Standing Committees are those committees whose terms of reference are included in Senate’s By-Laws. They have particular academic functions in University Governance, meet regularly to make recommendations on their areas of responsibility, and report annually to Senate.
Responsibilities assigned to the Executive Committee include the preparation of the agenda for each Senate meeting; acting between regular Senate meetings on matters of an administrative nature which would normally come to Senate but which require immediate decision; collecting and distributing the policies and procedures of Senate committees; and ensuring that Senate committees are completely and consistently described within the By-laws of Senate; and approving the graduation lists for all convocations. The terms of reference for the Executive Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.1).
Chair:
Dr. Joël Dickinson
Ex-Officio Members:
President, Dr. Joël Dickinson
Vice-President Academic and Provost, Dr. Lori Francis
Secretary of Senate:
Prof. Paula Crouse
Student Member:
Mika Paul, President of the Students’ Union
Faculty Representatives (4):
Dr. Susie Brigham, January 30, 2026 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Tammy Findlay, January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Elsie Henderson: October 24, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Diane Piccitto: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.
The mandate of the Academic Appeals Committee is to receive, consider and decide in accordance with Senate policies student appeals of decisions on such matters as plagiarism and cheating, the alleged misapplication of university regulations, and other decisions that affect a student’s academic standing and status at the university. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.2).
Chair: Dr. Mirwais Qaderi
Ex-Officio Members:
Registrar, Stephanie Hale Wills (non-voting)
Student Members:
Jai Kaur
Lori Paul (Alternate)
Vanessa Sarkis (Alternate)
Koen Schlief
Faculty Representatives (6):
Dr. Germaine Chan, Professional Studies (Alternate): July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Christine Doe, Education (Alternate): January 1, 2027 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Mary Jane Harkins, Education (Regular): July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Amna Mirza, Education (Alternate): July 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026
Dr. Mirwais Qaderi, Arts & Science (Regular): July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Douglas Whitaker, Arts & Science (Alternate): July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Vacancy, Professional Studies (Regular)
Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.
CAPP serves as consultant and advisor to the Senate on matters dealing with academic policy and planning. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.3).
Chair:
Dr. Lori Francis
Ex-Officio Members:
Vice-President Academic and Provost, Dr. Lori Francis
Dean of Arts & Science, Dr. Carrie Dawson
Dean of Professional Studies, Dr. Susan Trenholm
Dean of Education, Dr. Antony Card
Acting Director of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Emily Ballantyne
Registrar, Stephanie Hale Wills (non-voting)
Student Members:
Precious Otiora
Vacancy
Faculty Representatives (6):
Dr. Danielle Cox, Arts & Science: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Elsie Henderson, Professional Studies: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Janice Keefe, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026
Dr. Melissa McGonnell, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Deborah Norris, Professional Studies: January 1, 20277 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Krista Ritchie, Education: July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029
Dr. Bernadette Russo, Arts & Science, February 3, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.
Graduate Studies Program and Policy Committee is a sub-committee of CAPP, and serves as a consultant and advisor to that committee and to Senate on matters dealing with the graduate curriculum and the policies for the regulation of graduate programs. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.3.1).
Chair:
Dr. Susan Trenholm
Ex-Officio Members:
Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. Susan Trenholm
Registrar or Designate, Stephanie Hale Wills
Dean of Education or Designate, Vacanct
Student Member:
Vacant
Faculty Representatives (5):
Dr. Bohdan Luhovyy, GAHN: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Melissa McGonnell, Education: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Deborah Norris, AGFS: July 1, 2024 – June 20, 2027
Dr. Fernando Nunes, GCYS: January 31, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Dr. DeNel Rehberg Sedo, Arts & Science: July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029
Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.
This subcommittee of the Committee on Academic Policy and Planning (CAPP) serves as consultant and advisor to the Senate on matters dealing with undergraduate curriculum. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.3.2).
Chair:
Dr. Antony Card
Ex-Officio Members:
Dean of Education, Dr. Antony Card
Dean of Arts & Science, Dr. Carrie Dawson
Dean of Professional Studies, Dr. Susan Trenholm
Registrar, Stephanie Hale Wills
Resource:
Associate Registrar, Systems, Heather Standing
Manager, Centre for Academic Advising & Student Success, Erin Tomlinson
Student Member:
Vacant
Faculty Representatives (5):
Dr. Catherine Baillie-Abidi, Professional Studies: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Derek Fisher, Arts & Science: January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Prof. Normand Gendron, Professional Studies: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Matthew Roby, Arts & Science: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Gerald Tembrevilla, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.
The Committee on Appointment, Promotion and Tenure or Permanence for Academic Administrators is responsible for the academic assessment of administrators who are not members of the bargaining unit represented by the Mount Saint Vincent Faculty Association. In addition this committee makes recommendations to Senate about the awarding of the status of Professor Emeritus. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.4).
Chair:
Dr. Lori Francis
Ex-Officio Members:
Vice-President Academic and Provost, Dr. Lori Francis
Faculty Representatives:
Dr. Chérif Matta, Arts & Science: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Cornelia Schneider, Education: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Shane Theunissen, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
It is the responsibility of the Committee on Information Technology and Services to advise and recommend to Senate appropriate academic policies, guidelines, needs and priorities relating to the delivery of electronic information and network services at Mount Saint Vincent University. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.5).
Chair:
Ex-Officio Members:
Director of Information Technology and Services, Dr. Karen Smyth
Director of Teaching and Learning or designate, Dr. Emily Ballantyne
Student Member:
Jayden Robar
Faculty Representatives (7):
Dr. Mike Bowen, Education: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Nicholous Deal, Professional Studies: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Michael Lin, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Maria Matthews, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Librarian Denyse Rodrigues, Library, January 30, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Dr. Gary Sneddon, Arts & Science: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Larry Steele, Arts & Science: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Vacancy
The Library and Archives Committee is charged with advising the University Librarian and Senate on priorities and policies regarding library and archival resources and services at the university. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.6).
Chair:
Ex-Officio Member:
University Librarian, Jeannie Bail
Professional Librarian: Librarian Sandra Sawchuk
Student Members:
Precious Otiora
Vacant
Faculty Representatives (6):
Dr. David Awde, Sciences: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Prof. Meredith Bessey, Professional Studies: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Nicholous Deal, Professional Studies: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Andrea Fraser, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Jeannie Larson, Education: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Lisa Templin, Humanities: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
The Nominations Committee is responsible for conducting nominations and elections by Senate and the Faculty Complement. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.7).
Chair:
Ex-Officio Member:
Secretary of Senate, Prof. Paula Crouse
Faculty Representatives (5):
Dr. Michelle Eskritt, Arts & Science: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Graham Fraser, Arts & Science: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Prof. Jennifer Guy, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Melissa McGonnell, Education, Senator: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Librarian Denyse Rodrigues, Library: July 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026
Vacancy
The Research and Publications Committee encourages research and publications within the university, acts as the peer review committee for the allocation of internal research funds, and advises Senate on research policy and priorities. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.8).
Chair:
Dr. Jacqueline Gahagan
Ex-Officio Member:
Associate Vice-President, Research, Dr. Jacqueline Gahagan
Faculty Representatives (8):
Dr. Mike Bowen, Education, January 30, 2026 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Zixian Liu, Humanities: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Deborah Norris, Professional Studies: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Karen Macfarlane, Humanities, January 31, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac, Education, January 31, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Ian Pottie, Sciences: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Librarian Denyse Rodriques, Library: July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Dr. Will Shead, Social Sciences: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Vacancy, Library
Term Ended:
Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.
It is the responsibility of the Student Experience Committee to advise Senate and the Associate Vice-President Student Experience on matters relating to enrolment, retention and the quality of student life. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.9).
Chair:
Dr. Keltie Jones
Ex-Officio members:
Associate Vice-President Student Experience, Dr. Keltie Jones
General Manager, Students’ Union, Carolyn Lewis
Director of Athletics and Recreation, Angela Barrett-Jewers
Manager, International Education Centre, Amy Braye
Manager, Residence Life, Todd MacDonald
Interim Transition & Retention Program Manager, Nicolle Bowes Cashen
University Librarian, Jeannie Bail
Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment Representative, Gillian Batten
Student Members:
Mika Paul, President of the Students’ Union
Tanner Saunders, Vice-President Student Life
Faculty Representatives (3):
Lab Instructor Alyssa Doue, Arts & Science: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Lab Instructor Jillian Ruhl, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Ellen Shaffner, Professional Studies: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
The overall role of the Committee on Teaching and Learning is to contribute to maintaining, fostering and appreciating excellence in teaching and learning at Mount Saint Vincent University. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.10).
Chair:
Ex-Officio Members:
Vice-President Academic and Provost, Dr. Lori Francis
Representative, Teaching and Learning Centre,
Director of Teaching and Learning or designate, Dr. Emily Ballantyne
Teaching Award recipients:
– Early Career:
– Part-Time:
– Advanced Career:
Student Member:
Leila Sobey-Skinner
Faculty Representatives (4):
Dr. Angie Birt, Arts & Science: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Danielle Cox, Arts & Science, January 31, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Shane Theunissen, Professional Studies: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Johan Woodworth, Education, January 31, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.
The mandate of the Committee on Undergraduate Admissions and Scholarships is to serve as consultant and advisor to the Senate on admission and scholarship policy matters. In addition, it allocates scholarships and bursaries to appropriate students. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.11).
Chair
Registrar: Stephanie Hale Wills
Ex-Officio Members
Registrar: Stephanie Hale Wills
Associate Registrar, Admissions: Kathryn McCabe
Assistant Registrar, Financial Aid: Alexa Goucher
Academic Advisor: Heather Maxwell
Associate Vice-President Student Experience: Dr. Keltie Jones
Manager, Student Recruitment: Jeremy Neilson
Resource
Institutional Analyst: Kevin Estiberio
Undergraduate Student Rep: Vacant
Faculty Representatives (6)
Dr. Roni Gechtman, Arts & Science: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Dhésmon Lima, Arts & Science: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. James Sawler, Arts & Science: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Ellen Shaffner, Professional Studies: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Will Shead, Arts & Science: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Hong Wang, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
This committee is a consultant and advisor to Senate on matters relating to scholarships and assistantships for graduate students and to make recommendations on the allocation of funding according to the regulations of the University or relevant external funding agency. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.12).
Chair:
Dr. Susan Trenholm
Ex-Officio Members:
Dean of Graduate Studies (or designate), Dr. Susan Trenholm
Registrar’s Designate, Alexa Goucher
Faculty Representatives (5):
Dr. Christine Doe, GEDU: January 1, 2027 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Andrea Fraser, GEDU: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Phillip Joy, GAHN: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026
Dr. Tess Laidlaw, GPRL: January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Michael Land, Arts & Science: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Sarah Reddington, GCYS: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.
The mandate of the UREB is to review the ethical acceptability of research including approving, rejecting, proposing modifications to, or terminating any proposed or ongoing research involving human participants which is conducted within, or by members of, the institution using considerations set forth in the TCPS2 as a minimum standard. The UREB reports to Senate annually but is subject to the requirements of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, established by the Government of Canada’s Panel on Research Ethics. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.13).
Chair:
Dr. Daniel Séguin, July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028
Vice Chair:
Dr. Will Shead, July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
External Community Members:
Sean Seames (to June 30, 2027)
Vacancy
Ex-Officio Members:
Research Ethics Co-ordinator, Brenda Gagne
Member knowledgeable in the law, Vacant
Faculty Representatives (10):
Dr. Elizabeth Bowering, Arts & Science: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Everton Ellis, Education: January 1, 2027 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Andrea Fraser, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Arron Fraser, Professional Studies: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Sara King, Education: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Jamie Leach, Professional Studies, November 29, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Amna Mirza, Education: July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026
Dr. Daniel Séguin, Arts & Science: January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Will Shead, Arts & Science: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Max Stick, Arts & Science: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Jeff Young, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.
It is the responsibility of the Student Judicial Committee to hear and adjudicate cases brought under the Non-Academic Discipline Policy. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.14).
Chair:
Dr. Graham Fraser
Student Representatives:
Breanne Phee (Regular)
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Faculty Representatives (2 + 2 Alternates):
Dr. Graham Fraser (Regular): July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Tina Harriott (Regular): July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Will Shead (Alternate): July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Safura Syed (Alternate): July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
It is the responsibility of the Student Judicial Appeals Committee to hear and adjudicate any appeals brought under the Non-Academic Discipline Policy. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.15).
Chair:
Dr. Jeff Young
Student Representatives:
Breanne Phee (Regular)
Vacant
Vacant
Vavant
Faculty Representatives (2 + 2 Alternates):
Dr. Will Shead (Alternate): July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Safura Syed (Alternate): July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Martha Walls (Regular): Oct. 24, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Jeff Young (Regular): July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
The Writing Initiatives Committee is a sub-committee of the Committee on Teaching and Learning. Its purpose is to foster and promote writing initiatives that benefit all members of the Mount community with particular emphasis on student learning. “Writing initiatives” include university structures and activities related to the teaching, learning, study, and practice of writing. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.16).
Chair:
Ex-Officio Members:
English Department Writing Coordinator, Dr. Nathaniel Street
Director of Teaching and Learning, or designate, Dr. Emily Ballantyne
Representative, Writing Centre, Clare Goulet
Representative, International Education Centre, Vacant
Representative, Committee on Teaching & Learning, Vacant
Student Member:
Vacant
Faculty Representatives (4):
Lab Instructor Alyssa Doue, Science: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Education: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Irene Ogada, Professional Studies: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Dr. Ian Tian, Arts, October 24, 2025, – June 30, 2028
The Joint Board/Senate Liaison Committee is a committee of the Board of Governors and the Senate. Its purpose is to serve as a means of jointly identifying opportunities for collaborative action and problem-solving between the Board of Governors and Senate on matters of common interest. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (15.1).
Senate Representatives (2):
Dr. Adriana Benzaquén: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Dr. Tammy Findlay: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
