MinutesofUniversityCouncil
2:30p.m.,Thursday,February27,2014
Neatby‐TimlinTheatre
Attendance:J.Kalra(Chair).SeeappendixAforlistingofmembersinattendance.
Thechaircalledthemeetingtoorderat2:34p.m.,observingthatquorumhadbeenattained.
1. Adoptionoftheagenda
MICHELMANN/PARKINSON:Toadopttheagendaascirculated.
CARRIED
2. Openingremarks
Thechairwelcomedmembersandvisitors.Giventhelargenumberofattendees,hedescribed
Council’susualproceduresfordebateanddiscussion,andhisusualpracticeofconsultingwiththe
universitysecretaryonanyquestionsraisedforthechair’sconsideration.
ThechaircommentedonaconcernraisedbyaCouncilmemberabouttheCouncilcommittee
responsestotheTransformUStaskforcereports,clarifyingthatthecommittees’responseswere
notdoneonbehalfofCouncilbutratherreflecttheviewsofthecommittees.Inaccordancewithits
termsofreference,theplanningandprioritiescommitteeisresponsibletoseekadvicefromother
Councilcommitteestofacilitateuniversity‐wideacademicplanning;thecommitteeisalso
responsibletoprovideadvicetosenioradministrationandreporttoCouncilonthenatureofsuch
advice.InitsreportbeforeCounciltoday,theplanningandprioritiescommitteewillreportto
Councilonitsadvicetotheprovost’scommitteeonintegratedplanning(PCIP)regardingthe
TransformUSprocessandtaskforcereports.
3. MinutesofthemeetingofJanuary23,2014
Acorrectiontotheminuteswasrequestedonpage6inthethirdlineofthesecondparagraphto
changetheword“infanticide”to“infantilize”.
MAKAROVA/DOBSON:ThattheCouncilminutesofJanuary23,2014beapprovedas
circulatedwiththecorrectionasnoted.
CARRIED
4. Businessfromtheminutes
Therewasnobusinessarisingfromtheminutes.
5. ReportofthePresident
PresidentIleneBusch‐Vishniacreferredmemberstoherwrittenreportascontainedintheprinted
meetingmaterials,andnotedanumberofadditionalitems.Sheacknowledgedtheworkofthe
USSUinbringingafallreadingweekforwardandexpressedherthankstomembersoftheUSSU,
RussellIsinger,registrar,PattiMcDougall,vice‐provostteachingandlearningandothersfortheir
workonthisinitiative.BestwisheswereextendedtotheGraduateStudents’Association(GSA)for
theworkontheconferenceandgalatheGSAwillhostnextweek.
1
Regardingthefederalbudget,thepresidentnotedthatthebudgetspecificallyincluded$1.5Bover
thenextdecadeforaCanadaresearchexcellencefund(formerlyreferredtoas‘ACRE’).Although
thefundannouncedishalfoftherequestsubmitted,thepresidentnoteditisnonethelessavery
positiveresponsefromthefederalgovernment.Shealsonotedthebudgetincludedincreasesto
Tri‐Agencyfundingroughlyequivalenttoinflation,fundingforMitacsandmanyitemslinking
studentstobusinesses.Thepresidentalsonotedthefederalcommitmentof$1.9BtoFirstNations’
controlofFirstNations’education.Thepresidentwasinattendancewhentheannouncementwas
madebythePrimeMinisterandcommentedthatthoseinattendancefeltthathistorywasbeing
madewithanewappreciationoftheimportanceofFirstNationscontrollingtheeducationfortheir
students.RegardingtheprovincialbudgetexpectedtobereleasedMarch19th,thepresidentnoted
thatatightbudgetisanticipatedandfurtherinformationwillbeprovidedwhenknown.
Thepresidentcommentedthattheuniversity’schallengeistodeterminewhen,howandwith
whomtheuniversityshouldpartner.Thefundamentalphilosophyisfortheuniversitytoembrace
partnershipsthatbringadvantagesaccessibletoeachofthepartnersinvolved.Sheinformed
CouncilthatanimportantnewpartnershiphasbeendevelopedbetweenSaskatchewanIndian
InstituteofTechnologies(SIIT)andtheuniversity,whichwillpermitstudentswhohavecompleted
twoyearsatSIITtothenattenduniversityandcompletetheirdegreeattheEdwardsSchoolof
Business.ThepresidentthankedDeanTarasforherworkonthisinitiativeandnotedthatthisis
thebeginningofwhatshehopesisaseriesofpartnershipsdevelopedprovincially,nationallyand
internationally.
Therewerenoquestionsofthepresident.
6. ReportoftheProvost
BrettFairbairn,provostandvice‐presidentacademic,notedhiswrittenreportinthemeeting
materialsandprovidedadditionalcomments,elaboratingontheuniversitybudgetandwhatis
beingdonetoaddresstheprojecteddeficit.Heacknowledgedthatbudgetchangesaredifficult,
confusingandupsettingandarenotundertakenwithoutsoulsearchingandheartache.Suchchange
createsfears,rumorsandspeculationandmakespeoplelookforalternatives.Althoughunableto
dispelsuchfeelings,Dr.Fairbairnnotedhecananswerquestionsandattempttothemakethe
university’sbudgetarysituationmoreunderstandable.
Dr.Fairbairncomparedtheuniversitybudgettoapersonalbudget,whererevenuesareplannedto
equalorexceedexpenses.Therecurrentlyisnodeficitastheuniversityended2012/13witha
smallsurplus.Alargeamountofthispositivevariancewasduetoone‐timemeasures,and
expendituresdeferredtofutureyears.However,adeficitisforecastasuniversityrevenuesarenot
keepingpacewithexpenditures.Ifnochangesaremade,abudgetgapwillexistbefore2016.Asof
2013,theprojectedgapstoodatapproximately$29Mafteraccountingforpermanentchangesand
adjustments.Upcomingretirementswillhelpfurtherin2015andbeyond;butwillnotfullyaddress
theprojecteddeficit.Theprovostadvisedthatalthoughhedoesnotknowinfactwhatthedeficit
willbein2016,basedonreasonableprojections,theuniversitywillfaceadeficitbudgetunless
substantivechangesaremadeinhowthingsaredone.
TheprovostexplainedthekeydriversintheoperatingbudgetanddrewCouncil’sattentiontothe
attachmenttohiswrittenreport.Withintheuniversity’ssourcesofrevenue,thelargestsourceis
fromprovincialfunding.Targetedrevenueisspecificallyoffsetbytargetedexpenditures,asshown
inthereport.Theuniversity’sprovincialbaseoperatinggrantin2012/13includeda2.1%increase;
in2013/14,a2%increasewasreceived.Theprovostadvisedthatincreasesgreaterthan2%are
notanticipatedwithintheforeseeablefuture,duetoincreasedhealthcarecostsandinfrastructure
pressureswithintheprovince.Inotherprovinces,post‐secondaryinstitutionshaveseen
2
provincialbudgetreductionsfromyeartoyear.Iftheuniversitycontinuestoreceive2%increases,
theuniversitywillbealeaderinCanadaandthereforetheriskoftheincreasebeinglessthan2%is
significant.
Theprovostadvisedthatotherrevenueisfromtuitionfees,whichissetbasedontheprinciplesof
comparability,affordabilityandquality;andthereforeisnotahighlyvariableresource.Theother
majorsourceofrevenueisincomefrominvestments,whichisthemostvariablesource.
Lookingattheuniversity’sexpenses,thelargestexpenseisforcompensationandbenefits.
Compensationisbasedoncomparisons.Whenwelookatotheruniversities,weseethat
compensationcostsrisefromyeartoyearbasedonnominalsettlements,andinadditionthereare
changestoincrements,merit,benefitsandothervariables.Atotheruniversitiestheseadditional
factors,beyondnominalratesofsettlements,amounttoadditional1.5to2%increasesyearover
year.Thismeansanominalincreaseof2%resultsintotalcompensationcostsincreasing
approximately4%.Thereisconfidenceintheseprojectednumbers,basedoninformationsharedby
peerinstitutions.
Regardingpensiongoingconcernpayments,theprovostadvisedthatthepensionpaymentsare
requiredbythesuperintendentofpensionsinordertofundourpensionplansandlongterm
disabilityplans.Currently,pensionpaymentsamountto$7.2Mannuallybutthisdoesnotinclude
thepensionpaymentsincontributions.Alloftheseamountsarebeingupdatedgiventhe2013
year‐endamounts.Theincreasesinthebudgetarebasedonprudentestimatesratherthanworst
caseestimates,sothereissomeriskintheseassumptions.Therearealsoexpenseincreasesfrom
utilities,libraryincreases,newbuildingcostsandothersimilarexpenditures.
Dr.Fairbairnadvisedthattheuniversityneedstobegindedicatingfundstorenewitsbuildingsand
addressdeferredmaintenanceandinfrastructurerenewal.Althoughdeferralsinthisareahave
assistedonamonthtomonthbasis,therearenolong‐termsavingsachievedbythisstrategy.
Theprovostthenspokeoftheacademicprioritiesfund(APF)advisingthatoneofthemost
importantallocationsfromtheAPFistoincreasescholarshipstograduatestudents.Healsoadvised
thattuitionrevenuesharinghasbeendevolvedtocollegesthathaveusedthisamountforstudent
scholarshipsamongotherpurposes.
Theprovostexplainedthathiscommentsarticulatetheexpectedrevenuesthattheuniversitycan
spendasdirectedbyitspriorities.Therearealsospecialpurposerevenuesoutsidetheoperating
budgetthatfundspecificinitiatives,suchastheGlobalInstituteforFoodSecurityandtheCanadian
LightSource.Thesespecialpurposerevenuesallowtheuniversitytohiremorefaculty,support
morestudentsandbuildauniversitythatiselevated;butthesespecialfundscannotberedirected
totheoperatingbudget.
Theprovostadvisedthathisdescriptionoutlinesabudgetframework,whichisutilizedby
assigningdifferingplausiblevaluestocomponentstoseehowthebudgetpicturechanges.Healso
advisedthattheuniversity’smulti‐yearbudgetframeworkwillbeupdatedinthenextfewmonths
andwillbemadeavailabletotheuniversitycommunity.
Theprovostnotedthatheandthevice‐president,financeandresources,havepresentedfinancial
informationattownhalls,withinfinancialreportsandontheuniversitywebsite;andalsosolicited
suggestionsfromdeansandleaders.Counciliswhereleadersintheacademiccommunitycome
togethertodebateandunderstandtheuniversity’sfinancialsituation.
3
Therewereanumberofquestionsoftheprovost.ACouncilmemberaskedwhethergiventhatthe
deficitprojectionsseemtobeleadingdownaroadofreductioninsalariesandimplyfacultyjob
loss,whetheronewouldn’tfirstexploreallotherpossiblereductionsinthebudget.Specifically,he
askedtheprovosttoexplainwhathasbeendonetoidentifyotheroptions.Theprovostadvisedthat
suggestionshavebeensolicitedfromthecampuscommunityandideasforrevenueincreasesand
expenditurereductionshavebeenincorporatedintotheoperatingbudgetadjustment(OBA)
process.Therearesteeringgroupsthathavereceivedsuggestionsandcontinuetodoso.All
suggestionsareonthetableandhavebeenlookedatfromtheperspectiveofhowmuchbenefitthe
ideawillbringtouniversityandhowpracticaltheideaistoimplement.Seveninitiativeshavebeen
identified;ofwhichTransformUSisoneinitiative.Theothersincludereviewing:compensation;
universityspend;procurementpractices;sharedservices;organizationaldesignandrevenue
generation.Theprovostadvisedthatadministrationwillcontinuetoacceptnewsuggestionsfrom
theuniversitycommunity.
TherewasaquestionregardingtheTransformUSprocessanditsvalidityfromanon‐Council
memberandwhethertherewasanyinformationrelatedtoinappropriatemethodologyordatathat
wouldhavedissuadedtheprovostfromfollowingtheTransformUSprocess.Theprovostadvised
thatbudgetprocessesarenotstatisticalinnaturebutinvolvecombiningtheweightingofdifferent
criteriausingthought,judgmentanddeliberation.Inassessingtheworkdone,theProvost
indicatedhewouldlookatwhetheritwasthoughtful,deliberative,wellpresentedandhad
informationthatsupportedtheconclusions.
AquestionwasaskedregardingtheAPFandwhatitwasusedforotherthantofundgraduate
students.Theprovostadvisedthatthefundconsistsof$3.5Mperyearforthethirdplanningcycle
andfundswillbesetasideforthefundinthefourthplanningcycle.Thefundrepresentslessthan
1%oftheuniversity’sbudget.Thisfundisusedtosupporteverythingthatisfundedcentrallyoutof
thecollegeanduniversity’sintegratedplans.Someoftheitemsthathavebeenfundedthroughthe
APFinclude:anincreaseingraduatescholarshipfunding;fundingforthethreeschools;creationof
learningcommunitiesforstudents;andsomefacultypositions.Theprovostadvisedthathewould
undertaketosendalinktothereportontheAPF.
AstudentmemberofCouncilnotedthattheprovostsaidhewantedtoseestudentsatalllevelsof
theTransformUSprocessandgiventhatstudentswereonthetaskforcesandhaveanoversight
roleonCouncil,askedwhynostudentsareonPCIPandthePCIPadvisorycommitteegivenits
advancedroleintheTransformUSprocess.TheprovostadvisedthatPCIPisdefinedasthe
administration’sseniorcommitteeforplanningandconsistsofthefourvice‐presidentsenhanced
byonedeanandthevice‐provosts.Thesearepeoplewhohavebudgetaryauthorityatthe
universityandexercisethisauthorityunderthepresident.PCIPisnotarepresentativebodybuta
managementcommittee.OccasionallysomedecisionsaredelegatedtoPCIP,butmostlyitreviews
mattersandrecommendstootherbodies.However,theprovostadvisedthathewouldbe
interestedtohavestudentsmoreinvolvedinTransformUSandisaskingformorestudentfeedback.
Thestudentaskedforassurancethatanydecisionsthatwouldaffectstudentsandprogramcuts
wouldbedeferredandnotmadebyPCIP.Theprovostadvisedthatthesubstantialdecisionsgoto
theBoardofGovernorsbutthathewouldhavetothinkaboutanyofthesmallerdecisionsPCIP
mightmakebeforebeingabletoprovidethatassurance.
ACouncilmemberspoketoincludingconsultationwithdepartmentheads,asthisintentwas
signaledinfollow‐uptotheprovost’sacademicaddressearlierintheweek.Henotedthatthereis
animpressionthattheuniversityadministrationneglectedconsultationatthedepartmentlevel.
Theprovostadvisedthatthedepartmentheadleadershipforumisanimportantforumtodiscuss
issuessuchastheleadershipoftheuniversity.FromPCIP’spointofview,theplanningunitsarethe
collegesundertheleadershipofthedeans;heencourageddepartmentheadstotalktotheirdeans.
4
ACouncilmembernotedthatintheprovost’sapproachtothedeficit,moremoneyisbeingasked
forthanwhathethoughtwasnecessary,inordertodedicatefundingtoareasofpriorityand
strength.Heaskedwhethertheprovostwassayingthathewaswillingtoseecurrentfaculty
membersletgoatthesametimeasplansaremadetohirenewfaculty.Theprovostadvisedthat
therewillbemanychangesandbothfacultyandnon‐facultymemberswillbeaffected.However,
creatingtheopportunityforsomereinvestmentisstrategictoselectivelybuildsomeareasandwas
supportedindiscussionwithCouncilmembers.
Anon‐CouncilmemberaskedwhethersimilarTransformUSprocessesareexpectedinfutureyears
orwhethertheTransformUSprocesswillbeaone‐timeevent.Theprovostadvisedthat
prioritizationinformsthebudgetingprocessandthatbeingmindfulofhowourallocationof
resourcesreflectsourprioritiesneedstobeapartoftheuniversityplanningprocess.Theprovost
recalledthetaskforcegroupswereclearintheirsupportofprogramprioritizationasaperiodic
event,althoughtheynotedopportunitiestomodifytheprocess.
ACouncilmembernotedthathewasgladwiththeannouncementofthetemperaturechangesin
Maybutaskedwhetheritwillaffectthequalityofresearchthatissensitivetoroomtemperatures
andquestionedwhetherinthisinstance,thefocuswastoomuchonbalancingthebudget.The
provostadvisedthathewouldfollow‐uponthisquestionandagreedthattemperaturechanges
cannotbemadearbitrarilyinresearchfacilitiesthataresensitivetoroomtemperaturesandthathe
ismindfulofnotmakingbudgetchoicesonisolatedfacts.HenotedthisisonereasonwhyPCIPis
workingoncoordinatingdecisions.
Anon‐CouncilmembernotedtheAPFprojectallocationisapproximately$70M,whichmustbe
includedinthebudgetprojectionstojustifytheTransformUSprocessandaskedtheprovostto
elaborateontheuseofthefund.TheprovostadvisedthattheAPFisnot$70Mandisguidedbythe
university’splanningprioritiesandthenatureofthatplanningprocessistransparent.Theplanis
onethathasbeenagreedtoasauniversitythroughourgoverningbodiesandrepresentsthe
prioritiesoftheuniversityasawhole.Theotherfundsreferencedbythequestionerincluded
targetedfundingforsalariesandservicesintheCollegesofMedicineandNursingandfundsforthe
renewalofexistinguniversitybuildingssuchastheArtsTower,MurrayBuilding,Biology,and
Physics.
7. StudentSocieties
7.1 ReportfromtheUSSU
JordanSherbino,vice‐presidentacademicaffairsoftheUniversityofSaskatchewanStudents’
Union(USSU),presentedthereporttoCouncil.Hefocusedontwoconcerns.Thefirstisa
proposalforatuitionwaiverandfinancialsupportforthoseinfostercareintheprovinceto
allowthemtoattendtheuniversity.HenotedthatahandoutwasavailabletoCouncil
membersentitled“TuitionWaiver–ProposalforAction”.Mr.SherbinoadvisedthattheUSSU
hashadsomepositiveresponsesfromthegovernmentandtheuniversityadministrationand
islookingtofurtherthisinitiative.Heaskedtheuniversitytodevelopapolicytowaivetuition
andfeesforthesestudentsandthegovernmenttoreconsideritscurrentpracticeandpolicy.
Hestatedhisbeliefthatthesetwobodiescouldbegintoworktogetheronthispressingissue
toestablishthisprograminthelong‐term.Henotedthattheuniversityisautonomousand
candetermineitsownbudgetandacademicprograms,butisnotseparatefromtheprovince
andthatallowingstudentsinfostercaretoattendissomethingtheuniversityshouldsupport.
5
Secondly,Mr.SherbinonotedtheCouncilmotionregardingTransformUstobeconsideredasa
lateritem.HeadvisedthatinJanuary,theUniversityStudent’sCouncilunanimouslypasseda
motionofnon‐confidenceinTransformUSbasedontheCouncil’sbeliefthatstudentswerenot
includedtotheextentdeemedappropriate.HeclaimedthatastheUSSUCouncildoesnothave
representationonPCIPitthereforedoesnothaveinfluenceonfinancialdecisions.Mr.
SherbinoaskedthatCouncilmemberskeepinmind,whenthemotionisdebated,howthe
universitycanbestservestudents.
7.2 ReportfromtheGSA
EhimaiOhiozebau,presidentoftheGraduateStudents’Association(GSA),presentedtheGSA
reporttoCouncilfocusingontwoissues:TransformUSandanupdateonGSAevents.
RegardingTransformUS,Mr.Ohiozebauadvisedthatheneededtoensurethatgraduate
students’interestsareknown.Thetaskforcegroupsincludedgraduatestudentinvolvement.
Knowingthatstudentsarestakeholdersintheprocess,Mr.Ohiozebauadvisedthattherehas
beennothingtodemonstratetograduatestudentsthattheTransformUSprocesshasnotbeen
transparent.Whileherecognizesthattherehasnotbeenaconsensusonthispoint,hestated
hisbeliefthatcallingtheprocessnottransparentisnottrue.Heexpressedthefiveprinciples,
whichhaveledtheGSAtoitsposition:
1.TheGSAhasexpressedreservationwiththeuniversityincreasingpersonnelcostsas
greaterthan$300Mperyeargoestopersonnelcostswithverylittleinvestmentin
graduatestudentawardsandscholarships.TheGSAhasaskedforareductionin
personnelcoststoallowforenhancedgraduatestudentawardsandthetaskforcereports
encouragereductioninadministrativepersonnelcosts.
2.Acrosstheboardcutswouldsignificantlyaffectthescholarshipsandstipendsthat
graduatestudentsenjoy.
3.Theuniversityadministrationhasadvisedthatthecurrentfinancialstateofthe
institutionwillnottranslatetotuitionincreases,andthetaskforcereportsdidnot
encouragetuitionfeeincreases.
4.Thetaskforcereportsgreatlyfocusedongraduatestudentandresearchfunding.
5.Twograduatestudentswereonthetaskforcegroupsandworkedforsevenmonthson
these.Forgraduatestudentstimeisprecious,yettheysacrificedtheirtimeanditshould
becommendedbyrespectfulconsiderationofthetaskforcereports.
Mr.Ohiozebaualsonotedthatitisimperativetoaddthattherearesomeconcerns,whichis
evidentforexampleinthattheGSACouncilistodayconsideringamotiontorecommend
includingGSAstudentsindevelopingtheimplementationplan.HealsonotedthattheGSAis
consideringamotiontorequesttohavethestudentontheBoardofGovernorsalternateso
thatitisaGSAstudenteveryotheryear.
Secondly,Mr.OhiozebaunotedtheGraduateStudentConferencethatwillbeheldnextweek
andadvisedthatDr.AlaaAbd‐El‐Azizwillbethekeynotespeakerforthegalaevent.Dr.Abd‐
El‐AziziscurrentlythepresidentoftheUniversityofPrinceEdwardIslandandobtainedhis
Ph.D.inChemistryfromtheUniversityofSaskatchewan.Inclosing,Mr.Ohiozebaunotedthat
membersoftheGSAarecurrentlyvotingonwhethertheywouldliketocontinuetohavethe
UPass.
6
8. PlanningandPrioritiesCommittee
Dr.FranWalley,chairofthecommittee,presentedthisitemtoCouncil.
8.1 Itemforinformation:TransformUSProgramPrioritizationProcessandtheTaskForce
Reports
Dr.WalleynotedthatthereportpresentedtoCouncilbytheplanningandprioritiescommittee
wasnotreleasedtoPCIP;ratherthelettersappendedtothereportfromeachoftheCouncil
committeesweresubmittedtoPCIPpriortobeingprovidedtoCouncil.Dr.Walleynotedthat
inJanuary2013,Councilapprovedinprincipletheundertakingofaprioritizationprocess.Dr.
Walleyquotedfromtheminutesofthemeetingnotingthat,“Apriorityrankingofallofits
programs…willenabletheUniversitytoallocateitsoperatingresources…onthebasisof
priorityandwillfacilitatetheoperatingbudgetadjustmentsrequired…withoutinvoking
across‐the‐boardreductions.”Atthattime,modelingtheprogramprioritizationmechanism
onthatdescribedbyDickesonhadalreadybeenreportedbythepresident.Councilwas
specificallyrequestedtorecognizeCouncil’sstatutoryauthorityunderTheUniversityof
SaskatchewanAct,1995,andtosignalthatCouncil’sagreementwasessentialtothesuccessof
theprioritization.Dr.Walleyalsonotedthatatthattimeitwasmadeclearthatallresulting
academicdecisionswouldcometoCouncilfordecision.
Regardingtheplanningandprioritiescommittee’sreportonthetaskforcereports,Dr.Walley
advisedthattheplanningandprioritiescommitteerequestedtheotherCouncilcommitteesto
providetheirperspectiveonthereportsandtheTransformUSprocessfromeach“committee’s
lens”.CouncilcommitteesarecomprisedofCouncilmembers,GAAmembers,studentsand
somenon‐votingresourceofficers.Thelettersarenotintendedtorepresenttheviewsof
Councilbutrathertheviewsofeachindividualcommittee.Dr.Walleynotedtheactionstaken
toreviewthecommittee,andadvisedthatinitiallytheplanningandprioritiescommitteehad
attemptedtosummarizetheresponsesofthevariouscommitteesandthendecidedtoletthe
committeesrepresenttheirownviews.
Dr.Walleyadvisedthatthereportoftheplanningandprioritiescommitteeisbasedonthe
committee’sowndiscussionbasedonwhatwasreviewed.Ultimately,astrongmajorityofthe
committeeconcludedthatprogramprioritizationshouldinformtheallocationofresourcesto
programs,whichisinkeepingwiththeJanuary2013decisionofCouncil.Thecommittee
acknowledgedthattheexistingprogramprioritizationprocessisnotwithoutlimitations.The
reporthighlightssomeoftheselimitationsincludingthoseassociatedwithdatacollection,the
levelofgranularity(particularlyofthesupportservicesreportthatmayhavedirected
attentionatindividualsratherthanunits),thelackofclarityregardingtheassessmentof
structureversusfunctionofunits,andfinallythetimeframeinwhichtheprocessoccurred
whichwasviewedbysomeasputtingconstraintsonprovidingmeaningfulfeedbacktothe
reports.Thereportalsoacknowledgesthestressuponfaculty,staffandstudentsthatthe
TransformUSprocesshasgenerated,andcontinuestogenerate.Nonetheless,themajority
viewofthecommitteeholdsthattheTransformUSreportscanbeviewedasonecomponentof
adecision‐makingprocess,whichshouldbesupportedbyfurtherinputandassessment–
particularlyofthecomplexinter‐relationshipsofprogramsandsupportservices–beforeany
decisionsaremade.
Dr.Walleyconcludedthatreviewingouracademicprogramsandsupportservicesyields
valuableinsightandinformationaboutthemanypartsthatconstitutethewhole.Assuch,the
processofprogramprioritizationprovidesauniquepoint‐in‐timecampus‐wideassessment,
7
whichgivesusaplacefromwhichtodebatethemeritsofcontinuingordiscontinuingour
presentarrayofprogramsandservicesthatsupportouracademicendeavors.
Therewerenoquestionsorcomments.
9. MotionfromCouncilmemberLenFindlay
ThechaircommentedontherarityofmotionsbroughttoCouncilbyanindividual.Thechairnoted
theprocesstobefollowedforthedebateonthemotion.Headvisedthat20to30minuteswillbe
givenforthedebateandthathewouldthencomebackandaskCouncilifitwasreadyforthe
question.PreferencewillbegiventoCouncilmembers,andalsotoCouncilmemberswhohavenot
spokenandthateachspeakerwillbelimitedtotwominutes.Thechairadvisedthatthemoverwill
introducethemotionandbegivenanopportunitytospeakattheendofthedebate.
Thefollowingmotionwasmovedandseconded:
FINDLAY/BROOKE:TheUniversityCouncilexpressesnon‐confidenceintheTransformUS
processasameansofmakingacademicdecisions,andCouncilwillthereforecontinueto
relyonexistingcollegialstructuresandprocessesinmakingsuchdecisions.
Dr.FindlayprovidedremarkstoCouncil.Henotedthatbeingauniversitywedisagreeastowhat
thebestisfortheuniversityandhowtogetthere.HeadvisedthathewasvotedtoCouncilonan
anti‐Dickesonplatformandthereforeowesittothosewhovotedforhimtospeak.Dr.Findlaynoted
thathisdepartmentdidwellintheTransformUSprocess,andthereforeself‐interestdidnotplaya
partinhissubmission.Rather,hewasmakinganappealforcollegialactionthatpromotes
excellenceasdiversityandenlightenment,notinstitutionalalignmentandfinancialexpediency.
Notingthateverybodymakesmistakes,Dr.Findlayadvisedthatsmartpeoplelearnfromtheir
mistakesandthatCouncilshouldlearnfromitsmistakes.HebelievesthatCouncil’stwomistakes
weretoconsent“inprinciple”toanunspecifiedprioritizationprocessthatrapidlybecamethe
Dickesononebasedonanti‐facultyanimusfromaself‐promotingindividual.Thesecondof
Council’smistakeswasshowingtoolittlecuriosityoftheoriginsandextentofthebudgetarydeficit.
Dr.FindlayadvisedthatCouncilnowhastheopportunitytoseeTransformUSforwhatitis,a
deeplyflawedexercisepursuedbyhard‐workingandinsightfulfacultytothebestoftheirability
andamajorwasteoftimeandresources.Councilalsohastheopportunitytoseethatusefulthings
emergingfromTransformUScanbesavedfordueacademicprocess,lesttheyremaintaintedand
henceresistedasproductsofaprocessnoothermemberoftheU‐15wouldadopt.Dr.Findlay
advisedthatCouncil’sobligationsaretoreclaimitsreputationforindependence;toreflectonthe
dividedresponsetotheUSSUpresidentatthelastmeetingofthisbodybetweensilent
administratorsandapplaudingfacultyandstudents;andtoresisttheunrelentingIntegrated
Planningonslaughtofthepast11years,whichhasincreasedtheburdensofsurveillanceand
reportingthatimpedesserious,independentandintellectualwork.
Inconclusion,Dr.Findlayadvisedthatwecannot“auditthefuture”butwecanshapeitonthebasis
ofacademicexcellenceandthepublicinterestratherthancontrivedexigency,selective
transparency,andcoverforculprits.Inordertobeginthatshaping,Dr.Findlayadvisedthata
motionofnon‐confidenceinTransformUSisnecessary,lestfacultyandstudentmoralesinkeven
lowerwhilePCIPcutsneedlesslyoropportunistically.
Thechairinviteddebate.ACouncilmemberintroducedamotiontodividethecompoundmotion
becauseinhisviewthesecondpartofthemotiondidnotfollowthefirstpartasTransformUSwas
8
neversomethingthatwouldsupersedeCouncilprocessessoasworded,themotionpresenteda
falsedichotomy.
RIGBY/DOBSON:ThatthemotionmovedbyDr.Findlaybedividedintothefollowingtwo
parts:
(i)TheUniversityCouncilexpressesnon‐confidenceintheTransformUSprocessas
ameansofmakingacademicdecisions.
(ii)Councilwillcontinuetorelyonexistingcollegialstructuresandprocessesin
makingacademicdecisions.
Thechaircalledabriefrecessandconferredwiththeuniversitysecretary.Theuniversitysecretary
informedCouncilthatthemotionwasneitherdebatablenoramendableandthatthechairistorule
onwhetherthetwopartscanstandontheirown.Thechair’srulingisthatthesecondpartcannot
standonitsownasavalidmotionbecauseitismoot.UniversityCouncilisrequiredunderThe
UniversityofSaskatchewanAct,1995,torelyonexistingcollegialstructuresandprocessesin
makingacademicdecisionssothereisnoreasontohavethismotion.Asthefirstclausecanstand
onitsownbutthesecondclausecannotstandonitsown,themotioncannotbesplitintotwo
independentclauses.
Inresponse,aCouncilmemberaskedwhetherthelastclausecouldbedeleted.Theuniversity
secretaryconfirmedthatitcouldbutthiswouldbeanamendmenttothemotionandwouldhaveto
beapprovedbyCouncil.Thefollowingmotionforamendmentwasthenmadeandseconded:
MAKAROVA/OVSENEK:Thatthemotionbeamendedtoreadasfollows:TheUniversity
Councilexpressesnon‐confidenceintheTransformUSprocessasameansofmaking
academicdecisions.
Thechairinvitedthemovertospeaktotheamendment.Themovernotedthatthesecondpartof
theoriginalmotionwasredundantsotheamendedmotionwouldexpresstheintentofthemotion
adequately.
Dr.Findlay,asthemoveroftheoriginalmotion,wasgivenanopportunitytorespond.Dr.Findlay
notedthathewascomplyingwiththeinstructionsforconstructingamotiontoCouncilthatthere
shouldbeanactionidentifiedthatwouldensuefromthemotion,sohehadaddedthesecondpart
toshowwhatwouldhappenifthemotionofnon‐confidencewascarried.Henotedthatthesecond
partsupportedthesentimentthatiftheuniversitydoesnotgowithTransformUS,lifewillgoon
andperhapsinabettermannerthantoday.
ACouncilmemberaskedforclarificationregardingtheproceduralmotiontoamendthe
substantivemotion.TheuniversitysecretaryclarifiedthatCouncilisnotbeingaskedtovoteonthe
amendedmotion,buttovoteonwhetherCouncilagreesthatthemotionshouldbeamended.The
questionwasthencalledontheamendmentandCARRIED.
Thechairthenopeneddebateontheamendedmotion.AnumberofCouncilandnon‐Council
membersspokeinfavorofthemotionandanumberofCouncilmembersspokeagainstthemotion.
Councilmembersspeakinginfavourofthemotionprovidedthefollowingcomments:that
administrationhasbeenstatingalarmistfactstosupportfollowingtheTransformUSprocessand
theDickesonmodel;encouragedCounciltotakebacktheauthorityforacademicdecisions;thatthe
preliminaryresultsoftherankingswerebasedoncrudeandflaweddataandthereforeprovided
manyreasonstodistrustthisprocess;thecostoftheTransformUSprocessistheimpacton
programs,disciplineandlossoffacultypositionsandtherewasnoguaranteethatanyofthese
positionswouldbereplacedbytenure‐trackfaculty;oneoftheresponsibilitiesoftheuniversity
9
wastoconsiderincludingtheknowledgethatthefuturegenerationwillneedandthisprocessdoes
notdothat;andthecollectiveknowledgeoncampusrequiresCounciltostandagainstthisprocess.
Anon‐Councilmembernotedtheopenletterthathadbeensenttothepresidentoriginallywith100
signatures,andclaimedthatitnowhad350signatures.Henotedthatitexpressedconcernwith
TransformUSandthereasonswhy,includingits:non‐academicnature,non‐peerreview,damageof
morale,andapredictedcauseofdecreasedenrolment.Hebelievedtheletterwasbrushedoffby
administrationandacondescendinganswerprovidedbytheprovostlargelystatingthattheletter
wasbasedonmisconceptions.Althoughthetemplatesaskedhowtheprogramsalignedwiththe
universitypriorities,noonereallyknewwhattoaligntoandthisillustratedthatprioritieswereset
bythetaskforcegroups.
ACouncilmemberspokeagainstthemotionadvisingthatwhenshewasattheUniversityofCalgary
shewasinformedofarollbackof5%duetoacross‐the‐boardbudgetreductionsevenbeforeshe
beganworkandthereafter20%cutsoveranumberofyearswithothercolleaguesinAlberta
experiencingsimilarreductions.Shestatedshewouldratherhaveprogramprioritizationthana
boombustcycle.Sheexpressedthatallindividualsweregiventheopportunitytopresenttheir
programsinthebestwaytheycould.Shenotedthatchangeishardandthereisnoperfectprocess
butthatshewouldfarratherlivethroughthischangeprocessthanwhatsheenduredinAlberta.
AnotherCouncilmemberspokeagainstthemotionnotingthatinhisexperiencethisprocesshas
beenoneofthemostopen,transparentandground‐upprocessesthathehasseeninthepast25
years.HeurgedCounciltoengage,participate,embraceandnotoverlooktheopportunityto
participateinthisprocess.
AgraduatestudentCouncilmemberspokeagainstthemotionforthereasonthatifthemotionwas
passeditcouldstalltheeffortstoreducethebudgetthroughtheTransformUSprocessandthatmay
causeadministrationtowanttoincreasetuition.Instead,hecalledforCounciltocriticallyreview
theimplementationplanwhenitcomes.TheCouncilmemberaskedwhetherhecouldgive
someonehisproxyforthisvoteandthechairadvisedthathehasrulednoproxieswillbeallowed.
Anon‐Councilmemberspokeinfavourofthemotionlargelybasedonreviewingthepaperposted
onVOXbyDr.EricHowewhoseviewwasthatalthoughtheprocesswasfine,thetemplatewas
fundamentallyflawedasthepurposeofthetemplatewastoelicitinformationtotarget20%ofthe
workforce.Theindividualencouragedadministrationtoslowdown,astherewasnoacademic
problemintermsofcuttingpositions.Heconcludedbysayingthattheprocesshastobelookedat
inasophisticatedmannerandnotonethatissuperficial.
ACouncilmemberadvisedthatsheopposedthemotionashardworkhasbeendonebyalotof
peopleandalthoughitisnotaperfectprocessshealsohadanexperienceofworkinginan
organizationwhereone‐thirdoftheworkforcedisappearedwithnoinputfromthefrontline.The
Councilmemberencouragedothermemberstoviewthediscussionaspartofadialogue,to
acknowledgetheworkdonetoday,andtomovethediscussionforward.
Anon‐Councilmemberthenspokeinfavorofthemotion.Hequoteds.4(1)ofTheUniversityof
SaskatchewanAct,1995,“Theprimaryroleoftheuniversityistoprovidepost‐secondary
instructionandresearchinthehumanities,sciences,socialsciencesandotherareasofhuman
intellectual,cultural,socialandphysicaldevelopment.”HecautionedthatifTransformUSgoes
throughmanyoftheprogramsacrosstheuniversitywillbelost,whichneedstobemadeclearas
whatislikelytohappenunlessthismotionissupported.HenotedthatifitwasonlytheUniversity
Councilthatwasvotingontheprogramdecisionsandtheusualdemocraticprocesswasfollowed,
hewouldnotbeasconcerned;however,theproblemisthattherecommendationswillgotoPCIP.
10
HeconcludedbyindicatingthatalthoughhehassearchedthroughtheActhehasnotfoundany
referencetoPCIP,andthereforeacademicdecisionsgoingtoPCIPareultravires(beyondthelaw).
ACouncilmemberandchairoftheacademicprogramscommitteespokeagainstthemotionforthe
reasonthatCouncilcontrolstheprocessforprogramterminationandeverythinghastocometo
Councilforapproval.Accordingtotheprogramterminationprocess,requeststodiscontinue
programscanbebroughtforwardbythepresidentortheprovost,andvotingforthemotionwill
notpreventthisfromhappening.DespiteanyflawsintheTransformUSprocess,itisonlyonestep
inamuchbroaderprocess.
ACouncilmemberspokeagainstthemotionadvisingthatthealternativestotheTransformUS
processarenotadvantageous,basedonhisownexperienceinColoradowhenthereductioninstate
fundingresultedinamoderatelypricedprogramtransformingintoaprogramwithanoperating
budgetsupportedalmostentirelybystudent‐derivedrevenue.
TheprovostspokeaboutPCIPanditsworkinthecomingmonths.TheauthorityforPCIPderives
fromthepresident’sauthorityandthatoftheBoardasprovidedunderTheUniversityof
SaskatchewanAct,1995.PCIP’sroleinthisprocessistoidentifyhowtoreducetheoperating
budgetby5%.Becauseofthemagnitudethatadministrativeservicesandacademicprogramswill
beaffected,aplanisrequired,whichPCIPistaskedtodevelop.Theplanwillpresent
recommendationsdirectedtothedecision‐makersoftheuniversityincludingitsgoverningbodies,
wheretherecommendationswillbedebatedandconsideredontheirmerits.Theprovostadvised
thathewouldliketoworkwithCouncilindevelopingthoseproposalsandthatCouncil’s
perspectivemattersverymuchtohim.ThequestionfacingCounciltodayiswhetherPCIPshould
takeintoaccountthetaskforcereportsordisregardthereportsanduseanotherbasis.Theprovost
advisedthathefindsthereportstobewellwrittenandthoughtfulrecommendationsbasedonthe
bestcasesputforward,andthatthereforeitmakessensetopayattentiontotheworkofthetask
forces.
ACouncilmembersupportingthemotionadvisedthatCouncilwillberequiredtoconsider
recommendationsfromPCIPinthenameofafinancialcrisisclaimedbythesenioradministration
thatisoffbase.Argumentsfromsenioradministrationhavebeenthattheonlywayforwardisto
cutprogramsandthereforecosts.Howevertheanalysisofcostsofprogramsintheacademic
reportrevealsthatdiscontinuingthe95programsinquintilefiveonlyaccountsfor3%offinancial
resources,andthereforetheonlywaytocutcostsinasubstantialwayistocutfacultysalariesand
thatcanbeaccomplishedonlybylayingofffacultyornotreplacingfacultyuponretirement,which
isaphenomenoncurrentlyoccurringwiththeincentivizedretirementschemethatisnotin
accordancewithuniversityprocesses.Hecalledforthetrackrecordatotherinstitutionsusingthe
Dickesonprocesstobereviewed,suchastheUniversityofGuelph,whereheclaimedthatthe
processwasnotfollowedthrough.Giventhegravityofthedecisions,themembersuggestedthat
thestandardofevidencehastobeatahigherlevelandsuggestedthatPCIPhasnotproventhat
beyondastandardofdoubt.HeaskedwhetherCouncilhasconfidenceintheTransformUSprocess
withoutadoubt.
ACouncilmemberandco‐chairoftheacademictaskforcespokeagainstthemotionstatingthat
TransformUSwasacollegialprocesswithcolleaguesputtinginhundredsofhoursofwork.She
advisedshehasneverseenagroupofpeopletryingashardbecausetheybelieveditwouldmake
thisuniversityabetterplace.Sheemphasizedthatthetaskforcemadenodecisionsbutrather
providedrecommendationstobeconsideredbyPCIPandotherdecision‐makers,toprovidean
implementationplanthatCouncilhasnotyetseen.ShestatedthatCouncilhastheabilitytovoteon
programchanges.Regardingstudents,thememberadvisedthatthetaskforcewasveryconcerned
aboutstudentsandidentifiedthoseprogramswithinwhichstudentsarenotachievingtheintended
11
outcomesandcalledforCounciltoconsideritsresponsibilitytoaddressthiscondition,apartfrom
anybudgetaryconcerns.
ACouncilmemberspokeagainstthemotionnotingthathewelcomedthisdiscussion,ashebelieves
itcomesatagoodtimeinthehistoryandstageofthisinstitution.Headvisedthatdespitethe
drawbacksoftheTransformUSprocessaspresentedtoday,thebudgetchallengestillexists.Ifthe
motionsucceeds,Councilwillneedtoexplaintothepublicandstudentswhymoretimeand
resourcesarerequiredtodevelopanewprocessandthattheTransformUSprocesswasinadequate
despitehavinginputfromfaculty,studentsandadministration.Anumberofprocessesthatwe
opposethathavebeenfollowedelsewherehavenotbeenfollowedhere.TheCouncilmember
askedwhetherwearematureenoughasaninstitutiontoworktogetherandindicatedthathe
wouldarguethatweareforthebenefitofstudents.
Anon‐Councilmemberspokeinfavorofthemotionadvisingthatshedidnothaveaproblemwith
administrationrankingtheprogramsbutrathershehadaproblemwitharankingthatfactorsinto
anassessment,whereby26%oftheweightingisonquality.Shequestionedwhyauniversitywould
lookatabudget‐basedreviewoverapeerreviewbasedonmeritandnotedtheuniversityhas
existingsystemsthatlookatqualitybypeerreview.SheadvisedthattheTransformUSprocess
lacksvalidity,asthetemplatesdidnotcapturethequalityoftheprograms.Tohavevalidity,any
processdesignedtomeetbudgetaryreductionsthroughprogrameliminationshouldbebasedon
themeritoftheprogram.
Agraduatestudentandnon‐Councilmemberspokeinfavorofthemotionsuggestingthatanon‐
confidencevoteinTransformUSdoesnotmeantheuniversitymustengageinacross‐the‐boardcuts
butratherthatweneedtoreevaluatetheprocessandmodel.Individualsdonotagreewhereour
universitywillbeinthefuture.
ACouncilmemberspeakinginfavorofthemotionadvisedthathehasbeengratifiedtolearnthat
wehaveakinderandgentlerprocesstoremoveprogramsratherthantheTransformUSprocess.
HesuggestedthatengagingwiththeTransformUSprocessmeanslosingsightoftheimplicationsof
theprocesstothescholarswhohaveacceptedtoworkattheuniversityandhavemetthestandards
putbeforethemyearafteryear.Henotedthatmostpeopleknowthattheterminationofafaculty
positionistheterminationofafacultycareerandadvisedthatallotheroptionsshouldbeexplored,
whichhasnotbeendone.
ACouncilmemberspokeagainstthemotionadvisingthattheDivisionofHumanitiesandFineArts
throughtheincentivizedretirementsprogramwillloseroughly5%to10%ofitsfaculty.The
divisionnowneedstorecastitsprogramstobeabletocontinuetoofferexcellentprogramsacross
thefineartsandthisisourchallengeandwehaveareferencepointwhichistheAcademicTask
Forcereport.Thisisadocumentthatweareusingtoday.Henotedthathedoesnotnormallyread
aboutnon‐confidenceinaprocessbutratherinagovernmentandthereforedidnotperceivethata
non‐confidencemotionwouldpertaintoCouncil’sfunction.
ACouncilmemberspokeagainstthemotionadvisingthatasascientisthehasnotbeenprovided
withastatementwhichjustifiesthebeliefinthefalsenessoftheTransformUSprocess.
ACouncilmemberspokeagainstthismotionforthereasonthatitisabetterprocessthanmanyof
theotheroptionsashasalreadybeennotedbymanyothers.Therankingsfromtheprocessprovide
backgroundinformationtohelpinformdecisions.Whenspeakingwithfacultyoneofthe
commentsshehasheardisthateveryorganizationneedstolookatitstotaloperations
occasionally,andthatthisisavalidandappropriateexercisefortheuniversitytoundertakeatthis
time.
12
ACouncilmemberandamemberofoneoftheTaskForcesthenotedthatduringthedebatehehad
heardalmostnothingthathedisagreedwithbutobservedthereisa“disconnect”regardingthe
intentofTransformUS.HestatedthattheTransformUSprocessisoverandthatitendedwhenthe
taskforcereportsweredelivered.Theprocessatthisstageisacollegialprocessregardingwhowe
areandhowwefocusourresources.HenotedthathehasbeenonCouncilalongtimeandCouncil
isbeingaskedtoanswerthequestionithasbeenaskedmanytimespreviouslyandhasnot
answeredof“whatarewenotgoingtodo.”HeadvisedthatindividualsontheTaskForcegroups
wouldnothaveparticipatediftheirrecommendationsallresultedindirectdecisions.Heconcluded
bystatingthatheplannedtovoteagainstthemotionduetohisbeliefthatthereisa
misunderstandingoftheTransformUSprocess.
ACouncilmemberandamemberofoneoftheTaskForcesadvisedthatthenumberofhours
diligentlyspentwerenotflawed.Heexpressedhisbeliefthattheprocesswasasoundqualitative
andquantitativeprocess,andthatwheretherewasnotenoughinformation,furtherinformation
wassought.Asinhisviewtheprocesswasnotflawed,headvisedheintendedtovoteagainstthe
motion.
AtthispointinthedebatethechairstatedthatCouncilhadspent45minutesdebatingthemotion
andnotedthatbeforehecalledforthequestionhewouldaskDr.Findlaytospeakagain.
Anon‐CouncilmembersuggestedthatthoseCouncilmembersthatworkedontheTaskForces
shouldbeexcludedfromthevoteduetothelargeinvestmenttheymadeintheprocessandasa
resulttheyhaveastakeintheoutcomeofthemotion.
AnumberofmembersofCouncilcalledforthequestion.ThechairinvitedDr.Findlaytoprovide
hisclosingremarks.Dr.Findlaysuggestedthat11yearsofintegratedplanninghaveresultedin
forcedcomplianceratherthanbeneficialoutcomes–powernotproduct–andthereforethereisno
reasontobelievethatthisshifttoprioritizationwillbeanydifferent.Healsosuggestedthatthe
bureaucraticeuphoriaemanatingfromsenioradministrationisradicallyatvariancewiththe
recentandcurrentexperiencewithfaculty,studentsandsupportstaff.Dr.Findlayconcludedthat
underbothscenariostheclaimthattheuniversitywillemerge“leanerbutstronger”from
TransformUSisaninsulttoourintelligenceandadenialofourhistoryandcurrentcapacity.He
askedCouncilmemberstonotbeafraidandtosupportthemotion.
ACouncilmembersuggestedthatintheinterestofharmonyawrittenballotbeused.
WALDRAM/SOLOSE:Thatthevoteonthismotionbeundertakenasawrittenmotionand
recordedintheminutes.
DEFEATED
Theamendedmotionwasthenvotedonbyashowofhands.ThemotionwasDEFEATEDbyavote
of18infavorand42opposed.
10. AcademicProgramsCommittee
Prof.RoyDobson,chairoftheacademicprogramscommitteepresentedthereportstoCouncil.
13
10.1 RequestforDecision:CollegeofGraduateStudiesandResearch:MasterofNursing
(NursePractitioneroption)andPostgraduateDegreeSpecializationCertificate:Nurse
Practitioner–changetoadmissionqualifications
ProfessorDobsonnotedthatthenursepractitioneroptionwasdescribedinthewritten
materials.Hesummarizedtheprimarychangesforthenursepractitioneroptionandthe
postgraduatedegreespecializationcertificate.
DOBSON/WALLEY:ThatCouncilapprovethechangesinadmissionqualificationsfor
theMasterofNursing(NursePractitionerOption)andthePostgraduateDegree
SpecializationCertificate:NursePractitionerfromtheCollegeofGraduateStudiesand
Research,effectiveSeptember2014.
CARRIED
10.2 ItemforInformation:FallMid‐TermBreakinNovember,2014
ProfessorDobsonnotedthatthecommittee’sconsiderationandapprovaloftherevisionsto
theAcademicCalendartoprovideafallbreakhasalreadybeenreleased.Therewereno
questions.
10.3 ItemforInformation:2014‐15AdmissionsTemplateUpdateReport
ProfessorDobsonnotedthatthisannualreportwasprovidedforinformationofCouncil.
11. Teaching,LearningandAcademicResourcesCommittee
11.1 ItemforInformation:ExperientialLearningConceptPaper
ProfessorAaronPhoenix,chairoftheteaching,learningandacademicresourcescommittee,
askedthatthisitembepostponeduntilthenextmeetingtowhichthechairagreed.
12. InternationalActivitiesCommittee
12.1 ItemforInformation:Semi‐annualReporttoCouncilfor2013‐14
ProfessorGapSooChang,chairoftheinternationalactivitiescommittee,presentedthereport.
Thereportconsistsofasummaryoftheactivitiesofthecommitteetodatethisyear.The
committeehasspentmuchtimediscussingestablishinginternationalresearchandlearning
metricstobeabletoidentifywhetheruniversitygoalsarebeingachieved.Headvisedthatitis
veryurgenttoenhancerecognitionoftheuniversitygloballyandimproveitsinternational
rankings.Heinvitedcommentsandadvisedthatthecommitteewouldwelcomefeedback.
13. Otherbusiness
Therewasnootherbusiness.
14. Questionperiod
Therewerenoquestions.
14
15. Adjournment
InclosingthechairnotedtheongoingCouncilelections,encouragedCouncilmemberstovote,and
askedmemberstoalsoencouragetheircolleaguestovote.
DOBSON/PARKINSON:Thatthemeetingbeadjournedat5:38p.m.
CARRIED
Nextmeeting–2:30pm,March20,2014
15