The University of Waterloo Senate is comprised of faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, governors, and administrative staff who are both elected and ex-officio members. This governing body of the institution is the highest authority on academic matters and meets regularly to discuss topics such as academic programs, educational policies, appointments, and other academic priorities.
At the January 29, 2024 meeting, the following items were approved:
- Major program modifications:
- New specialization plans in quantum engineering, nanotechnology engineering, and planning
- Inactivation of the Global Experience Certificate
- Revisions to the Institutional Quality Assurance Process (IQAP)
- Dissolution of the Survey Research Centre
- Revisions to Policy 76 – Faculty Appointments and to Policy 77 – Tenure and Promotion of Faculty Members, with a recommendation to the Board of Governors to give final approval to said revisions
- Approval of several individuals as candidates to receive the honorary titles Distinguished Professor Emeritus/a, as well as Honorary Member of the University
- Revisions to academic regulations:
- Academic accommodations regarding self-declaration of short-term illness
- Invalid credit combinations in certain diploma programs
- Co-op plan requirements and repeat course rule, both within the Faculty of Environment
Additionally, Senate received updates for information:
- 2023 annual report of the Office of Vice-President, Research and International
- Faculty update presentation – Environment
- Undergraduate and graduate admissions data, with projections for Fall 2024
- Report from the University Committee on Student Appeals re: data on academic offences in the September 2022-August 2023 period
For more information
Visit the Senate website to find the meeting agenda and related materials for all recent Senate meetings, as well as dates for upcoming meetings. The Secretariat will make Zoom links available to those wishing to attend meetings virtually.
If you have any questions, please contact the Secretariat at senate@uwaterloo.ca.