S-97-41 FACULTY OF SCIENCE Meeting of Faculty Tuesday, May 26, 1998 Leacock Council Room - L232 ATTENDANCE: As recorded in the Faculty Appendix Book. DOCUMENTS: S-97-32 to S-97-40 Dean Shaver called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. (1) RESOLUTION ON THE DEATH OF PROFESSOR JOHN PARRY, DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY 801.1 Prof. T. Moore read a formal resolution on the death of Prof. Parry (Appendix D, attached to the permanent copy of the minutes). The resolution was passed unanimously. (2) REPORTS OF COMMITTEES a) Leo Yaffe Award Committee 802.1 Prof. Harpp, Chair of the Leo Yaffe Award Committee, read the following citation. "This citation was written by Professor Malcolm Baines of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and enumerates the many accomplishments of the 1998 winner of the Leo Yaffe Award, Professor Eddie Chan. "During his long and distinguished career in the Microbiology Department, Eddie has been personally involved in developing the two core courses in introductory Microbiology to their current state where students from many programs learn about microbial life. "He co-authored both texts for his lecture and laboratory courses and they have become some of the most popular textbooks in the discipline of Microbiology on several continents in a number of languages. His teaching style is lucid and paced in such a way as to directly involve the students. "Eddie always takes a personal pride in the quality of his lecture course and attended every early morning lecture of his guest teachers in the course. His sympathy for and receptivity to the students taking his courses was without equal and Eddie was always available to advise and assist the students and help resolve their problems. "This is an amazing feat, considering the fact that his course in Introductory Microbiology (528-211A) generally has more than 250 students and the laboratory course accommodates 120 students (528-212A). He also contributed to numerous other courses each year and was always receptive to new teaching opportunities. The letters and evaluations from the students describe his teaching style as clear and precise, and the students genuinely appreciated his sincere desire to communicate his awe and knowledge of microorganisms. "Over his 33 years of teaching at McGill, there is no doubt that Eddie Chan is an outstanding teacher of Microbiology and Immunology in the Faculty of Science where generations of McGill students have learned the wonders of Microbiology. Many graduates have vivid memories of the world of Microbiology that was opened to them through the 8:00 a.m. lectures of Eddie Chan. "The Faculty of Science again recognizes and rewards another outstanding McGill teacher in selecting Professor Eddie Chan as its 1998 recipient of the Leo Yaffe Award for Excellence in Teaching." 802.2 On behalf of the Faculty of Science, Dean Shaver congratulated Prof. Chan. Dean Shaver said Prof. Chan had joined quite an illustrious clan of professors, and said it was a pleasure to recognize excellence in teaching. 802.3 Prof. Chan thanked Dean Shaver. Prof. Chan said he was very honoured to have received this award, considering that there are many distinguished professors in the Faculty of Science. 802.4 Dean Shaver thanked Prof. Harpp for chairing the Leo Yaffe Award Committee. b) Sub-committee on Scholarships S-97-33 802.5 Prof. GowriSankaran presented the Report of the Sub- committee on Scholarships. 802.6 Prof. GowriSankaran said that the Moyse Travelling Scholarship had been awarded to Ms. Evelyne Robidoux, First Class Honours Mathematics. He said this award was one of McGill's most prestigious awards. 802.7 Prof. GowriSankaran announced that the Governor- General's Silver Medal had been offered to Ms. Orit Chaya Freedman, First Class Honours Microbiology and Immunology. He said each faculty, excluding the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, nominates one student to compete for a total of two silver medals. (3) CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES a) Bachelor of Science S-97-34 803.1 Dean Shaver introduced Mr. D. Sedgwick, Chief Advisor, Student Affairs Office, to answer any questions concerning the degree lists. 803.2 There were a total of 639 candidates recommended for the Bachelor of Science degree: 544 June graduands and 95 February graduands. Prof. Mucci moved, seconded by Prof. GowriSankaran, that the above candidates be recommended to the Senate Steering Committee for the Bachelor of Science degree. The motion carried. b) Diploma in Environmental Studies S-97-35 803.3 Dean Shaver said there were a total of 3 candidates recommended for the Diploma in Environmental Studies: 2 June graduands and 1 February graduand. Prof. GowriSankaran moved, seconded by Prof. Mucci, that the above candidates be recommended to the Senate Steering Committee for the Diploma in Environmental Studies. The motion carried. c) Diploma in Meteorology S-97-36 803.4 Dean Shaver said that there was one candidate recommended for the Diploma in Meteorology. Prof. Derome moved, seconded by Prof. GowriSankaran, that the above candidate be recommended to the Senate Steering Committee for the Diploma in Meteorology. The motion carried. Prof. GowriSankaran further moved, seconded by Prof. Butler, that the Dean be given discretionary power to make such changes in the degree list as would be necessary to prevent injustice. The motion carried. (4) MINUTES OF APRIL 14, 1998 S-97-32 Prof. GowriSankaran moved, seconded by Prof. Brawer, that the minutes be approved. The motion carried. (5) BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES There was no business arising from the minutes. (6) ANNOUNCEMENTS 806.1 Dean Shaver announced the following new chairs in the Faculty of Science. Prof. Charles Lin, from the Department of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, has agreed to serve as Chair of that department, effective June 1, 1998. Prof. Tim Moore from the Department of Geography will extend his current term as Chair until December 31, 1998. Prof. Gordon Ewing from the Department of Geography will then be Chair for one year, after which time Prof. Moore will have returned from a sabbatical leave, and will resume as Chair for two more years. Effective June 1, 1998, Prof. Norman White will be stepping down as Chair in the Department of Psychology, and Prof. Tony Marley, returning from his one-year sabbatical leave, will resume as Chair. Dean Shaver announced that Prof. Ian Butler, Chair of the Department of Chemistry, had been appointed as Associate Vice-Principal (Research). He said that a new chair for the Department of Chemistry would be appointed in a couple of weeks. 806.2 Dean Shaver announced the following promotions and changes: Prof. Morton Mendelson from the Department of Psychology has been appointed Associate Dean for the Faculty of Science, effective June 1, 1998. Associate Dean Nick de Takacsy has been appointed to the position of Associate Vice-Principal (Academic), effective June 1, 1998. Ms. Robyn Wiltshire from the Department of Psychology has been given the position of Executive Assistant to the Deans of Arts and of Science. Mr. Steve Kecani from the Department of Physics and Ms. Giovanna LoCascio from the Department of Psychology have been selected as winners of the 1998 Award for Excellence in Service from the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research. Prof. Eric Mountjoy from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences has been offered the Thompson Award by the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research. 806.3 On behalf of the Faculty of Science, Dean Shaver extended his congratulations to all of the above people. 806.4 Dean Shaver said there were a number of other announcements that had been sent out via e-mail, but said he would not go into details concerning these. He said that from time to time announcements would be e- mailed to members of the Faculty of Science, since such announcements were a cause for celebration. (7) REPORTS OF COMMITTEES (Continued) c) Committee on Student Standing (CSS) 807.1 Associate Dean de Takacsy said there had been one CSS meeting, but that no decision had been taken because the student was unable to attend the meeting. He said the case would be considered at a later time. d) Academic Committee S-97-38 REPORT ON MINOR COURSE CHANGES(AC-97-143) (for information) AD HOC MINOR IN HUMAN NUTRITION(AC-97-144) Prof. Baines moved, seconded by Prof. GowriSankaran, that the above ad hoc program for Ms. Kirsten Ingleton be approved. The motion carried. AD HOC JOINT HONOURS PROGRAM IN COMPUTER SCIENCE & NEUROSCIENCE (AC-97-145) Prof. ThÇrien moved, seconded by Prof. GowriSankaran, that the above ad hoc Joint Honours program for Mr. Peter Savadjiev be approved. 807.2 After a brief discussion concerning the CGPA requirement for completion of the above ad hoc program, Prof. Farrell moved, seconded by Prof. Butler, an amendment to remove the CGPA requirement in Document AC- 97-145, Rationale, Paragraph 2, in order that the CGPA requirement for successful completion of this program should be that of the Faculty of Science. Prof. Farrell added that it was important not to disadvantage any students in the Faculty of Science. The amended motion carried. AD HOC HONOURS B.Sc. PROGRAM IN COGNITIVE SCIENCE(AC-97-146) Prof. Mendelson moved, seconded by Prof. GowriSankaran, that the above ad hoc Honours program for Mr. Paul Reeve be approved. The motion carried. ATMOSPHERIC & OCEANIC SCIENCES(AC-97-147) Program Retirement: Joint Major in Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences Prof. Derome moved, seconded by Prof. Mucci, that the above joint major program be retired. The motion carried. CHEMISTRY - B.Sc. Minor in Chemistry(New)(AC-97-148) Prof. Butler moved, seconded by Prof. Harpp, that the above Minor program be adopted. The motion carried. - B.A. Minor Concentration in Chemistry(New)(AC-97-149) (for information) - Faculty Program in Chemistry(AC-97-150) Prof. Butler moved, seconded by Prof. GowriSankaran, that the above changes be approved. The motion carried. - Faculty Program in Chemistry & Biological Sciences (AC-97-151) Prof. Butler moved, seconded by Prof. Barrette, that the above changes be approved. The motion carried. - Faculty Program in Chemistry & Mathematics(AC-97-152) Prof. Butler moved, seconded by Prof. Barrette, that the above changes be approved. The motion carried. PHYSIOLOGY New Course: 552-100A The Body Matters(AC-97-153) 3 credits Prof. Brawer moved, seconded by Prof. Glass, that the above course be adopted. The motion carried. GEOGRAPHY - B.A. Minor Concentration in Geography(Urban Systems)(New) (for information) (AC-97-154) - B.Sc. Minor in Geography (New)(AC-97-155) Prof. Moore moved, seconded by Prof. Ewing, that the above Minor program be adopted. The motion carried. - B.A. Major Concentration in Geography, Geography(Urban Systems), Honours, Joint Honours (for information) (AC-97-156) - B.A. Minor Concentration in Geography(AC-97-157) (for information) Program Retirement: B.Sc. Faculty Program in Climatology(AC-97-158) Prof. Moore moved, seconded by Prof. Ewing, that the above program be retired. The motion carried. 183-381 Evolution of Geography AC-97-134(Revised) 3 credits Change in course description. Prof. Moore moved, seconded by Prof. Ewing, that the above change be approved. The motion carried. New Course: 183-470 Wetlands(AC-97-159) 3 credits Prof. Ewing moved, seconded by Prof. Moore, that the above course be adopted. The motion carried. MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS(AC-97-160) - Joint Honours in Mathematics & Computer Science Prof. GowriSankaran moved, seconded by Prof. ThÇrien, that the above changes be approved. The motion carried. REQUESTS FOR SECOND PROGRAMS - B.Sc. Major in Biology and Major Concentration in Art History for Ms. Lisa Mandrusiak(AC-97-161) - B.Sc. Major in Biology and Major Concentration in English for Mr.Nicholas Brandon(AC-97-162) 807.3 Dean Shaver pointed out that there were two aspects to be considered in the above requests: the first aspect was the academic issue and the second was the nomenclature issue. He said the academic issue was transparent, in that these are B.Sc. students wishing to take a Biology program as well as an approved Major Concentration offered by the Faculty of Arts. He said these students were requesting a Major Concentration in Arts, requiring 36 credits, not a Minor Concentration, which requires 18 credits. These requests were therefore introducing the concept of a B.Sc. containing a Major Concentration (in Arts). Dean Shaver opened the floor for discussion. 807.4 After a short discussion, Dean Shaver said that he wished to emphasize that if the above requests were approved, then in future such requests would become standard procedure, provided they concerned approved programs in the Faculty of Science and approved Major Concentrations in the Faculty of Arts. Such requests would then no longer be presented at Faculty of Science meetings. Prof. Paquette moved, seconded by Prof. Derome, that the above requests for second programs be approved. The motion carried. 807.5 Dean Shaver said he would now take it as accepted that a B.Sc. student could take a Major Concentration in the Faculty of Arts. 807.6 Associate Dean de Takacsy pointed out that it would be up to the new Associate Dean to decide on how to implement this type of second program. (8) DEAN'S BUSINESS There was no Dean's business. (9) MEMBERS' QUESTION PERIOD There were no questions. (10) REPORT ON ACTIONS OF SENATE* Prof. L. Glass - Senate Meeting of May 6, 1998. Dean Shaver was presiding in the absence of Principal Shapiro. The following items from the May 8, 1998 Senate are of most interest to members of the Faculty of Science. There were resolutions on the deaths of Emilio Iacurto, a virtuoso clarinettist and Professor Mervyn Rogers, a distinguished dental surgeon and professor. Professor Noumoff asked about restricted awards and wanted to know what is being done to remove restrictions. Professor Rigelhof mentioned that McGill no longer accepts awards based on race, religion, or sex. Now McGill only accepts awards that indicate ''preferences'' rather than ''restriction''. The Committee on Scholarships does meet with donors in an effort to remove restrictions but this is not always possible. Professor Rigelhof indicated that although students are evaluated independently of the preferences, it does try to respect these preferences and is usually able to do so. Professor Noumoff said that new appointments are sent information stating that the letter of appointment and the Handbook of Regulations and Policies for Academic Staff constitute the contract between the appointee and the University. Dr. Lees indicated that this was not a nefarious change of policy, but was done simply to indicate the importance of the information in the Handbook. Professor Johnsson suggested that the examination schedule be published prior to the start of classes each Fall. After some discussion, it was decided to refer the proposal to the Committee of Student Affairs for consideration with hope of adopting a policy by September 1999. Various degree modifications and programs were approved. The main one of consequence for the Faculty is that the Department of Electrical Engineering is now the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. There was a confidential report on honorary degrees. The Senate passed an exam schedule for the winter of 2000 in which exams are given in a 10 day period. 810.1 Prof. Glass said he had resigned from Senate. He said there were serious problems confronting the university, and that after two years as a Senator he did not feel that important issues were being dealt with in a very effective way at Senate. 810.2 In response, Dean Shaver said that Senators in the Faculty of Science meet in caucus before Senate meetings to discuss important issues, not only to the Faculty of Science but also to McGill. 810.3 In response to a comment, Dean Shaver said that any changes in the B.Sc. Nursing program would be brought to the Academic Committee, and then to the Faculty of Science for approval. Prof. Farrell (on behalf of Prof. GowriSankaran) - Senate Meeting of May 20, 1998. This, the last meeting of Senate for the 1997-98 academic year, concerned itself with 3 main items - reports from APPC and Senate Nominating Committee and the 1998-99 budget. The APPC report contained some further B.A. Major and Minor programs together with confirmation of 3 new student-exchange agreements and a report on the Centre for Continuing Education. This latter report reaffirmed that the Centre should offer high-quality courses of broad interest, together with increased numbers of credit-courses (in conjunction with the Faculties) to both local and off-campus students. The Nominating Committee report was the usual long one at this time, as all of the Tenure Committees, Standing Committees, etc. need to be completed for the coming academic year. Modifications to some nominating procedures were approved, as was a change of title and mandate for the Committee on Computing. The Committee-of-the-Whole discussion of the 1998-99 budget - the first deficit budget proposed by this Principal - generated some concerns but no advice to the Principal or the Board! A 3.3M charge will be taken at the end of this year's budget to write-off unrecoverable expenses associated with the last fund- raising campaign, and some allowance for ice-storm costs will also be made, leading to a deficit for 1997- 98 of ca. 1.5M. Some discussion of the monies available for merit increases (the merit pool) ensued and there is an additional 0.75M in the budget for academic salary corrections - there is no merit pool money for support staff! Decreasing income from student fees caused some concern, as did the continued decrease in academic staff numbers. Energy saving measures are to be expanded in 1998-99. *Senate documents are available in the Dean's Secretariat for consultation. (11) RESULTS OF ELECTION S-97-39 811.1 Dean Shaver announced the new and re-elected people to Senate. They are: Prof. G. Brown, Department of Biology; Prof. N. de Takacsy, Department of Physics; Prof. E. Meighen, Department of Biochemistry; and Prof. S. Whitesides, School of Computer Science. Their terms will begin on September 1, 1998 and end on August 31, 2001. The continuing Faculty representatives on Senate are: Prof. M. Baines, Department of Microbiology & Immunology; Prof. P. Farrell, Department of Chemistry; Prof. K. GowriSankaran, Department of Mathematics & Statistics; and Prof. M. Zuckermann, Department of Physics. (12) SCHEDULE OF MEETING DATES S-97-40 812.1 Dean Shaver thanked Prof. Mendelson for helping the Faculty with the scheduling of some meeting dates. (13) OTHER BUSINESS 813.1 Prof. Farrell moved, seconded by Prof. GowriSankaran, that the Faculty of Science express gratitude and appreciation to Associate Dean de Takacsy for his efforts, devotion, cheerfulness, pleasant demeanor, and for doing far more than was demanded of him on behalf of the Faculty, and for serving as Acting Dean. The motion passed unanimously. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m. usr\josie\facsci\fmn7mayf