SENATE ORIENTATION
2013
Senate Website
RYERSON ACT
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Sets the objects of Ryerson University
(1) The advancement of learning, and the intellectual, social, moral, cultural, spiritual, and
physical development of the University's students and employees, and the betterment of
society.
(2) The advancement of applied knowledge and research in response to existing and
emerging societal needs and in support of the cultural, economic, social, and technological
development of Ontario.
(3) The provision of programs of study that provide a balance between theory and
application and that prepare students for careers in professional and quasi-professional
fields.
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Defines the role of the Board of Governors
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management and control of the University property, revenues, expenditures,
business and affairs
www.ryerson.ca/about/governors/
ROLE OF SENATE
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regulates educational policy
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makes recommendations to the Board on establishment, change
or termination of programs and courses of study, schools, divisions
and departments
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determines curriculum, academic standards and qualifications for
degrees, diplomas and certificates
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awards fellowships, scholarships, bursaries, medals, prizes and
other marks of academic achievement
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awards degrees, diplomas and certificates
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creates councils and committees to exercise its powers.
SENATE MEMBERSHIP
 Ex-Officio (21)
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Chancellor
President (Chair of Senate)
Vice Presidents (including Provost, and Assistant Vice
President/Vice Provost)
Vice Provosts
Deans
Chief Librarian
Registrar
SENATE MEMBERSHIP
 Faculty (33)
 At-Large (4)
 Faculty representatives (18)
 Chang School (2)
 Chairs/Directors (6)
 RFA (1)
 Library (1)
 CUPE (1)
SENATE MEMBERSHIP
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Students (16)
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At-Large Undergraduate (4)
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Faculty Undergraduate (6)
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Graduate (2)
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Chang School (2)
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RSU (1)
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CESAR (1)
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Alumni (2)
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Associate Members, Non-Voting
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Chang School (2)
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CUPE 1 & 2 (2)
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Chair - Academic Standards, if not a Senator
SENATE BYLAWS
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Elections
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Term of Office
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Election for Chair/Director, Library and Union constituencies
Nominating Committee recommends replacement for other groups
Committee Vacancies
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Ex officio members for the duration of their office
Students for one year, with option to run for a consecutive year
All others for two years
Senate Vacancies
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Senate elections before April 1
Committee elections by May Senate meeting
Committee Chair recommends replacement to AGPC, which passes it on to Senate for approval
Officers of Senate
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Chair of Senate is the President (votes only to break a tie)
Vice-Chair is elected (currently Nancy Walton)
Secretary (non-voting, on all standing committees)
ATTENDANCE
 Failure to attend two consecutive meetings without written
notice to the Secretary, or three meetings in the session
results in dismissal.
 Cease to be a Senator if no longer hold the position held at
the time of election.
 Rules apply to committees as well
MEETING PROCEDURES
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Meeting schedule and agenda deadlines at
www.ryerson.ca/senate
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Agenda posted week before meeting – no hard copies
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Documents not approved for circulation – request to be placed at
information table
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Senators must:
 Sign in and take name card
 Return name card at end of meeting
 Raise name card to vote
 Use microphone when speaking
MEETING PROCEDURES
Bourinot’s Rules
see www.ryerson.ca/senate for outline
 Senators may:
 Speak to an issue twice
 Make motions to Senate
 Types: Substantive, Procedural and Hortative
 Notice required in writing: Substantive and Hortative
 At previous meeting
 To SPC
 Prior to agenda deadline
 Waiver of notice:
 If timeliness is essential - determined by a majority vote
 Under Members’ Business
Preparation and Engagement
•
it is expected that Senators will review the agenda
and attachments before the meeting, in order to
identify issues they may want addressed
•
Senators are encouraged to speak on issues and
concerns, in a non-confrontational environment
AGENDA
1.
Call to order/Establishment of quorum
2.
Approval of agenda
3.
Announcements
4.
Minutes of previous meeting
5.
Matters arising from the minutes
6.
Correspondence
AGENDA
7. Reports
a.
b.
c.
Report of the President
Report of the Secretary
Committee Reports
8. Old Business
9. New Business as circulated
10. Members’ Business
11. Adjournment
STANDING COMMITTEES
Standing Committees of General Responsibility
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Senate Priorities Committee (SPC)
 Academic Governance and Policy Committee (AGPC)
 Scholarly Research and Creative Activity Committee (SRCAC)
SENATE PRIORITIES COMMITTEE (SPC)
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President (Chair)
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Vice Chair of Senate (elected)
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Provost and Vice President Academic
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Vice Provost, University Planning
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Ex Officio elected
 Dean
 Dean/Vice Provost/Chief Librarian
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Members elected by Senate
 Faculty (4)
 Graduate and Undergraduate student (1+1)
ROLE OF SPC
 Selection of topics for Senate discussion
 Emergent issues
 Review overall budget with respect to academic impact
 Represent in meetings with BOG
 Review implications of changes in academic structures
 Agenda
 Act on behalf of Senate in summer
ACADEMIC POLICY AND GOVERNANCE
COMMITTEE (AGPC)
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Provost (Chair)
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Vice Provost Academic (Vice Chair)
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Vice Provost Students
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Registrar
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one Dean
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one Chair/Director
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one faculty Senator per Faculty (total of 6)
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Graduate & Undergraduate student senators (1+2)
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1 Senate Associate from the Chang School
ROLE OF AGPC
 Senate Bylaws
 Governance Council Bylaws
 Senate policy review and proposals
 Senate nominations from Nominating Committee
SCHOLARLY RESEARCH AND CREATIVE
ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE (SRCAC)
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Vice President, Research and Innovation Chairs
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1 faculty from each Faculty
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Dean, School of Graduate Studies
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a Dean
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REB Chair
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1 designate from each Faculty (Associate Dean)
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Librarian
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Graduate and Undergraduate students (1+1)
ROLE OF SRCAC
 Report on state of SRC Activity
 Establish SRC Representative group
 Advise Senate on emerging SRC issues
 SRC strategic planning
 SRC Policies
 Subcommittees – Research Ethics Board
OTHER STANDING COMMITTEES
 Senate Appeals Committee
 Academic Standards Committee
 Awards and Ceremonials Committee
 Senate Learning and Teaching Committee
 Research Ethics Board
ACADEMIC STANDARDS COMMITTEE
(ASC)
 Reports to Senate to make recommendations for Senate’s
consideration.
 Responsibilities include:
• Review of major undergraduate curriculum changes,
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amendments to program objectives, admission
requirements, and degree designations.
Periodic review of undergraduate programs.
Review of new undergraduate program proposals.
Review and formulation of policies governing
undergraduate curriculum structures.
GOVERNANCE COUNCILS
 Yeates School of Graduate Studies Council
 G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Council
 Department/School Councils
 Liberal Studies Council
Questions?
Questions?