick said she would work with STU administration to plan a town hall with updated information.
Duolingo test scores
Dawne Clarke, chair of the Admissions and Academic Standing committee on senate, put forward a motion that the minimum Duolingo English test scores be increased. The motion carried.
Recognizing Dawn Russell
Kim Fenwick, St. Thomas University’s acting president and vice-chancellor, said the university plans to recognize outgoing President and Vice-Chancellor Dawn Russell for her tenure. Details will be released once planning begins.
Fenwick said she will continue in her role as vice president academic and research.
Dean of Humanities
Kim Fenwick, St. Thomas University’s acting president and vice-chancellor, said André Loiselle has applied for renewal of his five-year term as the university’s dean of humanities. She said members of the STU community will be given an opportunity to give feedback during a review process that will happen prior to the renewal.
Collective agreements signed
Kim Fenwick, St. Thomas University’s acting president and vice-chancellor, said new collective agreements between STU and the Faculty Association of the University of St. Thomas (FAUST) will be signed next Thursday.
She said people will receive retroactive pay once they are signed.
Faculty Christmas party
Kim Fenwick, St. Thomas University’s acting president and vice-chancellor, said the university will host its annual Christmas party on Dec. 10 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Great Hall in George Martin Hall.
