Senate met on September 27, 2024. Here are the highlights:

Welcome New Senators

Senate welcomed 16 new Senators to their first Senate meeting and noted the appointment of Angela Marcotte as Interim Vice-President Finance and Administration.

Spring Convocation Dates 2026-2027

Senate approved the following revised Spring Convocation dates, as presented:

  • 2026: June 8 – 12
  • 2027: June 7 – 11

Quality Assurance & Cyclical Reviews

Senate approved the Final Assessment Report and Executive Summary arising from the Cyclical Review of the Undergraduate programs in Human Rights and Social Justice.

Creation of a new Ad Hoc Committee on the Academic Integrity Policy

Senate approved a motion from the Senate Academic Governance Committee to create an Ad Hoc Committee on the Academic Integrity Policy to undertake the review of the AI policy and to submit a report to Senate by March of 2025.

Revisions to the AI Policy are required due to the recent restructuring of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs and increasing concerns about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on academic integrity. The review also offers an opportunity to ensure coordination between faculties and to consider lessons learned during the pandemic.

Creation of a new Ad Hoc Committee on Petitions and Appeals

Given the restructuring of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs and the resulting changes in graduate academic governance, a comprehensive overview of the appeals and petitions process is needed to provide clarity for students and the various appeal committees. As a result, the Senate Academic Governance Committee has proposed the development of a Senate policy to establish a common understanding of petitions and appeals and their handling.

The Ad Hoc Committee on Petitions and Appeals will oversee the drafting of a Senate Policy on Petitions and Appeals and is expected to report to the Senate by March 2025. The membership of the committee will include the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Academic Integrity Policy to facilitate coordination between the two committees.

Senate Committee Annual Reports

Senate received annual reports from the Senate Student Academic Integrity Appeals Committee, Senate Graduate Student Appeal Committee, Senate Undergraduate Studies Committee, and the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Student Awards.

The report from the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Student Awards noted the approval of 18 new undergraduate scholarships and bursaries.

Senator Spotlight: Jeni Armstrong

Jeni Armstrong is an Assistant Professor (Teaching Stream) and Practicum Coordinator at Carleton’s Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management. As a political staffer, she served as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s lead speechwriter — including during his time in Opposition — and as communications director to former finance minister Bill Morneau. Her work experience includes many years in the private sector, both as head of her own communications consultancy and as a communications and media specialist for Restaurants Canada, Canada’s national restaurant and foodservice industry association. As one of the program’s core faculty members, Jeni primarily teaches political communications and also serves as the program’s mentorship coordinator, helping new students make connections with MPM alumni and the broader political community. Learn more about Jeni

Next Meeting: October 18, 2024

The next Senate meeting will be held on October 18, 2024 at 2 pm, and will include a Closed Session to approve the Fall graduation list. The full meeting schedule, associated meeting materials and minutes will be available on the Senate website. Meeting minutes are posted once they are approved at the subsequent meeting.