S-00-49 FACULTY OF SCIENCE Meeting of Faculty Tuesday, May 22, 2001 Leacock Council Room - L232 ATTENDANCE: As recorded in the Faculty Appendix Book. DOCUMENTS: S-00-38 to S-00-48 Dean Shaver called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Prof. Mucci moved, seconded by Prof. Barrette, that the Agenda be adopted. The motion carried. 2. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES a) Faculty of Science Excellence Award 802.1 Prof. J. Derome, Chair of the Faculty of Science Excellence Award Committee, presented the following report: The 2001 Committee Members were: Jacques Derome (Chair) Steven Kecani Mark Romer Elaine Tremblay This year's nominees were: Mr. Saverio Biunno (Physics) Ms. Anne Comeau (Biology) Ms. Mary Gauthier (Psychology) Mr. Normand Trempe (Chemistry) The committee recommends that the award be given to Ms. Mary Gauthier of the Psychology Department. The committee was faced with the very pleasant challenge of selecting but one winner among a group of truly outstanding nominees. The unanimous recommendation of the committee is to give the award to Ms. Mary Gauthier for her exceptional performance as Undergraduate Program Secretary in the Department of Psychology. Ms. Gauthier not only developed with her position, but she developed the position itself. Not satisfied with doing her normal duties as Program Secretary, coordinating the services of a full-time Academic Advisor, the peer advising system and a network of Faculty members, through her own initiative she has become more involved in helping students in matters of university policy and procedures. In addition to responding to enquiries from about 1000 students, providing secretarial services to several professors and to three departmental committees, editing and preparing two departmental handbooks, she was motivated to learn Web page computer language in order to maintain the Department's Web page and to assist faculty members with their own pages, as need arises. As another example of her going beyond the normal call of duty, and they are numerous, we can mention her involvement with the Electronic Mark Submission system even before the system was available University wide. When the system was implemented she volunteered to work on a committee established by the Registrar's Office to help end users of the new system. In support of Mary Gauthier's nomination, one faculty member writes: "It was Mary's contribution to my job interview that gave me my first impressions of McGill, and aided me in forming a positive opinion about the experience". Another one writes: "She is simply relentless in her willing, warm, and efficient manner.I have been waiting for an opportunity to extol [her] virtues .". The Committee is happy to join in this opportunity and to recommend that Mary Gauthier's outstanding performance be recognized by the Faculty of Science. 802.2 In response, Mary Gauthier gave the following speech: Thank you all for coming today. I'm very honoured and proud to be here to receive this award. I would like to thank everyone in the department who sent letters of support or signed their name on the nomination letter. I would also like to thank the following individuals who I work closely with: Nicole Allard, the Undergraduate Advisor who shares the Undergraduate Office with me. It has been a sincere pleasure to work with her. The department and the students are very lucky to have her as the advisor. I also want to mention the professors that I work closely with, David Ostry, Virginia Douglas, Jim Ramsay, Jamie MacDougall and Tony Marley, who was the Chair of our Department and who has always been there to support me. I would like to thank all the support staff in our department without whose assistance my job would have been much more difficult. This is truly a wonderful department to work for. I wish to thank Patricia Tuck, the administrative officer of our department for all the work she has done coordinating my nomination. She truly did an amazing job. The support and encouragement I get from Pat Tuck is outstanding and I especially appreciate the way she encourages me to take on new responsibilities. I have been at McGill for almost 22 years and 16 of these years have been with the Psychology Department. This is a very large department with well over 1000 students and most of them come to the undergraduate office. Dealing with the students is the highlight of my day. I would like to share this award with all the students at McGill. There is a poster in my office which says: The student is. . The most important person on the campus. Without students, there would be no need for the institution. . Not a cold enrolment statistic, but a flesh-and- blood human being with feelings and emotions like anyone else. . Not someone to be tolerated, so that we can do our thing. Students are our thing. . Not dependent on us. Rather, we are dependent on them. . Not an interruption of our work, but the purpose of it. We are not doing students a favour by seeing them. They are doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so. I would also like to say thank you to my family, Jacques and Kimberlee, for their support and being here with me today to accept this award. Once again, thank you for honouring me with this award 802.3 On behalf of the Faculty of Science, Dean Shaver congratulated Ms. Gauthier for being the recipient of the 2001 Faculty of Science Excellence Award. b) Leo Yaffe Award Committee 802.4 Prof. Lennox, Chair of the Leo Yaffe Award Committee, presented the following: 2001 Leo Yaffe Award Nominee: Prof. Alfonso Mucci The Leo Yaffe Award Committee is delighted to be able to nominate Professor Alfonso Mucci of Earth and Planetary Sciences for the 2000/2001 Yaffe Award. As in past years, the Committee was faced with the situation of having a complete slate of truly excellent nominees for this Award. Several terms can be used to summarize Prof. Mucci's teaching - high impact, thoughtful, inspiring, inclusive. He has been involved with a number of courses in EPS - ranging from Introduction to Geology, Principles of Geochemistry, Introduction to Petrology to more specialized courses such as Chemical Oceanography, Aqueous Geochemistry, etc. High course ratings are the hallmark of his teaching. In addition, letters noted that he made almost heroic efforts early on in his position at McGill so that he could personally develop a broader understanding of Earth Sciences. This was necessary as his degrees were in Chemistry and he had little background in Geology. It was also noted that his lectures are always well organized and easy to understand and that he stimulates interest by linking theory with reality. His lectures are fined with up-to-date examples for research and industrial applications. One supporter noted that "he engenders interest in his subject without compromising the rigor, and relates the subject directly to the rest of the curriculum. These are surely the measures of excellence in undergraduate teaching". Prof. Mucci has a reputation for making very meaningful contact with his students - even in large classes. He clearly loves answering questions - as a means of understanding what his students do (and do not yet) grasp about the subject material. It was noted that he strives to continually improve upon his already impressive presentation to students. This cycle has great impact on his students - this is obvious from their comments and testimonials. In addition to his classroom teaching, Prof. Mucci has been very active in undergraduate research projects, having supervised 12 students since 1992. This experience has had a major impact on those students fortunate enough to sign on with him. A summary of these comments could be best described as "career changing". Finally, it is appropriate to include some direct quotes from students. These comments give further insight into why the Committee is pleased to nominate Prof. Mucci for this award. "He was able to present complex ideas in a logical and stepwise manner. He would frequently stop to ensure that everyone understood his lectures and he demonstrated unlimited patience when we did not... He never turned away if we came to his office... He set aside an entire Sunday to answer questions about our Final". "If a student was having problems with their studies and was not living up to their potential, he would look for the cause". "University not only teaches you to learn, and it teaches you to think... only a couple of professors challenged me... in that manner. Dr. Mucci was one of them". "One of those professors whose boundless teaching abilities were outweighed only by the personal attention and patience he selflessly offered to students". "He genuinely appreciated us as we appreciated him, his classroom was one of "mutual respect and admiration". In sum, the Committee noted that Prof. Mucci's teaching has had a tremendous impact on the students he has encountered. He is a most worthy nominee for the Leo Yaffe Award. The 2001 Leo Yaffe Award Committee consisted of: Prof. L. Hendren (Computer Science) Ms. Minta Mathew (student) Ms. Emily Turner (student) Prof. A. Vincent (Biology) Prof. R. Koestner (Psychology) Prof. M. Lapointe (Geography) Prof. M. Yau (Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences) Prof. D. Wolfson (Mathematics and Statistics) Prof. E. Cooper (Physiology) Prof. J. Paquette (Earth & Planetary Sciences) Prof. R.B. Lennox (Chemistry) - Prof. Hendren and Prof. Koestner withdrew from the Committee as they were nominated by their respective Departments. - Prof. S. Whitesides replaced Prof. Hendren. This year's nominees were: Prof. D. Briedes (Microbiology & Immunology) Prof. M. Damha (Chemistry) Prof. L. Hendren (Computer Science) Prof. R. Koestner (Psychology) Prof. N. Kamran (Mathematics & Statistics) Prof. A. Mucci (Earth & Planetary Sciences) Prof. C. Morales (Anatomy & Cell Biology) Prof. W. Pollard (Geography) Prof. J. Silvius (Biochemistry) Prof. E. Zorychta (Pathology) 802.5 Prof. Mucci gave a brief speech, in which he said that when he came to McGill he had sat in on a number of lectures by his colleagues, including lectures for courses in which he shared the teaching load; these experiences had inspired him and enabled him to refine his presentations. He also thanked the people who had prepared his nomination, and the students for their testimonials, which he found very touching. 802.6 On behalf of the Faculty of Science, Dean Shaver congratulated Prof. Mucci for being selected as the 2001 Leo Yaffe Award winner. c) Sub-committee on Scholarships S-00-39 802.7 Prof. Henry Leighton, Chair of the Faculty of Science Sub-committee on Scholarships, mentioned the winner of the Moyse Travelling Scholarship, Ms. Rim Dib. He also mentioned that unfortunately the Faculty of Science's nominee for the Governor-General's Silver Medal, Mr. Olivier Dubois, had not been awarded the medal by the university. Prof. Leighton moved, seconded by Prof. GowriSankaran, that the Report of the Scholarships Sub-committee be approved. The motion carried. 3. CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES a) Bachelor of Science S-00-40 Associate Dean Mendelson 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 Environment S-00-41 803.1 There were no students receiving this diploma. c) Diploma in Meteorology S-00-42 803.2 There were no students receiving this diploma. Prof. GowriSankaran further moved, seconded by Prof. Derome, 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. 803.4 On behalf of the Faculty of Science, Associate Dean Mendelson thanked the Student Affairs Office and departmental academic advisors for their work in preparing the graduation list. 4. MINUTES OF APRIL 3, 2001 S-00-38 Prof. Barrette moved, seconded by Prof. Paquette, that the minutes be approved. The motion carried. 5. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES - Minute 707.7 to 707.9, Letter Grades in Banner 805.1 Associate Dean Mendelson said that Senate was in the process of creating procedures that would allow faculties and students to have input into Banner implementation decisions that have academic implications. 805.2 Associate Dean Mendelson also said that the Faculty of Arts had requested that the grading system at McGill be reviewed, and that this would probably occur in the Fall. - Minute 707.13, Minor Course Changes 805.3 Associate Dean Mendelson said that at the previous meeting, he had said the School of Computer Science was restricting entry into many of its courses, to students in Computer Science programs. Actually, students in some Mathematics & Statistics programs would also be eligible. 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS 806.1 Dean Shaver said that members had been informed at the current meeting that Prof. Mucci was the winner of the Leo Yaffe Award. A number of other professors in the Faculty of Science had also won teaching awards in 2001. Prof. Charles Roth, Department of Mathematics & Statistics, had been awarded the Faculty of Engineering Teaching Award for the second time; Prof. Godfried Toussaint, School of Computer Science, was the winner of the David Thomson Award for Graduate Supervision and Teaching; and Prof. John Lydon, Department of Psychology, was the winner of the Carrie M. Derick Award for Graduate Teaching and Supervision. 806.2 Dean Shaver said that there was obviously a high standard of teaching in the Faculty of Science. 7. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES (Continued) d) Committee on Student Standing (CSS) S-00- 43 807.1 Associate Dean Mendelson presented the above report. e) Proposed Amendment to CSS Procedures S-00-44 807.2 Associate Dean Mendelson introduced the above document. Associate Dean Mendelson moved, seconded by Prof. Paquette, that the proposed amendment to the CSS procedures be adopted. The motion carried. f) Sub-committee on Scholarships - New Scholarship S-00-45 Diane Hasley Scholarship in Environment - $2000 807.3 Prof. Leighton briefly described the above new scholarship. Prof. Leighton moved, seconded by Prof. GowriSankaran, that the scholarship be approved. The motion carried. g) Academic Committee S-00-46 SECTION A: NEW PROGRAMS (1) McGill School of Environment New Domain: -B.Sc. Major in Environment: Land Surface and Environmental Changes AC-00-240 Prof. Moore moved, seconded by Prof. Lin, that the program be adopted. The motion carried. (2) School of Computer Science - Minor in Computational Molecular Biology AC-00-243(REV 2) Prof. Devroye moved, seconded by Prof. Hendren, that the program be adopted. The motion carried. SECTION B: MAJOR PROGRAM CHANGES None SECTION C: NEW COURSES (1) Computer Science 308-490B Intro. to Prob. Anal. Algorithms AC-00-223 3 credits Prof. Devroye moved, seconded by Prof. Hendren, that the course be adopted. The motion carried. 308-577B Distributed Database Systems AC-00-224 3 credits Prof. Devroye moved, seconded by Prof. Hendren, that the course be adopted. The motion carried. 308-642B Numerical Estimation AC-00-225 4 credits Prof. Devroye moved, seconded by Prof. Hendren, that the course be adopted. The motion carried. 308-656B Run-time Language Support AC-00-226 4 credits This course was approved by the Academic Committee as 308- 646B. Prof. Hendren moved, seconded by Prof. Devroye, that the course be adopted. The motion carried. 308-652A Machine Learning AC-00-227 4 credits Prof. Hendren moved, seconded by Prof. Devroye, that the course be adopted. The motion carried. (2) Mathematics & Statistics 189-330 Mathematical Finance AC-00-235 3 credits Prof. GowriSankaran moved, seconded by Prof. Klemes, that the course be adopted. The motion carried. SECTION D: MAJOR COURSE CHANGES None SECTION E: CHANGES IN RESTRICTION FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES Change in Restriction: 308-202A/B Introduction to Computing AC-00- 205 3 credits 308-203A/B Introduction to Computing 2 AC-00- 206 3 credits 308-206A/B Intro to Software Systems AC-00- 207 3 credits 308-250A/B Introduction to Computer Science AC-00- 208 3 credits 308-273A/B Intro to Computer Systems AC-00- 209 3 credits 308-302A/B Programming Languages and Paradigms AC-00-210 3 credits 308-303B Programming Techniques AC-00-211 3 credits 308-304A Object-oriented Design AC-00-212 3 credits 308-305A Computer System Architecture AC-00-213 3 credits 308-310B Comp. Systems and Organization AC-00-214 3 credits 308-330A Theoretical Aspects of Computer Science AC-00-215 3 credits 308-350A Numerical Computing AC-00-216 3 credits 308-360A Algorithm Design Techniques AC-00-217 3 credits 308-420A Files and Databases AC-00-218 3 credits 308-421A Database Systems AC-00-219 3 credits 308-424A Artificial Intelligence I AC-00-220 3 credits 308-435B Basics of Computer Networks AC-00-221 3 credits 807.4 Prof. Klemes pointed out that for 308-203A,B, Document AC-00-206(Rev), the Faculty Programs in Mathematics & Computer Science, and Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science, should not be included under #24, Additional Restrictions; this had been agreed upon at the Academic Committee meeting of April 17, 2001. Prof. Devroye moved, seconded by Prof. Hendren, that the above changes in restriction be approved. 807.5 Prof. GowriSankaran proposed, seconded by Prof. Klemes, an amendment that the Major in Mathematics be included in the programs listed under #24, Additional Restrictions, Document AC-00-207(Rev), for 308- 206A,B,C. 807.6 After a lengthy discussion, Associate Dean Mendelson suggested that the original motion be passed, since the designation "or with permission of instructor" would circumvent any problems with the restrictions. The amendment was voted on: For: 6 Against: 6 Dean Shaver cast the tie-breaking vote against the amendment. The amendment was defeated. A vote was then held on the original motion. The motion carried. Change in Prerequisites and Restriction: 308-251A/B Data Structures and Algorithms AC-00-222 3 credits Prof. Devroye moved, seconded by Prof. Hendren, that the changes be approved. The motion carried. SECTION F: MINOR PROGRAM CHANGES (1) Computer Science - Major in Computer Science AC-00-228 - Honours in Computer Science AC-00-229 - Minor in Computer Science AC-00-230 Prof. Devroye moved, seconded by Prof. Hendren, that the program changes be approved. The motion carried. (2) Physics - Major in Physics AC-00-231 - Honours in Physics AC-00-232 - Joint Major in Physics & Geophysics AC-00-233 - Joint Honours in Mathematics & Physics AC-00-234 Prof. Barrette moved, seconded by Prof. Paquette, that the program changes be approved. The motion carried. SECTION G: MOTION REGARDING NOMENCLATURE FOR ARTS PROGRAMS - Nomenclature for Arts Programs AC-00-244 807.7 Associate Dean Mendelson said that it was very important to maintain a distinction between Science Major Programs and Arts Major Concentrations, because of the differences in required credits. This was especially important for the four units that offer both a B.Sc. and a B.A. (Computer Science, Geography, Mathematics & Statistics, and Psychology). 807.8 At its meeting of May 1, 2001, the Academic Committee had approved the following: "Be it resolved that the university in its use of nomenclature ensure the distinction between Major programs and Major concentrations." Associate Dean Mendelson moved, seconded by Prof. Barrette, that the Faculty of Science approve the same resolution. The motion carried. SECTION H: Minor Course Changes & Other (For Information Only) 1. Minor Course Changes AC-00-204 2. Minor Course Changes AC-00-239 3. Arts Minor Program Retirements - Minor in Economics for Science Students - Intl Dev. Studies Minor for Science Students - Minor in Fr. Language & Literature for Science Students - Minor in Jewish Studies for Science Students - Minor in Canadian Ethnic Studies for Science Students - Minor in Russian for Science Students - Minor in Philosophy for Science Students 8. DEAN'S BUSINESS - Presentation on Web Lectures (Prof. D.N. Harpp) 808.1 Prof. Harpp thanked the SUS Computer Taskforce for their participation in the project. The Dean of Science had contributed to the funding. 808.2 Prof. Harpp provided a demonstration of the usefulness of computer technology and the Web in classroom presentations of material to students. 808.3 The address for the Web material is http://mediaserv.sus.mcgill.ca/ 808.4 Dean Shaver thanked Prof. Harpp for the presentation. 9. MEMBERS' QUESTION PERIOD There were no members' questions. 10. REPORT ON ACTIONS OF SENATE Senate Meeting of April 4, 2001 - Prof. M. Mendelson Professor Baliga read a resolution on the death of Emeritus Professor John Charles Cherna which was adopted unanimously by Senate. The Report of the Steering Committee was received and various issues, the following of which are of interest to the Faculty of Science. Professor de Takacsy responded to a question raised at the previous meeting regarding a possible date for a survey on the effectiveness of measures taken to develop an environment free from discrimination. He stated that he was unable to report a specific time for the survey itself, but work on two related projects, including one related to pay equity, will be under way in the fall. Vice-Principal Yalovsky reviewed recent developments regarding the University Bookstore. He had indicated to Senate that the University had several options to consider before the end of March, namely to continue with Chapters, to find a new partner, or to assume internal management of the Bookstore. It had been decided to continue with Chapters, while securing a new operations partner. Barnes and Noble College Bookstores, which operates over 200 university and college bookstores in the USA, was a passive minority stakeholder in Chapters Campus Bookstores Inc. Over the past several months Barnes and Noble has assessed the operations of the McGill bookstore and has proposed a detailed restructuring plan, which would modify operations with the objective of providing the McGill community with at least the same level of service that it provides to other campus bookstore customers. In particular, the campus bookstore management will be identified as being separate from other Chapters regular retail operations, thus avoiding the credit- related problems encountered in the McGill bookstore over the past several months. Chapters has arranged that Barnes and Noble assume full day-to-day operational management for Chapters Campus Bookstores, particularly the McGill store. Dr. Yalovsky stated that he believed this change would be highly advantageous for McGill. Senate agreed that a new Senate seat be created, that the new seat be added to the seven seats now designated in the Statutes as from the "electorate at large", and that this seat be granted to the Faculty of Medicine to correct its relative under-representation. The notice of motion to recommend to the Board of Governors amendment of the Statutes to this effect was received. Senate approved the creation of a Committee on Teaching and Learning for a three-year term, with the stipulation that at the end of that term it review its accomplishments and its mandate and on the basis of the results of this review, decide whether it should continue in existence. The mandate and composition of the committee would be referred to Senate Nominating Committee for review and report to Senate. The Vice-Principal (Academic) presented a notice of motion to amend the Statutes regarding the Bachelor of Software Engineering. The Vice-Principal (Academic) presented the Winter Term Registration Summary 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 (D00-64) and responded to questions and comments. It was noteworthy that women form a growing majority of the undergraduate population at McGill (59.1% of full-time students). The Vice-Principal (Academic) presented the Semi-Annual Report on Full-Time Academic Staffing. As of Januay 1, 2001, there were 1,293 tenure-track professors and 54 librarians at McGill, which was an increase of 31 and 3, respectively, over the year before. During 2000, 92 tenure-track new tenure-track professors arrived at McGill, but 61 departed for various reasons. In 2000, the Faculty of Science, which gained 11 professors and lost 9, grew to 208. Senate Meeting of April 18, 2001 - Prof. P. Farrell - Report To Be Tabled Senate Meeting of May 9, 2001 - Prof. K. GowriSankaran The meeting started with a resolution on the death of Professor Norman Drummond presented by Dean Shaver. This was followed by a resolution on the death of Professor Reginald Edwards presented by Professor Glenn Cartwright. Both the resolutions were adopted unanimously by Senate. Following routine motions from the Steering Committee, there were a series of questions from Senator Noumoff concerning the gender differential in academic salary. Vice- Principal Vinet responded that, in this regard, a convincing plan needs to be developed promptly and put into place to ensure there is no gender differential in academic salary. To this end, he intended to propose to ASPSC, MAUT, the deans and the next meeting of Senate a global and comprehensive plan. I want to bring it to the attention of members of our Faculty that there was recently a memo from the Principal addressing this issue. Senate then moved into Committee of the whole, Dean Buszard in the Chair, for consideration of the 2001-02 Budget. The salient aspects of the proposed Budget as well as the discussion that took place in the Committee of the whole can be viewed on the Senate website. A hard copy will be deposited with the Faculty. At the end of the discussion of Budget, the Principal had to leave and Professor Farrell assumed the Chair. After the 333rd Report of the APPC, containing routine program approvals, was adopted Senate moved into Committee of the whole with Dean Buszard in the Chair again. Dean Crago then presented the 334th Report of the APPC containing the recommendations in the Report of a Task Force on the Restructuring of the Council and Committee Structure of Graduate Studies at McGill revised by the APPC. This pertained to the abolition of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the appointment of a Dean of Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Studies and other related recommendations. Again the discussion that took place in this regard can be viewed on the website and a hard copy will be available with Ms. D'Amico. After Senate rose from Committee of the whole, V.-P. Vinet, seconded by V.-P. Belanger, moved that Senate approve the recommendations in the Report. Professor de Takacsy, seconded by Professor Baines, moved that Senate postpone the discussion of the motion to the next meeting of Senate. Professor Mendelson, seconded by Professor Noumoff, moved an amendment that the discussion be postponed until the first meeting of Senate in October. The amended motion was carried. Shortly after that quorum was called by Professor Mendelson and for lack of quorum the meeting ended at 5:15 p.m. 11. RESULTS OF SCIENCE ELECTION FOR SENATE S-00-47 811.1 Dean Shaver read out the list of newly elected senators, as well as the names of continuing senators: Newly Elected Senators: Prof. Jacques DEROME, Department of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences Prof. Nick DE TAKACSY, Department of Physics Prof. Edward MEIGHEN, Department of Biochemistry Prof. Joe RASMUSSEN, Department of Biology Continuing Senators: Prof. M. Baines (Microbiology & Immunology) Prof. P. Farrell (Chemistry) Prof. K. GowriSankaran (Mathematics & Statistics) Prof. M. Mendelson (Psychology) Prof. G. Schmidt (Mathematics & Statistics) 811.2 Dean Shaver congratulated the new senators, and thanked the continuing senators for their work. 12. SCHEDULE OF MEETING DATES S-00-48 812.1 Dean Shaver drew members' attention to the schedule of meeting dates for the 2001-2002 academic year. 13. OTHER BUSINESS There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.