Approve the changes to the compositions and terms of reference of the Senate Agenda, Awards and Nominating Committees

Senator Britton reported that the review included feedback from the university community, Senators, Senate committees, and committee chairs, and resulted in recommendations regarding changes to the composition and terms of reference of Senate committees, including the merger of the Senate Library Committee and Senate Teaching and Learning Committee into the Senate Teaching, Learning, and Library Committee, effective September 1, 2026. Senator Britton explained that the merger recognized the relationship between library services and the academic mission of the University. He noted that the new committee structure increased student representation and recommended that the new committee review its terms of reference following its establishment. Senator Laura Moss spoke regarding the proposed establishment of the Teaching, Learning, and Library Committee. She noted that the Teaching and Learning Committee had met earlier that day to discuss the merger and supported the proposal. She identified substantial overlap between the committees but raised questions regarding workload and the potential deferral of important issues. She noted that the Teaching and Learning Committee provided an opportunity for indepth discussion and expressed concern that adding another committee within the same timeframe could limit the ability to address matters thoroughly. She indicated that, while considering workload implications, the Teaching and Learning Committee supported the merger. Senator Richard Spencer commented on the report’s recommendation that no changes be made to the Academic Policy Committee. He noted that the External Review of Senate had recommended significant changes and that the committee’s work had focused primarily on implementing policy through changes to academic regulations rather than addressing significant academic policy matters. He indicated that he hoped future consideration would be given to the role of the Academic Policy Committee. The University Librarian, Senator Susan Parker, identified the Library’s role in supporting teaching, learning, research, and scholarship, and noted that library matters extended across the University. She indicated that the proposed committee merger could provide benefits while noting the importance of maintaining opportunities for in-depth discussion of issues and reviewing the committee’s work during the next triennium. Senator Santokh Singh commented on the proposed merger and noted that the Library Committee had a unique role that did not fit within a single combined committee due to its connections with other areas, including research. He indicated that the Library Committee’s independent status allowed it to address library-specific matters and noted that he preferred it to remain a separate committee with revised terms of reference. Senator Francis Andrew commented on the proposed merger and noted the importance of maintaining a Senate committee with Library in its name. He noted that library matters extended beyond teaching and learning, including university-wide activities, new technologies, and national and international developments. Senator Britton noted that the Teaching and Learning Committee supported the motion and that Senator Parker, University Librarian, also supported it. In response to comments regarding academic policy, he advised that governance matters would be considered during discussion of the external review. He explained that the current item concerned the substantive changes to the committees’ Terms of Reference and membership.