Senate reviews governance recommendations

Governance recommendations
Senators passed the majority of recommendations, presented at its December 9, 2011, meeting, concerning its composition, operations and responsiblities.

At its October 7 meeting, Senate had mandated its Academic Planning and Priorities Committee, together with the four Senators previously appointed to a joint Board/Senate committee, to consider recommendations about Senate proposed by the External Governance Review Committee (EGRC). Senate had endorsed the EGRC’s report, in principle, at its September meeting.

Among the proposals adopted were twice-yearly meetings between the Senate Steering Committee and the Board’s Executive Committee, improved orientation measures for Senators, and the development of a code of ethics and an annual report for Senate. Recommendations concerning the number of terms a Senator can hold office were tabled and will be brought back for further discussion.

Academic Plan
A motion to establish the Academic Plan Coordinating Committee as a standing committee of Senate was approved. Provost David Graham reassured Senators that funds have been set aside to support the plan’s implementation, despite the delay in the Board’s consideration of the plan until January 2012.

Multi-Faith Chaplaincy
Interfaith facilitator Laura Gallo provided an overview of the chaplaincy’s Student Emergency and Food Fund. The program distributed funds and food vouchers to 500 students this year. During the meeting Graham announced a personal donation of $500 to the fund, and urged other Senators to show their support.

Next meeting
The next meeting of Senate is January 20, 2012.

Related links:
•   “First Phase of Governance Changes Adopted” — NOW, September 28, 2011
•  “Senate approves Academic Plan” — NOW, November 7, 2011
•  Senate
•  Multi-Faith Chaplaincy