Summary of the November 25, 2024 Meeting of Senate

Monday, December 2, 2024

A message from the Secretariat.

Summary of the November 25, 2024 Meeting of Senate

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.

The following items were approved at the meeting:

  • Individuals to be awarded honorary degrees (confidential session)
  • 2025-2026 academic calendar dates and calendar guidelines for establishing academic dates

Additionally, Senate received reports on the following matters:

  • Statement of Institutional Neutrality, with Senate discussion/feedback to inform the Presidential Advisory Committee on Freedom of Expression and Inclusive Engagement in its review of the statement (committee activity to commence in early 2025)
  • Annual Report from the University Committee on Student Appeals, with summary data pertaining to student discipline offences both academic and non-academic
  • Report on Fall 2024 convocation graduates, and report on convocation metrics for 2024 including:
    • Degrees awarded with delineation by faculty, by degree/diploma type etc.
    • Honorary degrees and other special awards that are bestowed at convocation
    • Attendance at the ceremonies (both in-person and online viewers)
    • Participation from within the University community to support the success of these ceremonies

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.