New Code of Conduct for Suppliers Approved
During its final meeting of 2004, B of G approved a new code of conduct for U of G suppliers, a revised animal-care policy and a new master plan for the Arboretum. Governors were also briefed on the final report from the Presidential Task Force on Accessibility to University Education.
President Alastair Summerlee presented the University's code of ethical conduct for suppliers and subcontractors (see story). It's significantly different from the one adopted in 1999. The changes reflect a shared desire to increase U of G's commitment to applying standards of ethical conduct in its purchasing practices, Summerlee said. The revisions were identified by a special cross-University committee during a three-year consultation process.
B of G also approved changes to the University's animal-care policy and procedures. First adopted in 1973, the policy recently underwent a comprehensive review that included broad consultation. The policy was revised to bring it into accord with changes developed by the Canadian Council on Animal Care, the federal agency responsible for assessing institutions that use animals in research.
The changes were circulated to all faculty and approved by the Joint Faculty Policy Committee, the Research Board and Senate before going to B of G.
The new Arboretum master plan was brought forward by governor Robin-Lee Norris, who chaired the master plan steering committee. It has been in development over the past year and has involved an extensive consultative process.
Landscape architecture professor Jim Taylor, who co-ordinated the steering committee, outlined the plan for B of G. It includes a reorganized road system, a new entrance via College Avenue and assessing the future needs for collections, gardens and natural areas management. Efforts will now focus on an accompanying operational plan that will explore how to implement goals.
Provost and vice-president (academic) Maureen Mancuso presented the final report from the Presidential Task Force on Accessibility to University Education, which she chaired. It's the culmination of more than a year of research, analysis and consultations. Task force members Prof. Sally Humphries, Josh Alcock and David Hornsby took part in the presentation.
The report contains recommendations for U of G to consider as part of a strategic plan to enhance accessibility to the University, as well as suggested changes at the provincial and federal levels. These include establishing a deferred tuition plan, revising student financial assistance programs, and reaching out to aboriginal and minority populations.
Summerlee said he is seeking comments and advice from the University community and general public with respect to moving forward with the task force's recommendations.
In other business, B of G approved naming a room on the third floor of the McLaughlin Library the Florence Partridge Room in memory of the University's former chief librarian, who died last February. She was a longtime U of G volunteer and benefactor, supporting the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre, the science complex and the Library Learning Commons.
B of G also received an update on the science complex construction and reviewed semester financial statements.
