Anna Voskuil | News Editor
Featured Image: A primary point of discussion was in regards to the Statement of Policy on Free Speech. | Fatema Ali
On November 22, York’s Senate met to discuss concerns regarding future planning for the five-year University Academic Plan (UAP) (including discussion of the next plan), the shifting ground of the university budget, and concerns regarding the provincial policy on free speech directed at post-secondary institutions.
Following the recent provincial decision to cut funding towards the construction of three new campuses across Ontario—one which included York and Seneca’s joint project, the Markham Centre Campus—the Senate looked to consider further options for the Markham Centre Campus’ funding during the meeting. They hope to “build relationships with potential donors, seek federal government funding, and build a case for provincial funding of enrolment for the campus,” the meeting synopsis states.
The Academic Standards, Curriculum and Pedagogy Committee advised the Senate to move forward with the following actions, which cover a changing of requirements for Glendon’s business economics bachelor’s programs, as well as for Keele’s Certificate in Athletic Therapy, offered by the kinesiology and health science program. The Senate approved these motions.
Another proposal included possible minor requirement alterations for the finance stream within the bachelor of commerce honours program, School of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and the School of Administrative Studies.
As well, one UAP priority addressed was a plan for an internationalization strategy; aiming to include representation from the administration, students, and all faculties, the strategy is to be led by a Working Group. The meeting synopsis says: “A call for expressions of interest for the Working Group will be issued soon.”
Furthermore, the event Forum of Ideas 2018-2019, which is: “Designed to address specific questions that arose in the last year’s forum, and stimulate Faculties’ thinking about promising new ideas on the horizon for post-secondary curriculum and teaching,” is now being finalized. The Forum consists of conversations surrounding new curriculum and teaching ideas, as well as, “two panels that will provide guidance on the various forms of institutional support and resource planning for program development, including interdisciplinary cross-Faculty initiatives.” The Forum is set to initiate in early 2019.
Alongside this, one major area of discourse, for the Senate was in regards to the university’s Statement of Policy on Free Speech.
The Statement of Policy on Free Speech was provided a notice of motion to the Senate by the Executive Committee. It was then followed by a discourse facilitated by Lorne Sossin, Free Speech Policy Working Group chair and Osgoode professor, wherein a draft version of the Statement was discussed amongst Senators.
The Statement is pending Senate approval, and will be brought forward on December 13 for a final decision.
The Senate’s next meeting will take place on December 13 at 3 p.m.
