Academic College Council Update | Academic Newsletter | Seneca Polytechnic

by Julie McGuigan, Academic College Council Chair

in the September 2020 issue

This has been an unprecedented year. We begin this academic session mostly online with hopes of coming together face to face; however, the future is unknown and for the time being we are working and learning in a virtual world. Despite the logistical challenges, the Seneca community adapted to an online platform. It wasn’t easy for students, faculty, staff, and administrators, and we continue to learn how best to support students and one another. The Academic College Council (ACC) continued to meet virtually and we were able to complete the goals set out in the 2019-2020 work plan as indicated in our .

Over the past year, the ACC continued to work on policy review and renewal to further develop best practices across the institution. Our Academic Appeal, Academic Integrity, and Admissions policies were modified to address gaps based on the greater Seneca community needs. We also reviewed the Course Outline, Student Assessment, and Student Progression and Promotion policies. The ACC deeming that no substantive changes were necessary. The work plan also included the launch and updates on the Blackboard Ultra Project, the introduction of a new Transfer Credit process, discussions pertaining to exam review and exam week processes, and several updates from the services areas.

I am looking forward to my new role within the committee. I have been part of the Seneca community for fifteen years and the ACC for the past five. In that time, I have worked in Degree and Credit Transfer, Student Recruitment, the School of College Work Dual Credit, and taught part-time and developed curriculum in various faculties. My current role as Academic Advisor for the Faculty of Applied Arts and Health Sciences gives me the opportunity to stay in touch with students, faculty, and program needs.

I have had the opportunity to work alongside the very dedicated ACC members who have the common goal of student success. For the past three years, I have had the pleasure of working under the guidance of our past Chair Joanne Purcell. During her tenure, the committee was able to successfully revise academic policies to better align with Seneca’s Strategic Plan. Her leadership ensured that the committee was able to have open and collaborative discussions which allowed us to grow as a group as well as individually. I would like to thank her for support and guidance as I step into the Chair position. I have huge shoes to fill, but I am looking forward to the challenge.

View the September 2020 issue of the Academic Newsletter.