Christopher Boot

The Senate meetings covered a range of topics, including the approval of Honorary Degree Recipients for Spring and Fall 2026, discussions on government initiatives affecting university operations, and feedback on the Bicentennial Vision draft. Senators also discussed the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence at the university and an upcoming consultation process. Additionally, the Senate approved major modifications to various programs and revisions to the Senate Policy on Certificates and Diplomas. The Principal reported on efforts to strengthen Canada-Asia relationships and provided a budget update, while the Vice-Principal (Research) highlighted research grant performance.

The Senate Operations Review Committee (SORC) reviewed a proposal to amend the Terms of Reference of the Senate Committee on Academic Procedures (SCAP) from academic dishonesty to a breach of academic integrity. The proposed amendments to the Terms of Reference reflect the current terminology of academic integrity and are consistent with the changes to the Policy on Student Appeals, Rights and Discipline proposed by SONAD. SCAP also discussed the change in language and agreed that the Committee's Terms of Reference should reflect the evolution of the language and Queen's adoption of the Academic Integrity Policy Statement (2006) and Academic Integrity Procedures.

The Board of Trustees received written reports for information on Senate actions, research, advancement, pension, investments, financial updates, exit polls, and the International Centre's annual report. They approved philanthropic naming dedications for Beamish-Munro Hall and Macdonald Hall. The Board approved the Goodes Hall Expansion project and Master of Management Program Fees for 2010-2011. Planning funds were approved for the Reactor Materials Testing Laboratory. The Spending Policy and Payout were approved based on the Pooled Endowment Fund details. The Board also listened to a presentation about Board of Trustees' Responsibilities under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities legislation and discussed the proposal for a University Planning Committee.

The Board of Trustees approved the appointment of the next Chair of the Board of Trustees and By-Law #3 Meeting Procedures of the Board of Trustees. Several philanthropic naming dedications were approved, including Nixon Field, Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, New Medical Building, Bruce Wing, Goodes Hall Expansion, and Sir John A. Macdonald Hall. The Board also approved the Signing Authority Policy, Jean Royce Hall Residence Fees, Spending Policy recommendation, and Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures. The Principal reported that Senate approved a motion to seek independent legal advice on Senate's authority with respect to academic decisions.

The Senate meetings included discussions and updates on various topics. The Senate provided feedback on the Queen's Graduate Awards Program and engaged in a Committee of the Whole session on the Queen's Bicentennial Vision discussion paper. The Senate approved meeting dates for 2025-2026, nominations reports, the Strategic Research Plan 2024-2029, numerous Research Centres and Institutes, a modification to the Degree Requirements for the Faculty of Arts and Science, definitions of Course Components and Instructional Modes, the closure of the Graduate Diploma in Pain Care, and an amendment to the name of the Buchan Department of Mining. The Principal discussed the current political situation and potential impacts on research funding. The Senate also received reports and notices, including an extension to the Temporary Suspension of Admissions for the Bachelor of Fine Art program, the Faculty of Arts and Science Faculty Board Report, and annual reports from various divisions.