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Terms of Reference
The Senate Educational Equity Committee (SEEC) exists to develop and review the efficacy of academic policy and procedures that enable and support the achievement of institutional goals related to educational Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism (I-EDIAA) as articulated in the University’s mission, vision, values, and strategy. Educational I-EDIAA relates to the availability of supports and resources for all instructors and students that provide the opportunity for academic success, professional development, and personal growth recognizing the full diversity of the community through the removal of barriers to education and participation in the academic life of the university for everyone, with an emphasis on decolonization and Indigenization of curriculum and institutional practice
SEEC's mandate includes matters related to developing and reviewing the efficacy of academic policy, receiving recommendations, commissioning studies, and analyzing data associated with university wide educational I-EDIAA goals and initiatives.
The Committee shall execute its mandate by carrying out the following activities:
- Reviewing and, where necessary, recommending revision to existing policies and procedures, or recommending the creation of new policy, related to educational I-EDIAA;
- Recommending and overseeing research to inform the development or implementation of educational I-EDIAA related policy;
- Receiving information from respective administrative and academic bodies, such as the Centre for Teaching and Learning, Queen’s Learning Commons , Faculty and School support services, and other Senate committees, such as the Senate Committee on Academic Development and Procedures or the Senate Cyclical Program Review Committee, on the effectiveness of the implementation and administration of educational I-EDIAA related policy in practice;
- Assisting and supporting academic units in developing educational I-EDIAA plans based on policies and procedures;
- Reviewing systemic barriers in curriculum, program design, degree level expectations, and access to education at the university through the development and oversight of effective accommodation policies and procedures; and
- Coordinating the execution of its responsibilities with other bodies at Queen's responsible for I-EDIAA related policy, such as the University Council on Anti-Racism and Equity or the Indigenous Council, and with the officers of the University who have responsibility for the implementation of educational I-EDIAA related policy.
The Committee’s work as it relates to policy and educational I-EDIAA plans may focus on the following in partnership with the university units charged with overall responsibility and accountability for the work described below:
- Access as it pertains to the recruitment, retention, and graduation of students who have historically been under-represented, underserved and/or disadvantaged in university programs;
- Context and climate with respect to the provision and maintenance of a supportive and welcoming educational and learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff; and
- Content and practice as they concern the promotion of education and training for students, faculty, and staff on educational I-EDIAA issues associated with curriculum, pedagogy, and the broader learning environment.
The Committee shall provide an annual report of its activities to the Senate in addition to monthly Chair’s reports.
Composition
Ex Officio
Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning), or delegate
Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, or delegate
Academic Dean, or faculty delegate
University Council on Anti-Racism and Equity representative
Queen’s University Faculty Association Equity Representative
Alma Mater Society Commissioner of Social Issues
Society of Graduate and Professional Students Equity and Diversity Commissioner
Elected
Faculty senator
Faculty x 2
Elected AMS Student x 1
Elected SGPS Student x 1
Elected Staff x 1
Non-voting Advisory
Associate Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion), or delegate
Associate Vice-Principal (Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation) or delegate
The Committee shall be chaired by its faculty senator member or one of its two faculty members at large.
The term lengths for elected Committee members shall be two years.