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Analytical Lenses for Evaluating Agenda Items

Members of the Senate Committee on Academic Development and Procedures (SCADP) use the following principles for evaluation of agenda items. Each analytical lens is directly linked to SCADP’s responsibilities, as outlined in the terms of reference.

1. Process and Compliance Lens:

• Due Process: Ensure proposals follow all required steps, including consultations and alignment with university policies. This aligns with SCADP’s role in overseeing academic planning processes (Term 2, 5).
• Policy Adherence: Verify that proposals adhere to established policies, including Queen's University Quality Assurance Processes (QUQUAP) and academic integrity standards (Term 6, 9).

2. Strategic Alignment Lens:

• University Priorities: Assess how well proposals align with the university’s strategic priorities, including the Academic Plan, as part of SCADP’s responsibility to monitor the Academic Plan’s implementation and revision (Term 1, 2).
• Long-Term Impact: Consider the long-term academic and strategic implications of proposals in supporting the university’s goals (Term 1, 4, 5).

3. Academic Quality and Innovation Lens:

• Quality Assurance: Evaluate whether proposals meet or exceed academic quality standards. This is central to SCADP’s role in reviewing new program proposals and changes to existing programs (Term 4, 5, 6).
• Innovation: Encourage innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and research that respond to changing academic needs (Term 2).

4. Financial and Resource Lens:

• Financial Implications: Consider the financial impact of proposals, including costs and benefits. This links to SCADP’s responsibility to consider the financial implications of new programs (Term 4).
• Resource Allocation: Consider the efficient use of resources and the sustainability of initiatives (Term 4).

5. I-EDIAA Lens (Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism, and Accessibility):

• Inclusivity: Ensure proposals promote inclusivity and accessibility. This aligns with SCADP’s broader role in promoting a diverse and inclusive academic environment (Term 1, 2).
• I-EDIAA Impact: Evaluate how proposals contribute to the university’s commitment to Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and accessibility (Term 1).

6. Risk and Feasibility Lens:

• Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks associated with proposals and ensure that these are adequately addressed. This is part of SCADP’s role in overseeing the development of new programs and academic units (Term 3, 4, 5).
• Feasibility: Consider whether proposals are realistic and achievable within the proposed timeframe and resources (Term 4).

SCADP Roles and Responsibilities

1. Academic Development and Strategic Planning:

• Formulate and Recommend Principles and Policies: Develop and recommend principles, policies, and priorities for the academic development of the university to the Senate (Term 1).
• Ongoing Academic Planning: Oversee and formulate rigorous processes for ongoing academic planning, ensuring responsiveness to changing needs in teaching and learning, and monitor implementation of the Academic Plan (Term 2).
• Periodic Revision of the Academic Plan: Oversee the periodic revision and renewal of the University’s Academic Plan to ensure alignment with strategic priorities (Term 2).

2. Academic Structures and Programs:

• New Academic Units: Recommend the establishment of new faculties, schools, centres, departments, and academic chairs/professorships, and approve minor changes to the terms of reference of such positions (Term 3).
• New Program Proposals: Assess the academic quality and financial implications of proposals for new programs leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate (Term 4).
• Changes to Existing Programs: Evaluate and recommend changes that substantially alter existing programs of study (Term 5).

3. Quality Assurance and Policy Development:

• Amend Quality Assurance Processes: Recommend amendments to ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ Quality Assurance Processes (QUQUAP) (Term 6).
• Academic Integrity and Policies: Develop and recommend policies on academic integrity, grading systems, student transcripts, examination standards, and convocation standards (Term 9, 12, 13, 14).
• Admissions and Enrolment: Advise on university-wide admission policies and recommend enrolment plans developed by the Strategic Enrolment Management Group (Term 7, 8).

4. Approval and Advisory Roles:

• Dates and Academic Approvals: Approve sessional dates and Faculty Board-certified lists of degrees, diplomas, and certificates (Term 10, 17).
• University Calendars and Naming: Advise on the publication of University Calendars and recommend names or changes to the names of academic units, degrees, and programs/plans (Term 11).
• Academic Hoods: Approve the design of new academic hoods (Term 18).

SCADP Sub-Committee: Transcript Working Group Terms of Reference

Purpose: 

The Transcript Working Group (TWG) is a sub-committee of the Senate Committee on Academic Development and Policies established to develop, review, and recommend policies related to the management, issuance, and content of student academic transcripts. The committee will also serve as a forum to discuss and address any student transcript-related issues, ensuring that the University’s transcript policies align with provincial regulations, best practices, and the institution’s academic standards.

Mandate:

The TWG is mandated to:

• Develop a comprehensive Transcript Policy covering all aspects of academic transcript creation, maintenance, access, security, and distribution.
• Review current transcript practices and identify areas for improvement or compliance risks.
• Ensure transcript policies comply with Ontario post-secondary education regulations, privacy laws (e.g., Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act - FIPPA), and national accreditation standards.
• Address student and administrative concerns related to transcript issuance and contents.
• Recommend procedures for transcript amendment and dispute resolution.
• Advise on technological or procedural enhancements for transcript services (e.g., digital transcripts, electronic delivery).
• Liaise with relevant University departments including the Registrar’s Office, IT Services, Student Affairs, and Legal Services.
• Submit recommendations and final policy drafts to Senate for approval.

Membership: 

The TWG shall consist of:

• Chair: Appointed by the SCADP Chair
• Registrar or designate (ex-officio)
• Representative from Faculty (at least two members from diverse faculties)
• Representative from the Office of the Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) or equivalent senior academic office
• Representative from Division of Student Affairs
• Representative from School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
• Student representation (undergraduate and graduate)
• Representative from the University Secretariat and Legal Counsel (as needed)
• Representative from the Office of the Ombudsperson
• Representative from the Human Rights and Equity Office
• IT Services representative (as needed for technical input)

Meetings:

• The TWG will meet monthly or as required to meet deadlines.
• A quorum shall be a majority of appointed members.
• Minutes will be recorded and regular reports will be provided to SCADP

Reporting:

• The TWG reports directly to SCADP.
• Interim reports may be provided upon request.
• A final report and draft Transcript Policy will be submitted for SCADP and then to Senate for approval.