| Homepage |  | Guestbook |

---

Simon Fraser University Senate

---

What is the Senate?

Senate is the academic governing body and the supreme advisory body of Simon Fraser University. It has the authority over all academic matters, including program changes, academic direction, appeals, standards, admission, awards, library management and calendar.

Who are the Senators?

As of January 2001, the Simon Fraser University Senate has 60 members. The 4 convocation senators, 26 faculty senators and 13 student senators are elected by their own constituents; the 4 order-in-council senators are appointed by the provincial government and there are 13 ex-officio administrators in Senate, including the chancellor, president, 3 vice-presidents, deans of faculties, dean of graduate studies, dean of continuing studies and the university librarian. The president is the chair of Senate; the registrar is the secretary of Senate, whose responsibilities are delegated to the director of university secretariat and the senate assistant.

When does Senate meet?

Usually, Senate meets on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m., except in August when meeting is often not scheduled. Sometimes, when the agenda is light, the meeting time is modified to 5:30 p.m. The Rules of Senate indicate that the open session of a regular meeting should end not later than 10 p.m., but a meeting can be extended by a simple motion. During the end of the 1960s, a Senate meeting once lasted to 2:30 a.m.

Where do Senators meet?

Traditionally Senate meets in the Strand Hall. During the planning and the construction of the West Mall Centre, a meeting chamber has been dedicated to Senate business. The Senate Hall is the only meeting place on the SFU Burnaby Mountain campus that has the necessary table mics and recording system for Senate proceedings. It also has a row at the back for observers. When Senate is not in session, the Senate Hall is used as a lecture hall for classes.

Those interested in Senate business may view Senate meeting materials at the Reserve section of the SFU Library. [The binder is categorized under Sen. 000 Professor Copy #16.]

How does Senate work?

There are currently 23 standing committees in the Senate. From time to time, Senate creates ad hoc committees to perform specific tasks. Most preliminary works are dealt with by the committees and businesses are usually transacted in Senate through committee reporting and/or ratification of committee decisions. Here is a list of committees that I have personally involved in:

Diverse Qualifications Adjudication Committee (DQAC)

In charge of the Diverse Qualifications policy and adjudicates applicants who have talents outside the academic field.

Electoral Standing Committee (ESC)

In charge of the supervision of Senate, Board of Governors and Convocation elections, as well as elections taking place inside the Senate.

Library Penalties Appeal Committee (LPAC)

In charge of all appeals related to library fines and service suspension.

Senate Appeals Board (SAB)

In charge of all appeals related to academic standing and faculty decisions related to student records.

Senate Committee on Academic Planning (SCAP)

Considers and makes recommendations to Senate and the Board on all proposals involving new undergraduate and graduate programs or major program revisions. Approves and reports all minor program modifications and coordinates academic planning.

Senate Committee on Continuing Studies (SCCS)

Formulates policy for the overall development of the university's continuing education programs; develops approval procedures and reviews credit-free instruction.

Senate Committee on Disciplinary Appeals (SCODA)

Acts as the Final Court of Appeal for all matters related to student discipline.

Senate Committee on Enrollment Management and Planning (SCEMP)

In charge of FTE allocation and all matters related to enrollment.

Senate Committee on University Budget (SCUB)

Designated as a confidential committee advisory to the President. In charge of maintaining an overview of the university's financial situation and proposing recommendations to the President with regard to budget arrangements.

Senate Committee on University Honours (SCUH)

Recommends to Senate candidates for honorary degrees and makes decisions on prestigious awards and distinctions.

Senate Library Committee (SLC)

Supervises the operation of the library, provides recommendations to the library management and makes suggestions regarding the library budget.

Senate Nominating Committee (SNC)

In charge of the recruitment of Senate committees and recommends to Senate a list of candidates for committee appointments.