Academic College Council Update | Academic Newsletter | Seneca Polytechnic

by Julie McGuigan, Academic College Council Chair

in the March 2021 issue

It is time to step into Spring! The nice weather is finally here, and we have to pack up our backyard rinks and set up our basketball nets.

We are halfway through our winter semester and Academic College Council has only three meetings left until summer break. It is hard to believe we have been online for just over a year. Chairing online meetings is like hosting the game show Hollywood Squares! I think I have found the perfect routine: I throw on my best shirt with leggings, clear my background, make sure I keep a close eye on everyone’s mute button, and cross my fingers that my video does not freeze in a crazy pose!

Academic College Council continues to review and revise our policies. This year, we are focusing on the Learn@Seneca Minimum Requirements policy as well as the General Education and Liberal Studies policies. We have had several interesting presentations and updates from International Student Services, the Au Large working group, Program Quality, and the Academic Integrity sub-committee. I would like to highlight Kirsti Clarida’s Microsoft Teams Site presentation. She shared an interactive student orientation to mimic a live experience from the comfort of home. Kirsti discussed the design of the site and demonstrated how she uploaded program information relevant to students and created a chat functionality in which faculty and students engage and share information. This also linked students to other important information on the College’s website such the bookstore, COVID-19 updates, and student supports. This application was a huge success and was a positive information platform that enhanced students’ experiences.

Academic College Council looks forward to hearing about the Program Review and Modification policy, as well as updates from the Academic Appeal working group and the Counselling and Accessibility Services office.

I would like to invite you to bring forward items related to academics or online student experiences that we can discuss at future Academic College Council meetings. Please email me at julie.mcguigan@senecacollege.ca or contact your Council member ().

I look forward to hearing from you!

View the March 2021 issue of the Academic Newsletter.