Shelagh Rogers

The Senate summarized its activities from January through April 2026, highlighting administrative reappointments, memorial observances, academic awards, and discussions regarding new academic entities and enrollment reallocation. The Senate approved several major curriculum modifications, new policies on course outlines and educational equity, updated university quality assurance processes, and the establishment of new institutes and research centers. Additionally, reports were received on academic integrity, enrollment targets, degree completions, cyclical program reviews, and creed-based accommodations, alongside updates from university leadership on vision strategy, budget models, and research funding.

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.