Dan Walters

This document presents an executive summary and implementation plan following a comprehensive review of Nipissing University's Geography program. The review identifies program strengths, including significant improvements and a robust research profile. Key recommendations for the program include enhancing teaching and graduate training, exploring interdisciplinary collaboration through a School of Environment, developing a transition plan for Canada Research Chairs, and improving curriculum and programming with initiatives such as reintroducing labs and expanding geomatics training. Additional focus areas involve increasing support staff, clarifying honours thesis guidelines, developing online courses, enhancing facilities, and strengthening collaboration with the Registrar's Office.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on program modifications for certificates in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention, as well as updates to transfer pathways for Biotechnology diploma graduates. The Senate will review reports from various standing committees, including the Senate Executive Committee, Academic Curriculum Committee, and Academic Quality Assurance and Planning Committee. Additional business involves amendments to Senate by-laws concerning committee terms of reference and membership, as well as an election for the position of Deputy Speaker of Senate.

The meeting focused on academic governance and curriculum developments, including the approval of the new MATH-4066 Topology course and the deletion of the outdated MATH-3166 Topology course. Discussions covered the Provost's annual tenure and promotion report, updates on the search for a new Provost, and significant policy changes, such as the upcoming BEd program restructuring and the implementation of a new funding framework. The senate reviewed reports from standing committees, including the Senate Executive Committee, Academic Curriculum Committee, By-laws and Elections Committee, and Senate Research Committee. Additionally, members discussed institutional equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) initiatives, AI integration in instructional settings, and budget projections for the upcoming fiscal year.

The meeting included reports from the University President, the Board of Governors, the Nipissing University Student Union, and several standing committees. Key topics discussed were provincial funding framework changes and their impact on university budgeting, the establishment of the new Department of Social and Cultural Studies, and various curriculum modifications including changes to course titles, descriptions, prerequisites, and learning outcomes across several faculties. Policies concerning student attendance and placement screening were also addressed, and the Senate held an in-camera discussion regarding academic program reviews.

This Executive Summary and Implementation Plan details the outcomes of the Child and Family Studies program review at Nipissing University. It highlights program strengths such as flexible pathways and alignment with education streams. The plan outlines key recommendations focusing on strengthening program capacity, relevance, and impact through targeted investments, including hiring faculty, enhancing Indigenous-focused curriculum, modernizing delivery methods, and expanding experiential learning opportunities. It also aims to widen access, clarify career pathways beyond education, and foster research through community partnerships.