From Laurel’s Desk – December 2017 | Academic Newsletter | Seneca Polytechnic

in the December 2017 issue

It has been a long and challenging semester for everyone and we are all looking forward to some time to relax and recharge before returning to complete the fall semester in early January. The strike lasted far longer than any of us could have predicted and, as the time passed, anxiety levels increased. It was a great relief to all of us, particularly our students, to have faculty back in our classrooms, labs, and studios. I am tremendously proud of the work faculty, academic administrators, and staff have done to plan and implement course completion plans and to provide assistance to students. You have demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and flexibility while maintaining standards and modelling the characteristics that we wish for our graduates. Thank you!

Despite the strike, Editor Ashley Ribbel has managed to pull together a number of short articles from contributors across the academic and student services departments. This edition of the newsletter contains an update on Academic College Council by chair JoAnn Purcell. Of particular note is the policy review work that will be ongoing while we convert our large Academic Policy document consisting of several articles and appendices into separate policies with associated procedures. We are introduced to Dominic Beaudry, a new faculty member who will help us expand our Indigenous curriculum. Our focus on experiential learning continues and Jennifer Graham provides an introduction to a new platform designed to provide students with an opportunity to highlight their skills and experience. Spotlights on academic integrity by Joanna Blair and Linda Facchini are complemented by an introduction from Cristina Arlia to our Academic Integrity “program” concept, and how we are working with and learning from our colleagues at other institutions. David Johnston and Davina Greenberg’s article on memory aids clarifies their use for accommodated students. Sharon Kinasz reminds us of the important dates and processes as we begin to wrap up the fall semester. Monica Kronfli introduces the International Education Committee, and Kevin Pitts provides us with an update on the Educational Technology Advisory Committee. And, last, but not least, our Teaching & Learning team has contributed articles, updates, and tips. I would like to thank each contributor and our editor for their contributions.

There are also two calls for members in this issue: Academic Integrity Sub-Committee (see the Academic Integrity at Seneca article) and the International Education Committee (see the International Education Committee article). If you are interested in serving on either of these committees, please send a letter of interest to the contact person for each committee by Friday, January 26, 2018.

In closing, thank you for the work you have done to support our students’ learning. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you in January!

Laurel

Photo credit: Jordann Rae, second semester student in the Independent Digital Photography Program

View the December 2017 issue of the Academic Newsletter.