Minutes – Page 1
Simon Fraser Student Society
Advocacy Committee M eeting
July 29, 2014 – Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Campus
Call to Order – 12:30 pm, July 29, 2014 | MBC 2292
1. Roll Call of Attendance
Committee Composition
Vice President External Relations (chair) ...................................................... Darwin Binesh
President (ex officio) ................................................................................ Chardaye Bueckert
Vice President University Relations ................................................................... Moe Kopahi
Vice President Student Life (MSO pro tem) ..................... Kayode Fatoba (late – academic)
Board of Directors Representative ................................................................ Tesicca Truong
Board of Directors Representative .................................................................. Brady Wallace
Councilor ......................................................................................................... Kathleen Yang
Councilor ............................................................................Rahul Rajanala (late – academic)
Councilor ...................................................................................................................... vacant
Board of Governors Representative ............................................................................ vacant
Out On Campus Representative .................................................................................. vacant
Student At-Large .......................................................................................................... vacant
Society Staff
Campaigns, Research, and Policy Coordinator .............................................. Pierre Cassidy
Minute Taker ....................................................................................................... Dion Chong
Guests
Pearson Learning Solutions ............................................................................. Coral Kennett
SFU Bookstore ......................................................................................................Imelda May
Member ..........................................................................................................Nicole Dagenais
Member .............................................................................................................. Arjan Mundy
Regrets
Women’s Centre Representative ........................................................................... Anjali Biju
Senate Representative ................................................................................. Athina Pilarinos
Student At-Large ........................................................................................ Muhsin Suleiman
Absent
Councilor ................................................................................................................... Ali Najaf
2. Adoption of the Agenda
MOTION ADV 2014-07-29:02
Truong
Be it resolved to adopt the agenda as amended.
Presentation on Last Year’s Advocacy Committee Work Discussion Struck
CARRIED AS AMENDED
3. Ratification of Regrets
MOTION ADV 2014-07-29:03
Wallace
Be it resolved to ratify regrets from:
Women’s Centre Representative ........................................................................... Anjali Biju
Senate Representative ................................................................................. Athina Pilarinos
Student At-Large ........................................................................................ Muhsin Suleiman
Representing and advocating for the interests of undergraduate students at Simon Fraser University.
Minutes – Page 2
Simon Fraser Student Society
Advocacy Committee M eeting
July 29, 2014 – Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Campus
Biju had employment conflicts, Suleiman had a presentation for class, and Pilarinos was in an
examination.
CARRIED
4. M atters Arising from the M inutes
MOTION ADV 2014-07-29:04
Wallace
Be it resolved to approve the minutes of 2014-07-22
CARRIED
5. Guest Speakers
a. Pearson
Rajanala entered 12:36pm
EDUCAUSE conducted a study on undergraduate studies and IT, and found that a significant
number of students utilized digital devices for educational purposes. Algonquin College, like
SFU, found that very few students were purchasing course materials due to lack of integration
into courses, lack of necessary content, high prices. This caused instructors to express concerns
around equality of access to course information and impact on attempting to integrate
textbooks into courses.
The four largest textbook publishers worked together to standardize the e-book format to offer
students full access to all course materials integrated into the learning management system
(Canvas and equivalents). At SFU the courseware could be customized by each faculty member
in Canvas including notations, allowing for a single login for all course content.
Under the new system at Algonquin, material costs were included in tuition and charged after
the final course drop date. In negotiations, as 100% of students would purchase resources, the
costs were reduced to 57% of the full textbook. The Bookstore at Algonquin provided a 70%
discount for the full printed textbook, but very few decided to purchase the print version as well
as the digital version. Students at Algonquin were not provided with a courseware opt-out
option. Instructors want to incorporate digital materials, but were unwilling to integrate them
into the course if not all students had access, which the lack of opt-out ensured.
Books were no longer rented, but were owned by students and could be accessed electronically
from 4 devices, with the opportunity to print the entire book once.
In September 2013, Algonquin launched the programme, and feedback was positive. Retention
in courses experienced a 4% increase given that students were now able to avoid getting behind
on courses due to a fear of acquiring materials for a potentially unneeded course.
Price points would vary between schools and between publishers. At Algonquin, Pearson pricing
was at 6 tiers (based on subject matter) given their varying average prices, with a price point for
textbook only and textbook with additional resources.
The current business model (packaging all additional content as a code with the print book) was
not perceived by Pearson to support instructors integrating content – instructors have concern
around whether students had access as students were frequently avoiding the purchase of
course materials. Adaptive homework systems with analytics were available for integration into
courses in order to assist in achieving learning outcomes. Tools were available for educators to
embed custom digital content as well.
Representing and advocating for the interests of undergraduate students at Simon Fraser University.
Minutes – Page 3
Simon Fraser Student Society
Advocacy Committee M eeting
July 29, 2014 – Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Campus
At Algonquin, the university and the student union approached the Ministry of Education to
revise restrictions on charging mandatory textbook fees.
There was a desire to facilitate SFU resource integration across various university departments.
Even for content that had to be in print, such as workbooks, students would simply pick up the
printed material as part of the integrated material fee paid with tuition.
6. Updates
a. Open Textbook Campaign Proposal
In 2012, BC government committed to produce free textbooks for the most popular courses in
BC institutions. The textbooks were completely open and available for customization by
educators. In the previous year, Advocacy Committee conducted a small campaign to encourage
professors to utilize the open textbooks. No open textbooks had been adopted at SFU to date,
stemming from perceptions of low quality of books from instructors, and confusion around ease
of customization and distribution.
The committee had the opportunity to speak to students in line to access the bookstore,
allowing the SFSS to contact students on their first day of school.
Campaign Options
• Distribute information to students in line up at the SFU bookstore
• Recommend that students continue to forward the email to their professors promoting
usage of open textbooks
• Collecting student signatures for a petition to the university.
• Directly lobby the university
• Provide information on the open textbook programme to the Faculty Association
• Bringing the issue up during Senate Question Period
o Potential to lobby senate to move a motion in support
• Distribution of flyers with information on courses at SFU that could’ve utilized the
open textbooks.
Questions were raised around impact on the SFU Bookstore should the initiative be widely
implemented, particularly given desires to enhance relations with the bookstore. There was a
reminder that the bookstore was a breakeven operation and had been supportive of the
programme, as orders would not be placed if the books were not needed.
It was requested that Senate recommendations be filtered through a senate committee or from
the VP Academic, alongside a recommendation from the student senator caucus. It was also
recommended to speak to all senators individually to enhance support for the initiative.
The committee was largely in support of the campaign proposal.
The Committee struck an Open Textbook working group, consisting preliminarily of the
Environment Representative, Arts and Social Sciences Representative, and President, who
would further review the proposal.
Vice President External Relations would provide the Open Textbook documentation to the
Environment Representative and Arts and Social Sciences Representative.
Representing and advocating for the interests of undergraduate students at Simon Fraser University.
Minutes – Page 4
Simon Fraser Student Society
Advocacy Committee M eeting
July 29, 2014 – Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Campus
7. New Business
a. Canvas Standardization
A member contacted the SFSS and requested that the Advocacy Committee look into
standardizing usage of Canvas at the university, shifting away from the utilization of disparate
learning management systems and websites, which caused significant confusion to students
semester to semester.
There may be concerns around the necessity to utilize different systems (such as LONCAPA
etc.), the ability for Canvas to fulfill the requirements of technical departments, or concerns
around the technical abilities of professors across the university, whose teaching abilities may
be impacted by requirements to utilize the Canvas system.
The Committee was reminded that Canvas had a large number. Are we undermining the student
experience if they cannot use it?
There were concerns that the matter was within the realm of the Senate as opposed to Advocacy
Committee. It may be an issue where the request was escalated to the university on behalf of
the membership.
It was reminded that, should the Pearson textbook initiative occur, that large-scale adoption of
Canvas would become necessary.
MOTION ADV 2014-07-29:05
Bueckert
Be it resolved to task the Vice President Student Life to follow up with the
Student Senator Caucus.
Be it further resolved to task the President to follow up with requesting
member.
Be it further resolved to task the Vice President University Relations to contact
the SFU VP Academic and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies for feedback on
the matter.
CARRIED
The Vice President External Relations was looking into lobbying training for committee
members.
b. Position on Flexible Learning
8. Attachments
9. Adjournment 1:30pm
DC | CUPE 3338
Representing and advocating for the interests of undergraduate students at Simon Fraser University.
2
Summer
of Learning
Regional
Presentation
Title runs
here l Summit
00/00/00l 08/2012
TRANSITION TO DIGITAL
We believe that the future of
learning is digital, personal and
driven by data.
Emerging technology and greater
access to devices and data have an
opportunity to transform
education.
3
ALWAYS LEARNING
TRANSITION TO DIGITAL
Students & Mobile Devices
!! Most important devices to academic
success.
!! 85% laptops
!! 45% mobile devices
!! 37% smartphones
!! 31% ebook readers
!! 67% of students’ smartphones
and tablets are used for academic
purposes.
!! Rate nearly doubled in one year.
Source: Eden Dahlstrom, ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research,
2012.
4
ALWAYS LEARNING
Where we are
Where we’re going
7
ALWAYS LEARNING
Case Study
8
ALWAYS LEARNING
CourseConnect™
Full course/classroom experience
delivered online
Premium Content
built on course
outcomes
Organized by
module/topic
(week)
Customizable
by instructor
Works in
any LMS
Designed to
engage online
learners
Mobile Strategy
Tailor to your
student
Ongoing Upgrades
Learning Design
Behind the Scenes.
Support
Features
Open
Navigation
Intuitive
Design
Engagement boosted by
visuals and pronouns
Transparent Learning
Objectives
Structured
Learning Path
Schema Building
Relevant
Content
Germaine
Cognitive Load
DELIVER
Yo u r c o u r s e w i t h f l e x i b i l i t y a n d e a s e .
CourseConnect™ is built
using a responsive
design that flexes to
fit different screen
sizes.
The CourseConnect experience
has been optimized for
laptops, iPads and other
devices to deliver a
consistent, quality learning
experience on any device.
CourseConnect is also LMSagnostic, working seamlessly
with your existing learning
tools to keep things simple
and streamlined.
2
Summer
of Learning
Regional
Presentation
Title runs
here l Summit
00/00/00l 08/2012
TRANSITION TO DIGITAL
We believe that the future of
learning is digital, personal and
driven by data.
Emerging technology and greater
access to devices and data have an
opportunity to transform
education.
3
ALWAYS LEARNING
TRANSITION TO DIGITAL
Students & Mobile Devices
!! Most important devices to academic
success.
!! 85% laptops
!! 45% mobile devices
!! 37% smartphones
!! 31% ebook readers
!! 67% of students’ smartphones
and tablets are used for academic
purposes.
!! Rate nearly doubled in one year.
Source: Eden Dahlstrom, ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research,
2012.
4
ALWAYS LEARNING
Where we are
Where we’re going
7
ALWAYS LEARNING
Case Study
8
ALWAYS LEARNING
CourseConnect™
Full course/classroom experience
delivered online
Premium Content
built on course
outcomes
Organized by
module/topic
(week)
Customizable
by instructor
Works in
any LMS
Designed to
engage online
learners
Mobile Strategy
Tailor to your
student
Ongoing Upgrades
Learning Design
Behind the Scenes.
Support
Features
Open
Navigation
Intuitive
Design
Engagement boosted by
visuals and pronouns
Transparent Learning
Objectives
Structured
Learning Path
Schema Building
Relevant
Content
Germaine
Cognitive Load
DELIVER
Yo u r c o u r s e w i t h f l e x i b i l i t y a n d e a s e .
CourseConnect™ is built
using a responsive
design that flexes to
fit different screen
sizes.
The CourseConnect experience
has been optimized for
laptops, iPads and other
devices to deliver a
consistent, quality learning
experience on any device.
CourseConnect is also LMSagnostic, working seamlessly
with your existing learning
tools to keep things simple
and streamlined.
Proposed Advocacy Budget, 2014/2015 Initiative Lobby Days/Trek to the Leg Advocacy Grant Program Underrepresented Groups in Political Activism Initiative Affordable Education Campaign Outreach Sessions Transit Campaign Workshops Deferred Maintenance Campaign Collaborations (on and off campus groups) Government Relations/Media Training New Campaigns: Sexual Violence & Elections Awareness New Costs Incoming VP External Initiatives Total Cost $5 500 $1 500 $1 500 $2 000 $5 000 $3 000 $1 500 $1 500 $3 000 $4 000 $10 000 $1 000 $5 000 $ 44 500 Preamble: VP External Affairs at UBC AMS has a budget of over $100 000 to work with and the AMS spends over $100 000 on a sexual assault support centre1. The University of Alberta Student Union has a budget of over $200 000 for research and advocacy, and an additional $41,376 for external affairs 2. The University of Victoria, which is smaller than SFU, spends $16,716 on government relations and outreach, $18,360 on campaigns, and $66,866 on an anti-­‐violence project.3 This year, with a budget of $24 000 and without dedicated staff support, SFSS Advocacy was able to participate in 2 successful Lobby Days, host numerous workshops across various campuses, host many outreach sessions, launch successful transit and deferred maintenance campaigns which garnered considerable media attention, participate in the inaugural Summer Institute for Future Legislators, host an inspiring Women in Politics Event, opposed the TPP as well as (Un)Fair Elections Act, collaborate with Out on Campus twice, and has also launched an affordable education campaign. Next year, the SFSS Advocacy Committee should have dedicated staff support, and will have many initiatives in place they can build on. Therefore, a larger budget will be required. The SFSS is well behind other student unions in terms of advocacy work and with a federal and municipal election approaching, the Advocacy Committee must have an adequate budget to support already planned campaigns as well as those of the incoming VP External. It is difficult to say what next year’s Advocacy committee will take on, but this document is intended to justify the substantially increased budget, as well as provide a guide for next year’s VP External. 1
http://www.ams.ubc.ca/wp-­‐content/uploads/2013/05/Budget-­‐2013.pdf https://www.su.ualberta.ca/media/uploads/11/budget1314.pdf 3
https://uvss.ca/wp-­‐content/uploads/2012/07/2013-­‐2014-­‐Budget.pdf 2
Budget Breakdown: Lobby Days – $5 500 As the Alliance of British Columbia Students grows and gains more prominence, Lobby Days will become a longer and more involved endeavor. Next year, the SFSS should send more delegates. I feel that the VP External Relations and President should attend, along with several members of Advocacy and/or the Board of Directors. Cost Breakdown: $250-­‐ 300 /delegate fee (estimate. This year the fee was $160 and included 2 receptions, printing, and hotel. I am anticipating next year it would include the same but be higher given the intended longer duration) Travel costs – approximately $50/delegate Per diem -­‐ $35/day/delegate x 5 days = $175/delegate Total fee per delegate (high end estimate) = $300 + $50 + 175 = 525 x 5 delegates = $2625 2625 x 2 sessions = 5250 + $250 misc./unanticipated costs Grant program – $1 500 $500/term x 3 terms = $1 500 Women in Political Activism, Groups in Political Activism Events – $1 500 Given the success of this November’s Women In Politics event, I would like to propose another session to build on the first. Estimated cost -­‐ $500 (refreshments, child care, accessibility accommodations, printing, gifts for presenters) Other groups in political activism events were slated for this year but didn’t take place. My hope is that as the Advocacy Committee grows and relationships with other on campus organizations become stronger these events will be able to take place next year. Affordable Education Campaign -­‐ $2 000 A major rally on each campus should take place in fall. Costs could include signs, refreshments, t shirts, pamphlets, pins, speaker honorarium. Post cards should continue to be printed and sent to the Premier, with costs including printing and postage. Outreach sessions -­‐ $5 000 Outreach sessions have been a big success this term and should continue. They should take place across all three campuses which will involve more costs. The next VP External should decice if they want to do frequent small scale or fewer large scale. Either way these events will have costs for printing, food, and facilities. $500/ session x 2 summer session, 4 fall sessions, 4 spring sessions = $ 5 000 Transit campaign – $ 3 000 A transit referendum could be taking place as early as November 2014 and a major push needs to take place in fall to promote this as well as transit. Costs could include bringing a gondola car to the various campuses as a media stunt and to peak student interests, outreach materials, contest prizes, refreshments for events, etc. Workshops -­‐ $1 500 Financial literacy and student governance 101 will be transferred to the DSU Organizer’s office to ensure long term continuity given their success. New workshops could be developed. Ideas include having senior politics students or SFU government relations folks come in and do a 1 or 2 hour workshop on how government actually functions in practical terms (something you don’t get taught a lot of in high school), and/or explaining the transit dilemma in the region. We could also partner with SFU Public Square on these initiatives. Costs would include refreshments, printing, speaker honorariums/gifts, filming, etc. Deferred Maintenance Campaign – $1 500 This campaign could be modified or the photo contest could continue. I think $1000 to cover things like prizes would be adequate for the year. We want to continue to hold ‘’deferred maintenance tours’’ so things like refreshments would also be helpful. Collaborations-­‐ $3 000 This year Advocacy partnered with OOC on Pride Parade and Positive Space Network. Next year it would be great to have more collaboration with OOC, and expand this to groups like SFPIRG, Women’s Centre, CJSF, etc. Participation with external organizations such as ABCS and Get on Board will require funding from Advocacy as well. Government Relations Training/Workshops -­‐ $4 000 I feel lobbying/government relations training for the incoming VP External and next year’s Advocacy committee will be crucial for success. The current provincial government is looking to slash advanced education over the next 2 years and we need to be competing with other lobbying groups who spend MILLIONS a year on this type of thing. We should also work on federal lobbying in the lead up to the federal election to ensure student issues are part of the election. In 2011, they were hardly mentioned and this was because they weren’t forced into the public discourse by student leaders. Possible avenues would be through the Government Relations Institute of Canada. Annual membership would be $3 500/year and they deliver several workshops aimed at not-­‐for-­‐profits trying to influence government policy. We would need to apply for membership. More info: http://gric-­‐
irgc.ca/professional-­‐development/ & https://media6.magma.ca/www.leverus.com/gric/membership/ Other avenues could be pursued as well eg http://www.sfu.ca/continuing-­‐
studies/courses/bcpw/making-­‐the-­‐pitch.html or http://advocacyschool.org/facilitated-­‐workshops Anticipated new major campaigns: 1) Sexualized violence -­‐ $5 000 Sexual assault is a major problem at university campuses. Other major universities either have a sexual assault support centre or run major campaigns around sexual violence. A sexual health awareness campaign run by GSWS will do a soft launch on Mach 26 but I would like to see a full blown sexual violence campaign run next year in conjunction with the various stakeholder groups (Women’s Centre, OOC, Health and Counselling, GSWS, etc. ). Costs would include brining in speakers and experts, outreach materials (pins, t-­‐shirts, pamphlets, specific website?), consent toolkits, event refreshments, etc. 2) Elections Awareness -­‐ $5 000 Municipal elections are taking place in November 2014, and there will be a crucial federal election for students taking place in summer 2015. Election awareness, voter registration, and empowerment needs to be the name of the game next year. Costs would include outreach materials, campaign prizes, refreshments, etc . As a reference point, in 2008 approximately $2 800 was spent on municipal election campaign. Extra costs – $1 000 Making campaigns and events accessible ie ASL interpreter, translating into non-­‐written formats, transportation costs, child care Outreaches at all three campuses – more facilities costs, travel costs for vehicles if things need to be transported Incoming VP External Initiatives/discretionary funding -­‐ $5 000