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Academic planning task force approved

Senate approved the use of a task force to assist in developing of the university academic plan, on Nov. 25 Senate meeting.

Based on the recommendation of Senators Mark Jones and Ross Chaudhry, Senate agreed that the taskforce should be composed of three faculty members, one staff member, two students (one undergraduate and one graduate or professional studies), one dean and a chair appointed by the principal.

On Nov. 29, Queen’s University Secretariat sent out an email calling for nominations to the task force, with the deadline for submission set as Dec. 10.

The Senate Nominating Committee will be in charge of selecting task force members and presenting them to members of Senate. Senate members will vote electronically by Dec. 21 to decide the final composition of the task force.

In conjunction to the task force, Senate also passed a motion for a series of town hall meetings to help address key academic planning issues.

Principal Daniel Woolf told Senate that much of the academic plan has been completed however he hopes to see more consultations over the next few months.

Labiba Haque

Quality Assurance Processess approved

The Queen’s University Quality Assurance Processes (QUQAPs) was approved on Nov. 25 based on the recommendation of University Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Robert Silverman.

The quality assurance processes were developed in accordance with the quality assurance framework designed by the Ontario Council of Academic Vice-Presidents (OCAV).

The province-wide framework adopted by the Council of Ontario Universities in April 2010 includes initiatives taken by universities to ensure consistencies among all programs across Ontario.

Some senators voiced concerns at the Nov. 25 meeting in regards to the framework having a large impact on the University’s authority and interdependence.

However, Vice-Provost (Graduate Studies) and Dean of Graduate Studies Brenda Brouwer and Principal Daniel Woolf told Senate the Quality Council was established to facilitate program improvements and public accountability. The QUQAPs document will now be sent for approval to the COU Quality Council with an estimated deadline for its implementation scheduled for September 2011.

Labiba Haque

Paving the path for United Way

Queen’s United Way has reached the final stage of its campaigning goals, raising $310,160 since its launch in September. The University has raised 99 per cent of its goal, however, it’s still striving to reach its $315,000 target.

The campaign was first launched September with the objective to support social services and programs in the local Kingston community. Queen’s is the largest contributor in the Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox and Addington region. The region has raised $3,145,000 in total, including the contribution from the University.

Campaign leaders encourage people to continue to take pledge forms and make donations through the month of December.

On Dec. 4, there will be a holiday food and clothing drive planned by Queen’s students to benefit several United Way funded agencies. Students will be going door-to-door in residential areas near campus to collect items for the drive. Students, faculty, staff and members of the local community are encouraged to make a donation or a pledge by calling 613-533-6000 x 78345.

Labiba Haque

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