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.

Executive Committee (EX)

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
Interim Vice-President Academic and Provost, Dr. Brook Taylor

Secretary of Senate:
Prof. Paula Crouse

Student Member:
Ms. Katerina Allan

Faculty Representatives (4):
Dr. Elsie Henderson:  January 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023
Dr. Cornelia Schneider:  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Dr. Corey Slumkoski:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Rhoda Zuk:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024

Academic Appeals Committee (AAC)

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. Douglas Whitaker

Ex-Officio Members:
Registrar, Ms. Stephanie Hale (non-voting)

Student Members:
Ms. Katie Crawley
Ms. Maddison Short-Robertson

Faculty Representatives (6):
Dr. Karen Blotnicky, Professional Studies (Regular):  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Prof. Linda Mann, Professional Studies (Alternate):  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025 
Dr. Amna Mirza, Education (Alternate):  January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Mirwais Qaderi, Arts & Science (Alternate):  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Dr. Hong Wang, Education (Alternate to December 2022, Regular effective January 2023):  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Douglas Whitaker, Arts & Science (Regular):  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024

Term Ended
Dr. Fred French, Education (Regular):  July 1, 2021 – December 31, 2022

Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.

Committee on Academic Policy and Planning (CAPP)

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. Brook Taylor

Ex-Officio Members:
Interim Vice-President Academic and Provost, Dr. Brook Taylor
Dean of Arts & Science, Dr. Carrie Dawson 
Dean of Professional Studies and Graduate Studies, Dr. Susan Trenholm 
Dean of Education, Dr. Antony Card
Director of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Scott MacMillan
Registrar, Ms. Stephanie Hale (non-voting)

Student Members:
Ms. Katerina Allan

Faculty Representatives (6):
Dr. Michelle Eskritt, Arts & Science:  January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Valda Leighteizer, Education:  July 7, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Melissa McGonnell, Education:  January 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023
Dr. Peter Mombourquette, Professional Studies:  September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Fernando Nunes, Professional Studies:  January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Martha Walls, Arts & Science:  January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024

Term Ended
Dr. Alla Kushniryk, Professional Studies, January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022

Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.

Graduate Studies Program and Policy Committee (GSPP)

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 Education or Designate, Dr. Melissa McGonnell
Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. Susan Trenholm 
Registrar, Ms. Stephanie Hale

Student Member:
Ms. Suhnandany Goswami

Faculty Representatives (5): 
Dr. Elizabeth Church (GEDU):  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Reina Green (Arts/Science):  January 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023
Dr. Janice Keefe (GFSG):  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Bohdan Luhovvy (GAHN):  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Dr. DeNel Rehberg Sedo (GPRL):  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025

Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UCC)

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, Ms. Stephanie Hale


Student Member:
Ms. Carson Cameron

Faculty Representatives (5):
Dr. Adrian Downey, Education:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Daphne Lordly, Professional Studies: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. James Sawler, Arts & Science:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Nathaniel Street, Arts & Science:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Donna Varga, Professional Studies:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025

Committee on Appointment, Promotion and Tenure or Permanence for Academic Administrators (CAPTPAA)

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. Brook Taylor


Ex-Officio Members:

Interim Vice-President Academic and Provost, Dr. Brook Taylor

Faculty Representatives:
Dr. Mary Jane Harkins, Education:  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Dr. Chérif Matta, Arts & Science:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Deborah Norris, Professional Studies:  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023

Committee on Information Technology and Services (SCOITS)

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: Dr. Juliette Valcke


Ex-Officio Members:
Director of Information Technology and Services, Dr. Karen Smyth
Director of Teaching and Learning or designate, Dr. Scott MacMillan

Student Member:
Ms. Suhnandany Goswani  

Faculty Representatives (7):
Dr. Robert Farmer, Professional Studies:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Phillip Joy, Professional Studies:  January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Valda Leighteizer, Education:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Karyn McLellan, Arts & Science:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Ms. Alina Ruiz, Library:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Gerald Tembrevilla, Education:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Juliette Valcke, Arts & Science, Senator:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024

Library Committee (SLC)

The Library Committee is charged with advising the University Librarian and Senate on priorities and policies regarding library resources and services at the university. The terms of reference for the Committee can be found within the Senate By-Laws (14.6).

Chair: Dr. Áine Humble


Ex-Officio Member:

Ms. Tanja Harrison


Professional Librarian:

Ms. Meg Raven


Student Members:
Ms. Carson Cameron
Ms. Suhnandany Goswami


Faculty Representatives (6):

Dr. Conor Barker, Humanities/Social Sciences, March 10, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Lori Borgal, Sciences:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Nicholous Deal, Professional Studies, March 10, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Marnina Gonick, Education, Senator:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Áine Humble, Professional Studies:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Jamie Metsala, Education:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025

Nominations Committee (SNC)

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:
Ms. Judy Fraser Arsenault

Ex-Officio Member:
Secretary of Senate, Prof. Paula Crouse

Faculty Representatives (5): 
Ms. Judy Fraser Arsenault, Professional Studies, Senator:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Columba Gonzales-Duarte, Arts & Science:  January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Reina Green, Arts & Science:  January 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023
Dr. Melissa McGonnell, Education:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Tracy Moniz, Professional Studies:  January 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023

Term Ended
Dr. Francois-Xavier Eygun, Arts & Science:  July 1, 2020 – December 31, 2022

Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.

Committee on Research and Publications (CRP)

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. Michael Bowen, Education:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Kathy Darvesh, Science: January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Michelle Eskritt, Social Sciences:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Jennifer Khoury, Social Sciences: January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Karen MacFarlane, Humanities:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Ms. Sandra Sawchuk, Library:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Mohammad Siddiquee, Professional Studies: November 26, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Kyly Whitfield, Professional Studies:  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023

Term Ended
Dr. Francois-Xavier Eygun, Humanities:  July 1, 2021 – December 31, 2022
Dr. Gary Sneddon, Science:  July 1, 2021 – December 31, 2022

Note:  Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.

Student Experience Committee (SE)

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, Mx. Reed Hanlon
Director of Athletics and Recreation, Ms. June Lumsden
Manager, International Education Centre, Ms. Amy Braye
Manager, Residence Life, Mr. Shannon Fenelon
Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment Representative, Ms. Kelly Gallant

Student Members:
Ms. Katerina Allan, President of the Students’ Union
Ms. Nainvish Nainvish, Vice-President Student Life

Faculty Representatives (3):
Dr. Angie Birt, Arts & Science: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Sarah Reddington, Professional Studies: January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Larry Steele, Arts & Science:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024

Committee on Teaching and Learning (SCOTL)

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:  Dr. Melissa McGonnell

Ex-Officio Members:
Interim Vice-President Academic and Provost, Dr. Brook Taylor
Representative, Teaching and Learning Centre, Dr. Leigh-Ann MacFarlane
Director of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Scott MacMillan

Teaching Award recipients:
–  Advanced Career: Dr. Ashwani Kumar; July 2022 – June 2023
–  Advanced Career: Dr. Will Shead; January 2022 – December 2022
–  Early Career: Dr. Ellen Shaffner; July 2022 – June 2023
–  Part-Time: Prof. Susan Stevens; July 2022 – June 2023

Student Member:
Ms. Maddison Short-Robertson

Faculty Representatives (4):
Dr. Adriana Benzaquén, Arts & Science: March 31, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Shuyue Huang, Professional Studies: January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Melissa McGonnell, Education:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Mr. Kevin Shaughnessy, Arts & Science, January 27, 2023 – June 30, 2025

Undergraduate Admissions, Scholarships and Awards (UASAC)

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, Ms. Stephanie Hale

Ex-Officio Members:
Registrar, Ms. Stephanie Hale
Associate Registrar of Admissions and Registration, Ms. Martine Staatsen-Kintziger
Financial Aid Coordinator, Ms. Alexa Goucher
Student Academic Advisor, Ms. Heather Maxwell
Associate Vice-President Student Experience, Dr. Keltie Jones
Manager of Student Recruitment, Mr. Jeremy Neilson

Resource:
Institutional Analyst, Ms. Isabelle Cormier
Undergraduate Student Rep, Ms. Cheyenne Hardy

Faculty Representatives (6):
Prof. Rhonda Bursey, Professional Studies:  January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Michelle Eskritt, Arts & Science:  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Prof. Jennifer Guy, Professional Studies:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Amna Mizra, Education: July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Ms. Jillian Ruhl, Professional Studies, November 25, 2022 – June 30, 2025
 Dr. Alexandra Tsedryk, Arts & Science:  March 31, 2023 – June 30, 2025

Graduate Studies Scholarships, Assistantships, and Awards (GSAA)

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, Ms. Michelle Ball

Faculty Representatives (5):  
Dr. Mary Jane Harkins, GEDU:  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac, GEDU:  January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Jonathon MeDrano, GCYS:  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Dr. Martha Walls, Arts & Science:  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Dr. Kyly Whitfield, GAHN:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024

University Research Ethics Board (UREB)

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. Ardra Cole

Vice Chair:
Dr. Jeff Young

External Community Members:
Mr. David Braha (to June 30, 2024)
Ms. Brianna Drover (to June 30, 2024)
Mr. Justin Hiltz (to June 30, 2025)

Ex-Officio Members:
Research Ethics Co-ordinator, Ms. Brenda Gagne
Member knowledgeable in the law, Vacant

Faculty Representatives (10):
Dr. Ardra Cole, Education:  January 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023
Dr. Derek Fisher, Arts & Science: October 29, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Arron Fraser, Professional Studies:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Áine Humble, Professional Studies:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Sara King, Education:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Christine Lackner, Arts & Science:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Ian Pottie, Arts & Science: January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Mirwais Qaderi, Arts & Science:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. William Shead, Arts & Science:  January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Jeff Young, Professional Studies:  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023

Student Judicial Committee (SJC)

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. Nargess Kayhani

Student Representatives:
Ms. Katie Crawley (Regular)
Mr. Michael Gillis (Alternate)
Ms. Cheyenne Hardy (Regular)
Ms. Maddison Short-Robertson (Alternate)

Faculty Representatives (2 + 2 Alternates):
Dr. Candace Blayney (Alternate):  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Dr. Nargess Kayhani (Regular):  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Jeff McKinnon (Regular):  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Dr. Shane Theunissen (Alternate):  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023

Student Discipline Appeals Committee (SDAC)

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. Deborah Norris

Student Representatives:
Ms. Katie Crawley (Alternate)
Mr. Michael Gillis (Regular)
Ms. Cheyenne Hardy (Alternate)
Ms. Maddison Short-Robertson (Regular)

Faculty Representatives (2 + 2 Alternates):  
Dr. Candace Blayney (Alternate):  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Prof. Maria Matthews (Regular):  January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Deborah Norris (Regular):  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Shane Theunissen (Alternate):  July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023

Term Ended
Dr. Joan Turner (Regular):  July 1, 2020 – December 31, 2022

Note: Italics denote terms which do not include the entire academic year.

Writing Initiatives Committee (WIC)

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 (14.10.1).

Chair:
Dr. Nathaniel Street

Ex-Officio Members:
English Department Writing Coordinator, Dr. Nathaniel Street
Director of Teaching and Learning, or designate, Dr. Scott MacMillan
Representative, Writing Centre, Ms. Clare Goulet
Representative, International Education Centre, Ms. Sarah Jacques
Representative, Committee on Teaching & Learning (by annual invitation),

Student Member:
Mr. Michael Gillis

Faculty Representatives (4):
Dr. Catherine Baillie-Abidi, Professional Studies, March 10, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Eddia Copeland Solas, Education:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Ms. Alyssa Doue, Sciences:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Juliette Valcke, Arts:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024