In compliance with Ontario’s Essential Services Order, Senate met remotely on April 30, 2021. Here are the highlights:
Fall 2021 Plan Confirmed
The Carleton University Scenario Planning (CUSP) Working Group provided Senate with their final recommendations for the upcoming fall term. Like other Canadian Universities, Carleton is planning for a safe and gradual return to campus in fall 2021, and will continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of students, staff and faculty. Senate confirmed that Carleton will adopt a mixed model of course delivery that will include both face-to-face and online courses for the fall 2021 term. A flexible fall semester will serve the needs of all students, including those who are unable to travel to campus. It was emphasized that the situation remained fluid and in implementing this model, Carleton will continue to closely follow and adapt to evolving public health guidelines and regulations.
2021/2022 Operating Budget Presentation
Senate received a presentation on the 2021/2022 operating budget, as approved by the Board of Governors on April 29. The budget is balanced with total revenue and expenses of $514.9 million. In addition to responding to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis through an emergency contingency fund, the budget prioritizes the three main axes of Carleton’s new Strategic Integrated Plan.
New Graduate Programs in Building Engineering
Senate approved three new programs – a Master of Applied Science, a Master of Engineering, and a Doctorate – in Building Engineering. All three degrees will offer optional concentrations in Building Performance, Fire Safety and Heritage Conservation.
Chair’s Remarks
President Bacon began the meeting by marking the end of a challenging winter semester, and offered thanks and congratulations the whole Carleton community – faculty, staff and students – for showing remarkable creativity, strength and compassion throughout the 2020/2021 academic year.
President Bacon provided campus updates since the last Senate meeting, including the successful celebration of both Life Sciences and Data Day. Carleton also announced partnerships with IBM and Blackberry; two milestone agreements that will offer increased experiential learning opportunities for students. Finally, the President congratulated members of the campus community for receiving prestigious honours this month, including: Chancellor’s Professor Lenore Fahrig, recent alumna Helen Thai and undergraduate student Felicity Hauwert.
Senate Member Ratifications
Senate ratified the following Senate appointments for terms beginning July 1, 2021:
Faculty Members (FASS)
- Julie Murray
- Bernadette Campbell
- Paul Mkandawire
- Mike Murphy
Students (Undergraduate)
- Gemma Patey (FPA)
Call for Nominations: Senate Standing Committees
Senate has released a Call for Nominations for faculty, undergraduate and graduate students to serve on a number of Senate Standing Committees. The term of office begins on July 1, 2021. If eligibility requirements are met, positions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Senator Spotlight: Chantal Trudel
Senate is composed of over 80 members representing the Carleton community like Chantal Trudel, Associate Professor in the School of Industrial Design. Learn more about Chantal.
Next Meeting: May 28, 2021
The next Senate meeting is May 28, 2021 at 2:00pm. Click here to view the full schedule and meeting materials. Meeting minutes are posted once they are approved at the subsequent meeting.