-
COUNCIL CHAMBER, ROOM 3130, W. G. DAVIS BUILDING
Report Number 53 Of The UTM Academic Affairs Committee
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024
To the UTM Campus Council,
University of Toronto Mississauga,
Your UTM Academic Affairs Committee reports that it held a meeting in the Council Chamber, Room 3130, W. G. Davis building on January 11, 2024 with the following members present:
PRESENT: Laura Taylor (in the Chair), Rosa Hong (Vice-Chair), Ian Orchard (Acting Vice-President & Principal), Nick Rule (Vice-Principal, Academic & Dean), Andreas Bendlin (Vice-Dean, Academic Experience), Tracey Bowen (Vice-Dean, Teaching & Learning), Ilia Binder, Jill Caskey, Craig Chambers, Renu Kanga Fonseca (Registrar & Assistant Dean, Enrolment Management), Barend Beekhuizen, Steven Bernstein, Brett Beston, Elizabeth Blake, Laura Brown, Boris Chrubasik, Rosa Ciantar, Wenchao Du, Margarida Duarte, Jacob Gallagher-Ross, Philip Goodman, Paula Hannaford, Tanjim Hossain, Ehab James, Arsalan Kahnemuyipour, Latonya Ludford, Anthony Makwanda, Michael Nixon, Andreas Park, Andrew Petersen, Christoph Richter, Dany Savard, Adriano Senatore, Joanna Szurmak, Jumi Shin, Jaimal Thind, Jonathan Weisberg, Weiguo Zhang.
NON-VOTING ASSESSORS: Daniella Mallinick, (Assistant Dean, Office of the Vice-Principal Academic and Dean), Mark Overton (Dean of Student Affairs), Ajay Rao (Vice-Dean Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs).
REGRETS: Kent Moore (Vice-Principal Research), Varouj Aivazian, Salvatore Bancheri, Osama Abdalla, Randy Besco, Shauna Brail, Michael DeBraga, Pierre Desrochers, Tyler Evans Tokaryk, Tracey Galloway, Sarah Hillewaert, Justin Kafle, John Paul Lotesto, Aliyah Mancini, Danielle McLean, Leigh Revers, Maira Rizwan, Gurpreet Rattan, Lindsay Schoenbohm, Sarah Sharma, Meghan Sutherland, Mohamad Tavakoli-Targhi, Ben Tsang.
SECRETARIAT: Cindy Ferencz-Hammond
IN ATTENDANCE: Brian Ingoldsby (Senior Project Manager, Office of the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean), Michelle Kraus (Office of the Registrar), Chad Nuttall (Assistant Dean of Students and International Initiatives), Alexander Rennet (Mathematical & Computational Sciences), Maria Wesslen (Mathematical & Computational Sciences), Michael Yampolsky (Mathematical & Computational Sciences)
OPEN SESSION
- Chair’s Remarks
The Chair welcomed members to the third meeting of the Committee and noted that the nominations period for the governance elections, including for available positions on the Academic Affairs Committee had opened and nominations would be open until January 18, 2024. The Chair encouraged those interested to participate in the governance elections.
- Advancing Academic Advising* (for information)
At the invitation of the Chair, Brian Ingoldsby, Senior Project Manager, Project Management Office, Office of the Vice-President & Principal, presented an overview of a new academic advising initiative.
Mr. Ingoldsby delivered a comprehensive presentation, emphasized the project's importance in supporting student learning and shared its background and rationale, project goals, and the execution plan.
The presentation delved into various drivers behind the academic advising project, starting with consistent feedback from both students and staff indicating opportunities for improvement in academic advising. He highlighted the outcomes of focus groups with students in 2021, where concerns about academic advising were repeatedly raised. The National Survey for Student Engagement in 2020 revealed that 58% of UTM students considered academic advising a barrier to their academic progress. This number increased for racialized students and those with disabilities, underscoring the need for enhancement. Staff interviews also echoed the sentiment that there was room for improvement in capacity, training, coordination, and collaboration in academic advising.
A second driver emphasized in the presentation was the substantial body of research that consistently positioned academic advising as a pivotal element in supporting student success and retention. The six-year graduation rates for the 2016 cohort at UTM were presented as an opportunity for improvement, with a current rate of 69.2%. The presentation stressed the vital role of academic advising in retention and the need for it to be an integral part of the first-year experience.
The third driver highlighted was the alignment of the project with UTM's strategic priorities at different levels, including provincial indicators, institutional goals, and local priorities outlined in the UTM strategic framework.
Mr. Ingoldsby then discussed the project's goals, outlining three primary objectives. The first goal involved identifying a goal state for academic advising at UTM based on scholarship, best practices, and community input. The second goal was to develop an implementation strategy, sequencing recommendations for the most effective impact on student and staff success. The third goal was to engage the UTM community actively throughout the project to ensure broader involvement.
The presentation detailed the project's leadership structure, featuring an executive steering committee with representation from various areas involved in academic advising. The project team, supported by the project management office, was described as responsible for drafting the final report. Seven working groups were highlighted, each focusing on specific aspects of academic advising and evaluating them against established standards from the Council for Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) and the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).
A timeline for the project was presented, indicating the ongoing recommendation sub-project phase and the subsequent submission of a report to university leadership. The implementation phase, expected to start in the summer of 2024, was dependent on the acceptance of recommendations and would involve planning and sequencing.
During discussion, a member raised a concern regarding the noticeable difference in the graduation rates, specifically the 69% six-year graduation rate for UTM students compared to 74% and 85% at the other two campuses. Members also expressed concerns related to the impact of the shift to online learning during the pandemic on students' ability to bond, make friends, and engage. The importance of in-person connections and the role of advising in fostering such connections were highlighted. In response, it was explained that academic advising at UTM was offered through various formats, including face-to-face interactions, virtual meetings via teams or Zoom, and other means. Mr. Ingoldsby acknowledged the significance of peer connections and emphasized the research-backed correlation between strong connections, engagement, and overall student success. The project aimed to enhance opportunities for connection and engagement, whether in person or through alternative methods.
Another question focused on the implications of the project on staff and faculty and there was discussion around who would be involved in the advising work and the resource implications. The response highlighted the diverse models for academic advising, ranging from staff to faculty involvement. It was emphasized that the project aimed to identify the best model for UTM in the long term and build upon the existing strengths of advising on campus.
A member questioned the absence of a clearly outlined problem statement and expressed concerns about the need for increased advising resources. It was suggested that it was necessary to understand the varied reasons behind why some students did not graduate before implementing changes. Mr. Ingoldsby acknowledged the complexity of student retention and success and mentioned ongoing work at the institution to better understand these factors. It was noted that the project aligned with broader efforts to enhance student success.
- Major Modification: Creation of a UTM Co-op Internship Program (UTMCIP)* (for approval)
At the invitation of the Chair, Professor Andreas Bendlin, Vice-Dean, Academic Experience began his presentation by reminding members that they had received a comprehensive overview of the proposed internship program, generating feedback and discussions, at the previous meeting.
Professor Bendlin highlighted the significance of experiential education at UTM, aligning with the university's mission and vision. He noted that survey results indicated strong student interest in a co-op internship program, with 64% and 71% listing it as their top choice in two separate surveys. The proposal aimed to launch the program in collaboration with five participating academic units in Fall 2024. The Department of Management would join in Fall 2025, and the Co-op program would gradually expand to include more units in the following years. The Co-op program would offer a co-op stream in 20 existing programs in Fall 2024, followed by an additional six programs in the Department of Management the following year. The enrollment requirements would reflect both academic demands and assess student suitability for external placements. At launch, approximately 240 students were anticipated to enrol in participating UTMCIP streams.
Professor Bendlin addressed concerns about possible applicants to CIP from students with pending academic offense cases, noting that those students could be identified and their cases reviewed according to the division's academic integrity processes. The timeline involved students applying for the Co-op stream after their first year, with successful applicants enrolled in their second year. The work term, consisting of paid full-time work, would commence in the summer of year three or the fall of year four. The program aimed for a normal time to degree completion of five years.
The presentation emphasized the importance of mandatory work readiness modules, ensuring students developed professional competencies. These modules, combined with reflective tasks during the work experience, aimed to integrate theory and practice, enhancing student learning. The funding for the program's development and initial launch was secured, with plans for it to be a cost recovery program, covering expenses through participating students' ancillary fees. Ancillary fees for the 2024 cohort totalled $3960, broken up into amounts over three years.
The presentation concluded with thanks to those involved in the lengthy development process, highlighting ongoing consultations and exciting developments in the coming months.
During discussion, a question was raised regarding fees, particularly the concern that fees might be charged before the salary is received during the work term. Professor Bendlin explained that contingency plans would be in place, and funds would be set aside in the budget to support students on a case-by-case basis. The goal was to ensure that financial issues would not hinder students' participation. Another question focused on recruiting diversity and Professor Bendlin emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions and consultations to address diversity concerns and that cohorts would be monitored in this regard.
Concerns about the relationship with existing experiential learning programs were addressed. Professor Bendlin clarified that the intention was not to abolish other programs, and that the Experiential Education Unit would continue supporting various experiential learning options on campus.
Questions related to international students and work permits were raised, and Professor Bendlin assured members that international students would be treated the same as domestic students, with plans to make work placements possible in various locations.
Further questions touched upon the inclusion of social science programs and the evaluation process for accepting students. Professor Bendlin explained that the CIP program was starting slowly due to financial constraints and the need for confidence in placing students successfully. The intention was to expand to include more departments in the near future.
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried,
YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED,
THAT, the creation of the University of Toronto Mississauga Co-op Internship Program (UTMCIP), as described in the proposal dated December 15, 2023, be approved.
- Major Modification: New Streams within an Existing Undergraduate Program (Major in Mathematical Sciences), UTM* (for approval)
Professor Marc Dryer, Associate Dean, Academic Programs, presented a major modification involving the creation of new streams within the existing undergraduate program, the major in Mathematical Sciences.
Professor Dryer explained that the undifferentiated major in Mathematical Sciences would be transformed into a program with two streams: a Mathematical Sciences Major in Mathematics and a Mathematical Sciences Major in Applied Mathematics. Stream one, Mathematics, maintained existing admission and completion requirements and focused on a broad range of topics within mathematics. Stream two, Applied Mathematics, shared the same admission requirements as stream one, targeting students interested in applying mathematics to analyzing and modeling real-world phenomena.
Professor Dryer clarified the term "stream" as a formally defined structure for an academic program, with significant pathways through a program of study. Both streams shared a foundational pool of common courses, and each stream became its own subject post, appearing on the transcript.
The rationale for the change emphasized the need for Applied Mathematics streams, which were common in many institutions, to enhance the quality of education. The department observed a high interest in studying Applied Mathematics, and the new stream aimed to provide a more directed and complete course of study than the existing Mathematics Minor. He noted that the proposal received positive and enthusiastic responses during broad consultations, and approval would lead to the launch of the program with the new streams in Fall 2024.
During discussion, the question of whether the program was deregulated was clarified, indicating that the tuition for the Applied Mathematics stream was the same as other streams. Concerns were raised about advising and potential issues with students being in both streams simultaneously. The response emphasized that students were expected to choose one stream and not pursue both simultaneously.
One participant raised concerns about the lack of courses related to finance despite frequent mentions in the proposal referring to finance. The response explained the philosophy of providing common tools applicable to various fields and members were assured that it would not be a problem. Another concern was brought up regarding potential impacts on the Economics department, with worries about enrollment changes. The response emphasized the extensive consultation with various departments, including Economics, and the positive reception of the proposal. The Chair of the Department of Economics expressed support for the proposal.
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried,
YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED,
THAT the introduction of two new streams within the existing Mathematical Sciences Major (ERMAJ2511) offered by the Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, as detailed in the proposal dated December 19, 2023, be approved, effective September 1, 2024.
- Amendment to an Existing Academic Regulation: Second Attempt For Credit (SAC)* (for approval)
Renu Kanga Fonseca, Registrar and Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management, presented a proposal related to the second attempt for credit regulation within the repeated course regulation. She explained that the second attempt for credit regulation, introduced about four years ago, allowed undergraduate students the opportunity to qualify for their desired programs by retaking a course after passing it the first time. The intention was to earn a grade that qualified them for program entry. The proposed amendments to the existing language in the policy included clarifying that if a student failed the course declared as a second attempt for credit, it would not be applied under the policy. The second amendment aimed to eliminate duplication in how students requested a second attempt for credit, particularly in online requests. Additionally, if a student failed the course after it was declared as a second attempt for credit, it would not count as one of the credits designated for a second attempt. This ensured that students could use their second attempt for credit for a different half or whole credit. The presentation addressed a question about whether a student could take a course three times, clarifying that students could only repeat a course once under the repeated course policy, regardless of the grade earned.
Members had no questions.
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried,
YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED,
THAT the proposed amendment to the Second Attempt for Credit regulation, as detailed in the proposal dated December 8, 2023, be approved, effective September 1, 2024.
- Strategic Research Framework (for information)
At the invitation of the Chair, Payam Zahedi, Director of the Office of the VP Research, provided a presentation on UTM’s first-ever strategic research framework, launched in October of 2023.
The framework consisted of five pillars: strengthening capacity, equipping trainees, empowering people, cultivating partnerships, and sharing knowledge. The goals included increasing external research funding, recruiting, and investing in students and emerging researchers, fostering a dynamic research environment, cultivating research partnerships, and expanding communication reach. Looking forward, the framework aimed to be both structured and agile, allowing for adaptability to changing community needs. Progress would be tracked through the annual research report, providing a comprehensive overview of the impact and achievements tied to the outlined goals. The framework's review and updates would be conducted annually to ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
The discussion following the presentation included a question about the inclusion and engagement of graduate students in the strategic research framework. Mr. Zahedi noted that graduate students were targeted through various pillars, including "Equipping Trainees" and "Empowering People." In response to a question about how the success of empowering and engaging graduate students would be assessed, especially in the context of complex partnerships, he emphasized building cooperation with the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean, Vice-Deans, and other stakeholders at UTM to assess impact. The importance of collaboration with the library was also acknowledged and affirmed.
CONSENT AGENDA
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Items, 7, 8 and 9, be approved.
- Minor Modification: Undergraduate Curriculum Changes, UTM* (for approval)
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried,
YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED,
THAT the proposed Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences undergraduate curriculum changes at UTM, as detailed in the respective curriculum reports, be approved, effective September 1, 2024.
- Minor Modification: Graduate Curriculum Changes, UTM* (for approval)
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried,
YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED,
THAT the proposed graduate curriculum changes at UTM, as detailed in the Graduate Divisional Curriculum Committee Proposals document dated December 19, 2023, be approved, effective May 1, 2024.
- Report of the Previous Meeting: Report Number 52 – October 18, 2023
- Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting
- Date of the Next Meeting – Wednesday, February 7, 2024
-
Other Business
There was no other business.
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
January 16, 2024