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.
Standing Committees
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:
Carson Cameron, President of the Students’ Union
Faculty Representatives (4):
Dr. Gabrielle Durepos: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Michelle Eskritt-Keck: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Diane Piccitto: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Larry Steele: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
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 (January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025)
Dr. Karen Blotnicky (until December 31, 2024)
Ex-Officio Members:
Registrar, Stephanie Hale Wills (non-voting)
Student Members:
Marie-Dominique N’da
Batoul Nour
Meghna Minocha (Alternate)
Koen Schlief (Alternate)
Faculty Representatives (6):
Dr. Angela Birt, Arts & Science (Alternate): July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Karen Blotnicky, Professional Studies (Regular): July 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024
Dr. Fred French, Education (Regular): July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Prof. Linda Mann, Professional Studies (Alternate): July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Amna Mirza, Education (Alternate): January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Peter Mombourquette, Professional Studies (Regular): January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Mirwais Qaderi, Arts & Science (Regular): July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
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
Director of Teaching and Learning, Vacant
Registrar, Stephanie Hale Wills (non-voting)
Student Members:
Anu Damodaran
August Duquette
Faculty Representatives (6):
Dr. Robert Bérard, Education: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Danielle Cox, Arts & Science: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Fred French, Education: January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Janice Keefe, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Melissa McGonnell, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Sarah Reddington, Professional Studies: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Dr. Krista Ritchie, Education: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
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, Dr. Fred French
Student Member:
Simranpreet Kaur
Faculty Representatives (5):
Dr. Adrian Downey, Education: June 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Shannan Grant (GAHN): January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Gavin Kernaghan, Arts & Science: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Deborah Norris (FSGN): July 1, 2024 – June 20, 2027
Dr. DeNel Rehberg Sedo (GPRL): July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
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:
Anu Damodaran
Faculty Representatives (5):
Dr. Derek Fisher, Arts & Science: January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Roni Gechtman, Arts & Science: July 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024
Dr. Alla Kushniryk, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Arthur McCalla, Arts & Science: September 22, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Gerald Tembrevilla, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Donna Varga, Professional Studies: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
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. Christine Doe, Education: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Alex Khasnabish, Arts & Science: April 2, 2024 – June 30, 2026
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:
Prabhleen Kaur
Faculty Representatives (7):
Dr. Lori Borgal, Arts & Science: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Robert Farmer, Professional Studies: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Michael Lin, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Maria Matthews, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Karyn McLellan, Arts & Science: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Librarian Alina Ruiz, Library: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Gerald Tembrevilla, Education: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
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).
Co-Chairs: Dr. Conor Barker & Dr. Christine McLean
Ex-Officio Member:
University Librarian, Jeannie Bail (as of August 9, 2024)
Professional Librarian: Dr. Nicole Slipp
Student Members:
Simranpreet Kaur
Meghna Minocha
Faculty Representatives (6):
Dr. David Awde, Sciences: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Conor Barker, Social Sciences: March 10, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Nicholous Deal, Professional Studies: March 10, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Andrea Fraser, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Christine McLean, Professional Studies, Senator: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Jamie Metsala, Education: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
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:
Dr. Melissa McGonnell
Ex-Officio Member:
Secretary of Senate, Prof. Paula Crouse
Faculty Representatives (5):
Dr. Danielle Cox, Arts & Science: May 3, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Christine Doe, Education, July 10, 2023 – June 30, 2026
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
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. Michelle Eskritt, Social Sciences: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Jennifer Khoury, Social Sciences, September 27, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. KelleyAnne Malinen, Social Sciences: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Ian Pottie, Sciences: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Krista Ritchie, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Librarian Alina Ruiz, Library: January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Bernadette Russo, Humanities: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Amy Thurlow, Professional Studies: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
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, Katerina Allan
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 Battan
Student Members:
Carson Cameron, President of the Students’ Union
Grace MacInnis, Vice-President Student Life
Faculty Representatives (3):
Dr. Angie Birt, Arts & Science: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Lab Instructor Alyssa Doue, Arts & Science: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Lab Instructor Jillian Ruhl, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
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. Krista Ritchie
Ex-Officio Members:
Vice-President Academic and Provost, Dr. Lori Francis
Representative, Teaching and Learning Centre, Dr. Leigh-Ann MacFarlane
Director of Teaching and Learning or designate, Dr. Emily Ballantyne
Teaching Award recipients:
– Early Career: Dr. Nicholous Deal
– Part-Time: Prof. Reem Abuzaytoun
– Advanced Career: Dr. Christine Doe
Student Member:
August Duquette
Faculty Representatives (4):
Dr. Adriana Benzaquén, Arts & Science: March 31, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Prof. Jeff McKinnon, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Krista Ritchie, Education: January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026
Lab Instructor Kevin Shaughnessy, Arts & Science, January 27, 2023 – June 30, 2025
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 of Admissions and Registration, Kathryn McCabe
Financial Aid Coordinator, Alexa Goucher
Student Academic Advisor, Heather Maxwell
Associate Vice-President Student Experience, Dr. Keltie Jones
Manager of Student Recruitment, Jeremy Neilson
Resource:
Institutional Analyst, Kevin Estiberio
Undergraduate Student Rep, Juliana Fanning
Faculty Representatives (6):
Dr. Sandi Findlay-Thompson, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Lab Instructor Megan Fisher, Science: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Lab Instructor Jillian Ruhl, Professional Studies, November 25, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Will Shead, Arts & Science: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Alexandra Tsedryk, Arts & Science: March 31, 2023 – June 30, 2025
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, Kathryn McCabe
Faculty Representatives (5):
Dr. Angela Birt, Arts & Science: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Maya Eichler, GWGS: July 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024
Dr. Andrea Fraser, GEDU: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Mary Jane Harkins, GEDU: July 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024
Dr. Phillip Joy, GAHN: January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Alla Kushniryk, GPRL: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Tess Laidlaw, GPRL: January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
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, 2024 – June 30, 2026
Vice Chair:
Dr. Will Shead, July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
External Community Members:
David Braha (to June 30, 2027)
Justin Hiltz (to June 30, 2025)
Ex-Officio Members:
Research Ethics Co-ordinator, Brenda Gagne
Member knowledgeable in the law, Vacant
Faculty Representatives (10):
Dr. Andrea Fraser, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Arron Fraser, Professional Studies: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Christine Lackner, Arts & Science: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Amna Mirza, Education: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
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. Daniel Wadden, Professional Studies, January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Jeff Young, Professional Studies: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Vacancy
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:
Lillian Flynn (Alternate)
Devora Goldberg
Marie-Dominique N’da
Jessie Taylor (Alternate)
Faculty Representatives (2 + 2 Alternates):
Dr. Graham Fraser (Regular): July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Normand Gendron (Alternate): July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Tina Harriott (Regular): July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Ellen Shaffner (Alternate): July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
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. Stephen Perrott
Student Representatives:
Juliana Fanning (Alternate)
Jackson MacIntyre
Meghna Minocha (Alternate)
Batoul Nour
Faculty Representatives (2 + 2 Alternates):
Dr. Normand Gendron (Alternate): July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Maria Matthews (Regular): January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Stephen Perrott (Regular): July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Dr. Ellen Shaffner (Alternate): July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
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: Dr. Emily Ballantyne
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, Sarah Jacques
Representative, Committee on Teaching & Learning (by annual invitation),
Student Member:
Meghna Minocha
Faculty Representatives (4):
Dr. Catherine Baillie-Abidi, Professional Studies, March 10, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Lab Instructor Alyssa Doue, Science: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Dr. Eddia Copeland Solas, Education: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Nicole Slipp, Library: September 22, 2023 – June 30, 2026
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. Gabie Durepos: January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Dr. Jeff MacLeod: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
