Kathryn Vilela

The committee reviewed scholarly publishing trends, library acquisitions strategies, and budget management. Key discussions covered the Senate Committee Effectiveness Pilot Project, plans for the library's Q175 anniversary celebration, and the Library and Archives Master Plan, including specific renovation and collection movement projects. The meeting also addressed the progress of the library's annual report, service philosophy development, upcoming events, rare book acquisitions, recent staff awards, and ongoing social media and website improvement initiatives. Additionally, the committee considered a student-led proposal to digitize legal materials.

The committee reviewed organizational protocols, including terms of reference and conflict of interest guidelines. Key actions included recommending the establishment of a new Master of Health Professions Education program and a BA General/Minor in Employment Relations. The committee also received annual reports from SCAD and the Academic Integrity Subcommittee, reviewed five-year program assessment processes, and deferred proposed amendments to the Senate policy regarding named and funded chairs.

The meeting focused on several key items including the chair's report regarding Senate recommendations, performance-based funding models from the provincial government, implementation strategies for the Queen's Learning Outcomes Framework, and the status of new program funding approvals. New business included the proposal to establish three SEAMO chairs in research and innovation, major modifications to the Master of Nursing Science program to offer a course-based stream, and modifications to the Master of Applied Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering to introduce a field of study in Artificial Intelligence.

The meeting included introductory remarks, a discussion on open access developments in research and learning with invited guests, an update on the LAMP project, and an update from the Vice-Provost and University Librarian.

The committee discussed updates regarding recently approved academic programs and policy amendments from the Senate. Key items included the recommendation of amendments to the Policy on the Establishment and Designation of Named and Funded Chairs and Professorships, as well as the approval of proposals for the new Robins Family Professorship in Engineering Chemistry and an expendable Chair for Women in Engineering. The committee also voted to establish a joint working group with the Senate Committee on Academic Procedures to evaluate the feasibility of merging the two committees. Furthermore, the committee engaged in a discussion regarding the integration of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles into academic decision-making processes.