Students increasingly engaged at Concordia

Overall, the 2011 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) results show an increase in how students describe their experience at Concordia, according to Brad Tucker, director of the Institutional Planning Office.

In his January 20 presentation to Senate, Tucker provided an overview of NSSE, its goals and most recent results.

Concordia students reported experiences similar to respondents at other comprehensive Canadian universities and, in many cases, the results were on par with comparable institutions in the United States.Responses generally showed increased levels of engagement in 2011 when compared to surveys conducted in 2006 and 2008. 

“The questions are designed to link effective educational practices with learning, personal development and other desired outcomes,” said Tucker, adding that the 71 questions are tested and reviewed carefully.

NSSE addresses both academic and extra-curricular opportunities. Tucker presented the results under the survey’s five benchmark categories:

• academic challenge
• active and collaborative learning
• student-faculty interaction
• enriching student experience
• supportive campus environment.

Currently, more than 700 universities and colleges participate in the survey, which gathers data on first- and final-year undergraduate students across North America.

President Lowy’s remarks
Frederick Lowy stressed that teaching, learning and research have continued to thrive at Concordia since he assumed the role of President and Vice-Chancellor, notwithstanding the perception of governance difficulties at the university.

In particular, he pointed to the inauguration of four research/creation projects, funded by the Knowledge Infrastructure Program: the PERFORM Centre, the Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics, the Solar Simulator – Environmental Chamber, and the renewal of performing arts spaces on the Sir George Williams Campus.

In June 2011, the External Governance Review Committee (EGRC) submitted a report, which was accepted in its entirety by both Senate and the Board. Most of the by-law changes, recommended in the report, have been adopted.

“It is fair to say the changes have been positive,” says Lowy, noting improved communication between the Senate and the Board has become a priority, including twice-annual meetings between the Senate Steering Committee and the Board’s Executive Committee.

Broadcast and recording of Senate meetings
Recent questions raised by Senators on broadcasting and/or recording Senate meetings, as a result of the presence of cameras at its November 4 meeting, were discussed and referred to Senate Steering Committee for recommendation. Lowy noted that these issues were recently addressed by the Board.

Recognition of research units
Senate recognized the Hexagram-Concordia Centre for Research/Creation in Media Art and Technology, the Centre for NanoScience Research and the Centre for Zero-Energy Building Studies as research units in accordance with the university’s recently updated Policy on Research Units. Existing research units have been invited to submit dossiers for recognition under the revised policy and procedures, adopted in April 2010.

C- rule in the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science
Senate approved a recommendation from the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science that students must earn a C- or higher in all 200-level courses, which  are prerequisites for other courses. This decision had been deferred at an earlier meeting pending additional information, which was provided at the January 20 meeting. Students will be informed of this rule upon admission to the Faculty.

The next meeting of Senate is February 17, 2012.

Related links:

•  National Survey of Student Engagement results
•  “Senate Reviews Governance Recommendations” — NOW, December 14, 2011
•  “Board Renewal Underway” — NOW, November 21, 2011
•  “First Phase of Governance Changes Adopted” — NOW, September 28, 2011
•  Policy on research units
•  Documents for the January 20 meeting of Senate
•  Senate