Council Minutes
Minutes of University CouncilJanuary 27, 2005
241 Arts Building
Attendance: See Appendix A.
1. Opening Remarks
The Chair expressed, on behalf of Council, condolences on the passing of Professor Lorne Caswell Paul, Department of Extension, 1944 – 1972, Professor Donald M. Gray, Professor Emeritus, Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering, 1961–1995, and Associate Professor Kenneth Ready who retired from the Department of Pharmacy in 1995. Drs. Suveges and McLean paid tributes and expressed condolences on behalf of the University. The condolence for Professor Gray had to be deferred until the next meeting of Council. Council stood for a moment of silence.
2. Adoption of the Agenda
A member asked that an item be added under other business concerning the Search and Review Procedures for Senior Administrators.
LAARVELD/BECK: That the agenda be adopted as amended.
CARRIED
HARVEY/BECK: That the minutes of the meeting of December 16, 2004 be approved.
Nil
5. Report of the President
In addition to the written report that was circulated, the President presented a copy of his remarks that are attached to the minutes. A member thanked the President for his report and for the assurances that two positions in Languages and Linguistics will be filled once there is a credible renewal plan. Another member from STM said that his college disassociates itself from some unfortunate remarks made by one of their faculty members. STM is in full support of the broad objectives of the University overall.
6. Report of the Provost
In addition to the written report that was circulated, the Provost drew members’ attention to the student information system. He thanked colleges and leaders for their support for this project. The upcoming registration will be done by the new system. This was a major investment in student services and belongs to the whole campus. Training sessions will be offered to everyone involved in using the new system.
The Provost said that the report on integrated planning has been distributed. There are some funding issues for some of the programs but this will be dealt with. In February, the Provost will report further on section C. A member asked if there could be a legend to explain the acronyms from now on. Another member complimented the Provost on the report and asked that it be distributed so that everyone can be up to date on this progress. He asked if this report could have the name as well as the title of the people involved to provide clarity.
A member asked about the appointment of Dr. Juurlink. The Provost explained that this is a mistake in the report and apologized to Council.
7. Report from the USSU
Gavin Gardiner, President of the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union addressed Council. He addressed the remarks made by the President. He said that he was not an organizer for the Students Opposed to Liberal Arts Decline (SOLD) protests but any complaints that were false were not made so deliberately. He said that there are reasons for these complaints but he did not place blame on any one body. He said that Administration has not been open enough in giving out information that can lead to misinformation amongst students. He then outlined some of the activities of the USSU. He said that he hoped that student involvement on Council Committees could be improved. He outlined some of the structural changes in USSU. The President asked Mr. Gardiner about when the Administration did not give out information. He outlined examples when he spoke to USSU Council for over two hours with an offer of more information on request. Mr. Gardiner said that students do not know where to go for information.
The President of the Graduate Students’ Association, Indrani Chakraborty also spoke to Council. She reported on the recent referendum concerning the proposed graduate tuition fee model and supported the efforts of the USSU.
8. Nominations Committee Report
8.1 Appointment to the Academic Support Committee
MACDONALD/WAYGOOD: That Council approve the appointment of Doug Thorpe, Department of English, to the Academic Support Committee of Council, effective immediately until June 30, 2007.
The Chair called for nominations from the floor. There being none, the motion was CARRIED.
8.2 Appointment to the Academic Programs Committee
MACDONALD/WAYGOOD: That Council approve the appointment of Paul Bidwell, Department of English, to the Academic Programs Committee of Council, effective immediately until June 30, 2005.
The Chair called for any nominations from the floor. There being none, the motion was CARRIED.
8.3 Appointment to the Search Committee for the vice-Provost
MACDONALD/WAYGOOD: That Council approve the appointment of Peter Grant, Department of Psychology, to the Search Committee for the Vice-Provost.
The Chair called for any nominations from the floor. There being none, the motion was CARRIED.
8.4 Search Committee for the Associate Vice-President (Research)
This item was distributed at the meeting.
MACDONALD/WAYGOOD: That Council approve the appointment of Marie Battiste, Department of Educational Foundations; Bob Gander, College of Engineering; and Bill Roesler, Department of Biochemistry to the Search Committee for the Associate Vice-President (Research).
The Chair called for nominations from the floor. There being none, the motion was CARRIED
9. Research, Scholarly and Artistic Work Committee
9.1 Distinguished Researcher AWard Terms of Reference
This item was received for information.
10. Academic Programs Committee
This item was received for information.
11. Planning Committee Report
This item was received for information.
12. Other Business
A member raised several points concerning the Search and Review Procedures for Senior Administrators. He agreed to provide a list of questions. This item was added to the agenda for the next meeting of Council.
13.Question Period
Nil
14.Next Meeting
Council adjourned at 4:00 p.m. until Thursday, February 24, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. in 241 Arts Building.
