In compliance with Ontario’s Essential Services Order, Senate met remotely on September 25, 2020. Here are the highlights:
Senate Reviews Draft Plan for EDI Institutional Action
In the wake of the tragic killing of George Floyd, Carleton has committed to further enhance its commitment and strategic actions towards Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) and anti-racism. Michael Charles, Assistant Vice-President and University Advisor, Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities (EIC) presented Senate with the draft recommendations for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Institutional Action as put forward by the EIC Advisory Group. This advisory group is aiming to develop a strategy that is innovative, integrated, holistic, flexible, and ambitious. Townhall meetings are currently being hosted virtually to give the broader Carleton community the opportunity to contribute to the development of this strategy. Senators were pleased with the development of this plan and the important work that is taking place.
Winter 2021 Semester will be Online
Senate continues to prioritize the health and safety of our campus community, and as such, formally approved that all Winter 2021 courses be offered online or through other methods of distance learning. The motion allows for the possibility of offering some optional on-campus academic program components should circumstances allow. The University will continue to monitor and comply with public health guidelines and government regulations.
Chair’s Remarks
President Bacon congratulated everyone involved in making the first month of the Fall term a success. Carleton has demonstrated great strength and resilience while continuing to fulfill the core academic mission and strengthening its capacity for online learning. President Bacon made special note of Carleton’s Students as Partners Program, and congratulated Senator Kim Hellemans on receiving an Award of Excellence from the Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities.
As the COVID-19 pandemic still looms, Carleton has continued to follow the advice of public health agencies. Last week, Ottawa invoked a Class Section 22 order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, and the Province of Ottawa restricted the number of individuals permitted at both indoor and outdoor gatherings. The Carleton community has been made aware of these changes.
Compassionate Grading Discussion
Jerry Tomberlin, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), led Senate through a discussion about the possibility of adopting some compassionate grading options for the 2020/’21 academic year. Senators expressed general support for compassionate grading options, in particular for the use of the notation “UNS” instead of “F.” This important topic will return to Senate for a decision at the October meeting.
Review of University Pivot to Online Learning in Winter 2020
As mandated by Senate last May, the Senate Quality Assurance and Planning Committee (SQAPC) reviewed Carleton’s pivot to online learning at the end of the Winter 2020 semester. Senate received a presentation that included survey responses from over 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students. These findings will inform further actions and initiatives as the University continues to adapt to the ongoing pandemic.
Concern over Arrest of a Carleton Student in Turkey
Senate received a motion from the Department of Anthropology and Sociology condemning the arrest of a Carleton PhD student, Cihan Erdal, in Istanbul on the morning of Sept. 25. Senators unanimously expressed deep concern over the arrest Mr. Erdal, who was conducting fieldwork in Turkey at the time of his arrest. The university has undertaken action through appropriate channels.
Senate Member Ratifications
Senate ratified the following new Senate appointments:
Faculty Members |
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Contract Instructors |
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Senate Committee Ratification
Senate ratified the following Committee appointments:
Senate Academic Governance Committee |
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Senate Committee on Curriculum Admissions and Studies Policy |
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Senate Academic Integrity Appeals Committee |
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Senate Review Committee |
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Join a Senate Standing Committee
Senate is currently seeking faculty members to serve on the following Standing Committees: Senate Academic Governance Committee, Senate Honorary Degrees Committee, Senate Quality Assurance and Planning Committee, and the Senate Review Committee. If you are interested in serving, please fill-out the self nomination form.
Senator Spotlight: Dana Dragunoiu
Senate is composed of over 80 members representing the Carleton community like Dana Dragunoiu, Associate Professor in the Department of English and Literature. Learn more about Dana.
Next Meeting: October 30, 2020
The next Senate meeting is October 30, 2020 at 2:00pm. Click here to view the full schedule and meeting materials. Meeting minutes are posted once they are approved at the subsequent meeting.