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skos:note """ 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 18, 1998
Attendance
Present: President M. C. Piper (Chair), Vice-President B. C. McBride, Dean F. S. Abbott, Dr. P. Adebar,
Acting Dean D. R. Atkins, Mr. T. Au Yeung, Dr. I. Benbasat, Dr. J. D. Berger, Dean J. Blom, Dr. G. W.
Bluman, Dr. P. C. Burns, Professor P. T. Burns, Dean J. A. Cairns, Dr. V. Froese, Dr. J. H. V. Gilbert, Dean
F. Granot, Rev. J. Hanrahan, Dr. P. G. Harrison, Dr. F. G. Herring, Dean M. Isaacson, Dr. M. R. Ito, Mr.
J. Keng, Dr. S. B. Knight, Mr. A. Kwong, Ms. E. Lai, Ms. G. Lau, Mr. O. C. W. Lau, Mr. D. K. Leung, Dr.
M. Levine, Mr. T. P. T. Lo, Mr. R. W. Lowe, Dr. D. J. MacDougall, Dr. M. MacEntee, Dr. P. L. Marshall,
Dr. K. May, Dr. W. R. McMaster, Mr. W. McMichael, Dean pro tem D. F. Measday, Mr. S. Mui, Mr. B.
Murphy, Dean S. Neuman, Mr. V. Pacradouni, Mr. R. L. de Pfyffer, Dr. W. J. Phillips, Dean M. Quayle,
Professor J. A. Rice, Dr. H. B. Richer, Dr. D. P. Rolfsen, Dr. H. J. Rosengarten, Dr. R. W. Schutz, Dean N.
Sheehan, Dr. C. E. Slonecker, Ms. N. Sonik, Mr. A. H. Soroka, Ms. L. M. Sparrow, Dr. J. R. Thompson,
Dr. M. Thompson, Dr. S. Thorne, Mr. A. Tse, Dr. J. Vanderstoep, Mr. D. R. Verma, Dr. P. A. Vertinsky,
Dr. D. Ll. Williams, Dr. W. C. Wright Jr., Dr. R. A. Yaworsky.
Regrets: Chancellor W. L. Sauder, Dean C. S. Binkley, Mr. P. T. Brady, Mr. A. Chui, Ms. L. Chui, Dr. V.
Gomel, Mr. C. L. Gorman, Mr. H. D. Gray, Dr. A. G. Hannam, Dr. V. J. Kirkness, Ms. S. Lerchs, Professor
P. T. K. Lin, Mr. S. Lohachitranont, Dr. D. M. Lyster, Mr. W. B. McNulty, Mr. J. Nobbs-Thiessen, Mr. G.
Podersky-Cannon, Ms. C. Quinlan, Dr. W. Uegama, Dean E. H. K. Yen.
Minutes of the previous meeting
Dr. Berger l That the minutes of the fifth regular meeting of
Mr. Leung i Senate for the Session 1997-98, having been
circulated, be taken as read and adopted.
Carried.
Chair's remarks and related questions
BUDGET
President Piper drew attention to the federal budget stating that two components of the
budget were particularly remarkable, the first being the $2.5 billion to be set aside in this
year's budget for the millennium scholarships starting in the year 2000. The
11840
Vancouver Senate 11841
Minutes of March 18,1998
Chair's REMARKS AND RELATED QUESTIONS
President explained that this is an attempt on the part of the government to reduce
student debt load and to offset increased costs for education. The money will be
administered, primarily, on needs versus merit. Information received indicates that the
government is proposing that over 100,000 students across the country per year would be
eligible for grants of up to $3000, although the board of directors has not yet been
appointed and the terms of reference are not yet available. Also, there may be additional
money to put into scholarships for those students who choose to study outside their own
province. President Piper informed Senate that the second component of the federal
budget which is particularly important is the increased funding to the granting councils.
She stated that this is clearly a response to a concentrated effort by universities across the
country to draw to the attention of the government the need for increased funding to the
granting councils. She said that the government has committed to returning immediately
to the 1994-95 levels of funding for the granting councils and that new grants are already
being made to NRC and to NSERC funding. The President said that the total increase will
be approximately $400 million and although this is still far from sufficient it is a clear
recognition by the federal government that research is important and that the funding of
basic research must be at a level that allows universities to remain competitive. President
Piper drew attention to concerns related to SSHRC funding, noting that this has already
been brought to the attention of Minister Manley and the Minister of Science and
Technology. She stated that they are fully aware of the idiosyncrasies of how the funding
is going to be balanced out across three councils and they are already looking at some
mechanism that might increase the amounts going to SSHRC in the future. The President
urged those
Vancouver Senate 11842
Minutes of March 18,1998
Chair's REMARKS AND RELATED QUESTIONS
connected with SSHRC and people funded through SSHRC to send information to the
government requesting that they look into this, otherwise the government will assume all
is well.
President Piper stated that the provincial budget has yet to come down but that she hoped
to have firm figures by the end of the month. The President stated that in the meantime
the government has announced that it is committed to increasing student access to the
post secondary system and that 2900 new students will be funded for the first time. The
President noted that of those 2900, approximately 700 will come to the three universities
and that the university is now discussing with the government the exact numbers coming
to UBC with this additional grant from the government. She stated that this gesture is an
important recognition that the system cannot take additional students without additional
funding. President Piper informed Senate that the tuition freeze has been continued for
another year, and that the government is transferring a small amount of money to the
universities to offset what they think they might have received if tuition had gone up by
CPI.
The President noted that, in the past, the government had demanded what they called
administrative efficiencies, which is a way of taking money off the basic operating budget.
She stated that the university is now working with the government to ensure that those
administrative efficiencies are as small as possible and she is hopeful that UBC will escape
being asked to assume administrative efficiencies this year which would mean that the
actual grant would remain static from what it was last year. The President stated that a
balanced budget for next year and a three-year budget plan will go before the Board of
Governors on March 19, with the understanding that
Vancouver Senate 11843
Minutes of March 18,1998
From the Board of Governors
the actual figures may have to change when the final figures are received from the
government. She stated that although people are being asked to defer hiring this year, she
was optimistic that by the fall of next year the university will begin to start hiring to fill
the positions that have become vacant.
President Piper informed Senate that the second piece of the provincial budget that the
university has been working very hard on is funding for CFI, which is the $800 million
that the federal government has put on the table for research infrastructure. She stated
that although the university has no definite news yet she is optimistic that this government
will come to the table for CFI.
The President expressed thanks and appreciation to members of the Senate Budget
Committee for their hard work, and said that she will keep Senate informed once the
budget is approved by the Board.
STUDENT SENATORS
The President presented certificates of appreciation to those student senators attending
their last meeting. She commended the students for the significant contributions they
make to Senate which are greatly appreciated by the community.
From the Board of Governors
Notification of approval in principle of Senate recommendations - subject, where
applicable, to the proviso that none of the programs be implemented without formal
reference to the President, and that the Deans and Heads concerned with new
programs be asked to indicate the space requirements, if any, of such new programs.
i. Awards, (p.11731, 11739-43, 11751, 11759)
ii. Establishment of the UBC Diploma in Urban Land Economics, (pp.11710-12)
Vancouver Senate 11844
Minutes of March 18,1998
Admissions COMMITTEE
iii. Curriculum proposals from the Faculties of Agricultural Sciences and Commerce
and Business Administration, (pp. 11778-9, 11798)
iv. Establishment of a new Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies,
effective April 1, 1998, and the disestablishment of the Department of French and
the Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies, effective the same date.
(pp.11782-90)
v. Naming of the Asa and Kashmir Johal Chair of Indian Research, (p. 11782)
vi. Establishment of The University of British Columbia Centre for Disease Control.
(p.11793)
vii. Endorsement of the goal of enrolling 1,000 First Nations students by the year 2000
and the encouragement of Faculties to implement appropriately the Senate-
approved policy on the admission of First Nations students, (pp.11793-4)
viii. Curriculum proposals from the Faculties of Agricultural Sciences, Applied Science,
Arts, Dentistry, Education, Forestry, Graduate Studies, Law, Medicine,
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science, and the Schools of Human Kinetics and
Rehabilitation Sciences, (pp.11812-33)
Admissions Committee
Dr. Harrison, chair of the committee, presented the report.
SCHOOL OF REHABILITATION SCIENCES - PHYSICS PREREQUISITES
The committee recommended approval of a proposal to change the Physics prerequisite
from Physics 11 to:
Secondary school prerequisites are Physics 11 and Physics 12. Physics 100 will be
accepted in lieu of Physics 12. (Effective for entry in September 1999)
Dr. Harrison i That the proposed change in the Physics
Dr. Berger J prerequisite for admission to the School of
Rehabilitation Sciences be approved.
Carried.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
The committee recommended approval of the following change to the Calendar statement
on students with disabilities:
Vancouver Senate 11845
Minutes of March 18,1998
Admissions COMMITTEE
Academically qualified students who have physical, sensory or specific learning
disabilities are encouraged to attend The University of British Columbia. The
University has a wide variety of services, including several forms of special assistance,
designed to accommodate the needs of students challenged by their disability.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Centre
(see "Disability Resource Centre" on page 55) for a description of the services
available and to arrange access to them.
Dr. Harrison i That the proposed change to the Calendar
Dr. Rosengarten J statement on Students with Disabilities be
approved.
Carried.
SCHOOL OF REHABILITATION SCIENCES - SELECTION CRITERIA AND DEGREE
REQUIREMENTS
The committee recommended approval of the following change to the Calendar statement
on Selection Criteria and Degree Requirements:
Admission is based on a selection process which strives to enrol the most highly
qualified applicants. Selection is based on:
1. Completion of 70 hours of volunteer or work experience with persons with
disabilities at no more than two facilities, verified by letter(s) of reference.
2. A minimum overall academic standing of 70% (GPA 2.8). In the case of
applicants who have completed more than 60 credits of prior (university level)
study, the overall average is calculated on the basis of the most recently
completed 60 credits. For applicants who have completed 30-60 credits, overall
academic standing is based on the average of all university level courses
attempted.
3. A minimum academic standing of 70% in the thirty credits of prerequisites
listed below (or other acceptable courses in the same academic area, provided
those courses are not part of the Rehabilitation Sciences curriculum). This is the
competitive average on which applicants are compared to each other.
Vancouver Senate 11846
Minutes of March 18,1998
Admissions COMMITTEE
4. Written communication skill (judged by performance on a timed test of
competence in written English).
5. Verbal communication skill, maturity and personal suitability (judged by letters
of reference and an interview).
All applicants who meet the minimum requirements of 1, 2 and 3 above, must write
the test in written English (in late March or early April), and will be allowed one
attempt per application, with no appeal. Invitations for an interview may follow.
Degree Requirements
Prerequisite courses (or other acceptable courses in the same academic area) consist of
a minimum of 30 credits of university or college coursework and must include...
Dr. Harrison i That the proposed changes to the Calendar
Dr. Gilbert i statement on Selection Criteria and Degree
Requirements be approved.
Concern was expressed that a pool of potential applicants might be excluded by the work
experience requirement under item 1. Dr. Harrison explained that this was not a new
requirement, although the concern was perhaps a legitimate one.
Dr. Berger stated that this was not an unusual requirement at UBC, stating that there was
a similar requirement in the Faculty of Education regarding experience working with
children.
Mr. Murphy drew attention to a motion approved at the previous meeting, requesting
that the committee look at the appropriateness of introducing non-academic criteria to
first degree undergraduate programs. He suggested that the proposal be tabled until the
committee reports back on this issue.
Vancouver Senate 11847
Minutes of March 18,1998
Elections COMMITTEE
Mr. Murphy i That the proposal be tabled.
Ms. Sonik i
Lost.
Dr. Harrison agreed that this is the kind of issue that will be questioned during the
committee's review but as this work experience is an existing admission requirement in
the School of Rehabilitation Sciences the committee did not feel that it was appropriate to
recommend changes until the review has taken place.
The motion was
put and carried.
Elections Committee
Mr. Lau, chair of the Senate Elections Committee, spoke briefly to the following report,
which had been circulated:
On February 4, 1998, the Senate Elections Committee met to consider the following
items arising from the 1998 election of students to the Board of Governors and the
Senate:
1. an allegation of campaign impropriety in the election of a student
representative to Senate;
2. the question of what action should be taken if there are no nominations for a
student representative position on Senate;
3. the question of whether a student candidate running for Senate may run
simultaneously as an at-large representative and as a representative of a faculty;
and
4. the question of whether graduate students are eligible to represent on Senate a
faculty other than the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Each of these items is reported below, along with the recommendations of the
Committee.
Vancouver Senate 11848
Minutes of March 18,1998
Elections COMMITTEE
1. Allegation of campaign impropriety
Paragraph 7c of the Senate Rules and Regulations for Student Elections to
Governing Bodies states that "The AMS rules governing elections will apply."
Additionally, when candidates sign a nomination form indicating their
willingness to stand for election, they also sign a statement indicating they
agree to abide by the AMS elections regulations. Consequently, the Committee
received a letter from the AMS Election Administrator dated January 21, 1998
alleging that a candidate running for the Senate failed to comply with the
following elections regulations of the AMS:
• to attend an All Candidates' Meeting;
• to submit all campaign material to the AMS Election Administrator for
approval; and
• to submit a signed statement of election campaign expenses.
Since the candidate concerned did not win in the election, the Committee
decided that no action was needed to deal with the allegation. However, the
Committee did decide to examine whether existing Senate election regulations
should be amended to give the AMS the power to disqualify candidates and not
print their names on the ballot.
2. Question of what action should be taken if no nominations are received
Paragraph 2e of the Senate Rules and Regulations for Student Elections to
Governing Bodies states that:
"Where there is no nomination for a student representative to Senate and
the incumbent is not willing or not able to serve again the seat will remain
vacant until the next annual election."
However, paragraph 9c reads:
"In the event that an incumbent student senator resigns or ceases to be a
duly registered student during his/her one-year term of office the following
replacement procedures will apply: ..."
The Committee felt that the two regulations should be made consistent, since it
felt that a student who refused to continue to serve was effectively resigning
their seat. Therefore, the Committee recommends that Senate amend paragraph
2e as follows (amendment underlined):
"Where there is no nomination for a student representative to Senate and
the incumbent is not willing or not able to serve again, the replacement
procedure specified in paragraph 9c will apply."
Vancouver Senate 11849
Minutes of March 18,1998
Student AWARDS COMMITTEE
3. Question of a candidate running simultaneously for two positions
The Committee considered the question of whether a student may run
simultaneously for two positions on Senate: i.e. as an at-large representative,
and as a representative of a faculty. The Committee decided against allowing
this, and recommends that Senate add the following to the Senate Rules and
Regulations for Student Elections to Governing Bodies as paragraph 2h:
"A candidate for election as a student representative to Senate may only
stand for election for one position. A student nominated for more than one
Senate position must withdraw from all but one position."
4. Question of graduate student eligibility
The Committee considered the question of whether a graduate student may
represent on Senate another faculty other than the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
The Committee decided that graduate students may only represent the Faculty
of Graduate Studies, except in cases where the student is registered in a
program jointly administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and another
faculty. In such cases, the student may choose to run for election as a
representative of either the Faculty of Graduate Studies or the other faculty.
This information will be added to nomination forms.
Mr. Lau i That the recommendations of the Senate
Dean Blom J Committee on Elections be approved.
Carried.
Student Awards Committee
OUTSTANDING STUDENT INITIATIVE (OSI)
Dr. Bluman, chair of the committee, presented the following report on the Outstanding
Student Initiative (OSI) program:
Background
An Outstanding Student Initiative (OSI) Advisory Committee was established by Dr.
Maria M. Klawe, Vice President, Student and Academic Services, in May, 1997. The
mandate of the Committee was to provide advice on the following aspects of the OSI:
Vancouver Senate 11850
Minutes of March 18,1998
Student AWARDS COMMITTEE
1. Its effectiveness as a recruiting tool.
2. The award criteria, particularly the level of cut-off for making offers.
3. The renewal criteria.
The Advisory Committee's report was considered by the Senate Committee on Student
Awards. This report to Senate reflects the recommendations as being implemented for
1998/99 and is submitted for discussion and approval for future years.
Program History
The OSI was established in 1990/91, in order to help attract to UBC excellent students
from the secondary school system both within British Columbia and from other
provinces. It has subsequently been reviewed, and modified. A brief history of the
program is attached as Appendix 1.
Discussion
The Advisory Committee's review was commissioned at a time of considerable
financial difficulty for the University. The projected increases in the cost of the OSI
were considered to be unacceptably high. As a result of discussions within the
Committee of Deans, an additional instruction to the OSI Advisory Committee, which
the recommendations given below try to address, was that the annual cost to the
University of the OSI program must be capped at $5 million. (It was recognized that in
the short term, because of students already in the system, significant cost overruns
would have to be accommodated).
In the course of the Advisory Committee's meetings, a number of other issues were
identified, though not all of these are reflected in the recommendations. These include
• geographic representation
• distribution of awards among faculties
• non-uniform grading in the secondary schools
• OSI renewals, inclusion of outstanding continuing students and incoming
transfer students
• offers made on the basis of interim and/or final grades
Recommendations
Recommendation 1: GPO funds budgeted for scholarships other than OSI (University
Scholarship Program (USP) and Major Entrance Scholarships), with a budget of about
$1.5 million, will be merged with the OSI program for entering and continuing
students.
Vancouver Senate 11851
Minutes of March 18,1998
Student AWARDS COMMITTEE
It should be noted that USP awards are currently $1880 for the top 2% of students
and $1570 for the next 2%. This recommendation then implies that the USP values
will effectively increase to $2500.
Moreover, students are eligible for four years of funding through the OSI program. If
students transfer to a post-baccalaureate program at UBC after three years of an
undergraduate program, they are eligible for one more year of funding through the
OSI. In particular, the use of GPO funds to provide USP scholarships for students in
post- baccalaureate professional programs (Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Education) is
discontinued effective 1998/99. Students enrolled in co-operative education programs
would not be eligible for the OSI during their work terms, but would be eligible for
the equivalent of four years of funding during their UBC terms.
Recommendation 2: For 1998/99, the minimum secondary school averages for
eligibility for the OSI for BC students are raised to:
90% based on interim grades
88% based on final grades
a minimum grade of 86% in all courses.
For out of province students entering from secondary school the minimum interim or
final averages will be 90% and 88%, respectively, but with an 82% minimum in all
courses.
International students will continue to be eligible for the OSI, on the same basis as BC
students.
The OSI offer made on the basis of interim grades is a firm offer. It will not be
revoked if the student's final grades fall below criteria specified for adjudication based
on final grades.
Recommendation 3: For BC secondary schools, UBC will continue to base eligibility
for the OSI on four Grade 12 subjects, as at present.
The secondary schools must be given at least one year's notice of any major changes to
our entrance or scholarship criteria.
Recommendation 4: To be equitable, the OSI will be offered to all UBC students, with
no failed courses, who achieve an average of at least 82% on their best 27 credits,
whether or not they entered UBC with an OSI.
Recommendation 5: Transfers from the BC Community Colleges, University Colleges,
other BC Universities and out-of-province Universities will be eligible for the OSI, on
the same basis as continuing UBC students. In particular, transfers from the
Community Colleges and University Colleges will require an entering GPA of at least
3.8 on their best 27 credits taken in their previous two terms in the College.
Vancouver Senate 11852
Minutes of March 18,1998
Student AWARDS COMMITTEE
Recommendation 6: The OSI regulations in place for the 1997/98 academic year
concerning renewal of the OSI will apply to all students already enrolled at UBC.
Recommendation 7: UBC should carry out a detailed survey of OSI recipients to
determine the importance of the OSI in their decision to attend the University.
Recommendation 8: The Senate Student Awards Committee will report to Senate on
Major Entrance Scholarships and OSI awards on an annual basis. The Committee will
assess periodically the effectiveness of the Major Entrance Scholarships and the OSI
program and recommend, if considered necessary, changes to their structure and
eligibility criteria. The Committee may also adjust program criteria to meet financial
constraints.
Dr. Bluman i That recommendations 1 to 8 be approved.
Dr. J. Thompson J
Dr. Bluman highlighted various points contained in the report, speaking specifically to the
eight recommendations.
Dean Atkins expressed concern that although the OSI appeared to be designed as a
recruiting tool to attract excellent students from the secondary school system there did
not appear to have been an analysis of its effectiveness as a recruiting tool.
Dr. Bluman responded that as far as he was aware no survey had been conducted and that
was the reason for recommendation 7 which states that UBC should carry out a detailed
survey.
Dr. Benbasat drew attention to recommendation 4 which requires students to achieve an
average of 82% in order to be offered an OSI, regardless of whether or
Vancouver Senate 11853
Minutes of March 18,1998
Student AWARDS COMMITTEE
not they entered UBC with an OSI the previous year. He suggested that this requirement
would put a great deal of pressure on students who had entered with an OSI.
Dean Atkins referred to recommendation 4 and asked if there was any evidence that
offering students a chance to continue on the OSI actually attracts more students.
Dr. Bluman responded that the OSI was not just a recruiting tool.
Dean Atkins suggested that the purpose of the program should be made clear before
proceeding further.
Mr. Murphy expressed concern that students could be disadvantaged because of variable
standards in grading among Faculties.
Dean Neuman stated that in the past there had been a differential average for OSI's
within Faculties, based on the assumption that certain subjects have definitive answers
and no element of subjectivity, so students tended to get very high grades. It was difficult,
however, for high school students to get a 90 or 95% average in English or Geography.
In amendment:
Dr. MacEntee l That recommendation 7 be amended to request
Dean Atkins i tbat there be a report to Senate by November
1998.
Carried.
Vancouver Senate
Minutes of March 18,15
11854
Student AWARDS COMMITTEE
In amendment:
Mr. Murphy
Ms. Sonik
That the committee be requested to report to
Senate by November 1998 on the effect of
recommendation 4 on students in individual
Faculties.
Carried.
After further discussion Dr. Schutz suggested that the report be tabled.
Dr. Schutz
Dr. Adebar
That the report be tabled.
Carried.
REGULATION #3 GOVERNING SCHOLARSHIPS - PROPOSED CHANGE
The committee recommended that to be consistent with the recommendations contained
in the report to Senate on the OSI and Major Entrance Scholarships, the average as stated
in Regulation #3 be increased from 80% to 82%. The statement would then read:
Where scholarships are renewable or include a guarantee of continued support to a
student maintaining 'scholarship standing', this shall be interpreted as meaning that an
undergraduate student must successfully complete at least 27 credits with an overall
average of at least 82%.
Dr. Bluman
Dr. J. Thompson
That the proposed change to Regulation #3
governing scholarships, as outlined above, be
approved.
Vancouver Senate
Minutes of March 18,1998
Reports from the Vice President Academic
Mr. Murphy 1
Ms. Sonik i
11855
That the motion be tabled.
Lost.
In view of the concerns previously expressed about variable standards in grading among
Faculties, Dr. Levine suggested that the words " (with no failed courses) or stand in the
top 10% of his/her year and faculty." which had been part of Regulation #3 prior to the
proposed revision, be restated.
In amendment:
Dr. Levine
Dr. Bluman
That the proposed statement be amended by
adding the words " (with no failed courses) or
stand in the top 10% of his/her year and
faculty." after "at least 82%".
Carried.
The motion, as amended, was
put and carried.
WESBROOK SCHOLARS
Dr. Bluman presented the list of Wesbrook Scholars 1997-98 which had been circulated
for information. Dr. Bluman noted that student senator Mr. Brian Murphy was the
winner of the Harry Logan Memorial Scholarship. Senate joined in a round of applause
for Brian's achievement.
Reports from the Vice President Academic
PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE REORGANIZATION IN THE FACULTY OF
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
Vice President McBride presented a proposal which recommended approval of an
administrative reorganization in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences.
Vancouver Senate 11856
Minutes of March 18,1998
Reports from the Vice President Academic
V.P. McBride l That Senate approve and recommend for
Dean Quayle i approval by the Board of Governors the
dissolution of the Departments of Agricultural
Economics, Animal Science, Food Science,
Plant Science and Soil Science as of March 31,
1998 and the integration of their
responsibilities into a reorganized Faculty of
Agricultural Sciences structure, as outlined in
Dean Moura Quayle's memorandum to Senate
dated March 18, 1998.
It was noted that this is an administrative change only - programs, degrees and majors are
not changing at this time - and that the School of Family and Nutritional Sciences remains
as an official entity.
The motion was
put and carried.
PROPOSAL FROM THE FACULTY OF COMMERCE AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
TO ESTABLISH A CENTRE FOR OPERATIONS EXCELLENCE
Vice President McBride presented a proposal from the Faculty of Commerce and Business
Administration to establish a Centre for Operations Excellence (COE). It was explained in
the material circulated that COE is an umbrella for three existing activities:
• the Bureau for Research on Applications of Management Science and
Statistics (BRAMSS)
• the Bureau for Research on Applications of Information Technology
(BRITE), and
• the Partners for Operations Excellence (POE)
which encourage/facilitate applied creative research with companies or agencies; provide
funding, supervision and exciting projects for training graduate students; allow the
Faculty to be responsive to requests for assistance and advice and to serve the community
in a way consistent with the mandate of the Faculty and the University.
Vancouver Senate 11857
Minutes of March 18,1998
Reports from the Vice President Academic
V.P. McBride l That Senate approve and recommend approval
Dean Atkins i by the Board of Governors of the proposal
from the Faculty of Commerce and Business
Administration to establish the Centre for
Operations Excellence (COE).
Carried.
PROPOSAL TO CHANGE THE HONGKONG BANK CHAIR TO TWO PROFESSORSHIPS
AND ONE VISITING PROFESSORSHIP
Vice President McBride presented a proposal from the Faculty of Commerce and Business
Administration to change the Hongkong Bank Chair to two Professorships and one
visiting Professorship as follows:
1. Hongkong Bank Professorship in Asian Commerce
2. Hongkong Bank Professorship in Asian Business
3. Hongkong Bank Visiting Professorship in International Business
It was explained in the material circulated that the current configuration of the chair does
not enable the Faculty to gain maximum academic value for the University or enable it to
properly reflect the generosity of the donor. The field of International Business is an
extremely competitive one in which to hire. The Faculty successfully recruited into this
position initially but the recruit left after two years and the Faculty has since been
unsuccessful in attracting the quality of candidate to provide leadership in the field at the
level of salary the chair can maintain. With the full cooperation of the Hongkong Bank of
Canada the Faculty proposes to divide the present endowment into three parts. Two
Professorships will be available to junior or senior faculty, and one Visiting Professorship
will enable the Faculty to bring exciting visitors to campus every two out of three years.
Vancouver Senate 11858
Minutes of March 18,1998
Report from the Joint Board/Senate Naming Policy Committee
V.P. McBride l That Senate approve and recommend approval
Dean Atkins i by the Board of Governors of the proposal
from the Faculty of Commerce and Business
Administration to change the Hongkong Bank
Chair to two Professorships and one Visiting
Professorship.
Professor Burns drew attention to the next item on the agenda regarding the University
Policy on Naming which, he said, shows a distinction between chairs and professorships.
Professor Burns suggested that if the professorships are totally funded from an
endowment then they should be characterized as chairs.
Dean Atkins explained that the term chair would only apply to the Hongkong Bank
Visiting Professorship in International Business and he was not clear as to whether it
should be called a chair or a professorship. Under the circumstances,\\Q Dean Atkins
withdrew the "Visiting Professorship" item from the motion, pending clarification.
The motion, excluding the Hongkong Bank
Visiting Professorship in International Business,
was put and carried.
Report from the Joint Board/Senate Naming Policy Committee
Dr. Richer presented the following report, which had been circulated:
Preamble
The mission of The University of British Columbia is to serve the people of British
Columbia, Canada and the rest of the world through excellence in education and
scholarship. The high level of excellence we seek can be found only through free
expression of ideas, independent inquiry and quality teaching.
To fulfil this mission, we find support from society — from volunteers, from financial
donors and from the exemplary work of our students, faculty and staff. From time to
time it is appropriate to recognize truly outstanding contributions to our mission and
to do so in ways that protect and celebrate the core values of the University. The
University's Policy on Naming affirms these objectives.
Vancouver Senate 11859
Minutes of March 18,1998
Report from the Joint Board/Senate Naming Policy Committee
Guiding Principles
The University of British Columbia welcomes the opportunity to honour those who
have rendered outstanding service to UBC. Naming may be offered to those whose
accomplishments or generosity advance the academic mission of the University; further
the capacity of UBC to meet its teaching and scholarly objectives and to serve its
community; and enhance the growth and reputation of the University.
Naming will be independent of all appointment, admission and curriculum decisions,
which the University will continue to make in keeping with its established practices
and academic mission. Naming associated with a particular facility or endowment will
not preclude further naming within the facility, program or Faculty.
Policy
1. A decision to construct or renovate a building, establish a Chair, or begin a
program is to be taken on the basis of established academic and other
operational criteria and approved in keeping with the University's established
practises and academic mission.
2. When name recognition has been extended for a gift received, it will be
honoured in accordance with the agreement which was entered into. In the
event of changed circumstances, the University reserves the right to determine
the form of name recognition, in consultation with the donor when possible.
3. Facilities or activities supported by gifts may be named after a donor, or a third
party at the wish of a benefactor, provided that the donation represents a
significant part of the cost or is regarded as central to the completion of the
facility or activity.
4. Only in exceptional circumstances will facilities or activities be named to
honour outstanding service of members of faculty or staff while the honouree
remains in the full-time employment of the university.
5. UBC policy on naming in honour of benefactors applies to donors to the
University and the UBC Foundation.
6. The principles of UBC's naming policy apply to all naming opportunities at the
University. These opportunities at UBC have been divided into the following
three major categories:
I. Naming of Campus Facilities
II. Naming of Chairs and Professorships
III. Naming of Academic Institutions
7. Minimum funding requirements in each category will be established by the
appropriate Vice-President together with the Vice-President External Affairs,
subject to the approval of the President, and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
8. All new names shall be filed with the Secretary to the Board of Governors and
the Director of Campus Planning and Development. The President's Office
shall be responsible for informing the University community of such new
names.
Vancouver Senate 11860
Minutes of March 18,1998
Report from the Joint Board/Senate Naming Policy Committee
9. This policy does not apply to any arrangements that are in existence at the date
the policy is adopted, nor to arrangements that may be made pursuant to
discussions with donors that had commenced at the date the policy was
adopted, even though the arrangements do not conform to the policy.
Naming of Campus Facilities
The naming of facilities or features at the University falls into four classes.
Class I - Facilities that are part of the outside environment of the University. For
example, they include buildings, complexes of buildings, roads, walkways, playing
fields, parks, gardens, agricultural or forestry plots, etc.
Class II - Facilities that are part of inside space. For example, they include
library/reading rooms, laboratories, seminar rooms, galleries, recreational courts,
lounges, etc.
Class III - Facilities that are made up of portable items. For example, they include
collections of art and/or artifacts- all identifiable because of specific focus or purpose.
Class IV - Tribute markers. These include plaques, medallions or other markers
usually in association with such features as trees, benches or small monuments.
1. New names for facilities in Class I are to be approved by the Board of
Governors upon recommendation of the President following consultation with
the President's Committee on the Naming of Facilities and the appropriate
Dean when an academic area is involved.
The committee shall have the following members: the Chancellor; Vice-
President, Academic; Vice-President, Administration and Finance; Vice-
President External Affairs or designate; a Dean (to be appointed by the
President); the Dean of the faculty or director of the non-faculty unit most
closely associated with the facility; the Director of University Relations (who
will act as Chair); the Chair of the Property Committee of the Board; the
Director of Campus Planning and Development; an alumnus/a; a faculty
member, a member of staff and a student.
The terms of reference of the President's Committee on the Naming of Facilities
shall be to recommend to the President that a facility be named to reflect its use
(for example, the General Services Administration Building); or to honour
someone associated with the University (for example, the Henry Angus
Building); or to recognize a donor (for example, the Kinsmen Laboratory for
Neurological Research).
The committee shall respond to requests from the President or his/her designate
in this matter.
2. New names for facilities in Class II are to be approved by the President upon
recommendation of the Vice-President who has responsibility for the use or
functional purpose of the facility, together with the Vice-President External
Affairs, following consultation with the Dean if it relates to an academic area.
Vancouver Senate 11861
Minutes of March 18,1998
Report from the Joint Board/Senate Naming Policy Committee
3. New names for facilities in Class III are to be approved by the Vice-President,
Academic, together with the Vice-President External Affairs, on the
recommendation of the appropriate Dean for facilities which are functionally
related to a specific faculty, or in the case of facilities outside the faculties, on
the recommendation of the appropriate Vice-President.
4. The display of tribute markers is to be approved by the President's Committee
on Naming of Facilities.
5. The Committee shall also set policy with regard to the display of plaques and
signs at the University.
Naming of Chairs and Professorships
1. Funding arrangements for the establishment of chairs, professorships and other
new endowments at the University are subject to the approval of the President.
2. No appointment with review or appointment without term shall be made
against any chair or professorship unless the Academic Vice-President is
satisfied about future funding.
3. The establishment of a chair or professorship shall normally not be tied to the
appointment of a particular individual.
4. Appointments of those who hold chairs or professorships are subject to the
provisions of the Agreement on Conditions of Appointment for Faculty. In
addition, appointment or re-appointment to the chair or professorship will be
made on the recommendation of the Dean who shall seek the advice of a
committee of senior colleagues named by the Dean.
Chairs
• An endowed chair provides for the appointment of an established scholar,
or a person who has otherwise attained eminence in his or her field of
endeavour.
• A holder of a chair will normally be appointed at the rank of professor.
• A chair must, at its establishment, be fully funded from sources outside the
regular operating budget of the university. This may be by way of
endowment, or may be provided on an annual basis for a defined period of
at least 5 years (through gift and/or pledge). The funding should be
sufficient to cover full salary support (including fringe benefits) and
appropriate ancillary benefits (e.g. secretarial, research, travel).
• A chair may be a general University chair or may be identified as being in a
particular field or discipline.
• The establishment of an endowed chair, including the designation of its
name, requires the approval of Senate.
Vancouver Senate 11862
Minutes of March 18,1998
Report from the Joint Board/Senate Naming Policy Committee
Professorships
• A professorship is funded in part from the operating budget of the
university and in part from other sources. The external funding may be by
way of endowment or may be provided on an annual basis for a defined
period of at least five years (through a gift and/or pledge). The external
funding should normally provide (1) a supplement to the salary provided
for in the operating budget, and (2) ancillary support (secretarial, research,
travel).
• A professorship may be a general university professorship or may be
identified as being in a particular field or discipline.
• The establishment of a professorship, including the designation of its name,
requires the approval of the Dean of the appropriate Faculty and the Vice-
President Academic and Provost.
Naming of Academic Institutions
In this section, the term academic institutions includes inter alia faculties, schools,
libraries, programs, centres and institutes.
The naming of academic institutions is a sensitive matter.
The Vice-President Academic, before recommending any such naming, must ensure
that the proposed name is compatible with the broader purposes of the academic
institution in question and the University at-large.
The Vice-President Academic must ensure that the autonomy of the academic
institution in question and the academic freedoms to which UBC is committed will be
safeguarded.
The Vice-President Academic must also ensure that a significant portion of the total
operating budget of the academic institution in question will be covered by any
donation under this policy.
In bringing forward a proposal for the naming of an academic institution, the Vice-
President Academic shall secure the support of the members of the academic
institution involved.
The President shall then consult with an ad hoc committee which shall include the
appropriate Dean(s) where relevant, the administrative head of the academic
institution in question; the Chair of the Senate Academic Policy Committee and such
other members as the President shall designate.
The proposal shall then be brought to the Board of Governors for its approval.
Dr. Richer gave background information on the forming of the committee. He explained
that the document was largely a re-write of what already exists in the UBC
Vancouver Senate 11863
Minutes of March 18,1998
Report from the Joint Board/Senate Naming Policy Committee
Policy Handbook but that it now contains a set of policies and procedures for the naming
of academic institutions which includes the naming of faculties, programs and institutes.
The naming of such facilities will require approval by the Board of Governors after
consultation with a new President's Committee on Naming of Facilities.
Dr. Richer l That the revised University Policy on Naming
Prof. Burns i be approved.
Mr. Pacradouni suggested that the policy contravenes the University Act. Dr. Richer
explained that any proposals for new programs would still come to Senate for approval.
Following considerable discussion of the proposal, President Piper asked the Vice Chair,
Dr. Knight, to assume the chair in order that she might speak to the proposal.
President Piper said that the policy did not abdicate the role of Senate. The issue deals
with not just the naming of facilities, it is linked with money and the Board has the final
say on the money. She stated that the authority for academic naming will always be
retained by Senate.
Rev. Hanrahan drew attention to section III of the report on Naming of Academic
Institutions, stating that he did not think that a faculty should have a name attached to it
other than for example, the Faculty of Arts.
In amendment:
Rev. Hanrahan i That the word "faculties" be removed from the
Dr. MacEntee i first paragraph under item III. Naming of
Academic Institutions.
Vancouver Senate 11864
Minutes of March 18,1998
President's REPORT ON THE VISIONING PROCESS
Professor Burns stated that the committee arrived at its decision to include naming of
faculties after extensive examination of the issue and the fact that many of the best
universities in North America have now moved to naming their faculties. The committee
felt that it would not be useful for UBC to be too dogmatic because, in theory at least,
there may be donors who would be prepared to donate large sums of money which a
faculty could put to extremely good use, if a faculty was named in a way that satisfied the
donor and the university. Professor Burns stressed that no-one would permit a faculty to
be named in such a way that it would dishonour the university.
The amendment
was lost.
The President resumed the chair.
The motion was then
put and carried.
President's Report on the Visioning Process
President Piper informed Senate that the Green Paper, the first draft of the vision, should
be out by the end of the month, and that there will be a university forum on April 3rd at
which the paper will be discussed. She stated that there had been tremendous response in
terms of written submissions. Discussion of the paper will be on the agenda for the April
meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Next meeting
The next regular meeting of Senate will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 1998.
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