The Senate of Mount Allison University is chaired by the President and composed of members of the teaching and administrative staff and appointees of the Board of Regents.

Senate determines the academic policy of the University, subject to the availability of funds controlled by the Board and the powers reserved to the President. The majority of its members must be members of the teaching staff.

The Senate may:

  • establish or discontinue courses, programs, faculties, and departments
  • establish terms of admission to the University
  • control and review the requirements for degrees, certificates, and diplomas and examine the qualifications for all candidates for these
  • establish academic regulations and procedures
  • recommend to the Board policies concerning the allocation of resources
Meeting dates

Scheduled meeting dates for 2024-25:

All meetings will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Windsor Grand Room, unless otherwise noted.

  • Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024
  • Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024
  • Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024
  • Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025
  • Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025
  • Tuesday, March 11, 2025
  • Tuesday, April 1, 2025 (Joint meeting with Faculty Council — Wu Centre)
  • Thursday, May 8, 2025 (10:30 a.m.)

Scheduled meeting dates for 2025-26:

All meetings will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Windsor Grand Room, unless otherwise noted.

  • Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025
  • Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025
  • Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
  • Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025
  • Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026
  • Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026
  • Tuesday, March 10, 2026
  • Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (Joint meeting with Faculty Council — Wu Centre)
  • Thursday, May 7, 2026 (10:30 a.m.)
Senate membership

Composition of Senate
    
The Senate shall be composed of the following voting members:

  • the Chancellor
  • the President, who shall be chair
  • the Vice-President, Academic and Research, who shall be vice-chair
  • the Academic Deans, including any Associate and/or Assistant Deans
  • the University Librarian and the Registrar
  • the Directors, or designate, of academic programs with eponymous courses
  • the two elected members of the Faculty Council Executive and the Secretary of the Senate
  • one full-time faculty member from each academic department elected or appointed
  • six full time faculty members of full-time librarians at large elected
  • one full-time librarian appointed by the Library Council
  • seven full-time students appointed by Students' Union, including one indigenous student
  • two persons appointed by the Board of Regents
  • one person appointed by the Mount Allison Federated Alumni
  • one person appointed by the Indigenous Advisory Circle

The following shall be non-voting members:

  • Academic and/or administrative officers who are designated by the President
  • the President of the students’ union
  • one Vice-President of the Students’ Union appointed by the Students' Administrative Council

SENATORS 2023-2024

  • Lynn Loewen (Chancellor)
  • Ian Sutherland, BMus, MMus, PhD (Chair and President and Vice-Chancellor)
  • Richard Isnor, D.Phil, MES, BSc (Vice-Chair and Interim Provost & Vice-President Academic & Research
  • Craig Brett, BA, MA, PhD (Secretary)

Representatives of the Board of Regents

  • Alex Fancy, BA, MA, Professor of French, Emeritus
  • Nancy Vogan, BA, MMus, PhD, Professor of Music, Emeritus

Representative of the Federated Alumni

  • Bill Evans

Ex-officio members

  • Rachel Rubin, BA, MLIS, PhD
  • Jennifer Tomes, BA, MA, PhD

Representative of the Indigenous Advisory Circle

  • Amanda Francis

Faculty representatives

  • Sacha DeWolfe, BA, BEd, MEd, PhD
  • Liam Keliher, BSc, MSc, PhD
  • Tim Reiffenstein, BA, MA, PhD

Faculty Council executive

  • Marsha Vicaire, BA, BSc, MA
  • Nathan Johnston, BA, MSc, PhD

Departmental representatives

  • Niels Anthonisen, BA, MA, PhD
  • Peter Brown, BA, MA, PhD
  • Ralf Brüning, MSc, PhD
  • Barb Clayton, BA, MA, PhD
  • Genevieve Desmarais, BA, MA, PhD
  • James Devine, BA, MA, PhD
  • Jane Dryden, BA, PhD
  • Erik Edson, BFA, MFA
  • Sarah Fanning, BA, MA, PhD
  • Diana Hamilton, BSc, MSc, PhD
  • Mark Hamilton, BSc, MSc, PhD
  • Mohammed Hashemi, BSBM, MSBM, PhD
  • Karl Hele, BA, MA, PhD
  • Christina Ionescu, BA, MA, PhD
  • Leslie Kern, BSc, MA, PhD
  • Laura Landon, BA, BJour, MLIS
  • Roopen Majithia, BA, MA, PhD
  • Loralea Michaelis, BIS, MA, PhD
  • Bruce Robertson, BA, MA, PhD
  • Stephen Runge, BMus, MMus, PhD
  • Erin Steuter, BJ, BA, MA, PhD
  • Brad Walters, BSc, MES, PhD
  • Will Wilson, BA, MA, PhD

Student representatives

  • Olivia Hart (Arts)
  • Yuanhao Ma (Social Sciences)
  • Rajan Minocha-McKenney (Science)
  • Isaac McCardle (Science)
  • Cole Sinclair (Arts)

Indigenous student representative

Associate (non-voting) members

  • Robert Inglis, BComm, CPA, CA
  • Beth Jewett, BA, MA, PhD
  • Courtney Pringle-Carver, MPA
  • Spencer Scott (MASU VP Academic Affairs)
  • Alivia Warr (MASU President)
Senate policies

Quorum

Fifty per cent plus one of the Senate members eligible to vote shall constitute a quorum for meetings of the Senate. For a special meeting of the Senate held from and including the month of June to and including the month of August, ten members eligible to vote shall constitute a quorum.

Voting

Questions arising at any meeting of the Senate shall be decided by a majority of votes and every Senator present at the meeting and entitled to vote shall have one vote. The chairman of a meeting shall not be entitled to vote upon any questions arising at the meeting except in the case of a tie vote in which case he shall be entitled to a casting vote.


Retention of Senate documents

Record series is comprised of the official record of Senate meetings. Records include original agendas, minutes, reports, proposals, memoranda, correspondence, and background papers.

Senate committee records

Record series is comprised of Senate committee official annual reports and official minutes (with relevant documents attached) that have been transferred to the secretary of Senate annually as per the general regulations section of the Guidelines and Terms of Reference for Senate and Faculty Council Standing Committees. Records document all deliberations of the Senate, including the passage of motions and resolutions and the approval of governing decisions. They cover both open sessions (available to all members of the University and the public) and closed (restricted to Senate members and associate members, typically concerning graduates and recipients of honorary degrees).

  • Senate records should be filed chronologically by meeting date
  • Senate committee records received by the secretary annually should be filed alphabetically by committee name and then chronologically by meeting date within each committee

Office of primary responsibility (OPR): Secretary of Senate

record active retention
(in office)
Semi-active
(In storage)
Total retention final disposition
OPR official records (paper) Academic year + 5 years 0 years Academic year + 5 years Transfer to archives for permanent retention
OPR working papers (inluc. notes taken at meetings, research/background information, etc) Academic year + 5 yeards 0 years Academic year + 5 yeards Transfer to archives for permanent retention
OPR unofficial records (paper and electronic) Academic years + 1 years 0 years Academic years + 1 years Destruction or deletion
Non-OPR unofficial copies (paper and electronic) Academic year or when no longer needed 0 years Academic year or when no longer needed Destruction or deletion

Record series is comprised of records created and used to support the activities and deliberations of the various committees established by Senate. Includes standing and ad hoc committees. Records include minutes, agendas, correspondence, annual reports, supporting papers, etc.

The records of each committee should be filed chronologically by meeting date.
 
Office of primary responsibility (OPR): Either the committee chair or committee secretary, as determined by the committee. 

records active retention semi-active retentio total retention final disposition
OPR annual reports; minutes with relevant documents (paper) Academic year 0 years Academic year Transfer to secretary of Senate
OPR working papers (incl. notes taken during meetings, research/background information, etc.) Academic year 0 years Academic year Transfer to secretary of Senate
OPR copies of annual reports; minutes with relevant documents (paper and electronic) Academic year or until no longer needed for reference 0 years Academic year or until no longer needed for reference Destruction or deletion
Non-OPR copies of committee records (paper or electronic) Academic year or until no longer a member of the committee 0 years Academic year or until no longer a member of the committee Destruction or deletion

Retention of Research Ethics Board documents

Records retention and disposition schedule
Adopted by the Research Board, Dec. 15, 2009
 
The Research Ethics Board (REB) is a committee of Senate.

It is responsible for:

  • the timely review of all research protocols or projects involving human subjects
  • monitoring of on-going human research
  • responding to enquiries from external agencies with responsibility to monitor ethics review procedures at universities
  • educating the Mount Allison research community about the principles and practices of the ethical conduct of research

The REB reports annually to Senate.

Office of primary responsibility (OPR): The Office of Research Services acts as the REB secretariat and maintains the official records of the REB.

Record types active retention
(in office)
semi-active retention
(in storiage)
Total retention final disposition
OPR application case files (paper) Completion of date collection + 5 years 0 years Completion of date collection + 5 years Full retention by archives
OPR application case files (electronic) Final decision rendered 0 years Final decision rendered Deletion
OPR minutes, agendas, annual report to Senate (paper and electronic) Academic years + 2 years 0 years Academic years + 2 years Full retention by archives
Chair — all records (paper and electronic) Expiration of term as chair 0 years Expiration of term as chair Destruction by confidential shredding/deletion
REB members — all records (paper and electronic) Final decision rendered 0 years Final decision rendered Destruction by confidential shredding/deletion

Rationale for full archival retention

These records give evidence of the University’s ethics oversight function, and of the types of potentially contentious research involving human subjects conducted at Mount Allison University. Through the permanent retention of these files, future researchers will have access to records that allow an understanding of the evolution and the implementation of the ethics oversight function at Mount Allison University.
 
Description, purpose, and use of records

Series is comprised of records created, received, maintained, and used to support the activities and deliberations of the Mount Allison University Research Ethics Board.

The records document the ethics review and approval of faculty, staff, and student-initiated research protocols or projects involving human subjects.

Records may include:

  • minutes
  • agendas
  • membership lists
  • policies and procedures
  • correspondence
  • annual report to Senate
  • application case files, including samples or descriptions of research instruments (e.g. informed consent, questionnaires, surveys, equipment, etc.)
  • notice of approval with attached summary prepared by REB
  • progress and final reports
  • supporting papers
  • reference and information material

Restrictions on access to records held by the OPR and the University Archives

Researchers wishing access to the application case files must apply for permission in writing to the Research Ethics Board. If granted, the Board will contact either the OPR or the University Archives (depending upon where the file in question is stored) in writing, stating the name of the researcher who is to be allowed access, and indicating which file(s) may be accessed.

Alternatively, with a majority approval of the Research Ethics Board members, the chair may prepare a redacted copy of the requested records if it is felt by the Board that redaction is necessary to preserve the confidentiality of applications to the REB.

For each application case file, this restriction will continue in effect until the terms provided in the Copyright Act have expired (currently 50 years after the death of the author of the document). Once this milestone has been reached, there will be free access to the application case files through the University Archives. Once transferred to the University Archives, access to the minutes of meetings are open for public viewing.

Senate minutes

Senate committees

Committee membership as of July 1, 2023
Student members' terms effective May 1, faculty and librarian terms effective July 1.

Secretary of Senate:  (2023-2028)

Academic Appeals Committee

Terms of reference

This Committee will be the final appeal body for all matters arising from decisions of the Academic Integrity Committee.

Membership

One ex-officio member — the chair of Senate or delegate (chair):

  • Richard Isnor

Two faculty or librarians who are not on the Academic Integrity Committee, elected by the Senate:

  • Andrew Inkpen (2023- 26)
  • Genevieve Desmarais (2024-27)

Two students who are not on the Academic Integrity Committee, elected by the Senate:

  • Kaite Souch (2024-25)
  • Grace Waldron (2024-25)

Quorum

At least four members

Academic Information Technology Committee

Terms of reference

The purpose of this Committee is to oversee all aspects of academic IT on campus, including those pertaining to teaching, research, and creative activities.

The Committee will:

  • review and make recommendations to Senate on standards and policies for the academic use of IT equipment on campus and will ensure that these policies are made available to all users
  • prepare a list annually of priorities of academic IT needs
  • make IT recommendations to the Computing Services Department on how to support the academic mission of the institution
  • consider any other issue related to academic IT use on campus referred to it by faculty, librarians, Senate, or the Computing Services Department
  • meet twice per term during the fall and winter academic terms (half of the meetings throughout the year will be held jointly with the IT Steering Committee)

Membership

The Academic Information Technology Committee has nine members.

  • Vice-President, Academic and Research (Chair) — Richard Isnor
  • Director of Computing Services — John Gillis
  • Educational Technology Consultant — Steve Dawson

Three faculty elected by Senate, with representation from each of the three faculties, and one librarian elected by Senate:

  • Lauren Beck (Arts) 2022-25
  • Carla VanBeselaere (Social Sciences) 2022-25
  • David Fleming (Science) 2024-27

One librarian, elected by the Senate:

  • Elizabeth Stregger (Librarian) 2023-26

Two students, elected by the Senate:

  • Cole Sinclair (2024-25)
  • Georgia Pardy (2024-25)

Quorum

At least two ex-officio members plus at least three elected members.

Academic Integrity Committee

Terms of reference

This Committee will act as an advisory committee to the academic dean responsible for academic integrity (academic integrity officer) in cases that involve infractions of academic misconduct by students that may result in disciplinary sanctions such as suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.
     
This Committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending any changes to the Academic Integrity Policy every five (5) years, or more frequently when relevant changes otherwise warrant an update, to maintain the policy’s currency and relevance.

Membership

The Academic Integrity Committee has five members.

One ex-officio member:

  • Academic Dean delegated by the Provost as the Academic Integrity Officer (AIO) (Chair) — Jennifer Tomes

Two faculty or librarians, elected by the Senate:

  • Andrew Nurse (2024-27)
  • Karen Crosby (2024-26)

One alternate faculty or librarian, elected by the Senate:

  • Catherine Lovekin (2024-26)

Two students, elected by the Senate:

  •  Benjamin Broadbent (2024-25)
  •  Chloe Duguay (2024-25)

One alternate student, elected by the Senate:

  •  Rajan Minocha-McKenney (2024-25)

Quorum

  • At least four members.
Academic Matters (Curriculum and Academic) Committee

Terms of Reference:

The purpose of this Committee is to preserve the integrity of the academic programs and regulations.

The Committee will review and make recommendations to Senate on the following:

  • proposed changes in courses, including changes in prerequisites, and new courses;
  • proposed program changes with respect to minor, major and honours requirements;
  • proposed changes in degree regulations;
  • any other matters relating to Sections 11 and 12 of the University Calendar.

Factors to be taken into account when reviewing proposals include the academic rationale and need for the proposal, the impact on existing programs, and the viability of the proposal in terms of current resources.

The Committee will refer proposals to the University Planning Committee if they affect long range planning or involve significant additional costs.

The Committee will refer matters to Faculty Council when appropriate.

If the Committee rejects a proposal, it may be modified and re-submitted to the Committee, or it may be taken directly to the Senate.

Membership (7 members, including 4 elected faculty or Librarians):

Two ex-officio members

  • an Academic Dean (Chair) — Vicki St. Pierre (2024-25)
  • The Registrar (Secretary) — Bert Annear

Four Faculty or librarians elected by the Senate, with representation from each of the three faculties

  • Roopen Majithia, Arts (2024-26)
  • Emily Austen, Science (2022-25)
  • Erin Steuter, Science (2024-27)
  • Corrine Cash, Social Sciences (2022-25)

One student elected by the Senate

  •  Kaite Souch (2024-25)

Information about academic program development and relevant forms can be found on the Program development page of the Faculty and Staff Gateway.

Academic Matters (Regulations) Committee

Terms of reference

The purpose of this Committee is to preserve the integrity of the academic regulations.

The Committee will review and make recommendations to Senate on the following:

  • proposed changes in evaluations of student performance;
  • proposed changes to academic dates;
  • proposed changes to academic standing;
  • proposed changes to examination regulations;
  • proposed changes to course registration regulations;
  • any other matters relating to Section 10 of the University Calendar.

Membership (7 members, including 4 elected Faculty or Librarians):

Two ex-officio members:

  • Vice-President Academic and Research (chair) — Richard Isnor
  • University Registrar — Bert Annear

Four faculty or librarians, elected by the Senate, with representation from each of the three faculties:

  • VACANCY, Arts (2024-27)
  • Genevieve Desmarais, Science (2024-27)
  • Erin Steuter, Social Sciences (2023-26)
  • Margaret-Ellen Messinger, Science (2024-27)

One student, elected by the Senate:

  •  Benjamin Broadbent (2024-25)

The University Librarian is to be invited on a consultative basis to all meetings where input from the Library would be pertinent.

Quorum

Two ex-officio members and at least three elected members. 

Admissions and Re-admissions Committee

Terms of Reference:

The Committee will review and make recommendations to Senate on standards and policies for the admission and re-admission of students.

The Committee will review and assess special cases of applications for re-admission.

Note: If the application is rejected the Committee must advise the student in writing of the possible grounds for appeal (see terms of reference for the Readmissions Appeals Committee) and the available process to be followed. Students appealing a decision must make their appeal within three weeks of the date of the letter from the Committee. The appeal is to be made to the Chair of the Readmissions Appeals committee.

Membership (6 members, including 3 elected faculty librarians):

2 ex-officio members:

  • An Academic Dean (Chair) - Yves Bourgeois
  • The Registrar - Bert Annear

3 faculty or librarians elected by the Senate:

  • Mohammad Ahmady (2022-25)
  • Vicki Meli (2024-25)
  • Justin Liefer (2023-26)

One student elected by the Senate:

  •  Georgia Pardy (2024-25)

The Manager of Admissions is to be invited on a consultative basis to all meetings at which standards and policies for the admission and re-admission of students are considered.

The Dean of Students is to be invited on a consultative basis to all meetings at which applications for re-admission are considered.

Quorum:

At least 2 ex-officio members At least 2 elected members

Committee on Committees

Terms of reference

The Committee is the nominating committee for all Senate and Faculty Council committees.

The Committee will act as the nominating committee for Presidential committees when requested.

When nominating members to committees the Committee will consider:

  • the fair distribution of committee work among elected members
  • the nominee’s experience, knowledge, and interest in the specific mandate of the committee

The Committee will keep under general review the committee structure of the University. It will review the terms of reference and composition of all standing committees of the Senate, the Faculty Council, and the President, and make recommendations for changes where appropriate. In particular, it should consider which committees have served their purpose and should be disbanded.

The Secretary of Senate will call for nominations to fill vacancies on this Committee, and Senate will elect the members. Nominations will not be made by members of the Committee.

The members of the Committee may not nominate themselves for any Senate or Faculty Council committees.

Membership

The Committee on Committees has five members.

Five faculty or librarians, of whom at least three will be Senators, elected by the Senate. The Chair will be a Senator, elected from among the Committee members, determined by a vote of the committee itself:

  • Anne Lepage (2024-27)
  • Geoffrey Crutwell (2024-27)
  • Sacha Dewolfe (2023-26)
  • William Lundell (2024-26)
  • Owen Griffiths (2024-27)

Quorum

At least three members. 

Committee on Emeriti Appointments

Membership

The Committee on Emeriti Appointments has nine members.

One ex-officio member:

  • the Secretary of Senate (Chair) — Craig Brett

Two persons with emeriti appointments, elected by the Senate:

  • Anita Cannon (2023-26)
  • Elaine Naylor (2023-26)

Two Regents or Senators, appointed by the Board of Regents:

  • Christina Vroom (to Dec. 31, 2025)
  • Lisa Yarmoshuk (to Dec. 31, 2025)

Three faculty or librarians, elected by the Senate:

  • VACANCY (2024-27)
  • James Kalyn (2022-25)
  • Kathleen Lord (2023-26)

One student, elected by the Senate

  •  Cole Sinclair (2024-25)

Quorum

At least five members including at least one from each of the following categories: persons with emeriti appointments, Regents or Senators, faculty or librarians.

For more information, see Policy 3002: Appointment of Professors Emeriti and Librarians Emeriti.

Committee on Students with Disabilities

Terms of reference

The Committee will:

  • review the Senate Policy on Students with Disabilities and make recommendations to the Senate for changes as appropriate
  • review the services available to students with disabilities and make recommendations to the appropriate bodies concerning improvement in these services
  • consult with other resource people, within and outside the University community, for advice on improving the environment for students with disabilities

Membership

The Committee on Students with Disabilities has nine members.

Three ex-officio members:

  • an Academic Dean — Yves Bourgeois
  • the Director, Accessibility and Student Wellness or designate — TBA (chair)
  • the Disability Services Advisor — Matt Kalichuk

Three faculty, elected by the Senate, with representation from each faculty:

  • Glen Briand, Science (2022-25)
  • Carla VanBeselaere, Social Sciences (2023-26)
  • Leslie Shumka, Arts (2023-26)

One librarian elected by Senate:

  • Mike Roy (2024-27)

One student with a learning disability (selected by the director, accessibility and student wellness), elected by Senate:

One student with a disability other than a learning disability (selected by the Director, Accessibility and Student Wellness), elected by Senate:

One student, current MASU Accessibility Representative, or designate:

  • Aynsley Atkinson (2024-25)
  • Owen Cole (2024-25)
  •  VACANCY (2024-25)

Quorum

At least one ex-officio member, two elected faculty or librarians, and two students.

Experiential Learning Committee

Terms of reference

The purpose of this Committee is to oversee all aspects of academic credit for independent experiential learning.

In particular the Committee will:

  • review the general policies related to academic credit for independent experiential learning and make recommendations to Senate when appropriate
  • review proposals for academic credit for international and domestic independent experiential learning (EXPL 3001/4001,3000/4000)

Before October,  the Dean serving as ex-officio member will call a meeting of the Committee, at which the Committee will elect one of its members to be chair of the Committee, and the Chair of the Committee on Committees will be informed.

Membership

The Experiential Learning Committee has five members.

One ex-officio member:

  • an Academic Dean — Yves Bourgeois

Two faculty, elected by the Senate:

  • Carla VanBeselaere (2024-27)
  • Sacha Dewolfe (2024-27)

One librarian, elected by the Senate:

  • VACANCY (2024-27)

One student, elected by the Senate:

  • Georgia Pardy (2024-25)

Quorum

One ex-officio member and three elected members. 

Graduate Studies Committee

Terms of reference

The Committee will:

  • review existing programs, course offerings, and policies regarding graduate studies at Mount Allison and make recommendations for changes to the Senate where appropriate. This includes but is not limited to:
    • criteria and regulations for admission to graduate studies
    • organization of thesis defenses
    • policies and mechanisms for establishing, monitoring, and completing programs of studies
    • policies regarding the financial support of graduate students (including but not limited to specifying reasonable minimum levels of remuneration)
    • a mechanism to adjudicate disputes related to graduate studies admissions, programs and defenses
  • establish, review, and oversee criteria for graduate student scholarships and awards that fall within its purview
  • Before October, the Dean of Graduate Studies will call a meeting of the Committee, at which the Committee will elect one of its elected members to be chair of the committee, and the Committee on Committees will be informed.

Membership

The Graduate Studies Committee has seven members.

One ex-officio non-voting member:

  • the dean of graduate studies — Jennifer Tomes

Five faculty elected by Senate, with representation from each of the three faculties, including three members from the Science Faculty, with at least one member from the Chemistry and Biochemistry department and one member from the Biology department; one alternate faculty member elected by Senate; one graduate student, elected by Senate.

Before October, the Committee will elect one of its elected members to be chair of the committee, and the Committee on Committees will be informed.

  • James Kalyn, Arts (2023-26)
  • Joshua Kurek, Social Sciences (2023-26)
  • Julia Riley, Science, Biology (2023-26)
  • Glen Briand, Science (2023-26)
  • Andrew Grant, Science, Chemistry and Biochemistry (2023-26)

 One alternate:

  • Vett Lloyd (2024-27)

One graduate student, elected by Senate:

  • Christelinda Laureijs (2024-27)

Quorum

At least four elected members.

Graduation Review Committee

Terms of reference

The Committee will:

  • review and assess the cases of graduating students who are likely to be prevented from receiving their degrees or certificates by reason of low averages, failure in a course,  or some special circumstance, and consider students whose GPA falls slightly below the required minimum for honours or distinction
  • work in close co-operation with instructors and department heads when making its decisions
  • make decisions on all cases prior to the preparation of the list of candidates that is presented at the meetings of Faculty Council and Senate in May and October
  • add candidates or move candidates to other categories on the list before the list goes to the Senate
  • post the final list for review at least 24 hours prior to its being voted on at Senate — any changes made within this final 24 hour period will be circulated to all department heads and program directors

Membership

The Graduation Review Committee has seven members.

Two ex-officio members:

  • an academic dean (chair) — Jennifer Tomes
  • the registrar — Bert Annear

Four faculty or librarians, elected by the Senate (at least one member from each of the Faculties):

  • VACANCY, Social Sciences (2024-27)
  • Alan Dodson, Arts (2022-25)
  • Leslie Shumka, Arts (2024-27)
  • Jeffrey Waller, Science (2023-26)

One student, elected by the Senate:

  • Rajan Minocha-McKenney (2024-25)

Quorum

Two ex-officio members and three other members of the Committee.

International Programs Committee

Terms of reference

The Committee will:

  • review academic policies and standards bearing on the adoption, development, and operation of international programs and exchanges, and make recommendations for changes to the Senate as appropriate
  • make recommendations to the Senate on the adoption of new international programs and exchanges
  • advise the International Centre on guidelines for faculty, student, and staff international exchanges, and for other programs that involve studying abroad
  • review standard protocols for transfer credit assessments and credit weighting systems at various international universities, and recommend changes to the Senate as appropriate
  • Before October, the Dean serving as ex-officio member will call a meeting of the Committee, at which the Committee will elect a chair, and the Committee on Committees will be informed.

Membership

The International Programs Committee has eight members.

Three ex-officio members:

  • An academic Dean or Director responsible for International Programs — Vicki St. Pierre
  • A staff representative of the International Centre designated by the Vice-President, International and Student Affairs — TBA
  • The Registrar or designate — Bert Annear

Four faculty members or librarians, at least two of whom are are Faculty Contacts for International Programs, elected by Senate:

  • Andrew Nurse (2024-26)
  • Andrea Morash (2024-27)
  • Sarah Fanning (2023-26)
  • Justin Liefer (2023-26)

One student who has been on an international exchange or study abroad program (to be nominated by the International Centre), elected by the Senate:

  •  Forest Holbrook (2024-25)

The international affairs co-ordinator attends meetings as a resource person to the Committee.

Before October of each year the Committee will elect a chair, and the Committee on Committees will be informed. The Committee chair is responsible for convening a meeting of faculty contacts for international programs at least once per year.

Quorum

Two ex-officio members and at least three elected members. 

Late Granting of Degrees Committee

Terms of reference

The Committee has the authority to grant degrees on the receipt of an academic course grade or further relevant information forthcoming after the formal meeting of Senate when degrees are granted.

The Committee will inform Senate at its next meeting of any degrees that are, in fact, granted. 

Membership

The Late Granting of Degrees Committee has three members.

Three ex-officio members:

  • The Vice-President, Academic & Research (Chair) — Richard Isnor
  • The Registrar — Bert Annear
  • The Secretary of Senate — Craig Brett

Quorum

The full membership.

Re-admissions Appeals Committee

Terms of reference

Students appealing a decision of the Admission and Re-admission Committee must make their appeal within three weeks of the date of the letter from that Committee.

The Committee shall decide whether to uphold or reject an appeal of a decision of the Admissions and Re-admissions Committee. Appeals will be considered on the following grounds only:

  • the Admissions and Re-admissions Committee was biased
  • the Admissions and Re-admissions Committee made an error in interpreting a regulation
  • new information has been provided subsequent to the decision of the Admissions and Re-admissions Committee
  • the decision of the Admissions and Re-admissions Committee imposes undue or unreasonable hardship

If the Committee upholds the appeal it shall consider the application for re-admission and its decision shall be final. 

Membership

The Re-admissions Appeals Committee has three members.

Two ex-officio members:

  • The Secretary of Senate (Chair) — Craig Brett
  • An Academic Dean who does not chair the Admissions and Re-admissions Committee — Vicki St. Pierre

One faculty or librarian, plus one alternate, who are not a members of the Admissions and Re-admissions Committee, elected by the Senate:

  • Kiera Galway (2023-26)
  • Leslie Shumka (2024-27)

Quorum

All members. 

Research and Creative Activities Committee

Terms of reference

The Committee will:

(a) encourage research and creative activities at the University

(b) advise the provost and vice-president, academic and research on matters relating to the strategic direction of research and creative activities at the University and, where appropriate, at a provincial and/or national level

(c) make recommendations to the appropriate bodies with regard to policies and procedures concerning research or creative activity

(d) be responsible for establishing and reviewing guidelines with regard to the funding of research and creative activity, and make recommendations to Senate on matters within its purview

(e) adjudicate grants and awards including, but not limited to, the independent student research grants, the President's Research and Creative Activities Fund, research stipends for part-time faculty, and any other grants and awards that may be established from time to time

Membership

The Research and Creative Activity Committee has 12 members.

Four ex-officio members:

  • The Vice-President, Academic and Research (Chair) — Vicki St. Pierre
  • The three Academic Deans
    • Vicki St. Pierre, Arts
    • Jennifer Tomes, Science and Graduate Studies
    • Yves Bourgeouis, Social Sciences and Business

Five faculty with representation from each of the three faculties, elected by the Senate:

  • VACANCY (2024-27)
  • VACANCY (2024-27)
  • Carla VanBeselaere, Social Sciences (2022-25)
  • Erik Edson, Arts (2023-26)
  • Tyson MacCormack, Science (2023-26)

One librarian, elected by the Senate:

  • Elizabeth Stregger (2023-26)

Two students, one from the Science faculty and one from the Arts / Social Sciences faculties, elected by the Senate:

  • Cole Sinclair, Social Sciences (2024-25)
  • Rajan Minocha-McKenney, Science (2024-25)

An Office of Research Services representative attends meetings as a resource person to the committee.

Quorum

  • At least three ex-officio members
  • At least four elected members
Research Ethics Board

Terms of reference

The Board will approve, reject, propose modifications to, or terminate any proposed or ongoing research involving human subjects which is conducted within, or by members of, Mount Allison University, using the considerations set forth in the Tri-Council (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR) Policy Statement on Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS2) as the minimum standard.

Before October, the Committee will elect one of the faculty or librarians to be chair of the Committee, and the Committee on Committees will be informed.

The REB Coordinator, Office of Research Services, attends meetings as a resource person to the committee.

Membership

The Research Ethics Board has seven members.

Six faculty or librarians, elected by the Senate (according to specified criteria):

  • Morgan Poteet (2024-26)
  • Vett Lloyd (2022-25)
  • David Mawhinney (2022-25)
  • Alison O'Connor (2023-26)
  • Robbie Moser (2024-27)
  • Mario Levesque (2024-27)

One member who has no affiliation with the institution, elected by the Senate:

  • Dave Bray (2022-25)

At  least two members must have broad expertise in the methods or areas of research that are covered by the REB.

At least one member must be knowledgeable in ethics.

Both men and women must be represented.

The REB will work with the Senate Committee on Committees in identifying nominees for vacancies.

Before  October, the  Committee  will  elect  one  of the faculty or librarians to be chair of the Committee, and the Committee on Committees will be informed.

The director, Office of Research Services, attends meetings as a resource person to the Committee.

Quorum

At least four elected members.

Scholarships and Bursaries Committee

Terms of reference

The Committee will:

  • be responsible for recommending to Senate policies, guidelines, and general criteria for the awarding of scholarships and bursaries
  • make recommendations with regard to the general allocation of funds, taking into consideration the University’s policies and procedures, and any special conditions associated with the funds
  • give advice on individual awards, especially with respect to in-course scholarships, when appropriate

Membership

The Scholarships and Bursaries Committee has seven members.

Two ex-officio members:

  • The Vice-President, Academic & Research (Chair) — Richard Isnor
  • The Financial Aid & Awards Counsellor — Lucréce O'Neal

Four faculty or librarians, elected by the Senate:

  • Niels Anthonisen (2022-25)
  • Jane Dryden (2022-25)
  • Patricia Kelly-Spurles (2024-26)
  • David Rogosin (2023-26)

One student, elected by the Senate:

  • Chloe Duguay (2024-25)

Quorum

At least two ex-officio members and at least two elected members.

Senate Agenda Committee

Terms of Reference

The  Committee will:

(a) be responsible for drawing up the agenda for each meeting of Senate and arrange that all business goes forward to the Senate in the properly prepared form

(b) maintain the Senate Handbook and Standing Rules and bring proposals for revisions to these documents to Senate for discussion and approval

Membership: Five members

 Two ex-officio members:

  • President (Chair) — Ian Sutherland
  • Secretary of Senate — Craig Brett

Two faculty members or librarians, elected by the Senate from among the elected members of Senate:

  • Sarah Fanning (2022-2025)
  • Brad Walters (2023-2026)

One student senator:

  •  Chloe Duguay (2024-25)

The provost and vice-president, academic and research attends meetings as an advisor to the Committee.

Quorum:

  • 1 ex-officio member
  • 2 elected members
Teaching and Learning Committee

Terms of reference

The Committee will:

  • develop and recommend to Senate policies and practices to promote excellence in teaching and learning
  • provide guidance to the Purdy Crawford Teaching Centre, with particular reference to its policies and programs
  • work through the Purdy Crawford Teaching Centre to administer grant programs for the support of projects in teaching and instructional development within the University
  • review teaching and learning evaluation policies and practices every five years (starting from 2009), and make recommendations to Senate when appropriate
  • Before October, the Director of the Purdy Crawford Teaching Centre will call a meeting of the Committee, at which the Committee will choose one of its elected members to be Chair of the Committee, and the Committee on Committees will be informed. 

Membership

The Teaching and Learning Committee has eight members.

Two ex-officio members:

  • Director, Purdy Crawford Teaching Centre — Toni Roberts
  • The Computing Services Educational Technology Consultant — TBA

Three faculty, one from each of the three Faculties, elected by the Senate:

  • Vicki Meli, Science (2022-25)
  • Fabrizio Antonelli, Social Sciences (2024-27)
  • Anne Koval, Arts (2024-26)

One librarian, elected by Senate:

  • Laura Landon (2024-27)

Two students, elected by the Senate:

  •  Grace Waldron (2024-25)
  •  Kaite Souch (2024-25)

Quorum

At least one ex-officio member and at least four elected members. 

University Planning Committee

Terms of reference

The Committee will:

  • advise and make recommendations to Senate on University planning through a regular review of the goals and priorities of the University, in particular its academic departments and programs
  • assess and make recommendations to Senate — or (if appropriate) one of its committees — on proposals for major changes in academic programs and in the size and distribution of student enrolments
  • as part of the budget development process, assess and make recommendations to the appropriate body on the efficient use of the University’s human, physical, and financial resources, having due regard for academic, financial, and other implications
  • establish procedures for academic unit reviews and oversee the academic unit review process
  • undertake studies into any matters which have implications for the University’s educational objectives and long range plans, and recommend to Senate on appropriate strategies to respond to such issues; such studies may arise from a review of any unit within the University or from developments in the field of higher education at the provincial and national levels
  • consider any other issue referred to it by the President, the Senate, or one of its committees; the Faculty Council through Senate; or any other University committee or senior administrator
  • report at each meeting of the Senate, and at least once each term this report shall be in writing, with a copy to be sent to the secretary of the Faculty Council

As appropriate, resource personnel will be invited to attend meetings of the Committee.

Membership

The University Planning Committee has 13 members.

Five ex-officio members:

  • Vice-President, Academic & Research (chair) — Richard Isnor
  • Three academic deans:
    • Vicki St. Pierre, Arts
    • Jennifer Tomes, Science and Graduate Studies
    • Yves Bourgeois, Social Sciences and Business
  • Dean of Libraries and Archives - Rachel Rubin

Five faculty elected by the Senate, with representation from each of the three faculties:

  • Janine Rogers, Arts (2024-27)
  • James Devine, Social Sciences (2024-27)
  • Fiona Black, Arts (2022-25)
  • Kevin Morse, Arts (2022-25)
  • Laurie Ricker, Science (2024-27)

One librarian, elected by the Senate:

  • Elizabeth Millar (2023-26)

Two students, elected by the Senate:

  • Grace Waldron (2024-25)
  • Benjamin Broadbent (2024-25)

Quorum

At least three ex-officio members, at least four elected faculty or librarians, and at least one student.

Senate-Board Committee

Honorary Degrees Committee

The Honorary Degrees Committee consists of representatives of Senate, students, and Board of Regents. It considers nominations from members of the broader University community and from its own members. It recommends for the consideration of Senate those persons whom it determines should receive an honorary degree.

A slate of potential honorary degree recipients is elected by Senate from those whose names have been recommended by the Committee. A majority vote of the Senators present is necessary for election. The deliberations and decisions of the Committee and of the Senate are confidential.

Persons wishing to nominate individuals for honorary degrees should complete a nomination form at any time. Procedures and criteria used by the Honorary Degrees Committee are outlined below, and see a list of previous honorary graduands.

Members of the community are encouraged to consider nominating people from all walks of life. When granting an honorary degree, we are projecting our values and vision to our community.

Terms of reference

The Committee will make recommendations to the Senate on the awarding of honorary degrees.

Composition

The Honorary Degrees Committee shall consist of :

  • President, chair
  • Chancellor
  • the chair of the Board
  • the vice-president, academic and research
  • four members of faculty
  • two members of the Board of Regents
  • one student

Current committee members

Four ex-officio members:

  • The President (Chair) — Ian Sutherland
  • The Chancellor — Lynn Loewen
  • The Chair of the Board — Cheryl Hodder
  • The Vice-President, Academic and Research — Richard Isnor

Two members appointed by the Board:

  • Sarah Crawford (to Dec. 31, 2024)
  • Gita Anand (to Dec. 31, 2025)

Four faculty or librarians, elected by Senate:

  • Cory Langlais (2022-25)
  • Andrew Inkpen (2023-26)
  • Jenny Wong (2024-27)
  • VACANCY (2024-27)

One student, elected by Senate:

  • Chloe Duguay (2024-25)

Procedures and criteria

This brief outline of procedures and criteria for honorary degrees is intended as an aid to Committee members.

Procedures

The Honorary Degrees Committee, which consists of representatives of both Senate and the Board of Regents, considers nominations from members of the broader University community and from its own members, and it recommends for the consideration of Senate those persons whom it determines best meet the stated criteria.

A slate of potential honorary degree recipients is elected by Senate from those whose names have been recommended by the Committee. A majority vote of the Senators present is necessary for election. The deliberations and decisions of the Committee and of Senate on honorary degrees are confidential.

Criteria

The Senate of Mount Allison University awards honorary degrees to individuals who are nationally or internationally recognized within their fields. Most degrees would come under one or more of the following categories. While the weight of tradition is strong in an institution as old as Mount Allison, Committee members may still wish to deviate from a well worn path.

Exemplars in their chosen fields (particularly if the field in some way touches Mount Allison):

  • creative performing artists
  • educators
  • researchers
  • religious leaders
  • professional men and women
  • business people
  • philanthropists

Service to the wider community (persons whose actions have significantly affected the University and/or the region):

  • persons making an unusual contribution to voluntary organizations
  • patrons of the arts, sciences, etc.
  • persons whose lives, in the service of society, have served as examples for others to follow

Service to the University (the alumni and Board have played an important role in this category):

  • outstanding workers on the University’s behalf
  • members of the Board

Prominent public persons (who might be better known to the wider community than the University itself). By accepting a degree they have cast lustre on the University, and, incidently, drawn public attention to the institution.)

e.g., the Governor General, the Prime Minister, provincial premiers