In compliance with Ontario’s Essential Services Order, Senate met remotely on June 18, 2021.  Here are the highlights:

Class of 2021 over 6,700 Strong

Senate approved the spring graduation of 3,336 undergraduate and 680 graduate students, for a total of 4,016 students.  Combined with Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 graduates, this makes the Class of 2021 over 6,700 strong! With the postponement of convocation, Senate looks forward to Carleton’s virtual Graduation Celebrations from June 21 – 25.  As part of the festivities, the graduation addresses from this year’s Honorary Degree recipients are available on the convocation website.

New Graduate Programs in Data Science and Analytics

Senate approved new graduate programs in Data Science and Analytics. These combined, specialized programs from the Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, School of Information Technology, School of Computer Science, and School of Mathematics and Statistics will come in effect for the fall 2022 semester.

Updated Academic Integrity Policy

Senate approved updates and revisions to the Academic Integrity Policy. The Policy updates were undertaken by a subcommittee and included broad consultation with a variety of stakeholders.

Thank you, Prof. Betina Appel Kuzmarov

June 18 marked Prof. Betina Appel Kuzmarov’s final meeting as Clerk of Senate. Senate formally thanked Betina for her unparalleled service to the university. During her three-year term, Betina served as co-chair of the Strategic Integrated Planning Task Force, led Senate through the development of the Free Speech Policy, and helped steer the university through the pandemic with compassion, grace and flexibility. With this transition, Betina takes on her new role as Chair of Carleton’s Department of Law and Legal Studies.

As approved at the March meeting of Senate, Prof. Elinor Sloan will begin her term as Clerk of Senate on July 1, 2021.

Chair’s Remarks

President Bacon began the meeting by recognizing the tragedies in Kamloops, British Columbia and London, Ontario.  This June, Carleton is celebrating Pride Month and Indigenous History Month. Carleton will also be holding Graduation Celebrations for the class of 2021 from June 21-25.  The Chair thanked the entire community for successfully coming through a truly difficult year, and reminded Senate that July 2, 2021 will be an Appreciation Day Holiday.

Welcome New Senators

Senate approved the following new Senate appointments for the 2021/22 academic year:

  • Vandna Bhatia (FPA)
  • Gail Garland (Board of Governor)
  • Ernest Kwan (Sprott)
  • Ruth McKay (Sprott)
  • Jane Taber (Board of Governor)
  • Celia Young (FASS)

Thank you to the 26 retiring Senators for their service, especially throughout this challenging year.

Digital Strategy Consultation

Senators participated in a Digital Strategy consultation session and provided feedback on the plan’s development and emerging themes. Carleton’s inaugural Digital Strategy is currently in the second phase of development.  The strategy aims to help realize the objectives laid out in Carleton’s Strategic Integrated Plan.

Computer Science Cyclical Review

Senate approved the Final Assessment Report and Executive Summary arising from the Cyclical Review of the undergraduate programs in Computer Science.

Senator Spotlight: Anne Bowker

Senate is composed of over 80 members representing the Carleton community like Anne Bowker, Associate Dean, Student Affairs and Enrolment in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Learn more about Anne.

Next Meeting: Sept. 24, 2021

The next Senate meeting is Sept. 24, 2021 at 2pm, but if required, Senate will host a special meeting on August 20, 2021. Click here to view the full schedule and access meeting materials. Meeting minutes are posted once they are approved at the subsequent meeting.