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 THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  BRITISH  COLUMBIA
UBC
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Enrolment Services
Senate and Curriculum Services
2016-1874 East Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
students.ubc.ca/senate
Vancouver Senate
MINUTES OF APRIL 19, 2006
Attendance
Present: President M. C. Piper (Chair), Dr. A. McEachern (Chancellor), Vice-President L.
A. Whitehead, Mr. B. Ahmadian, Mr. T. Ahmed, Dr. B. Arneil, Dr. N. Banthia, Dr. G.
Bluman, Dean M. A. Bobinski, Prof. C. Boyle, Mr. P. T. Brady, Dr. J. Brander, Dr. H.
Burt, Dr. L. Chui, Mr. B. Danin, Dr. E. Dean, Dr. J. Dennison, Dr. W. Dunford, Ms. G.
Eom, Mr. E Fan, Dr. D. Fielding, Dr. I. Franks, Ms. M. Friesen, Mr. C. Funnell, Dean N.
Gallini, Dean E Granot, Dr. S. Grayston, Dr. L. Gunderson, Dr. P. G. Harrison, Dr. R.
Helsley, Associate Vice-President J. Hutton, Dean M. Isaacson, Dean pro tem. M. Isman,
Dr. J. Johnson, Ms. J. Khangura, Ms. W. King, Dr. B. S. Lalli, Acting Associate Vice-President & Registrar A. Lindsay, Mr. K. Liu, Dr. M. MacEntee, Dr. P. L. Marshall, Dr. A.
McAfee, Ms. K. McAllister, Dr. W. McKee, Dr. D. McLean, Dr. W. McNulty, Dean D.
Muzyka, Mr. P. Orchard, Dr. D. Paterson, Dean J. Saddler, Ms. E. Segal, Mr. B. Simpson,
Dean R. Sindelar, Dr. D. Steyn, Dr. S. Thorne, Dean R. Tierney, Dr. M. Upadhyaya, Dr.
D. Weary, Dr. R. Windsor-Liscombe, Dr. J. Young.
By Invitation: Dr. J. Gosline.
Regrets: Dr. P. Adebar, Dr. J. Berger, Dr. W Fletcher, Dr. C. Friedrichs, Principal J. H. V
Gilbert, Mr. C. Gorman, Dr. D. Griffin, Dr. R. Harrison, Dean pro tem. G. Ingram, Dr.
R. Irwin, Dr. S. B. Knight, Dr. R. Lowe, Mr. J. Mergens, Dr. P. Potter, Ms. C. Quinlan, Dr.
J. Sarra, Dr. B. Stelck, Dean G. Stuart, Ms. A. Thamboo, Mr. B. Toosi, Dr. R. Wilson, Dr.
R. A. Yaworsky, Dean E. H. K. Yen.
Recording Secretary: Ms. L. M. Collins.
Note: The full text of reports to Senate is not included in the Minutes. Copies of most
reports are available for download at http://www.students.ubc.ca/senate, under "Meetings and Agendas."
Vol. 2005/2006
110
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 111
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Call to Order
Senate Membership
REPLACEMENT
Dr. Dale Griffin had replaced resigning Senator Dr. Daniel Granot as faculty representative of the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration.
STUDENT SENATORS
A one-year term for the following new and continuing Student Senators had begun on
April 1.
Applied Science: Mr. Bijan Ahmadian (continuing);
Arts: Mr. Brian Danin;
Commerce & Business Administration: Mr. Kerry Liu;
Dentistry: TBA;
Education: Mr. Joseph Mergens (continuing through August 2006);
Forestry: Mr. Behnam Toosi;
Graduate Studies: Mr. Philip Orchard (continuing);
Land & Food Systems: Ms. Sanya Brkanovic;
Law: Ms. Elizabeth Segal (continuing);
Medicine: TBA;
Pharmaceutical Sciences: Ms. Andrea Thamboo;
Science: Mr. Cameron Funnell (continuing);
Members at-large:
Mr. Tariq Ahmed (Law);
Ms. Gina Eom (continuing) (Science);
Mr. Fan Fan (Commerce & Business Administration);
Ms. Jaspreet Khangura (Science);
Ms. Kathryn McAllister (Science).
President Piper welcomed the new and continuing Senators.
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 112
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Dean Muzyka l     That the Minutes of March 22, 2006 be
}
Dean Isaacson J     adopted as circulated.
Remarks from the Chair and Related Question
DR. DAVID DOLPHIN AWARDED HERZBERG MEDAL
The President was proud to report that Professor Emeritus David Dolphin had been
awarded the prestigious 2005 Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and
Engineering. The President described the award as a wonderful tribute to Dr. Dolphin as
an outstanding scholar, teacher, mentor, student, and administrator. On behalf of Senate,
the President congratulated Dr. Dolphin.
PRESIDENTIAL TRAVEL
The President reported that she was scheduled to travel to Europe in late April to meet
with alumni and supporters of UBC in several countries, including England and Switzerland. The President also planned visits to Toronto and Ottawa in May.
Council of Senates
UBC DEGREES FOR OUC ALUMNI: PRESIDENTIAL REFERRAL TO THE COUNCIL
The Secretary notified the Senate that the President had recently referred the matter of
granting UBC degrees to alumni of Okanagan University College to the Council of Senates for decision. Mr. Silzer had circulated a letter from the President that outlined the reasons for referral and indicated that both the Vancouver and Okanagan Senates would be
notified of the Council's disposition of the matter.
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 113
Minutes of April 19, 2006
From the Board of Governors
The Vice-President Academic & Provost reported for information that the Board of Governors had approved the following items, subject, where applicable, to the proviso that
none of the programs be implemented without formal reference to the President, and that
Deans and Heads concerned with new programs be asked to indicate the space requirements, if any, of such new programs.
Senate Meeting of January 25, 2006
1. Curriculum proposals from the Faculties of Law and Science;
2. Establishment of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon Chair in
Stroke Research
Senate Meeting of February 22, 2006
1. Change in name from Bachelor of Science (Forestry) to the Bachelor of Science (Forest Sciences);
2. Curriculum proposals: Master of Applied Science and Doctor of Philosophy
in Biomedical Engineering; two-year version of the Master of Social Work;
3. Curriculum proposals from the Faculty of Graduate Studies;
4. New Awards;
5. Establishment of the Centre for Global Transportation Studies;
6. Establishment of the BC Leadership Chair in Depression.
Academic Policy Committee
Dr. Paul Harrison presented the reports, as Chair of the Committee.
FIRST NATIONS NAMES FOR LANGUAGES IN THE CALENDAR
The Committee circulated a proposal to use both anglicized and Aboriginal language
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Minutes of April 19, 2006
Academic Policy Committee, continued
characters to represent Aboriginal languages in the UBC Calendar.
Dr. P. G. Harrison    l     That UBC use both anglicized and
Dr. Burt J     Aboriginal language characters to represent
Aboriginal languages wherever they appear
in the Calendar; and
That appropriate print and electronic
systems be installed as soon as possible to
enable the policy to be implemented fully;
and
That the Registrar be instructed to report to
Senate in one year on the state of
implementation of this policy.
DISCUSSION
In response to a query from Mr. Brady, Dr. Harrison stated that the intent was to apply
the new policy to the admissions and course description sections of the Calendar, which
listed the names of some First Nations languages. The Admissions Chapter, for example,
listed languages that a student might present to fulfill the Language 11 requirement for
admission.
Dr. Harrison reported that Enrolment Services had provided the Committee with information about significant technical challenges related to implementing the policy. As a first
step, the characters could be included in an electronic version of the Calendar in PDF format. Because full implementation would not be immediately possible, the Committee proposed that the Registrar report back in one year.
In response to a question from Mr. Brady about why the Committee proposed the new
policy only for First Nations languages, Dr. Harrison stated that it was important for the
University to reach out to First Nations students and applicants. In response to a question
from Mr. Ahmadian, Dr. Harrison stated that the intent was to approve the policy on a
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 115
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Academic Policy Committee, continued
permanent basis, with the understanding that it would be implemented as technical support from Enrolment Services became available.
There was discussion about the costs associated with partial and full implementation. Ms.
Collins stated that, although Enrolment Services had provided a range of implementation
options to the Academic Policy Committee, cost estimates for each option had not yet
been calculated. Senators expressed interest in considering costs before determining
whether to proceed. Dean Muzyka requested more information about the scale of each
phase of the project, the associated technical difficulties, and costs.
Dean Muzyka l     That the proposal to include Aboriginal
Mr. Ahmadian J     language characters in the Calendar be
referred to the Academic Policy Committee
for consideration of potential
implementation costs; and
That the Academic Policy Committee
consider whether the financial implications
of this policy ought to also be reviewed by
the Budget Committee.
DISCUSSION ON THE MOTION TO REFER
Dr. Arneil expressed support for the main motion and described the use of Aboriginal
characters as enormously symbolic. She was hopeful that technical challenges would not
prevent implementation. There was some discussion about possibly deleting the word
"fully" from the second clause of the main motion to allow for partial implementation.
Dr. Steyn urged caution with respect to partial implementation, which might be construed
as insulting because the characters would only appear in "marginal" versions of the Uni-
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Minutes of April 19, 2006
Academic Policy Committee, continued
versity's publications. He requested financial information about a minimal and phased
implementation plans.
The motion to
refer was put and
carried.
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AND FAMILY STUDIES POLICY ON PROFESSIONAL
CONDUCT
Dr. Harrison reminded members of the Senate that the Committee had presented an earlier version of the policy at the February 2006 meeting of Senate, but had later withdrawn
the proposal in the interest of further refinement prior to approval.
Dr. P. G. Harrison    l     That Senate approve the School of Social
Dr. Dennison J     Work and Family Studies Policy on
Professional Conduct.
Carried.
SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE CHAIR IN PUNJABI LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
AND SIKH STUDIES
Dr. Harrison gave an oral report about a search that was underway in the Faculty of Arts
to fill the Chair in Punjabi Language & Literature and Sikh Studies. In response to some
correspondence with several members of the Sikh community, the Vice-President, Academic & Provost had requested that the Committee consider the selection process from
an arm's-length perspective. Dr. Harrison explained that the Chair had been established in
1985 with funds from the Federation of Sikh Societies and the Government of Canada.
Following the resignation of one incumbent, the Chair had been vacant for some time.
The Department of Asian Studies had recently begun a search to fill the vacancy.
The Committee had received copies of correspondence between members of the public
and the University regarding the Chair. Dr. Peter Nosco attended a meeting of the Com-
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Minutes of April 19, 2006
Academic Policy Committee, continued
mittee to provide information about selection committee composition, search procedures,
and arrangements for public presentations by short-listed candidates. After discussion,
the Committee had determined that the process followed by the Department to fill the
Chair complied in all respects with standard UBC practices for filling such vacancies. The
Committee had expressed support for the process and was optimistic that the Chair
would be filled in the near future.
Dr. Lalli stated that he represented the entire Sikh community in expressing concern about
the Chair. He recalled correspondence between himself and Vice-President Pavlich, Vice-
President Whitehead, and Dean Gallini over the past several years. Dr. Lalli expressed the
opinion that the University should hire a qualified person representing a different school
of thought from that of the previous incumbent. Dr. Lalli asked whether UBC policy on
advertising faculty positions had been fully complied with. Dr. Harrison responded that,
although he did not have detailed information about advertising of the vacancy, the Committee had been assured that proper procedures had been followed.
Dr. Lalli expressed the opinion that members of the selection committee were in a position
of conflict of interest and made reference to hostility between members of the selection
committee and the Sikh community.
Noting the long meeting agenda, President Piper closed the discussion and suggested that
Dr. Lalli direct any further comments to the Academic Policy Committee.
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 118
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Agenda Committee
Dean Isaacson presented the reports, as Chair of the Committee.
REVISIONS TO THE RULES & PROCEDURES OF SENATE
The Committee circulated a revised version of the Rules and Procedures of Senate, along
with annotations for each proposed change. The Committee's covering memo explained
the draft contained the following revisions:
1. Changes necessitated by amendments to the University Act;
2. Changes requested by the Review of Senate Committee;
3. Removal of redundancies with material already in our parliamentary authority;
4. Clarification of the parliamentary authority and amendment scheme to reflect current
practice;
5. Typographical corrections, removal of anachronisms, gender-biased language, and
changes reflecting intent and current practice for clarity; and
6. A general reformatting to be in line with the newer Council of Senates and Okanagan
Senate rule styles.
Dean Isaacson l     That the Senate adopt the revised Rules &
Dr. Marshall J     Procedures of Senate.
Senate adopted without challenge an amendment proposed by Mr. Brady to delete Section
22(c). Dr. Harrison suggested an editorial change to correct a reference to a nonexistent
section number.
The motion, as
amended, was put
and carried.
MISCELLANEOUS STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT 2006
The Committee circulated for information a summary of recent minor changes to the University Act that had been effected by the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act 2006.
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 119
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Agenda Committee, continued
REQUESTED CHANGES TO THE UNIVERSITY ACT
Dean Isaacson reminded members of the Senate that the Committee to Review Senate and
the ad hoc Committee to Consider the Establishment of the Council of Senates had suggested that the University propose to government several changes to the University Act. In
response to those suggestions, Dean Isaacson and Ms. Collins had sought the advice of
University Counsel Mr. Hubert Lai. The Committee circulated the following list of proposed changes and associated recommendations:
Recommendation 1:
Section 35.1 (2) (b): That Senate be allowed to elect its own Chair.
Recommended Senate Response: That no action be taken on this item until the
views of the President-designate can be considered. Consultation is currently in
progress.
Recommendation 2:
Section 38.2 (1): That the Council of Senates not have the power to self-refer matters under the jurisdiction of a Senate.
Recommended Senate Response: That Senate request that the President and the
administration propose this change to the Ministry of Advanced Education.
Recommendation 3:
Section 38.2 (2) (c): That the Council of Senates no longer have the power to substitute its disposition for one made by a Senate.
Recommended Senate Response: In consultation with the University Counsel, we
do not recommend any action on this item. We further note that it is this section
that allows the Council to make a decision on any legitimate item referred to it,
and without such a power, the role of "final arbiter" of system-wide disputes cannot be fulfilled by the Council.
Recommendation 4:
Section 38.2 (4): That the powers set out in Section 37 (1) (o) [recommendations
to the Board], and (u) [affiliation agreements] be returned to campus-based Senates, and that the powers set out in Section 37 (1) (1) [management of the library]
be given to the Council of Senates.
Recommended Senate Response: We recommend that Senate request that the
President and the administration propose to the Ministry of Advanced Education
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Minutes of April 19, 2006
Agenda Committee, continued
that Section 37 (1) (o) be left within the powers of the Council of Senates, but that
corresponding powers also be granted to each Senate, and that paragraph (1) be
given to the Council of Senates in recognition of the system-wide nature of the
UBC Library. We do not recommend any changes to the provisions for affiliation
agreements, as we also note that these are system-wide decisions as affiliation is
not established with any UBC campus, but rather with UBC as a whole.
Recommendation 5:
Section 38.1 (4): That a member of the Council of Senates representing a Senate
be removed from the Council if they cease to be a member of their Senate.
Recommended Senate Response: That Senate request that the President and the
administration propose this change to the Ministry of Advanced Education.
Recommendation 6:
Section 38.1 (1): That explicit representation be provided on the Council of Senates for Convocation and Student Senators.
Recommended Senate Response: At this time, we do not recommend any action
as we note that the Council of Senates has struck a committee to consider its
membership generally.
Recommendation 7:
Section 38.1 (3): That students on the Council of Senates be limited to terms of 1
year instead of the usual 3 (a parallel to the Senate term lengths).
Recommended Senate Response: That Senate request that the President and the
administration propose this change to the Ministry of Advanced Education.
In regards to those matters where the Senates have requested changes to the Act,
we further request that the University Counsel report to the Senates by September
2006 on any actions the University has taken in regards to Senates' proposals.
Dean Isaacson l     That the Senate accept the recommendations
Dr. McLean J     of the Agenda Committee with respect to
Recommendations 2-5 and 7.
DISCUSSION
There was discussion about whether it would be advisable to submit proposed changes to
the legislation in several batches. The consensus was that, although the Senate would not
determine the timing of submission of changes to government, it would be wise to submit
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Minutes of April 19, 2006
Agenda Committee, continued
all proposed changes at one time. Some Senators expressed concern about unduly delay if
the University were to wait for resolution on all recommendations.
In response to questions from Mr. Brady about time lines related to Recommendations 1
and 6, Dean Isaacson confirmed that it would be possible to consult in the near future
with President-designate Toope about the Chair of Senate. Dean Isaacson also stated that
the Council of Senates planned to consider issues related to its composition at its June
2006 meeting. Dean Isaacson confirmed that the Agenda Committee would provide a status report about Recommendations 1 and 6 at the May 2006 meeting of Senate.
The motion was
put and carried.
STATUS REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF SENATE REVIEW
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee had circulated for information a status report on the implementation of
the recommendations of the ad hoc Committee to Review Senate. Dean Isaacson commented that, while some of the recommendations had been implemented, others were taking more time. He expressed the opinion that overall implementation was proceeding
reasonably well.
Mr. Brady expressed appreciation for the status report. He also noted amendments to the
Rules and Procedures of Senate would be necessary if the Senate elected to dissolve the
Continuing Studies Committee and reassign its responsibilities to the Curriculum Committee.
Curriculum Committee
See also Appendix A: Curriculum Summary.'
Dr. Marshall presented the reports, as Chair of the Committee.
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 122
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Curriculum Committee, continued
The Committee circulated curriculum proposals from the Faculties of Applied Science,
Arts, Commerce & Business Administration, Education, Forestry, Graduate Studies, Law,
and the School of Human Kinetics.
Dr. Marshall l     That the Senate approve the curriculum
}
Dean Muzyka J     proposals as circulated.
DISCUSSION
There was discussion about the correct title of an honours minor program in mathematics. Dr. Marshall suggested that Senate accept the program as proposed by the Curriculum
Committee, and that the Committee would undertake further discussion about the name
and return to the Senate with any proposed changes.
Dr. Bluman suggested an editorial change relating to a mathematics course for the Minor
in Commerce in the proposal from the Faculty of Forestry.
The motion wa
put and carried.
Student Awards Committee
NEW AWARDS
See also Appendix B: New Awards.'
Dr. Bluman presented the report, as Chair of the Committee.
Dr. Bluman l     That the awards listed be accepted and
Dean Granot J     forwarded to the Board of Governors for
approval, and that letters of thanks be sent
to the donors.
Carried.
•
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 123
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Ad hoc Committee to Review U21 Global
STATUS REPORT
As Chair of the ad hoc Committee to Review U21 Global, Dr. Helsley delivered an oral
status report on Committee activities. He noted that the final report of the ad hoc Committee was due at the May 2006 meeting, but that the Committee would appreciate additional time to conduct research.
Dr. Helsley l     That Senate extend the reporting deadline
Dr. Dean J     for the ad hoc Committee to Review U21
Global to the September 2006 regular
meeting of the Senate.
Carried.
Report from the Vice-President, Academic & Provost
OPTIMIZING INTERDISCIPLINARY AT UBC
Vice-President Whitehead had circulated for information a series of reports, collectively
entitled "Optimizing Interdisciplinarity at UBC." The reports also contained recommendations about the future organization and leadership of the Faculty of Graduate Studies
(FoGS). The Chair recognized Dr. John Gosline to co-present the report. Vice-President
Whitehead stated that, although he was presenting the report for information, discussion
by the Senate would influence future decisions.
OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND
Vice-President Whitehead noted that the Faculty of Graduate Studies had two different
primary functions: (1) supporting graduate students and graduate education, and (2)
administering centres and institutes that were interdisciplinary in nature. He noted that
Dean Frieda Granot, who was to step down effective June 30, 2006, had done a tremendous job of building the Faculty.
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 124
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Report from the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, continued
Vice-President Whitehead explained that, when he took office in July 2004, he conducted
wide consultation in the academic community. Issues related to the Faculty of Graduate
Studies and interdisciplinarity were frequently referenced in both positive and negative
lights.
The Vice-President stated that Graduate Studies had been accorded status as a Faculty in
1949 to allow its Dean to serve as a member of Senate and to participate in deans' activities. Over time, however, the Faculty became the administrative home for units that were
not easily placed elsewhere. Consultation conducted by the Committee of Deans and others indicated controversy about whether it remained optimal to have the Faculty of Graduate Studies continue to play its dual role, given the current size and scale of the
institution.
In response to a June 2005 call for input from the academic community, the Vice-President had received over 100 thoughtful submissions. Respondents suggested some options,
but no consensus emerged. The Vice-President proceeded to strike a committee, which
was chaired by Dr. Herbert Rosengarten, to consider a suitable process for considering all
points of view while moving forward in a fair, effective, and transparent manner. Upon
advice of the Rosengarten committee, the Vice-President had held a public forum and
asked Dr. John Gosline to chair a committee of interested research faculty members
(rather than administrators) to consider whether a consensus could be reached.
Dr. Gosline gave an overview of the Interdisciplinarity Advisory Committee's activities.
Following the public forum, the Advisory Committee met approximately twelve times
and eventually unanimously approved the recommendations that appeared in the committee's final report. Dr. Gosline presented and commented on each of the Committee's
recommendations.
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 125
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Report from the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, continued
Recommendation 1: The Faculty of Graduate Studies should be dedicated to the
development and support of high quality graduate programs at UBC.
Dr. Gosline stated that the separation of the 16 interdisciplinary (ID) units from
FoGS would allow the Faculty to focus exclusively on graduate programs and
graduate students. Locating the ID units in an administrative home outside FoGS
could also enhance interdisciplinarity at the undergraduate level, which was not
currently within the mandate of these units. The Advisory Committee had
rejected the idea of creating a Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, as this would
imply that interdisciplinarity did not exist in other Faculties.
Recommendation 2: An administrative unit, called the Office of Interdisciplinary
Studies (OIS), should be formed under the direction of a new Vice-President,
Interdisciplinarity (VP-I).
Dr. Gosline stated that his committee recognized that the creation of a new vice-
presidency might not be possible and explained that nevertheless the committed
had proceeded with this recommendation as an indication of their view of the
need to raise the profile of interdisciplinarity within the University's administrative hierarchy. The Committee had struggled at first to determine whether their
recommendation for the leader would be a Vice-President or at a lower level, such
as Associate Vice-President. A recommendation for a Vice-President was ultimately recommended because the Committee wished to place ID as high as possible in the reporting structure, in order to have more influence on resource
allocation decisions.
Recommendation 3: With regard to fostering interdisciplinarity across campus,
the committee recommends that all existing Faculties appoint an Associate Dean
of Interdisciplinary Studies (AD-I), who would coordinate interdisciplinary activities within their Faculty and would also meet regularly with other AD-I's at an
Interdisciplinary Council chaired by the VP-I.
Dr. Gosline stated that this recommendation aimed to address a perceived tension
between FoGS ID units and disciplinary Faculties and to foster connections
between Faculties.
Recommendation 4: The committee recommends that a new committee be struck
to study and evaluate policies and procedures for the promotion and tenure of
faculty who hold appointments in interdisciplinary units or whose research and
teaching have a strong interdisciplinary component.
This would ensure that there is no penalty for or bias against interdisciplinary faculty in promotion and tenure decisions. The report stated that this work was
essential, no matter where ID units were ultimately located.
Recommendation 5: The report should be circulated widely across campus before
the Provost acts on these recommendations.
The report had been circulated to all faculty. Feedback was welcome either
directly to the Advisory Committee or through Deans of Faculty.
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 126
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Report from the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, continued
Vice-President Whitehead thanked Dr. Gosline and members of the Advisory Committee,
as well as a large number of other volunteers. He also thanked Dean Frieda Granot for
creating a foundation for a tremendous future. Senators applauded to express their appreciation for Dean Granot's longstanding contributions.
Vice-President Whitehead indicated that, overall, his reaction to the report had been very
positive. With respect to separating the ID units from FoGS, the Vice-President noted that
it would important to maintain excellence in both of FoGS current roles. He indicated
that this separation would result in little or no day-to-day change for faculty members or
graduate students. The name of the proposed new structure and the title and reporting
relationship for its leader were not yet clear. Vice-President Whitehead stated stated that
the decision-making process was still very much underway and that his own views were
flexible. In the spirit of openness, however, he felt it was appropriate to indicate his current preference, which would be not to create a new vice presidency but rather to have the
leader of an office of interdisciplinarity reporting to the Vice President, Academic. He
envisioned this leader as influential and respected, and helpful in supporting and coordinating interdisciplinarity across all Faculties.
The Vice-President cited some urgency to begin a search for a new dean for graduate programs and graduate students, considering that Dean Granot was to step down on June 30.
The Vice-President stated that he had been reluctant to begin such a search before receiving and discussing the Advisory Committee's report.
The Vice-President stated that it would take more time to determine the appropriate title
and reporting relationship for a leadership position in the area of interdisciplinarity and
the appropriate home for the ID units. Vice-President Whitehead indicated that the way
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Minutes of April 19, 2006
Report from the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, continued
forward would become clear over the next two to six months, and that, depending on the
decision taken, he would bring the matter to Senate for either discussion or approval.
COMMENTS FROM SENATORS
Academic Policy Committee Chair Dr. Harrison reported that the Committee had discussed the recommendations, and that the Committee had expressed general support for
separating the Faculty as described in the report. There remained questions about the
optimal academic governance structure and support for faculty members in ID units leaving FoGS, as well as concern about the costs involved in creating a new structure, if it
were to include a vice-president, an office, and a council.
Interim Budget Committee Chair Dr. Brander stated that the Committee had met to consider the budgetary implications of the proposal. The Interim Budget Committee had also
expressed strong support for the separation of the Faculty. The Committee agreed with
the Vice-President that most of the desired changes could be effected on a cost-neutral
basis. The Committee had discussed a possible decrease in certain economies of scale, but
noted as well that certain coordination costs might be reduced through division of the two
FoGS roles. One of the recommendations in the Gosline report, the creation of a vice-
presidency, would likely add significant cost and was therefore not recommended. Committee members noted that such extra costs would probably reduce funds available for
worthy initiatives elsewhere, and noted that the Committee and the Senate should carefully consider costs and associated trade-offs before proceeding. Dr. Brander expressed
support for beginning the search for a new dean as soon as possible. He suggested that,
once a plan for the ID units had been identified, Senate be offered the opportunity for further discussion and possible decision.
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Minutes of April 19, 2006
Report from the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, continued
Dr. Brander expressed personal reservations about the creation of a new vice-president.
He cited possible confusion about the role of the Vice-President, Academic and the loss of
the role of "referee" between deans that was currently performed by that position. Dr.
Brander suggested that the new position be located within the portfolio of the Vice-President, Academic.
Dr. Windsor-Liscombe commended the Advisory Committee for its report. He stated that
he had begin his own interdisciplinary work thanks to Dean Granot in the Faculty of
Graduate Studies, and noted his appreciation. He asked whether some of the issues identified in the report might be addressed through the Individual Interdisciplinary Graduate
Studies Program, which had operated to date under a relative "lean" administrative structure. Having just completed a three-year term as chair of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Interdisciplinary Studies Committee, Dr. Windsor-Liscombe noted
that there remained challenges in correctly defining ID work; many ID activities remained
bounded within the humanities or within the sciences. He suggested that the University
avoid an administratively "top-heavy" ID structure.
Dr. McAfee recalled that she had completed an interdisciplinary Ph.D. thirty years earlier,
when ID programs remained unofficial and "below the radar." She requested additional
information about the budgetary impact of next steps, as well as how future plans would
affect students.
Vice-President Whitehead stated that one theme from student feedback collected to date
was concern that the special character of ID units housed within FoGS and the support
provided by FoGS would be lost in the transition. He expressed the hope that the opposite
would occur, i.e., that a new leader for ID would serve as a champion for interdisciplinarity across campus.
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Minutes of April 19, 2006
Report from the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, continued
In response to a question from Mr. Brady, Vice-President Whitehead confirmed that he
was aware of models in place at other universities, including McGill University and Duke
University. He stated that many other institutions looked to UBC as a leader in the administration of graduate studies.
Dr. Bluman expressed concern about possible problems that could arise related to joint
appointment of faculty members.
Dean Isaacson stated that the creation of a vice-president, an office, and the associate
dean positions would be very expensive, and urged Senate and the University to consider
the budgetary impact of these proposals. He was also uncertain as to whether relocating
ID units in another area reporting to the Vice-President Academic would solve current
problems or show advantages over the current structure. Dean Isaacson also noted that
there was wide variety among the centres and institutes within FoGS and that the same
arrangement may not be best for all of them. He added that approval of the Senate would
be required to alter the governance structure of these units, and that degree-granting
authority would need to be considered. Although he understood the urgency to appoint a
new dean, Dean Isaacson expressed concern that moving ahead in this area would imply
approval to proceed with the reorganization of the ID units. He asked whether Senate
might consider a motion related to governance changes at its May 2006 meeting.
Dr. Arneil agreed that a "one size fits all" model for relocating ID units would not be optimal. She also spoke against the creation of a vice-presidency that would compete with the
Vice-President, Academic.
Mr. Jeff Friedrich, Vice-President Academic of the Alma Mater Society, requested and
received recognition by the Chair to address the Senate. He had served as a member of the
Advisory Committee, and stated that his goal had been to help create recommendations
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 130
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Report from the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, continued
that embedded interdiscipinarity as a core value. He suggested that the ID leadership position be ranked at least the level of associate vice-president to ensure that students in ID
units did not lose their champion and advocate. Mr. Friedrich suggested that degrees
could be granted through the Faculty of Graduate Studies, as they had been in the past.
Dean Muzyka spoke in support of separating FoGS while retaining a dean for graduate
students. He expressed concern about conceptually locating interdisciplinarity in one
administrative unit, and urged the University to consider a more integrated model for
change and development. He spoke against the creation of a new vice-president. He recommended that the Vice-President proceed to fill the position of dean as soon as possible,
but exercise caution in reorganizing ID units to avoid the proliferation of administrative
structures.
Dean Gallini spoke in favour of the separation of FoGS. She noted that Dean Granot had
done a remarkable job in securing funding while also performing her many other duties
on behalf of the Faculty. Dean Gallini expressed reservations about the new administrative structure for ID units. She spoke against the creation of a vice-presidency, based on
concern that splitting the Vice-President, Academic portfolio would create administrative
silos rather than foster cooperation. She preferred instead one vice-president, who could
continue to push for excellence in all areas of the academic portfolio. She added that the
approximately 20 interdisciplinary programs in the Faculty of Arts were under resourced,
and that increased emphasis on interdisciplinarity at UBC might ameliorate that situation.
Dean Gallini suggested that some of the ID units might merge or organize themselves differently within a broader administrative structure, and urged careful consideration.
Dr. Helsley spoke in favour of decentralization of ID units to encourage ID activity, as
opposed to the creation of an administrative superstructure.
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Minutes of April 19, 2006
Report from the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, continued
Dr. Thorne spoke in support of the proposal, but noted that not all of the units in question
held interdisciplinarity as a core value, and urged the Vice-President to consider each of
the them individually in planning next steps.
Ms. Friesen drew attention to the fact that the UBC Library provided services to both
undergraduate and graduate students in an interdisciplinary manner.
The President thanked Vice-President Whitehead and Dr. Gosline for their report. Vice-
President Whitehead stated that he looked forward to reporting back to the Senate as
plans moved forward. He thanked Dean Granot for serving as a catalyst for change and
for fostering the kind of environment that allowed the University to stimulate interdicipi-
narity.
Other Business
ORIENTATION FOR SENATORS
Mr. Brady recalled that the ad hoc Committee for the Review of Senate had proposed the
development of an orientation for new Senators. He suggested that organization charts
for the University administration be provided as part of the orientation.
Ms. Collins spoke about the status of the development of orientation programming. She
noted that Secretariat had compiled and begun circulating a package of orientation materials for new Senators, and that the Secretariat team planned future work with the Agenda
Committee to create an orientation session.
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 132
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Tributes Committee - in camera
REVOCATION OF EMERITUS STATUS
Note: Due to the confidential nature of this report, a limited summary appears in this
version of the Minutes.
As Chair of the Committee, Dr. Thorne presented a confidential proposal to revoke emeritus status from a retired faculty member, as permitted under a policy on emeritus status
approved by Senate at its February 2006 meeting. Dean Isaacson expressed concern about
revocation in general, noting that it would be important for the Senate to ensure that due
process taken place. Dr. Thorne noted that emeritus status constituted a honour, and that
Senate should only consider revocation under highly exceptional and unusual circumstances. The Committee circulated a report that detailed: (1) the facts of the case, (2) the
process undertaken by the Tributes Committee in reaching its decision to recommend
revocation, and (3) confirmation that the Committee had notified the individual. There
was discussion about the practice for revoking emeritus status at other universities. Dr.
Thorne stated that, although the practice varied by institution, the general opinion was
that, because the Senate had granted the emeritus status, it would be within Senate's purview to reconsider that action and to revoke the status. A motion to revoke emeritus status from the individual in question was put and carried.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned the next regular meeting of
the Senate was scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
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Minutes of April 19, 2006
APPENDIX A: CURRICULUM SUMMARY
FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE
B.A.Sc. Mathematics minor
New Biomedical Engineering option in the Electrical Engineering program of the B.A.Sc.
COURSES
EECE 203, 230, 282, 332, 432, 433, 434
MECH 329, 445
FACULTY OF ARTS
Canadian Studies major requirements
Coordinated Arts Program
Foundations Program (discontinue)
COURSES
ASTU 100
ASIA 204, 250, 369, 384, 400, 450, 490
CHIN 161
CRWR 411, 469
JAPN 161
KORN 161
MUSC 469
POLI 309, 310, 336, 337, 341, 343, 348, 427, 450
PSYC 304,418
RMST 221, 222
THTR 335, 469
VISA 469
FACULTY OF COMMERCE & BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
New combined major in Business and Computer Science in the B.Com.
COURSES
BUSI 112, 460, 497
COMM 398
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
COURSE
EPSE 404
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 134
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Appendix A: Curriculum Summary, continued
SCHOOL OF HUMAN KINETICS
Changes to Commerce Minor in the Bachelor of Human Kinetics
FACULTY OF FORESTRY
Changes to the Commerce Minor
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Commerce: New sub-specialization in Business Intelligence Systems
Education: M.A./M.Ed./Ph.D. in Adult Education, M.A./M.Ed./Ph.D. in Higher Education
COURSES
MECH 545
ASIA 547
PSYC 502, 503
EDCI to CCFI course changes
LLED 558
FACULTY OF LAW
New concentration in Business Law in the LL.B.
COURSES
LAW 311, 445, 465, 466
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 135
Minutes of April 19, 2006
APPENDIX B: NEW AWARDS
Edward G. AULD Prize in Engineering Physics: In commemoration of the 50th reunion, in 1997,
of graduates from UBC's Engineering Physics Program, a $650 prize has been endowed in honour
of Dr. Edward G. Auld, Professor Emeritus, for a student or student group from the graduating
class in the Senior Engineering Physics Projects Course who submits an exceptional report on a
project that demonstrates both academic excellence and innovation. The award is made on the
recommendation of the Director of the Engineering Physics Program. (First award available for
the 2006/07 Winter Session)
BUNTING Coady Entrance Scholarship in Architecture: A $6,000 scholarship is offered by
Bunting Coady Architects to a student entering the Master of Architecture Program or the Master
of Advanced Studies in Architecture Program, based primarily on their scholarly achievements at
the undergraduate level. The award is made on the recommendation of the School of Architecture
and Landscape Architecture. (First award available for the 2006/07 Winter Session)
Thelma Sharp COOK Scholarship: A $5,500 scholarship has been endowed for a student entering the penultimate or final year of a baccalaureate program, the first year of Graduate Studies,
or enrolled in the Faculties of Medicine or Dentistry. The selection is made by a special committee
from those candidates nominated by faculties and designated student organizations for the Sherwood Lett Memorial Scholarship. Nominees are expected to have good academic standing, have
demonstrated achievement in athletics, and have shown leadership through participation in student, community and service activities. Preference is given to aboriginal candidates or to those
planning a career involving work with children or youth. (First award available for the 2006/07
Winter Session)
Gabriele HELMS Memorial Graduate Scholarship: A $1,500 scholarship has been endowed by
colleagues, friends and family in memory of Dr. Gabriele Helms for a graduate student studying
Canadian Literature in the Department of English, with preference given to international students. Dr. Helms, Assistant Professor in the Department of English (July 2003 - December 2004)
was just commencing her academic work in autobiographical and Canadian studies before her
life was cut tragically short by breast cancer. The award is made on the recommendation of the
Department of English in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies. (First award available for the 2006/07 Winter Session)
KASIAN Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd. Scholarship: Scholarships totalling
$1,250 have been endowed by Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd. for students
in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, with preference for students demonstrating excellence in the area of design integration. The awards are made on the recommendation of the School. (First awards available for the 2005/06 Winter Session)
Bryce ROSITCH Entrance Award in Architecture: Awards totalling $6,500 are offered by Bryce
Rositch to students entering the Master of Architecture Program or Master of Advanced Studies
in Architecture Program, based primarily on their community and global citizenship achieve-
 Vancouver Senate 05-06 - 136
Minutes of April 19, 2006
Appendix B: New Awards, continued
ments at the undergraduate level. The award is made on the recommendation of the School of
Architecture and Landscape Architecture. (First award available for the 2006/07 Winter Session)
Jamie SMITH Memorial Award: Awards totalling $1,000 have been endowed by family and
friends in memory of Jamie Smith to enable undergraduate students in Zoology, Botany or Forestry who are studying ecology to attend field courses. During his thirty-two year tenure in the
Zoology Department, Jamie actively encouraged participation in field research, natural history,
and learning through field course experiences. The awards are made on the recommendation of
the Department of Zoology. (First award available for the 2005/06 Winter Session)
Previously-Approved Awards With Changes in Terms or Funding Source:
Award 03350 - D C & H L KNIGGE Entrance Scholarship in Music - (revised description) Three
scholarships of equal value to a total of $2,575 have been endowed by D.C. and H.L. Knigge for
students entering Music. One award is offered to a student in keyboard, with the other two being
given at the discretion of the Director of the School of Music. The awards are made on the recommendation of the School and may be renewable.
How amended: The current description begins with the phrase "Scholarships totalling $2,575
have been endowed by D.C. and H.L. Knigge...." The donor has pointed out that this wording is
contrary to the terms approved by UBC's Board of Governors in the Endowment Deed signed on
April 16,1999 by Dr. Barry McBride, as Acting President. The deed states, "The income from the
Fund shall be used by the University to fund three (3) entrance scholarships, one for keyboard
and two at the discretion of the Director of the School of Music, without restricting the generality
of the authority of the University...." The revised wording reflects the terms of the approved
endowment deed.
Award 03136 - H. Rocke ROBERTSON Prize in Surgery: (revised description) A $500 prize has
been endowed by family, friends and colleagues in recognition of the contribution made to the
Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Surgery by Dr. Rocke Robertson, as first Professor
and Head of Surgery. The award is made on the recommendation of the Faculty to a third or
fourth year student showing outstanding ability in the field of surgical studies.
How amended: After supporting this prize on an annual basis for many years, Dr. Robertson's
family, along with some of their friends, have decided to create a $10,000 endowment to fund the
award in perpetuity. The terms of the prize remain the same.
Award 00102 - Wilfred Sadler Memorial Gold Medal: (revised description) A gold medal, given
by Sigma Tau Upsilon Honorary Agricultural Fraternity in memory of Professor Wilfred Sadler,
Professor and Head of the Department of Dairying from 1918 to 1933, is awarded to the student
standing at the head of the graduating class for the B.Sc. (Agroecology) degree.
How amended: At the time this medal was originally created, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
granted only one degree, the B.Sc. in Agriculture. The evolution of the Faculty, now known as
Land and Food Systems, has led to the awarding of three separate degrees: B.Sc. (Agroecology),
B.Sc. (Global Resource Systems) and B.Sc. (Food, Nutrition and Health). The B.C. Institute of
Agrologists, which currently funds the Sadler medal on an annual basis, has agreed to have their
medal transferred to the B.Sc. (Agroecology). The Senate previously approved a new University
medal for the B.Sc. (Food, Nutrition and Health). A new medal for the B.Sc. (Global Resource
Systems), funded by a private donor, should be presented for consideration shortly.