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 THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  BRITISH  COLUMBIA
Vancouver Senate Secretariat
Senate and Curriculum Services
Enrolment Services
2016-1874 East Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
www.senate.ubc.ca
Vancouver Senate
MINUTES OF MARCH 31, 2010
Attendance
Present: Prof. S. J. Toope (Chair), Mr. J. Ridge (Secretary), Dean T Aboulnasr,
Ms. K. Aminoltejari, Dr. R. Anstee, Dr. K. Baimbridge, Dean M. A. Bobinski,
Principal M. Burgess, Dr. B. Cairns, Mr. A. Cheung, Mr. G. Costeloe, Mr. G. Dew,
Ms. A. Dulay, Dr. W Dunford, Dean B. Evans, Dr. D. Farrar (Provost & Vice-President,
Academic), Rev. Dr. S. Farris, Dr. D. Fielding, Ms. M. Friesen, Mr. R. Gardiner,
Mr. C. Gorman, Mr. S. Haffey, Dr. P. G. Harrison, Mr. S. Heisler, Dean M. Isman,
Dr. A. Ivanov, Ms. A. Johl, Dr. S. B. Knight, Dr. B. S. Lalli, Dr. B. Larson, Mr. D. Leung,
Dr. P. Loewen, Mr. B. MacDougall, Dr. P. L. Marshall, Mr. W McNulty, Mr. J. Mertens,
Mr. C. Meyers, Ms. S. Morgan-Silvester (Chancellor), Dr. C. Orvig, Ms. I. Parent,
Dr. K. Patterson, Dean S. Peacock, Mr. B. Perrin, Dr. J. Plessis, Ms. S. Purewal,
Dean J. Saddler, Mr. M. Sami, Ms. E. Segal, Ms. A. Shaikh, Acting Dean J. Shapiro,
Dr. S. Singh, Dr. R. Sparks, Dr. B. Stelck, Mr. D. Thakrar, Dr. S. Thorne,
Mr. B. Tomlinson, Dr. M. Upadhyaya, Mr. D. Verma, Dr. M. Vessey, Mr. A. Wazeer,
Dr. R. A. Yaworsky, Dr. T Young.
Guests: Mr. K. Arciaga, Ms. K. Beaumont, Mr. A. C. Embree, Mr. A. J. Hajir Hajian, Dr.
J. Hepburn, Mr. E. Hilmer, Mr. D. H. Kim, Mr. W Pue, Mr. S. Rasmussen, Ms. J. Teas-
dale, Mr. J. Yang.
Regrets: Mr. C. Au, Dr. J. Brander, Mr. B. Cappellacci, Ms. B. Craig, Dr. J. Dennison,
Dean N. Gallini, Dr. W Hall, Ms. K. Ho, Mr. A. Johal, Ms. A. Kelly, Dr. D. Lehman, Dr.
W McKee, Dean D. Muzyka, Principal L. Nasmith, Dr. G. Oberg, Dr. A. Riseman, Dr. T
Ross, Dr. L. Rucker, Mr. J. Sealy-Harrington, Dean C. Shuler, Dean R. Sindelar, Dean G.
Stuart, Dr. R. Wilson, Dr. R. Windsor-Liscombe.
Recording Secretary: Ms. L. M. Collins.
Vol. 2009/2010
118
 Vancouver Senate 09/10-119
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Call to Order
Senate Membership
VICE-CHAIR OF SENATE ELECTION
The Secretary reported that in response to the March 3 call for nominations, he had
received two nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of Senate: Ms. Margaret Friesen
and Mr. Sean Haffey. Each candidate presented a brief candidate statement and an election by ballot was conducted at the meeting. Mr. Haffey was declared elected. The President expressed his appreciation to both candidates for their willingness to serve.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Mr. Meyers l     That the minutes of the meeting of March 3,
}
Dr. Laewen J     2010 be adopted as circulated.
AMENDMENTS
The following amendments were accepted by unanimous consent:
1. In reference to the last paragraph on p. 123, Mr. Thakrar clarified that his question
had related to medical students travelling abroad for extra-curricular activities rather
than students undertaking elective coursework abroad.
2. Mr. Costeloe requested that the minutes record his vote against the motion to approve
UBC Policy 69: Student Safety Abroad.
The motion to
adopt the minutes
as amended was
put and carried.
Remarks from the Chair and Related Questions
VICE-CHAIR OF SENATE
On behalf of the Senate, Prof. Toope thanked outgoing Vice-Chair Mr. Geoff Costeloe for
his service in the role. He recalled that Mr. Costeloe had been called upon to chair a portion of a Senate meeting, and that he had conducted his duties with great discipline.
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 120
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Remarks from the Chair & Related Questions, continued
FEDERAL BUDGET
The President described the recently announced federal budget as relatively positive for
Canadian higher education, considering current economic circumstances. He noted that
the government faced a significant deficit. In response to concerted advocacy efforts, the
government had established a new postdoctoral fellowship program, which represented
an investment of approximately $45 million over five years. The federal granting councils
had received approximately two-percent increases to their budgets: $16 million for CIHR,
$13 million for NSERC, and $3 million for SSHRC. Funding for indirect costs of research
had also seen a small increase. The President expressed disappointment in the government's decision not to apply a differential increase for SSHRC, given the lesser impact of
the two-percent increase on its small base budget.
The federal government had also decided to undertake a review of all federal support for
research and development. The terms of reference for the review were being prepared.
While Canadian universities looked forward to making a powerful case for investment in
research, the President acknowledged that there was some risk involved in any large-scale
review of this type.
Other announcements included $126 million for TRIUMF over five years and $74 million
for Genome Canada.
UBC BUDGET
The President was pleased to report that a balanced budget had recently been submitted
to the Board of Governors. Although it had been difficult to achieve a balanced budget in
a complex fiscal environment, the new budget model would be more predictable and sustainable over the following years, as long as government funding remained stable. He
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 121
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Remarks from the Chair & Related Questions, continued
thanked the Vancouver Sub-Committee of the Council of Senates Budget Committee and
the deans for their contributions to the budget process.
A number of measures had been necessary to balance the budget, including $19 million in
cuts to centrally funded activities and a 2.5-percent cut to Faculty budgets totalling $10
million. To help offset the cuts to Faculty budgets, the University anticipated being able to
transfer back some savings and investment revenues.
UBC's relatively stable financial position stood in stark contrast to the challenges faced by
most other North American universities.
The President thanked Vice-Presidents Farrar and Ouillet in particular for their work on
the budget.
GLOBE 2010 CONFERENCE
The President reported on recent announcements he had made to delegates at the GLOBE
2010 environmental conference in Vancouver. UBC had already met international targets
established by the Kyoto Protocol for its core academic buildings, which required a six-
per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2012. The university
next aimed to:
• reduce GHGs an additional 33 per cent from 2007 levels by 2015;
• reduce GHGs to 67 per cent below 2007 levels by 2020; and
• eliminate 100 per cent of GHGs by 2050.
CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
The President and Secretary presented certificates of appreciation to Student Senators
completing their one-year terms of office on March 31, 2010.
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 122
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Admissions Committee
Committee Chair Dr. Fielding presented the reports.
DOCTOR OF MEDICINE ADMISSIONS
The Committee recommended to Senate for approval proposed changes in admission
requirements for applicants to the Doctor of Medicine program. Applicants would be
required to meet a minimum score in each component of the Medical College Admission
Test (MCAT).
Dr. Fielding l     That Senate approve the changes in
Mr. Mertens J     admission requirements for applicants to the
Doctor of Medicine program, effective for
entry to the 2011 Winter Session and
thereafter.
DISCUSSION
Amendment
In response to questions raised by Mr. Thakrar, the following amendment was accepted
by unanimous consent:
Selection Process, item 2(f): append "who are applying in the Aboriginal admission stream."
Implementation of MCAT Minimum Score Requirement
Mr. Thakrar expressed concern about the proposal to institute minimum scores for the
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) for applicants to begin studies in the coming
year. Given that applicants would receive relatively little notice about the new requirement, those falling short would need to find a way to re-write the MCAT within a limited
period of time. He suggested that implementation be delayed until the following year. At
the suggestion of the Chair, the Senate agreed to invite the Faculty of Medicine to respond
to this suggestion at the April 2010 meeting of the Senate.
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 123
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Admissions Committee, continued
Dr. Dunford observed that students intending to apply to the Doctor of Medicine tended
to select courses where they could obtain high grades so as to present the highest possible
admission average, and that many of those course selections were unrelated to the study
of medicine. He expressed the opinion that an applicant's grades on MD prerequisite
coursework should be considered most important. Dr. Fielding suggested that the MD
admissions process did consider this factor. He explained that three averages were calculated for each applicant: one overall average, one average on the most recent 60 credits,
and finally an average on the prerequisite coursework.
Dr. Singh asked about the deletion of the requirement for a non-academic autobiographical essay, and noted that it seemed unclear how the various admission requirements
would be weighted. Dr. Fielding explained that it had been difficult for Medicine to verify
that these essays had been written by the applicants themselves. Dr. Harrison observed
that admissions changes proposed by the Faculty of Medicine were generally based on
careful thought and research, and he suggested that Senate avoid making significant
amendments on the Senate floor.
The motion to
approve the
amended proposal
was put and
carried.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN LIBRARY, ARCHIVAL AND INFORMATION STUDIES
The Committee recommended changes in admission requirements for applicants to graduate programs in Library, Archival and Information Studies (Master of Library and Information Studies, Master of Archival Studies, Master of Arts in Children's Literature,
Doctor of Philosophy in Library, Archival and Information Studies and Certificate of
Advanced Study). Applicants would be required to achieve a minimum paper-based
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 124
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Admissions Committee, continued
TOEFL score of 600, a minimum internet-based TOEFL score of 100 or a minimum overall band score of 7.5 with a minimum score of 7.0 in each component of the academic (not
general) International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.
Dr. Fielding l     That Senate approve the changes in
Dr. Anstee J     admission requirements for applicants to the
Master of Library and Information Studies,
Master of Archival Studies, Master of Arts in
Children's Literature, Doctor of Philosophy
in Library, Archival and Information Studies
and Certificate of Advanced Study
programs, for admission to the 2011 Winter
Session and thereafter.
APPLICATION AND DOCUMENT DEADLINES FOR SUMMER SESSION
The Committee recommended approval of a revised calendar entry on Application and
Document Deadlines. Applications for undergraduate admission to the Summer Session
must be received by January 15 to allow for timely evaluation and notification of admission decisions.
Dr. Fielding l     That Senate approve the revised calendar
Mr. Heisler J     entry on Application and Document
Deadlines, effective for admission to the
2011 Summer Session and thereafter.
Carried.
APPLICANTS FROM A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY: BRIDGING PROGRAMS AND
PRE-MAJORS/BACHELOR OF MUSIC: MUSIC PRE-MAJOR
The Committee recommended approval of revised calendar entries on Applicants from a
College or University: Bridging Programs and Pre-Majors and the Bachelor of Music:
Music Pre-Major. The proposed changes moved the Music Pre-Major content from the
general Admission section of the Calendar under "Applicants from a College or Univer-
 Vancouver Senate
Minutes of March 31, 2010
09/10- 125
Admissions Committee, continued
sity" to the Bachelor of Music "Music Admission" section and created a more general section under "Applicants from a College or University" speaking to bridging and pre-major
programs at the University.
Dr. Fielding
Mr. Wazeer
That Senate approve the revised calendar
entries on Applicants from a College or
University: Bridging Program and Pre-
Majors and the Bachelor of Music: Music
Pre-Major.
Carried.
ENROLMENT TARGETS 2010/2011
The Committee recommended approval of proposed undergraduate enrolment targets for
the 2010/2011 academic year for each Faculty, division and year level. The proposed
enrolment targets had been reviewed by the Provost & Vice-President Academic and the
Committee of Deans.
Dr. Fielding
Dr. Marshall
That Senate approve the 2010/2011
enrolment targets, as per section 27(2)(r) of
the University Act.
DISCUSSION
In response to a question about a target of 1600 unknown/non-degree students, the
assembly recognized Vice-Provost Wesley Pue, who stated that this number included several types of unclassified, visiting, and other students who were not included in the standard counting of regular degree students.
The motion was
put and
carrie
was
ied.
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 126
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Curriculum Committee
See also Appendix A: Curriculum Summary.'
Committee Chair Dr. Marshall presented the report.
Dr. Marshall l     That the new and changed courses and
Mr. Costeloe J     programs brought forward by the Faculties
of Education, Forestry, Graduate Studies
(Applied Science, Arts, Education, Land and
Food Systems, Medicine, and Science), and
Land and Food Systems be approved.
Joint Report from the Admissions Committee and the Curriculum
Committee
GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN GENOME SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Curriculum Committee Chair Dr. Marshall presented the joint report.
Dr. Marshall l     That Senate approve the new Graduate
Mr. Mertens J     Programs in Genome Science and
Technology and their associated courses, as
set out in the attached report.
Student Awards Committee
Committee Chair Dr. Stelck presented the report.
NEW AWARDS
See also Appendix B: New Awards'.
Dr. Stelck l     That Senate accept the awards as listed and
Mr. Verma J     forward them to the Board of Governors for
approval, and that letters of thanks be sent
to the donors.
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 127
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Student Awards Committee, continued
DISCUSSION
Referring to the terms of the Aker Solutions Award in Engineering, Mr. Mertens noted
that the award would be given to students entering their first or second year in chemical
or mechanical engineering. He asked how this would work because the first year of the
Bachelor of Applied Science was in general engineering. By general consent, the Senate
agreed make its approval subject to any necessary clarification or correction to the terms
for this award to address the above-mentioned concern.
The motion was
put and carried.
Teaching & Learning Committee
TOPIC OF BROAD ACADEMIC INTEREST: INTEGRATING INTERNATIONAL
LEARNING INTO ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
At the request of Committee Chair Ms. Friesen, the assembly recognized guest speaker
Ms. Katherine Beaumont, Director, Go Global: International Learning Programs.
The Committee had proposed that Senate consider the following questions:
1. What are the current program activities for undergraduate and graduate students?
2. What are the barriers to participation?
3. What guidance and direction can Senate provide to achieve the goals in the Student
Learning and International Engagement commitments in Place and Promise?
4. What are the expectations UBC holds with respect to student international learning
(study, research or service-learning) to ensure both students and communities are well
supported in this international engagement?
Ms. Beaumont gave a brief overview of Go Global activities in four categories: study and
research abroad, international service learning, group study programs, and incoming
exchange students. Participation in all four categories was expected to increase in 2010/
11 over 2009/2010 levels, with a particularly significant increase in study and research
abroad.
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Minutes of March 31, 2010
Teaching & Learning Committee, continued
Ms. Beaumont reported that lack of funds, inflexible curricula, and lack of faculty awareness had been identified as significant barriers to participation. A 2008 survey on student
engagement indicated that while 48 percent of first-year students intended to participate,
only 14 percent of the graduating class had done so.
Ms. Beaumont drew attention to the following relevant sections in Place and Promise:
Student Learning
Action: Provide undergraduate students with at least two enriched educational
opportunities during their course of studies
International Engagement
Action: Increase student participation in learning and service abroad.
Ms. Beaumont gave an overview of the concept of transformative international education
and the necessary conditions for deep learning to occur. Students participating in high-
impact learning experiences benefited from more deep/integrative learning as compared
to their peers. The focus was therefore to collaborate with academic programs to create
transformative educational opportunities facilitated through an integrated strategy.
Examples of potential collaboration and integration were discussed.
DISCUSSION
Noting that only 14 percent of students participated in an international learning experience, he asked whether that figure included international travel experiences not formally
facilitated by Go Global. Ms. Beaumont replied in the negative and distinguished between
an international travel experience (which was of value in itself) and an international learning experience. She was hopeful that data collected under the new Student Safety Abroad
policy would allow measurement of a broader range of international learning activities.
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 129
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Teaching & Learning Committee, continued
Dean Aboulnasr expressed the opinion that students should receive academic credit for
international learning experiences, particularly those that required extensive pre-travel
training and post-travel reflection. Ms. Beaumont suggested that Go Global would be
pleased to work with academic programs to explore connections between international
learning and credit coursework. After further discussion, it was suggested that while international learning credit might not meet specialized course requirements, perhaps credit
could be applied more broadly within programs.
Mr. Costeloe pointed out that UBC students participating in exchange programs often
waited a long time for transfer credit decisions. Mr. Ridge agreed that this had been problematic for some time, but that steps had been taken to address major backlogs and
delays. He hoped for increased automation of transfer credit decisions in future through
the construction of a transfer credit database.
Ms. Johl suggested improved marketing of international learning opportunities to students, expressing the opinion that many students were unaware until it was too late. She
felt that information was available, but that students were required to take significant initiative to find it. Ms. Beaumont agreed, stating that identifying optimal ways to communicate with students constituted an important challenge for the University. Optimally,
students would be introduced to a suite of available opportunities early in their programs.
Dr. Thorne drew attention to moral and ethical considerations associated with health professionals engaging in international experiences that were not sustainable over the long
term. In some circumstances, the negative impact on the region outweighed the benefit to
the student. Dr. Thorne suggested that the University focus less on the idea of short-term
international experiences and more on ways for students to make contributions as global
citizens either at home or abroad. Ms. Beaumont agreed that these were important con-
 Vancouver Senate 09/10-130
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Teaching & Learning Committee, continued
siderations, and noted that students planning an international service learning experience
underwent a careful screening. Prof. Toope recalled a recent commitment to the Clinton
Global Initiative to convene groups of students, faculty, and staff to discuss culturally sensitive international engagement. The College of Health Disciplines had been asked to
facilitate this cross-university dialogue.
Ms. Aminoltejari asked about financial support for students. Ms. Beaumont explained
that the Office of Student Financial Assistance & Awards administered endowed funds
available to all UBC students, and that the amount of funding varied somewhat from year
to year. The President stated that international learning was an important target area for
fundraising efforts. He added that Mr. Ridge was leading a project to reimagine awards
for students planning to undertake high-impact learning experiences. One of the goals
was to ensure that international learning experiences were available to the broadest possible range of students — not just those with independent means.
Mr. Wazeer noted that international learning also happened through interaction with
international students attending UBC. He asked about initiatives to support increased
interaction between domestic and international students in the UBC learning environment. Ms. Beaumont agreed that there were many such opportunities for learning on the
UBC campus. While past discussions with academic units had focused primarily on reciprocity and capacity, Go Global was hopeful to expand those discussions to include communication with faculty about exchange students registered in their classes.
Dr. Knight spoke of the need for careful balance, noting that transfer students might
arrive at UBC with 60 credits completed, then participate in a student exchange program
before completing one final year at UBC. He suggested that, to the extent that UBC
wished its graduates to reflect its institutionality, curricula should mandate a balance. He
 Vancouver Senate 09/10-131
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Teaching & Learning Committee, continued
also suggested increased use of communication technology to enhance the international
learning experience.
Dr. Anstee observed that course articulations for UBC students on exchange abroad
seemed awkward, and that students frequently were not granted their first choice of institution. He suggested that consideration be given to the optimal year for an international
learning experience within each four-year program. For example, an intensive second year
filled with required courses would not be the best time to participate in a student
exchange. Ms. Beaumont expressed great interest in discussing with academic units how
international experiences might best complement their programs. In response to a question from Mr. Costeloe, Ms. Beaumont stated that students could participate in an
exchange program in fourth year, although they would likely graduate in November
rather than in May.
Dr. Baimbridge asked whether it would be useful to develop a University policy on learning abroad. Ms. Beaumont suggested that it would be helpful to reflect on how this might
be pursued most effectively, and that close collaboration with the Provost's office would
be useful.
The President thanked Ms. Beaumont for her presentation.
Developing a Research Strategy
At the request of the Provost & Vice-President Academic, the assembly recognized guest
presenter Dr. John Hepburn, Vice-President, Research & International. Dr. Hepburn had
circulated a document outlining the process undertaken to date to develop a research
strategy for the Vancouver campus of the University. The document addressed the desirability of research strategy, its close relationship to Place and Promise, the importance of
research to the University, diversity of scholarship, defining excellence in research, and
 Vancouver Senate 09/10-132
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Developing a Research Strategy, continued
key themes and partnerships. The document also outlined a set of draft actions the University could take to promote research excellence. Under each of the applicable goals and
actions set out in Place and Promise, the document listed suggestions for more detailed
and firmly defined actions in the area of research.
Dr. Hepburn indicated that — after further wide consultation and discussion — a revised
draft Research Strategy would be brought to the Senate for discussion at the May 12,
2010 meeting. The goal was to finalize the document by the early summer of 2010. He
encouraged Senators to provide input on the strategy through discussion at the meeting
and/or by submitting comments through the comment form accessible at
www.research.ubc.ca. The deadline for comments to inform the preparation of the next
draft was set at April 16.
DISCUSSION
Dr. Baimbridge agreed that it was critical to involve researchers themselves in the development of the Strategy, but expressed concern that very few researchers in the Life Sciences Institute (LSI) seemed to be aware or actively involved. He noted that there
remained only 18 days in the consultation period, with Easter and final examinations also
occurring during this same timeframe. Given the short time available, it would be difficult
for LSI researchers to prepare a coordinated submission. Dr. Hepburn acknowledged that
it had been difficult to consult in detail with thousands of faculty researchers. His understanding had been that the Research Strategy had been discussed at the departmental level
within the Faculty of Medicine. He accepted the concern about short timelines, and indicated that comments received after April 16 would still be taken into consideration. Dr.
Hepburn also agreed to distribute another broadcast email message to explain the process
and to invite participation.
 Vancouver Senate 09/10-133
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Developing a Research Strategy, continued
Dr. Singh noted an emphasis on faculty and post-doctoral graduate researchers, and noted
that there were significant limitations on undergraduate research at UBC. Mr. Tomlinson
added that he would appreciate more emphasis on undergraduate involvement in the
"thinking" aspects of research, whereas undergraduate students often felt treated as a
source of cheap labour. Dr. Hepburn agreed that language about undergraduate research
needed to be strengthened. The intent was to specify that there should be opportunities to
expose undergraduate students to the research process, even though not all undergraduate
students would choose to actively engage. Mr. Costeloe observed that, at least in the Faculty of Science, there were significant barriers to undergraduate students engaging in
research unless their grades were high enough to obtain funding support from NSERC.
Barriers were also significant for students who were not in a research-intensive program
stream. He asked whether there were mechanisms to select and support a broader range
of interested students. The President noted that future discussions about student awards
programs might include how to support undergraduate students wishing to be involved in
high-impact experiences such as research; it was possible that students could be given the
means to effectively self-fund these types of learning experiences. Dr. Anstee emphasized
that there was a broad range of research interests among undergraduates, from a desire
from many students to gain a basic understanding of research to a much smaller group
who wished to actually conduct research. He discouraged language that implied that
every undergraduate student would conduct research.
Mr. Perrin drew attention to sections that he felt would be particularly helpful to pre-ten-
ure researchers, e.g. provisions for internal review on grant proposals as a way to increase
success rates. He suggested the addition of more detail about balancing teaching assignments with research responsibilities, particularly for pre-tenure faculty conducting empirical research. He also suggested more detailed language about the criteria under which
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 134
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Developing a Research Strategy, continued
research was evaluated at UBC, the diversity of research output, and a clearer expression
of what kind of research contributions were valued.
Dr. Cairns requested clarification about the term "research excellence." Dr. Hepburn
agreed that this was important, but noted that was a very difficult concept to define. The
document provided several examples of different kinds of research excellence. He
requested feedback on whether there were glaring omissions in the types of examples
selected. He expressed the opinion that it would be impossible, however, to create a short
list of areas of research excellence at the University. While peer review served as a type of
'gold standard' for measuring research excellence, even peer review could potentially
overlook, for example, the impact of research on public policy. The President urged Senators to forward written submissions about how research excellence should best be
defined — particularly suggestions for what kind of examples of research excellence
should be included.
The President emphasized that the Research Strategy would become a very important
statement by the University, and that it was critically important to engage. He hoped that
the discussion would generate a broad enough sense of purpose to guide the University's
research endeavours over the following years.
Report from the Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Services &
Registrar
2010 ELECTION OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES TO THE BOARD OF
GOVERNORS & VANCOUVER SENATE
Mr. Ridge had circulated the following report on recent student elections.
In accordance with Section 16 of the University Act, I am directed to report to you
the results of the election of two (2) student representatives to the Board of Governors and five (5) student representatives at-large to the Vancouver Senate. As
senators are aware, normally this report consists of a simple listing of the results
of each election; however, given the extraordinary situation this year, and the
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 135
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Report from the Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Services & Registrar, continued
action I have decided to take as a result, I believe a lengthier report than usual is
required.
Since 1974, student elections to UBC governing bodies at UBC Vancouver have
been conducted in part by the students themselves. This was most recently confirmed in 2007 by virtue of the Council of Senates approving regulations that
allowed the Registrar to permit student organizations to conduct most aspects of
student elections to University positions.
In January 2010, the Elections Committee of the Alma Mater Society conducted
an online poll for student representatives using the Society's electronic voting system. Information presented to the University in mid-February indicated that the
results of that election were compromised, and further investigations indicated
that at least 731 out of 6925 cast votes were in fact fraudulent and were cast via
exploiting a flaw in the AMS election application's programming. My office
worked closely with the AMS as a thorough investigation was undertaken by a
forensic technology consulting firm.
As allowed by Section 5 (3) of our Election Regulations, I have decided to discard
the 731 fraudulent votes, retabulate the results accordingly, and as such allow the
elections to stand. Although I cannot say with absolute certainty that this one
breach was the totality of problems, there is no evidence of other compromises of
the system by the same method, and there is no evidence of any other successful
compromise.
I therefore declare Azim Wazeer and Sean Heisler elected as student representatives to the Board of Governors for terms of one (1) year from 1 April 2010 and
thereafter until replaced, and Johannes Rebane, Joel Mertens, Spencer Rasmus-
sen, Alyssa Koehn, and AJ Hajir Hajian elected as student representatives at-large
to the Vancouver Senate for terms of one (1) year from 1 April 2010 and thereafter until replaced.
I would like to thank all candidates for participating in these elections and assure
the University community that we are actively pursuing those responsible for this
fraud. My office will be reaffirming requirements for the highest levels of security
and scrutiny for any elections conducted on the University's behalf in the future.
DISCUSSION
In response to a question from Mr. Perrin, Mr. Ridge confirmed that the AMS elections
system did allow elections staff to verify how students had voted in the elections. This lack
of anonymity had been acknowledged by the AMS as a defect and Mr. Ridge had been
assured that the AMS was committed to making the necessary repairs. After further discussion, the Secretary was directed to forward to the AMS leadership an expression of
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 136
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Report from the Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Services & Registrar, continued
Senate concern about the lack of voter anonymity in the current AMS elections system
and a request that this problem be rectified immediately.
Report from the Senate Student Caucus
Student Senator Geoff Costeloe gave a presentation as chair of the 2009/2010 Senate student caucus to highlight issues of importance to students, including the following:
• S: Student Union Building construction;
• T: Teams of UBC students competing around the world;
• U: Undergraduate and graduate societies and clubs;
• D: Development of students inside and outside the classroom — community service
learning, student exchange programs, cooperative education, etc.;
• E: Education — the teaching and learning environment;
• N: Numbers — in which ways does UBC want to be the best in the world?
• T: Taking responsibility for one's own education, e.g., student-directed seminars, student-initiated new programs, etc.;
• S: In Summary, one important role for Senate is to build the best possible learning environment, and students will do the rest.
The President thanked Mr. Costeloe for his presentation.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The following regular meeting was scheduled to take place on April 21, 2010.
 Vancouver Senate 09/10-137
Minutes of March 31, 2010
APPENDIX A: CURRICULUM SUMMARY
Faculty of Education, School of Human Kinetics
NEW COURSE
HKIN472(3)
Faculty of Forestry
NEW COURSE
FRST270(3)
NEW SPECIALIZATIONS IN THE B.S.F. PROGRAM:
Integrated Resource Management
Community and Aboriginal Forestry
NEW MINOR
Minor in Commerce within the Specialization in Community and Aboriginal Forestry
Faculty of Graduate Studies
COLLEGE FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
NEW PROGRAMS
Genome Science and Technology: Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy
FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE
NEW COURSES
EECE542(3)
EECE 584 (6)
EECE585 (3)
MECH 527 (3)
MECH 529 (3)
REVISED COURSE
MECH 575 (l-3)d
 Vancouver Senate 09/10-138
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Appendix A: Curriculum Summary, continued
FACULTY OF ARTS
NEW COURSES
LIBR553 (3)
SOWK504(3)
SOWK550(3)
SOWK551 (3)
SOWK 555 (3)
PROGRAM CHANGE
M.S.W. Program Requirements
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
NEW COURSE
HKIN571 (3)
FACULTY OF LAND AND FOOD SYSTEMS
NEW COURSES
SOIL 515 (3)
SOIL 516 (3)
SOIL 518 (3)
FACULTY OF MEDICINE
NEW COURSES
OBST507(3)
SPPH 555 (3)
PROGRAM CHANGE
Anatomy and Cellular Biology Suspension of Admission
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
NEW COURSES
MATH 546 (3)
MATH 548 (3)
MATH 555 (3)
 Vancouver Senate 09/10-139
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Appendix A: Curriculum Summary, continued
MATH 556 (3)
REVISED COURSE
MATH 503 (3)
Faculty of Land & Food Systems
NEW COURSE
APBI100 (3)
NEW MINOR
Minor in Commerce
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 140
Minutes of March 31, 2010
APPENDIX B: NEW AWARDS
Aker Solutions Award in Engineering: A $1000 award is offered by Aker Solutions to a
selected student entering his/her first or second year of study in Chemical or Mechanical
Engineering. Recommendation is made by the Faculty of Applied Science. (First award
available 2010-11 Winter session)
Arthur Edamura Prize in Family Practice: A $500 prize is offered to a family medicine
resident who shows exceptional consideration of and disposition towards diligent investigation, diagnosis and treatment of a chronic ailment, disease or condition the diagnosis
of which is elusive and/or the incidence of which is rare. The prize has been established
by a patient of Dr. Arthur Edamura (M.D. 1976) in recognition of his success in investigating and treating a chronic condition. Recommendation is made by the Department of
Family Medicine. (First award available 2009-10 Winter session).
Chih-Chuang and Yien-Ying Wang Hsieh Memorial Scholarship: Scholarships totalling
$3,500 have been endowed in memory of Chih-Chuang and Yien-Ying Wang Hsieh, for
students in atmospheric science, oceanography and other areas of environmental earth
sciences. Preference will be given to graduate students. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences and, in the case of graduate students, in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies. (First award available
2010-11 Winter session).
Faculty Women's Club Patricia Chapman Memorial Scholarship in Music: A $1,000
scholarship has been endowed by family and friends of Patricia Chapman for a deserving
student in the Elementary or Secondary Education stream in the Bachelor of Music program in the School of Music. Patricia was a regular supporter of the Vancouver Symphony School program, the spirit of which this scholarship perpetuates. The award is
made on the recommendation of the School. (First award available 2010-11 Winter session).
Concord Erickson Energy and Architecture Fellowship: Fellowships totalling $7,700
have been endowed by Concord Pacific Harmony Trust in honour of the late Arthur
Erickson and his life's work in Architecture. The fellowships are awarded to architecture
students in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture who are studying or
carrying out scholarly research in innovative sustainable design principles which integrate efficient energy consumption and technology with architecture to help reduce the
impact of the human footprint on the environment. The awards are made on the recommendation of the School in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies. (First
award available 2010-11 Winter session).
Brian Hunter Memorial Entrance Award: An annual entrance award in the amount of
$5000 has been endowed by Ron ('78) and Arleigh ('79) Tysoe in memory of Brian
Hunter ('78) for a student entering the JD program. Mr. Hunter practiced law for 30
years and is fondly remembered for his keen intellect, terrific sense of humour and genuine concern for the well-being of others. To his many clients he was a true gentleman,
trusted advisor and someone they could always depend upon. The winning recipient will
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 141
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Appendix B: New Awards, continued
have a high academic standing, made a positive impact on the lives of others and face
challenges (financial or systemic) in accessing legal education. The award is made on the
recommendation of the Faculty of Law. (First award available 2010-11 Winter session).
Maureen Patricia Russell Marchak Scholarship in Music: Scholarships totalling $1,000
have been endowed by friends and family of Maureen Patricia Russell Marchak, and by
the Faculty of Arts, to benefit undergraduate and graduate students showing exceptional
promise in the School of Music, with preference given to students in voice or opera, and
with consideration given to financial need. Recommendation is made by the School and,
in the case of graduate students, in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Dr.
Marchak (BA '58, PhD 70) joined the UBC faculty in 1973, served as Head of the
Department of Anthropology and Sociology, and as Dean of the Faculty of Arts from
1990 to 1996. She was an accomplished scholar and administrator, with passionate interests in many areas, including music. (First award available 2010-11 Winter session)
Bill Millerd Award in Theatre: Awards totalling $3,500 have been endowed by William
E. Millerd, CM. (BA %5, LLD Hon '09), with matching funds from the Faculty of Arts
and support from the community, for students who have completed the Theatre Internship Program at UBC's Department of Theatre and Film. The Program offers professional work-study opportunities in the form of internship placements with local theatre
companies. As Artistic Managing Director of Vancouver's Arts Club Theatre Company
since 1972, Bill Millerd has helped launch the careers of generations of Canadian theatrical talent, including award-winning UBC alumni Brent Carver, Nicola Cavendish, Morris
Panych, Ken MacDonald and Bruce Greenwood. Recommendation is made by the
Department of Theatre and Film. (First award available 2010-11 Winter session)
Lawrence R. Munroe Memorial Scholarship in Community and Regional Planning:
Scholarships totalling $1,750 have been endowed by Diana L. Belhouse (B.A. '47, LL.B.
'73) in memory of Lawrence R. Munroe P. Eng. (B.A.Sc, Civil Engineering '46) for
Canadian citizens who are students in the School of Community and Regional Planning,
who majored or received a degree in geography or civil engineering in their undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria or The University of British Columbia. Preference
will be given to students who have demonstrated an interest in urban design which
enhances the environmental sustainability and beauty of cities or other urban areas.
Financial need may be considered. Recommendation is made by the School in consultation with Student Financial Assistance and Awards. (First award available 2010-11 Winter session).
Milton and Bess Narod Scholarship in English: Scholarships totalling $700 are offered
by the estate of Milton and Bess Narod for students who demonstrate excellence in the
study of English within the Faculty of Arts. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Department and, in the case of graduate students, in consultation with the
Faculty of Graduate Studies. (First award available 2010-11 Winter session).
 Vancouver Senate 09/10 - 142
Minutes of March 31, 2010
Appendix B: New Awards, continued
Violet Denison Pearson Memorial Bursary: Bursaries totalling $1,000 have been
endowed by Jack Pearson (B.Com. 1952) in memory of his mother, Violet Denison Pearson, for students in any year or faculty who are in need of financial assistance to begin or
continue their post-secondary studies at UBC. Violet Denison Pearson was a fourth generation Canadian, born in 1877, and lived at the Dovercourt Estate near Toronto. She
later married C. Wilfred R. Pearson and was much loved by her five children. She spent
most of her later life in Oak Bay near Victoria, where her youngest son, Jack, grew up.
(First award available 2010-11 Winter session)
Previously-Approved Awards With Changes in Terms or Funding Source: none