In accordance with the Nipissing University Act of 1992, the direction and operations of the University are determined by a bicameral governance: the Senate and the Board of Governors. In 2007-08, Nipissing University undertook a review and restructuring of its Senate and moved to a representational model.
Members of the Senate include: the President; the Provost and Vice-President Academic and Research; the Vice-President Finance and Administration, the Deans; the Registrar; the Executive Director, Library Services; 39 elected members of the teaching staff, six student Senators as well as representatives from the Alumni Association, Board of Governors and the Aboriginal Council on Education.
The duties and mandate of the Board of Governors and the Senate are generally divided based on administration and academic requirements, with the Senate and its various committees and subcommittees assessing the academic needs of the University. This includes evaluating new programs and courses, approval of graduates, establishing admission requirements and searches for selection committees.
The Senate meets approximately 10 times a year. Follow the links to review Senate minutes or to learn more about the various standing committees created by the Senate.
Mandate of the Senate
The mandate of the Senate is to establish the educational policies of the university and make recommendations to the Board regarding any matter of academic concern to the university.
Powers of the Senate
- Recommend to the Board the establishment, maintenance, modification or termination of organizational structures such as departments, faculties, schools, departments or chairs within the University
- Establish, modify or remove curricula of all courses of instruction, including extension courses
- Determine procedures for and polices concerning the qualifications of members of faculty within the University with respect to appointments, promotions and the granting and termination of tenure
- Determine standards of admission of students to the University
- Determine conduct and results of examinations in all faculties
- Hear and determine appeals from faculty councils on examinations and admission applications
- Grant all degrees including honorary degrees, diplomas, certificates and other awards
- Consider and coordinate long-range academic planning
- Consider and recommend policies to the Board policies concerning the allocation or use of University resources for academic purposes
- Create councils and committees with the authority to act on any matter
- Make By-laws and regulations for the conduct of its affairs
Senate Composition
The membership of the Academic Senate consists of:
- President (chair)
- Provost Vice-President Academic & Research
- Associate Vice President Academic Studies
- Deans of each Faculty
- Registrar
- Executive Director of Library Services
- 2 Board representatives
- 7 Student representatives
- Elected faculty Senators (41 elected for the 2014-15 academic year)
- 2 Elected faculty Senators (one from each of the regional campuses)
- 2 Elected limited-term representatives
- 2 Elected instructor representatives (<12 month appointees)
- 1 Alumni Advisory Board representative
- 1 Aboriginal Council on Education representative
Senate Committees Include:
Executive | Academic Appeals and Petitions Committee | Academic Awards Committee | Academic Curriculum Committee | Planning and Priorities, Undergraduate Studies, Graduate Studies, Teaching & Learning | Academic Appeals and Petitions Committee | Research Council