Senate Platform | Zarifa for VPAUA

On Senate, I will focus on...

Review Policy V-102 (Examination Hardships and Clashes) so that the definition of an exam hardship is more flexible and reflective of real student circumstances
Review Policy V-103 (Use of the Formal Examination Periods) to improve clarity around the definition of “In-term Examinations” and advocate to ensure that no exams are being held within the two weeks before the formal examination period, and for the removal of the formal examination requirement for first and second-year courses

Accommodations & Textbook Policies

Ensure that student priorities and consultation are at the centre of the review of Policy LR7 (Disability Accommodations), and advocate for the removal of vague language and integration of temporary health issues into the policy
Work to establish a policy to cap textbook costs

Review the GenAI Teaching and Learning Guidelines to focus more on the integration of GenAI tools like ChatGPT into teaching and learning activities, rather than its prohibition
Advocate for the permanent extension of the course withdrawal deadline to the last day of classes
Advocate for past course syllabi to be available during course registration
Ensure that a centralized exam database is approved in principle by Senate

Continue advocating for the expansion of the Black Faculty Cohort Hiring Initiative to hire more than 23 Faculty members and expand this initiative to include Indigenous Faculty members as well
Work to establish a Standing Committee on Academic Diversity and Inclusion to facilitate the implementation of the Inclusion Action Plan and Indigenous Strategic Plan
Work with the necessary bodies to engage in broader curriculum review in line with the Inclusion Action Plan to ensure that courses, where possible, are cognizant of historical anti-Black racism, discrimination and Indigenous issues

Collaborate with AMS Marketing and Communications to raise awareness of the work of Senate, where possible
Work to ensure all Committee meetings of Senate are open and transparent
Advocate for term limits for Senators
Advocate for the implementation of the Senate External Review Recommendations to be prioritized, with particular emphasis on EDI training for Senators (Rec. #8), improving communications and engagement (Rec. #9), and increased resourcing (Rec. #10)