In compliance with Ontario’s Essential Services Order, Senate met remotely on Sept. 24, 2021. Here are the highlights:
Welcome New Senators
At this first meeting of the 2021/2022 Academic Year, Senate was pleased to welcome 25 new Senators.
Compassionate Grading for Fall 2021
In light of the ongoing pandemic, Senate approved the extension of the flexible and compassionate grading policy for the fall 2021 term. This allows undergraduate students to designate 0.5 credit courses SAT if a passing grade was earned, and for all undergraduate F grades to be automatically converted to UNS. This excludes grades that are assigned due to an Academic Integrity Offence.
A sub-committee of Senate is also in the process of considering permanent changes to Carleton’s grading policy in light of the important lessons learned in the pandemic.
Senate also approved an amendment to the Academic Performance Evaluation rules for the 2021-2022 academic year, on an exceptional basis and without prejudice.
Virtual Graduation Celebrations for Fall
Due to current public health restrictions for indoor events, it will not be possible to hold in-person fall Convocation ceremonies this November. Carleton will be hosting virtual graduation celebrations for fall 2021 graduates. More details will soon be available on the Convocation website. We continue to look forward to the day when we can celebrate all of our recent graduating classes and provide them with the opportunity to cross the stage in recognition of their remarkable accomplishments.
SIP Implementation Report
President Bacon provided an update on the implementation of Carleton University’s Strategic Integrated Plan (SIP). In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, the university continued to enhance its academic mission and made great progress across all three of the SIP’s strategic directions. Achievements included a sharp increase in research productivity and impact, significant improvements to online pedagogy, and the development of critical plans for Indigenous initiatives, accessibility, internationalization, and equity, diversity and inclusion.
Digital Strategy Update
David Hornsby, Associate Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) provided a presentation on the development of Carleton’s inaugural Digital Strategy. The strategy aims to help realize the role of digital technology in achieving the objectives of the Strategic Integrated Plan (SIP). A broad, inclusive and consultative process was initiated in May 2021 and the data collected will inform the areas of focus. Further consultations are scheduled this fall, with a planned rollout expected in early 2022.
Introducing New Clerk of Senate: Prof. Elinor Sloan
In her nearly 20-year tenure at the university, Elinor has planted deep roots within the campus community and proven herself to be an essential part of Carleton’s governance. Along with being the Chair of the Department of Political Science from 2018 to this past June, Elinor has served on Senate since 2016 and throughout that time has also been a Senate representative on the Board of Governors.
Elinor has two research projects underway, a book manuscript on Canada’s international security policy, and a SSHRC funded (2020-2026) research project on the naval shipbuilding strategies of Canada and its close allies. Learn more about Elinor.
Senate Vacancy: Contract Instructor
Senate is seeking nominations to fill one vacancy for a contract instructor to serve on Senate for a three-year term, ending June 30, 2024. Visit the Senate website for more information or to apply.
Next Meeting: October 22, 2021
The next Senate meeting is October 22 at 2 pm. The full meeting schedule, associated meeting materials and minutes are available on the Senate website. Meeting minutes are posted once they are approved at the subsequent meeting. Want to learn more about Senate? Read the 2020-2021 Senate Report.