Membership Ratification

The Senate ratified two appointments to the Senate, for the two Board of Governors representatives, for service beginning July 1, 2026.

Ad hoc committee report – academic integrity policy

The Senate received a report from the Ad Hoc Committee on the Academic Integrity Policy with suggested revisions to the Policy. The committee was tasked with carefully reviewing the policy to propose revisions as needed. The delivery of this report fulfills the mandate of the committee which was created by Senate in October 2024. The report was referred to the Senate Academic Governance Committee (SAGC) to determine further action.

Ad hoc committee report on petitions and appeals

The Senate also received a report from the Ad Hoc Committee on Petitions and Appeals which proposed the adoption of a new Senate Policy on Petitions & Appeals. The committee provided recommendations to the Senate on a variety of matters related to the existing Petitions and Appeals process and the delivery of this report fulfills the mandate of the committee established in October 2024. Senate voted to approve the policy with implementation conditional upon approval of the necessary calendar changes and the revision of the terms of reference for the Senate Undergraduate Studies Committee.

Towards ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´@100 – Strategic Visioning Report

Rick Colbourne, Project Lead for Towards ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´@100 delivered a presentation updating the Senate on the status of Towards ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´@100. The presentation provided a high-level overview of progress to date and outlined project priorities going forward. Prof. Colborne noted that Working Groups would explore areas to be prioritized or de-emphasized, as well as the trade-offs involved with strategic decision making. He also shared anticipated timelines for updates and opportunities for Senate engagement in Fall 2026 and Winter 2027.

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Spring Graduation Approvals

Senate approved the graduation of 3,479 undergraduate students and 895 graduate students for Spring 2026 graduation. 213 of those graduating are medal recipients for various accomplishments during their time at ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´. The university congratulates all successful graduates and looks forward to celebrating their achievements at this year’s Spring Convocation from June 8 – 12, 2026.

Operating Budget Report

Provost L. Pauline Rankin presented an overview of ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s financial outlook and budget planning to Senate, highlighting key elements of the 2026-27 budget. Although the university continues to experience significant financial pressures, there are reasons for a somewhat more optimistic outlook for the university and the sector in the coming years.

Recent changes to Ontario’s post-secondary funding and tuition models, combined with recent interventions undertaken by the university, have prevented an increase in the deficit. Additionally, several budget initiatives for 2026-27 will contribute towards achieving a balanced budget within the next few years, including investments in improving international enrolment, modernizing operations and planning capability, protecting and strengthening the student experience to attract enrolment, and strategic workforce planning. Enrolment growth is projected to be very strong for 2026-27 and will be a key component in improving our financial outlook.

New Program Approval

Senate approved a new Bachelor of Entrepreneurship program, to commence in Fall of 2027.  This 3-year, 15 credit program within the Sprott School of Business is designed specifically to address the needs and knowledge gaps of entrepreneurial learning when it comes to the demands of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Closure of Programs

The Senate approved the closure of the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Economics effective Fall 2027 and the MA-MBA program effective Fall 2026.

Regulation Modifications on Deferred Final Exams and Part-time Graduate Status

Senate approved a revision to Regulation 4.3.2 Deferred Final Exams to clarify the assignment of grades in cases of missed deferred final examinations. Two sections of the undergraduate calendar were revised to clarify the circumstances under which a student may be granted a deferral following early departure from a final exam. This revision is effective for the 2026/27 Undergraduate Calendar.

Senate also approved revisions to Regulation R-GR-7 of the graduate calendar to specify that part-time graduate students will now be limited to registering in fewer than 1.0 credit per term. This change was prompted by the introduction of a new per-course tuition framework for graduate students. This change brings ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s distinction between full-time/part-time in line with that of the broader university sector and is effective for the 2026/27 Graduate Calendar.

Senate and Senate Committee Membership Ratifications

Senate ratified the appointment of 29 new members to 8 of its 13 standing committees, for service beginning July 1, 2026.

Senate ratified five new appointments to the Senate, for service beginning July 1^st, 2026.

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Governance Changes in FASS

Senate approved the following governance changes to units in FASS:

• The name of the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies has been changed to the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, to facilitate a merger with the Institute of African Studies.
• The governance of all programs currently housed in the Institute of African Studies have been moved to the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. The Institute of African Studies retains its name, budget and space in Dunton Tower, but is formally disestablished as a separate academic unit.
• All programs and courses in Canadian Studies have been moved from the School of Canadian Studies to the School for Studies in Art & Culture (SSAC). Canadian Studies retains its budget and space in Dunton Tower, but is formally disestablished as a separate academic unit.

Major Modifications

Senate approved four major modifications, including the closure of the BSc and BSc Honours in Integrated Science, and the deletion of the minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Quality Assurance & Cyclical Reviews

Senate approved the Final Assessment Report and Executive Summary from the Cyclical Review of the undergraduate programs in Computer Science.

Update from Ad Hoc Committee on the Academic Integrity Policy

Senate received an update from the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Academic Integrity Policy. The committee has completed a draft revision of the Academic Integrity Policy and is consulting with stakeholder groups before bringing the policy to Senate for further discussion and approval.

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Senate approved six new faculty and five new student member representatives, for terms beginning July 1, 2026.

Faculty Member Representatives:

•  Katie Lucas (Faculty of Science)
•  Gabriel Wainer (Faculty of Engineering & Design)
•  Janine DebannĂ© (Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism)
•  Janet Mantler (Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences)
•  Pascal Gin (Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences)
•  Paul Williams (Faculty of Arts & Social Science)

Student Member Representatives:

•  Gabrielle Lachance (Science)
•  Nathan Bruni (Engineering & Design)
•  Brian Timmons (Public & Global Affairs)
•  Joshua Chicoine (Public & Global Affairs)
•  Madhav Nikhil Sewpal (Public & Global Affairs)

Artificial Intelligence Framework

Senate received and discussed ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s new Artificial Intelligence Framework, a guiding document that outlines principles for ethical, transparent and responsible AI use across teaching, research and operations. The framework is not a policy but is intended to “support the ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ community by providing general principles and guidance” on integrating AI in ways that uphold academic integrity, human accountability, accessibility, and Indigenous data sovereignty. It establishes a coordinated approach to AI adoption and creates an AI Advisory Group to support implementation and ongoing governance.

New Senate Question Period Guidelines

Senate adopted a set of Question Period Guidelines aimed at clarifying how questions for Senate Question Period are submitted, reviewed, and addressed. The guidelines will help to enhance an open and transparent process by making the workflow and decision-making steps more explicit.

Major Modifications

Senate approved a number of major modifications including the following:

• Changing the name of the minor in Integrated Science to minor in Interdisciplinary Science Application, to reflect a shift toward a broader, more flexible academic focus.

• Adding new Graduate Calendar language that permits programs to include a fast‑track option for exceptional first‑year Master’s students to transition into a PhD.

• Adding language to clarify continuous‑registration expectations for selected Master’s programs and regularly scheduled breaks for others.

• Clarifying expectations and requirements for the Integrated Thesis and renaming it as Manuscript‑based Thesis to better reflect its structure and purpose.

At the undergraduate level, removing specific year-status prerequisite requirements from the Engineering & Design undergraduate regulations. Progression is to be managed through individual course prerequisites or university year standing, bringing practice in line with other programs across campus.

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Over 1,300 ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Degrees Approved

Senate has approved the graduation of 811 undergraduate students and 576 graduate students for Winter 2026 graduation. The university congratulates all successful graduates and looks forward to celebrating their achievements at this year’s Spring Convocation in June 2026.

Efficiency and Accountability Fund (EAF) Review Update (Provost)

The Provost provided an update on the EAF Review and Implementation process.  The presentation outlined key opportunities in cost-saving, revenue generation and non-financial efficiency, and outlined the effect some of these opportunities might have, given different budget scenarios.  The report underscored the need for continuing efforts to address the structural deficit. The Provost also used the opportunity to provide highlights on the recent provincial government funding announcement and what it means for ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´.

Senate Executive Committee Terms of Reference Revised

Senate approved revised Terms of Reference for the Senate Executive Committee.  Changes include a new responsibility for reviewing the Senate Question Period submissions, and the incorporation of two empowering motions as regular duties of the committee.

Senate Receives Benchmarking Study

Senate received a targeted benchmarking study of governance practices at universities across Canada, specifically focused on who serves as the Chair of Senate.  The study highlighted the range of practices nationally, the logistical and governance considerations associated with alternative models, and the advantages and challenges experienced at institutions with elected faculty in the role of Senate Chair.

Senate Receives Library Report

Senate received its first annual Library Report, highlighting ongoing service improvements, resource stewardship, and support for research and teaching across the university. The Report noted strong overall performance and steady demand for core services, with survey results showing high satisfaction in service delivery and information resources, alongside continued pressure for more group and quiet study space. The report also cited space improvements, an Innovation Award for MacOdrum Library from the Buildings Without Barriers Challenge, and consistently strong satisfaction ratings in national student surveys.

Senate Spotlight: David Mendeloff

David Mendeloff is Associate Dean (Faculty Affairs) in the Faculty of Public & Global Affairs, and an Associate Professor in the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA). He previously served as Interim Director of the Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs from 2024-25, Associate Dean (Academic) from 2018-2023,  and Director of NPSIA’s Centre for Security and Defence Studies (CSDS) from 2006-15. David is also the current Secretary for the Faculty of Public & Global Affairs Faculty Board.

David’s research focuses on theory and practice of international and transitional justice, and accountability mechanisms.  He is a specialist in the politics of accountability for wartime atrocity and the impact of international criminal justice on wartime civilian violence, war termination, and post-war state-building. At NPSIA, he teaches courses on international conflict analysis, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction, and transitional justice. 

In addition to his role on Senate, David currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Curriculum Admissions and Studies Policy and sits on the Senate Academic Governance Committee and the Senate Quality Assurance and Planning Committee. 

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The ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University Senate met in person on January 30, 2026.  Here are some highlights from the meeting:

Fall 2025 Enrolment Report

Suzanne Blanchard, Vice-President (Students & Enrolment) and University Registrar, provided an update on Fall 2025 enrolment numbers and admission statistics. Overall domestic undergraduate enrolment remains stable with modest increases between 2024 and 2025.  Domestic enrolment for Masters students has increased, and PhD enrolment remains stable.  ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ is implementing a number of initiatives to respond to continuing declines in international enrolment, including early offers, a 12-month four-year housing guarantee for international students and a new international tuition structure which would ensure predictability and stability from 2026 to 2029.

New Engineering Program Approved

Senate approved the introduction of a new undergraduate program in Systems Security Engineering, to begin in Fall of 2027.  This four-year Bachelor of Engineering program (five-years with COOP) focuses on the analysis, evaluation and design of secure computer communications and distributed systems.  

Major Modifications

Senate approved a total of 34 major modifications including the following:

• Closure of the Certificate in Multidisciplinary Studies in Mental Health & Well-Being
• Closure of the type 3 Graduate Diploma in Work and Labour
• Closure of the Graduate Diploma and Concentration in Indigenous Policy & Administration
• Deletion of the Minor and Concentration in Drama Studies
• Major modifications to PhD programs in Computer Science, Mathematic & Statistics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Building Engineering, and Physics
• Addition of the collaborative specialization in Data Science to the MASc programs in Mechanical, Aerospace and Materials Engineering
• Introduction of the stream in Financial Planning to the B. Com. program

Suspension of Program Admissions

Senate was informed of the upcoming suspension of admissions (in Fall 2026) for the MBA weekday in-person program and for the Graduate Diploma (Type 2 & 3) in Architectural Conservation.  Admissions to these programs are to be suspended for two admission cycles; any subsequent modifications related to program reinstatement or closure will be brought to Senate for approval.

Senate Approves new Engineering Faculty Board Constitution

In 2023, Senate passed a motion requiring all disciplinary Faculties to revise their constitutions to support the transfer of authority for graduate curriculum approvals from the former FGPA to the Faculties.  Using a standardized template to ensure consistency, a new Engineering Faculty Board Constitution was created in accordance with this directive, and was approved by Senate with support from the Engineering Faculty Board and the Senate Academic Governance Committee. 

Senator Spotlight: Gabriel Wainer

Gabriel Wainer is a Professor in the Department of Systems & Computer Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering & Design at ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´.  He is also Director of the Advanced Real-Time Simulation Lab, a cutting-edge Modeling and Simulation Research lab at ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´.  His research interests include DEVS formalism, Real-Time modelling, Cellular models, Modelling and simulation methodologies and tools.  Professor Wainer is an expert in forest fire modeling and simulation, cyber-physical systems, modeling wireless networks, high performance computing, and geospatial modeling and simulation.

Professor Wainer is the recipient of the Presidential Award for Enabling the Modeling and Simulation Discipline and 2022 McLeod Founder Award for distinguished service to the profession from the Society for Modelling and Simulation International (SCS). He is a Fellow of SCS and received an IEEE Outstanding Engineering Award (Ottawa Section) in 2019, for contributions to the field of discrete-event modeling and simulation.

Professor Wainer has served on Senate since 2023 and is currently the Chair of the Senate Review Committee.

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Senate Welcomes New Members

Senate ratified the appointment of three new members, for service beginning immediately unless otherwise indicated:

• Erin Harlan (Student – FASS)
• AbdelRahman Abdou (Faculty member – Computer Science)
• Juan Carlos Jimenez (Faculty member – Industrial Design) – beginning January 1, 2026

Graduate Major Modifications

Major modifications approved by Senate include the following:

• The deletion of the graduate concentration in Arts Management, effective Fall 2026.
• The degree change in Economics from an MA to an MSC, effective Fall 2026.

Suspension of Program Admissions

Senate was informed of the suspension of admissions to the following program:

• Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Economics, effective immediately

Senate was also informed of extensions to the existing suspension of admissions to the following program:

• Minor in Health Sciences

Quality Assurance & Cyclical Reviews

Senate approved the Final Assessment Reports and Executive Summaries from the Cyclical Reviews of the following programs:

• Graduate programs in Sustainable Energy
• Graduate and undergraduate programs in Women’s and Gender Studies

Revised Terms of Reference for Senate Committees

Senate approved revised terms of reference for the following Senate Committees:

• Senate Committee on Student Awards (renamed from Senate Committee on Undergraduate Student Awards)
• Senate Medals and Prizes Committee

Update on Efficiency and Accountability Fund (EAF) Review

The Provost and Vice-President (Academic) provided an update on the Efficiency and Accountability Fund (EAF) Review that has been mandated by the Ministry of College, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES). ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University has been selected for the 2025–2026 EAF round, with a review underway of its spending and revenue practices. A preliminary report, along with a letter signed by President Tettey, has already been submitted to MCURES. The university is working to identify opportunities for cost containment, revenue generation, and overall efficiency, with recommendations covering both financial and non-financial improvements while emphasizing strong operational efficiency. The final EAF report and implementation plan will be presented to the Board of Governors in December and submitted to MCURES in January.

Presentation on the Modification Process for Program Closures

The Vice-Provost (Academic and Global Learning) delivered a presentation to Senate on the process for program closures. The presentation outlined the required approval steps and the information included in the executive summary, including rationale for closure, impact on other programs and students, impact on resources, and transition plans for current students.

Motion on the Closure of Undergraduate or Graduate Programs

Senate approved a motion proposing that any future Senate motion to close an academic program (undergraduate or graduate, including certificates and diplomas but not minors, concentrations, or collaborative specializations) must include a comprehensive rationale. This rationale should parallel the level of detail provided for new program approvals including:

1. The reasons for closing the program, with relevant enrolment data.
2. How resource considerations such as faculty availability, administrative support, space, and finances contributed to the decision.
3. The expected impact of the closure on other programs and on students, including effects on courses, service teaching, TA positions, and experiential learning opportunities.

Report on General Faculty Board Meeting and Motion

The Clerk of Senate provided a report on a meeting of the General Faculty Board (GFB) that took place on November 27.  The meeting was called to discuss the proposed Institutional Impartiality Policy, and to propose a recommendation to Senate. A motion from GFB proposing that Senate recommend that the Board of Governors reject the Impartiality Policy was considered.  The motion was defeated.

Senator Spotlight: Beth MacLeod

Beth MacLeod is an Associate Professor at ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University’s School of Linguistics and Language Studies. She is also the Director of the Experimental Linguistics Research Hub.

Beth earned her B.Math from the University of Waterloo, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Toronto.  She teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses at ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´.  Her research broadly encompasses the production and perception of phonetic variation in speech and falls into three main areas: phonetic imitation, sociophonetics, and second language acquisition.

Beth is currently the co-recipient of three research grants: one from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) infrastructure grant, a SSHRC Insight Development Grant, and a SSHRC Insight Grant. Her research program follows two main strands: 1. Exploring patterns of phonetic imitation and what these can tell us about the nature of language, and 2. Testing the methods we used to study both the perception and production of phonetic imitation.  In her teaching, Beth aims to provide students with hands-on experience in a variety of research methods and works to help students develop an understanding of how their degrees are preparing them for more advanced research and employability in the workplace.

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Fall Graduation Approvals

Senate approved the fall graduation of 575 undergraduate students and 612 graduate students, for a total of 1,187 students.
Senate also approved 50 medals and prizes for outstanding academic achievement. These included 16 graduate medals and 34 undergraduate medals.
The university congratulates all successful graduates and medalists.

New Master’s Program Approved

Senate approved the introduction of a new Master’s in Mineral Exploration and Resource Management, as presented, to commence in Fall 2026. This is a full cost-recovery program offered online, providing a concentrated course of study on the science and practice of mineral exploration.

Quality Assurance & Cyclical Reviews

Senate approved the Final Assessment Reports and Executive Summaries from the Cyclical Reviews of the following programs:

• Joint graduate programs in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Graduate and undergraduate programs in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
• Graduate and undergraduate programs in Music

Senate Election Procedures Approved

Senate approved the following Senate Election Procedures:

• Senate Internal Election Procedures
• Senate Appointment Procedures for the COU Academic Colleague, Alumni Representative, and Clerk of Senate
• Senate Procedures for Elections to Other Bodies

These three procedures outline clear and consistent processes for nominations and elections to Senate, ensuring transparency, fairness, and compliance with ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University’s bylaws.

Suspension of Program Admissions

Senate was informed of the suspension of admissions to the following programs:

• M.Eng. Infrastructure Protection and International Security, effective Fall 2026
• M.Eng. Infrastructure Protection and International Security with Collaborative Specialization in Cybersecurity, effective Fall 2026

These suspensions were initiated by the respective academic units, endorsed by the Deans and the Vice-Provost (Academic and Global Learning), and all necessary administrative actions have been completed by Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, and Graduate Studies.
Senate was also informed of extensions to the existing suspension of admissions to the following programs:

• Bachelor of Information Technology – Optical Systems and Sensors
• Food Science (B.Sc. (Hons) & minor)

Discussion of proposed Institutional Impartiality Policy

A significant part of the Senate meeting was devoted to a dialogue between Senators and the President about the newly proposed Institutional Impartiality Policy, during which he addressed several questions raised.

Senator Spotlight: Janine Debanné

Janine DebannĂ©, BArch, MArch, is an Associate Professor in ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University’s Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism and has been at ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ since 2001. Prior to her role at ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´, she was a full-time professor at the University of Detroit Mercy. During six years in Detroit, in addition to teaching, she practised in a local architectural firm and carried out research on the theme of lived modernist architecture, revisiting Mies van der Rohe’s renowned residential district Lafayette Park (1959-1964) as a participant observer. Her prior experience also includes practising at architectural firms in Ottawa, Gatineau, and Toronto.

Since returning to Canada, her research and publications have focused on Ottawa’s regional modernist houses of the 1960s, investigating them as the domestic architectural corollary of the process of building Canada’s capital city in the postwar years. Reaching what she light-heartedly calls her career’s mature years, she has been reflecting on her
decades of teaching to write on architectural pedagogy, contributing for example to the book Teaching and Designing in Detroit: Ten Women on Pedagogy and Practice (Routledge 2019).
In addition to having performed administrative roles in her department over the years, Janine teaches various architectural theory, history, and design courses, including a course titled Canadian Architecture recently renamed Architectures in Canada; a workshop in architectural drawing; and design studios that integrate local, national, and international travel, while training students in site- and building-design as poetic problem solving.

Born in Ottawa, Janine maintains close ties to her community by writing articles for local media outlets on current areas of interest such as the Canadian suburb, zoning, and dwelling and neighbourhood form, helping to promote public dialogue of architecture and community. Proud of her mixed English-Canadian and Lebanese-Francophone heritage, Janine’s cultural background informs her interest in transculturality and fuels her pursuit of an inclusive Canadian identity and language of architecture.

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The Senate met in person on September 26, 2025. Here are the highlights:

Senate Welcomes New Members

Senate welcomed 26 new Senators to their first Senate meeting including:

• 2 representatives from the Board of Governors,
• 1 new Alumni Representative
• 12 new elected students
• 10 new faculty members
• and the Interim Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Design

Creation of the College of Global Studies

Senate approved a recommendation to the Board of Governors for the establishment of the College of Global Studies, effective Fall 2026.

The new college will consolidate the Bachelor of Global and International Studies, graduate programs in Migration and Diaspora Studies, and both undergraduate and graduate programs in Russian and Eurasian Studies. As part of this reorganization, the Institute of European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies (EURUS) will be closed as a separate academic unit.

This initiative marks the creation of the first College of Global Studies in Ontario and reinforces ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s and FPGA’s reputation as leaders in global and international education and research.

The update represents an administrative restructuring of existing programs and will not involve the creation of new curricula, degrees, or calendar changes.

Quality Assurance & Cyclical Reviews

Through an omnibus motion, Senate approved the Final Assessment Reports and Executive Summaries arising from the cyclical reviews of the following academic programs:

• Undergraduate programs in Economics
• Bachelor of Information Technology – Information Resource Management
• Graduate program in Political Management

Suspension of Program Admissions

Senate was informed of the suspension of admissions to the following programs:

• MSc in Northern Studies, effective Fall 2025
• PhD in Social Work, effective Fall 2026

These suspensions were initiated by the respective academic units, endorsed by the Deans and the Vice-Provost (Academic), and all necessary administrative actions have been completed by Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, and Graduate Studies.

Senate Committee Reports:  Annual Submissions

Senate received annual reports from the Senate Student Academic Integrity Appeals Committee, Senate Graduate Student Appeal Committee, Senate Undergraduate Studies Committee, and the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Student Awards.

The report from the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Student Awards highlighted the approval of 36 new undergraduate scholarships and bursaries.

Senator Spotlight: Dr. Shane Hawkins

Dr. Shane Hawkins joined ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ in 2005 and has served as Director of the College of the Humanities since 2016. He teaches Ancient Greek and Latin, classical mythology, Greek literature and civilization, and occasionally Old Persian and Old Norse. With degrees from the University of Minnesota, Oxford, and UNC-Chapel Hill, and a Fulbright at the University of Vienna, Dr. Hawkins brings deep expertise in Indo-European linguistics, Greek lyric poetry, and Digital Humanities. His current projects include Greek Iambic Poetry and a co-authored Outline of the Historical and Comparative Grammar of Ancient Greek.

Next Meeting: October 31, 2025

The next Senate meeting will be held on October 31, 2025 at 2 pm. The full meeting schedule, associated meeting materials and minutes will be available on the Senate website. Meeting minutes are posted once they are approved at the subsequent meeting.

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The Senate met in person on June 6, 2025. Here are the highlights:

Class of 2025 Spring Graduate Approved

The Senate approved the spring graduation of 3,352 undergraduate and 778 graduate students, for a total of 4,130 students.

In addition, the Senate approved the awarding of 199 academic medals, recognizing 183 undergraduate and 16 graduate students for their exceptional achievements.

Spring Convocation ceremonies will take place over 15 sessions, scheduled from June 16 to 20, 2025.

Operating Budget Report

Provost Rankin presented an overview of ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s financial outlook and strategic planning to the Senate, highlighting key elements of the 2025-26 budget. The Operating Fund, which supports core academic and administrative functions, continues to face pressure due to a significant decline in international student enrolment—projected to drop 86% from its 2018 peak. Rising staffing costs, driven by collective agreement commitments, further contribute to the projected deficit.

To address these challenges, the university is leveraging increased government grants, launching new academic programs, and implementing a $24 million budget reduction campaign. Investments include funding for new degrees in Nursing, Engineering (Mechatronics), Data Science, and Cybersecurity, alongside operational enhancements.

The Mission Sustainability Framework is guiding efforts to improve service efficiency, review staffing, and regain international enrolment. Additionally, a government-mandated Efficiency and Accountability Fund Review, conducted in partnership with Deloitte, is underway, with a final report due in December.

The ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ community can expect regular updates, including an interim report to Senate in October.

Undergraduate and Graduate Major Modifications

The Senate approved five major modifications to undergraduate programs, effective Fall 2026. This includes:

• The introduction of the concentrations in Government and Professional Communication; Media and Entertainment Industries; and Public Engagement and Civic Culture to the B. CoMS.
• Name change to the undergraduate Economics concentration in Development and Environment.
• Deletion of the Earth Sciences concentrations in Finance: Resource Valuation; Geophysics; Resource Economics; and Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoecology.
• Major modification to the undergraduate Earth sciences programs in Vertebrate paleontology and Paleoecology.
• Major modifications to the BSc program and concentrations in Linguistics.

Suspended program admissions

The Senate received for information a list of 16 programs with suspended admissions effective Fall 2025.

Each request for suspension of admissions was submitted by the units, then approved by the Deans and the Vice-Provost (Academic).

Unless otherwise indicated, admissions to the programs will be suspended for two admission cycles. The Office of Academic Programs and Strategic Initiatives will be responsible for following up with the units to ensure appropriate action (i.e. program reinstatement or closure) is taken.

Revised Faculty Board Constitutions

Following a Senate motion on June 2, 2023, and subsequent restructuring of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs (FGPA), all disciplinary Faculties were instructed to revise their Faculty Board Constitutions.

Using a standardized template to ensure consistency, the Constitutions of the Science Faculty Board and the Computer Science Faculty Board were revised, reviewed by the Senate Academic Governance Committee (SAGC), and approved by their respective Faculty Boards, before being approved at Senate.

Senator Spotlight: Christopher Smelser

Christopher W. Smelser received his B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Toronto in 1998, followed by an M.Sc. in Physics from the University of Waterloo in 2001, where he conducted research under the supervision of Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Ottawa in 2007.

From 2001 to 2012, Dr. Smelser was a Research Scientist at the Communications Research Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. In 2012, he joined the Faculty of Engineering and Design at ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University and is currently an associate professor in the Department of Electronics.

Dr. Smelser’s research focuses on laser-assisted fabrication of photonic components, hybrid optical devices, nonlinear optics, and optical sensors, with an emphasis on their practical applications.

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