UBC Senate Gazette January 2014

Potentia ad Populum
{January, 2014}
Edition. 1 Vol. 2
UBC SENATE GAZETTE
Two Thousand Fourteen.

A new year has begun, and that means renewed energy and dedication for UBC student senators. The UBC Student Senate Caucus has its sights set on building engagement with students and ushering in a new era of student senators. January saw the launch of new mentorship initiatives and greater integration with the UBC Students Union Okanagan. The mentorship program invited interested students to team up with THE PILOT PROGRAM ENJOYED MODEST, BUT HIGH QUALITY INTEREST FROM THE STUDENT BOD Y incumbent student senators and attend caucus discussions, committee talks, and the January Senate meeting. Participants were able to experience firsthand the work and commitment of student senators while fostering informed interest in the position leading up to the 2014/15 elections. The pilot program enjoyed modest, but high quality interest from the student body. The Senate Caucus took another big step forward with the passing the of new UBCSUO by-laws which included a non-voting seat on the student union board of directors. The move solidifies the caucuss position in UBC and student affairs and provides an additional platform for academic student affairs to be heard.
RESOLUTION
CAUCUS ELECTIONS 2014

Governance
The UBC Okanagan Student Senate Caucus held its inaugural governing elections in light of institutional recognition. The elected senators will serve their term until May 1st, 2014 when new leadership will be voted in for the following academic year. The positions up for nomination in the 13 person caucus were: Chair, Secretariat, and Chief Engagement Officer. The Chair is responsible for facilitating meetings and liaising with UBC Senators and upper administration. Secretariat is responsible for oversight of objectives and ensuring meeting materials are prepared and maintained. The Chief Engagement Officer is responsible for liaising with student groups, such as clubs and course unions, and managing media outlets. Simon Bullock, Wesley McLean, and Shira Sneg were acclaimed for Chair, Secretariat, and Chief Engagement Officer, respectively.
SIMON BULLOCK, WESL EY MCLEAN, AND SHIRA SNEG WERE ACCLAIMED FOR CHAIR, SECRETARIAT, AND CHIEF ENGAGEMENT OFFICER, RESPECTIVELY.
COMMITTEE CHECK-IN
Every month, student senators attend senate committee meetings to provide a student perspective on one of eight standing committees of senate. Work developed in committee then proceeds to senate for approval.
AGENDA COMMITTEE
Representative: Nick Dodds (At-Large)
The Agenda committee convened to prepare for the monthly Senate meetings. The finance report was notably excluded from the agenda due to incompleteness
ACADEMIC BUILDING COMMITTEE

Representatives: Cody MacKay (AtLarge) & Shira Sneg (Arts & Science)
Committee did not meet in January.
THE CHANGES REFLECT A SYSTEMIC STRENGTHENING OF STANDARDS
ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE

Representatives: Nick Dodds (AtLarge) & Elizabeth Lorie (FCCS)
Did not meet due to lack of business
APPEALS OF STANDING & DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE

Representative: Curtis Tse (At-Large)
No student report received.
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
Representative: Simon Bullock (Mgmt.) & Blake Edwards (At-Large)
The Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies continues to overhaul the curriculum in the faculty to provide students with more options in a more streamlined approach. The process includes greater cross-course flexibility to provide more options for students to pursue. Discussion arose surrounding parchments for faculties and what in particular shall be printed on them. Student Senator Bullock advocated for greater specificity of recognition on parchments for all faculties to recognize the fields of studies students have pursued. Inclusion of
ADMISSIONS & AWARDS COMMITTEE

Representative: Alexa Geddes (AtLarge)
Revisions to existing Graduate Deans Thesis Excellence Fellowship and masters and doctoral requirements. The changes reflect a systemic strengthening of standards for both programs and financial aid.
Students are invited and welcome to attend caucus and senate meetings each and every month. The Student Senate Caucus convenes on the last Tuesday of every month at 6:30PM in the UBCSUO boardroom, UNC 133C. The UBC Okanagan Senate convenes on the last Wednesday of every month at 3:30PM in ASc 130. We hope to see you there!
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED
specializations for faculties, such as management, were included in these discussion.
SENATE
January 29, 2014 Membership
The January Senate meeting was the fifth regular meeting of the Okanagan Senate for the 2013/2014 academic year. In relatively unpublicized move, Dr Gordon Binstead was appointed Dean Pro Tem. Of the Faculty of Education to replace predecessor Dr Lynn Bosetti. DR. GORDON BINSTEAD WAS APPOINTED DEAN PRO TEM. OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION . After an extensive search process, Dr Cynthia Mathieson was officially appoint Provost of UBCs Okanagan campus. Dr Mathieson was previously serving as Provost Pro Tem. What this means for students: Students in the Faculty of Education are under the temporary guidance of Dr Gordon Binstead until a suitable successor can be selected. Dr Mathieson will continue her position at the helm as Provost making for a smooth transition and continuity.
LEARNING & RESEARCH COMMITTEE

Representative: Wesley McLean (A.Sc.) & Alexa Geddes (At-Large)
Talks on the qualifications required for professors to attain emeritus status arose this month. Currently, the criteria for eligibility consists of: combined age at retirement plus years of full-time service to the university of 70 or more AND held Tenure, Tenure-Track, Grant Tenure, or Grant Tenure-Track at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor or Senior Instructor for a minimum of 5 years. The criteria evaluation seeks to add robustness to the requirements for the distinguished title. Emeritus status is considered to be a title of great reverence in professional occupations. Professor evaluations were discussed after poor completion numbers were discovered. Methods to achieve higher completion rates are currently up for discussion. THE CRITERIA EVALUATION SEEKS TO ADD ROBUSTNESS TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISTINGUISHED TITLE
Admissions and Awards Committee

New fellowship up for approval, Graduate Deans Thesis Fellowship. PASSED. What this means for students: Increased financial aid for graduate students of exceptionally quality in their final year of study. Revisions to the admission requirements for Masters and Doctoral Degrees. Revision seeks to clarify how admission GPAs are calculated and guide applicants in admission process to consult individual programs. In addition, modifications to the minimum overall TOEFL requirement from 80 to 90 and specifies the required minimum score on components of exam. PASSED.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Representative: Curtis Tse (At-Large)
No student report received.
What this means for students: Added clarity on the admission process and increased stringency for English requirements in the admission process.
What this means for students: No impact on students. Eight professors are granted Emeritus status.
Curriculum Committee
The committee presented proposals for the addition of new course for the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies; the new concentration in the General Science Degree brought forward by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences; The new course and Physical Education specialty brought forward form the Faculty of Education. PASSED. What this means for students: (FCCS) Expanded Spanish course offerings in the area of linguistics to meet student demand. Provides transition course between the 200level Spanish language courses and upper level courses. (ASc) Added Psychology as a concentration area. Student can now earn a BSc in Psychology like their Vancouver counterparts. (Edu) Creation of new courses in the Faculty of Education for Physical Education specialization. Students from the school of Health and Exercise Sciences can obtain a teaching certificate.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee proposed the appointment of Mr. Simon Bullock to serve on the Senate Admission and Awards Committee. PASSED. What this means for students: Addition of experienced student voice. The Nominating Committee proposed the appointment of Ms. Sarah Loreen Smith to serve on the Senate Agenda Committee. PASSED. What this means for students: Student representation and voice in the construction of meeting agendas. The Nominating Committee proposed the appointment of Dr. Barb Marcolin to serve on the Senate Appeals on Standing and Discipline Committee. PASSED. What this means for students: Vacancy filling for a more comprehensive Appeals committee. The Nominating Committee proposed the appointment of Ms. Shira Sneg to serve as a representative on the UBC Council of. PASSED. What this means for students: Complete student representation on the UBC Council of Senates. Ms. Sneg joins Mr. Bullock on the Council of Senates.
Learning & Research Committee

The Learning and research committee recommends the approval of the proposed professors for Emeritus status.
Original Okanagan Senate meeting minutes and details can be found at http://senate.ubc.ca/okanagan for your viewing
WE WANT TO HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY. FIND US ONLINE WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/UBCOSSC AND GET INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS TODAY. AT
Simon Bullock UBC Okanagan Student Senate Caucus Chairman [email protected]
The University of British Columbia

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Potentia ad Populum

UBC SENATE GAZETTE

Two Thousand Fourteen.

CAUCUS ELECTIONS 2014

ACADEMIC BUILDING COMMITTEE

THE CHANGES REFLECT A SYSTEMIC STRENGTHENING OF STANDARDS

ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE

APPEALS OF STANDING & DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE

ADMISSIONS & AWARDS COMMITTEE

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED

specializations for faculties, such as management, were included in these discussion.

LEARNING & RESEARCH COMMITTEE

Admissions and Awards Committee

Learning & Research Committee

Simon Bullock UBC Okanagan Student Senate Caucus Chairman [email protected]

The University of British Columbia

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