As Carleton University continues to follow safe meetings and social distancing guidelines, Senate met remotely on March 27, 2020. In light of the still evolving public health crisis caused by COVID-19, several emergency motions were passed. Here are the highlights:
Alternative Grading Option (SAT/UNS) Approved for Winter 2020
In the spirit of flexibility and compassion that has guided Carleton’s response to the current public health crisis, Senate approved an additional grading mode that allows students the option of converting their grades to SAT/UNS. This measure ensures that changes in performance due to the current disruption do not affect students’ permanent record as SAT/UNS grades are not used in the calculation of CGPA. This is only effective for the Winter 2020 term.
Spring Convocation Postponed
Senate approved the postponement of the Spring 2020 Convocation ceremonies to a later time, with the new dates to be in line with guidelines and regulations from health authorities and the provincial and federal governments. The university intends to reschedule the ceremonies and give everyone the well-deserved opportunity to walk across the stage. Rescheduling will have to take into account guidelines and regulations from health authorities and the provincial and federal governments.
Summer Term Changes
Senate confirmed the recommendations of the Academic Continuity Committee that:
- All Summer 2020 courses be offered through online and other methods of distance learning.
- Summer course registration be delayed to April 6, 2020 so that programs may make any necessary changes to their full schedule of courses.
- All outgoing international experiential learning opportunities are cancelled for the Summer 2020 term.
Strategic Integrated Plan Update
President Bacon provided an update on the Strategic Integrated Plan (SIP) process moving forward. Community members are encouraged to review and provide feedback on the draft, which is available on Carleton’s SIP website. The final SIP will be presented to Senate for approval later this year.
SMA-3 Update
President Bacon and Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Jerry Tomberlin provided an update on the third Strategic Mandate Agreement (SMA-3) process. The agreement, originally scheduled to be signed by March 30, 2020, has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chair’s Remarks
President Bacon provided an update on university operations since the outbreak of COVID-19. He offered sincere thanks for the remarkable composure, flexibility, and compassion that the Carleton community has shown as the current public health crisis evolved. For the most up to date campus information, please visit Carleton’s COVID-19 information website.
New MA of Applied Business Analytics
Senate approved the introduction of the Master of Applied Business Analytics with effect from Fall 2020.
Senate Schedule for 20/21 Now Available
The Senate meeting schedule for the 20/21 academic year is now available on the Senate website.
Senate & Committee Call for Nominations
The Carleton University Secretariat is calling for nominations for faculty and students to serve on Senate and its variety of Senate Standing Committees. Learn more on the Senate website.
Senator Spotlight: Patrick Farrell
Senate is composed of over 80 members representing the Carleton community like Prof. Patrick Farrell. Patrick is a Professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics and is Special Advisor to the Dean for the Faculty of Science. Learn more about Patrick.
Next Meeting: April 24, 2020
The next Senate meeting is April 24, 2020. Click here to view the full schedule and meeting materials. Meeting minutes are posted once they are approved at the subsequent meeting.