Report: UTM Academic Affairs Committee - October 18, 2023

Print as PDF
-
COUNCIL CHAMBER, ROOM 3130, W. G. DAVIS BUILDING

Report Number 52 Of The UTM Academic Affairs Committee

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2023

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 October 18, 2023 with the following members present:

PRESENT: Laura Taylor (in the Chair), Nick Rule (Vice-Principal, Academic & Dean), Andreas Bendlin (Vice-Dean, Academic Experience), Tracey Bowen (Vice-Dean, Teaching & Learning), Kent Moore (Vice-Principal Research), Cesar Mejia (Interim Registrar), Barend Beekhuizen, Steven Bernstein, Brett Beston, Elizabeth Blake, Shauna Brail, Laura Brown, Boris Chrubasik, Pierre Desrochers, Wenchao Du, Margarida Duarte, Jacob Gallagher-Ross, Philip Goodman, Paula Hannaford, Tanjim Hossain, Latonya Ludford, Anthony Makwanda, Aliyah Mancini, Danielle McLean, Michael Nixon, Andreas Park, Andrew Petersen, Dany Savard, Sarah Sharma, Joanna Szurmak, Jumi Shin, Jaimal Thind, Jonathan Weisberg, Weiguo Zhang.

NON-VOTING ASSESSORS: Yen Du (Manager, Academic Programs, Reviews & Quality Assurance), Mark Overton (Dean of Student Affairs).

REGRETS: Alexandra Gillespie (Vice-President & Principal), Rosa Hong (Vice-Chair), Ajay Rao (Vice-Dean Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs), Varouj Aivazian, Salvatore Bancheri, Osama Abdalla, Randy Besco, Ilia Binder, Jill Caskey, Craig Chambers, Rosa Ciantar, Michael DeBraga, Tyler Evans Tokaryk, Tracey Galloway, Sarah Hillewaert, Ehab James, Justin Kafle, John Paul Lotesto, Kent Moore, Leigh Revers, Maira Rizwan, Gurpreet Rattan, Christoph Richter, Lindsay Schoenbohm, Adriano Senatore, Meghan Sutherland, Mohamad Tavakoli-Targhi, Ben Tsang.

SECRETARIAT: Cindy Ferencz-Hammond

IN ATTENDANCE: Renu Kanga Fonseca (Interim Assistant Dean, Office of the Vice-Principal Academic and Dean), Sean Park (Centre for Student Engagement)

OPEN SESSION

  1. Chair’s Remarks

    The Chair welcomed members to the second meeting of the Committee.
     
  2. SpinUp – Life Science Innovation

    At the invitation of the Chair, Raquel De Souza, Strategic Research Initiatives and Partnerships Manager, Office of the Vice Principal Research, presented an overview of U of T’s first wet lab venture incubator, supporting early-stage life science startups.

    The presentation highlighted the University of Toronto as a leading institution for scientist entrepreneurs. U of T was rated number one in Canada for research-based startups and was among the top five university-based incubators globally. Over the past decade, the University has successfully spun out over 650 startups, supported by a network of accelerators that provided entrepreneurship programming, education, mentorship, and funding. Ms De Souza noted however, that there was a lack of affordable laboratory space, particularly for early-stage life sciences companies. To address this gap, UofT was creating SpinUp, its first wet lab startup incubator, located in the new science building at UTM. SpinUp offered co-working lab space, access to basic equipment and infrastructure, entrepreneurship programming, networking events, and research partnerships with UTM students, postdocs, and researchers. The revenue generated by SpinUp would be redirected to support UTM research, fund new infrastructure, and create internal funding programs. Additionally, SpinUp would provide experiential learning opportunities for students and postdocs, support entrepreneurs emerging from UTM labs, and position UTM as an entrepreneurship hub, attracting significant federal funding opportunities.

    Ms De Souza emphasized that the establishment of SpinUp filled a significant gap in the ecosystem by providing dedicated lab space for entrepreneurs, and elevating UofT’s position as a leader in research and innovation. It also helped retain technologies and talent within Canada, preventing the need for startups to leave the country due to a lack of wet lab space. This initiative not only supported the growth of new companies but also fostered the development of commercialization and entrepreneurship skills among STEM-trained individuals, ultimately leading to job creation. SpinUp, in conjunction with UofT’s existing accelerator IQ, positioned UTM as a hub for accelerating health innovations and strengthened its ability to attract large funding opportunities. Overall, SpinUp contributed the University’s commitment to research and innovation and reinforced its reputation as a leader in the field.

    A member noted that dealing with the tech transfer process could be challenging, especially when evaluating niche technologies and marketing patents and suggested having a tech transfer person or team on campus, potentially serving not only the New Science Building but also the entire UTM community.  Ms De Souza agreed and noted that this was something her office had been exploring.
     
  3. New Co-op internship program at UTM

    At the invitation of the Chair, Professor Andreas Bendlin, Vice-Dean, Academic Experience and Rena Banwait, Director, Experiential Education & Community Engagement, provided an overview of the planned UTM co-op internship program.

    During their presentation, they made the following points:
  • The Co-op initiative at UTM aimed to diversify experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students and was in response to the goal of offering experiential learning opportunities to all undergraduate students on campus.
  • The program was seen as a key recruitment tool and a skills development opportunity.
  • It would be tied closely to program requirements and would support students in their academic careers.
  • A survey conducted among students showed that 64% listed a Co-op internship program as their top choice among options.
  • The experiential education unit (EEU) secured over $400,000 through the Experiential Learning University fund to support the research and development of the Co-op internship model.
  • Consultations were conducted with various stakeholders, including academic units and campus partners, to build a strong infrastructure for the program.
  • UTM joined the tri-campus Co-op Partnership (TCP) to capitalize on centralized resources for Co-op programs across the University.
  • The TCP aimed to streamline employer relations and student recruitment efforts through a single job board and provide employers with a single access point for Co-op recruitment.
  • UTM would follow the accredited Co-op internship model, offering a mandatory 12 or 16-month paid work term.
  • The pilot program would be offered to undergraduate students in the departments of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Economics, Biology, and ICCIT, with the goal to eventually offer the program across all discipline units.  The Department of Management would join the pilot in 2025-26.
  • During the pilot, the UTM Co-op internship program’s enrolments would be limited to a maximum of 240 students annually and available to both domestic and international students.
  • Computer Science students would be given priority in the pilot program, with 200 spots reserved for them.
  • Selection of units for the pilot phase of the program was based on labor market research and focuses on priority sectors and sub-sectors identified by the City of Mississauga.
  • Students needed to apply to the program before their second year of study and complete four preparatory modules, which were not for credit but were mandatory for accreditation and provided resources for job seeking and performance on work terms.
  • Modules would help students to prepare for their placement through the integration of theory and practice but also instill skills such as critical thinking, leadership, communication, teamwork, and intercultural competencies.
  • After completing the modules, students entered the recruitment cycle and participated in job interviews until they secured employment.
  • The EEU team would support the administration and promotion of the program, provide professional development training, and create job opportunities for students.
  • Academic units would provide input on the design of the work term report and require a dedicated advisor to grade and provide feedback on the reports.
  • The program was self-funded, and student fees would increase proportionally with enrollments and staffing needs.
  • The program fee for 2023-24 ASIP and PEY was $3,740, paid in six installments.
  • Students could expect to earn a salary during their work terms, with previous PEY and UTSC students earning between $35,000 and $55,000.
  • The tentative launch date was September 2024.

    During the question-and-answer period, the following discussion occurred:
  • Regarding the GPA requirement it was noted that it was expected, not mandatory, and units would have final say in selecting students for the program.
  • Students in the co-op program could also major in another academic unit that was not part of the program.
  • The importance of ensuring a positive experience for students in their work placements was raised. It was suggested that there should be accountability on both sides, with employers filling out regular reports and students being trained to handle aggressive behavior. It was noted that the co-op program would conduct site visits and create learning plans to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for students. Staff would also receive training to handle difficult situations.
  • In response to a comment about the lack of female applicants for summer fellowships and whether that would translate to this program, it was noted that the goal was to diversify the experiences for all students. Information sessions would be conducted to convey that the program was designed for all students.
  • They are working campus partners to attract a diverse range of students.
  • In response to a member’s concern that there would not be enough opportunities for students, especially in high-demand industries like accounting and finance, it was noted that the unit was confident that they could place the students in the pilot program but were also working with TCP to increase supply and demand.
  • There was a dedicated team in place working to identify and convince employers to provide opportunities for students; the team was also having conversations with the Career Centre on how to support students who were unable to find placements.
  • Students would not have to pay tuition fees during their work term, but they would have to pay work term fees.
  • There were plans to expand the program to include Social Sciences and Humanities departments.
  • The program is structured with a single 12 or 16-month period of work, as opposed to an alternating model, based on feedback from stakeholders and majority preference.
  • The hope was that some students will flow towards the co-op program while others can take their spots in academic internships.
  • 200 spots have been reserved for MCS, with 40 additional spots for the other units participating in this pilot phase.
  • Regarding scalability and the number of faculty and staff needed per student, the plan was to start conservatively and have faculty members or TAs grade the reflection pieces.
  • Work opportunities could be offered to graduate students to help with the grading workload.
  • Regarding modules, they were mandatory; if students failed them, they had one more chance to retake them. The reflection module during work placement was particularly significant for students' work experience.
  • The expected minimum requirement for admission was a 3.0 GPA.  Further, the selection process would be competitive as part of the pilot.
  • The fees charged in year two will be offset by salary.
  • There would not be a bursary, but there would be aid for those who needed financial support through existing resources available on campus.
  • The program is being rolled out slowly and conservatively and the plan was to continuously add more participating units after year two.
     
  1. New Type 2 Certificate Program: Certificate in Computational Linguistics, UTM

    Professor Marc Dryer, Associate Dean, Academic Programs presented the item. He noted that the goal of the category 2 four-credit certificate in Computational Linguistics was to consolidate existing interest in computational methodologies that addressed linguistic questions and processed large quantities of unstructured language data.  He explained that the program would be open to all UTM undergraduate students, but it was anticipated that the majority of students would come from linguistics or computer science backgrounds.  Professor Dryer noted that the intersection of linguistics and computer science was relevant to practices and research in both fields, and that the certificate program provided a consolidated structure for students to engage with this intersection.  The certificate was composed of 1.5 credits, with 1.0 credit being core foundational courses and the remaining 0.5 credits being elective courses.

    During the discussion, questions were raised about the inclusion of Mathematical and Computational Sciences courses in the program. It was clarified that the core courses had computational components and applied methodologies, and students could choose between linguistics or computer science courses for the electives.  The program was designed based on learning outcomes, and the small size of the program allowed for a focus on meeting these outcomes in the core courses.  The certificate program was a way to gauge interest and demand, and there was potential for future growth and the development of other programs in this area.

    On motion duly made, seconded, and carried,

    YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED,

    THAT the New Type 2 Certificate Program: Certificate in Computational Linguistics at UTM, as detailed in the proposal date October 5, 2023, be approved, effective September 1, 2024.
     
  2. Reports of the Presidential Assessors

    The Vice-Principal Academic & Dean, Professor Rule provided a report. He noted that the academic plan was progressing well, and that a consultant, Karyn Dumble from the Monarch Group had been contracted to assist with the plan. The strategic planning task force for the new academic plan was being formed, consisting of the Assistant Dean, the Registrar, and various stakeholders from the community. The plan was meant to be a collaborative effort involving students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the wider campus community.

    Secondly, Professor Rule reported that an Assistant Dean had been appointed. He thanked Renu Kanga Fonseca, who had been serving in the interim role and announced that starting on November 6th, Daniella Mallinick, from the Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs, would take on the role. Lastly, Professor Rule, noted that the search for a Registrar and Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management was underway, and expressed his thanks to Cesar Mejia, who was acting in the interim role.

CONSENT AGENDA

On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Item 6, the Report of the Previous Meeting, be approved.
 

  1. Report of the Previous Meeting: Report Number 51 – September 19, 2023
     
  2. Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting
     
  3. Date of the Next Meeting – Thursday, January 11, 2024

  1. Other Business

    There was no other business.

The meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m.
 

October 24, 2023