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Academic Senate

In accordance with the Nipissing University Act of 1992, the direction and operations of the University are determined by a bicameral governance: the Senate and the Board of Governors. In 2007-08, Nipissing University undertook a review and restructuring of its Senate and moved to a representational model.

Members of the Senate include: the President; the Provost and Vice-President Academic and Research; the Vice-President Finance and Administration, the Deans; the Registrar; the Executive Director, Library Services; 39 elected members of the teaching staff, six student Senators as well as representatives from the Alumni Association, Board of Governors and the Aboriginal Council on Education.

The duties and mandate of the Board of Governors and the Senate are generally divided based on administration and academic requirements, with the Senate and its various committees and subcommittees assessing the academic needs of the University. This includes evaluating new programs and courses, approval of graduates, establishing admission requirements and searches for selection committees.

The Senate meets approximately 10 times a year. Follow the links to review Senate minutes or to learn more about the various standing committees created by the Senate.

Agendas

2025-2026 Senate Agendas

2024-2025 Senate Agendas

Minutes

2025-2026 Minutes

2024-2025 Minutes

Looking for older Agendas and Minutes ❯

2026-27 Senate Membership

Ex-officio Members

  • Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President & Vice-Chancellor (Chair)
  • Dr. Carole Richardson, Interim Provost, Vice-President, Academic (Vice-Chair)
  • Renee Hacquard, Vice-President, Finance and Administration
  • Dr. Barbi Law, Associate Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies
  • Dr. Graydon Raymer, Dean of Education and Professional Studies
  • Dr. Nathan Colborne, Dean of Arts & Science
  • Debra Iafrate, Registrar
  • Dr. Nancy Black, Executive Director - Library Services
  • Patty Chabbert, Director, Office of Indigenous Initiatives
  • Dr. Trevor Holmes, Director of Teaching and Learning

Faculty of Arts and Science

  • Dr. Stephen Connor 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. Reade Davis 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Hilary Earl 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Robin Gendron 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Dr. Kristin Lucas 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Peter Nosko 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Margaret Owens 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Gyllie Phillips (Deputy Speaker) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Dr. Sal Renshaw 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. Katrina Srigley (Speaker) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27 
  • Dr. Susan Srigley 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Herminio Texiera 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Dr. Leslie Thielen-Wilson 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Roxana Vernescu 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Sarah Winters 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Rebecca Kasperavicius 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • VACANT
  • VACANT
  • VACANT
  • VACANT
  • VACANT
  • VACANT

Faculty of Education and Professional Studies

  • Dr. John Allison 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Dr. Dean Hay 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. Ron Hoffman 28-Oct-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Todd Horton 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Dan Jarvis 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Alireza Khorakian 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. Aaron Kociolek 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Alyssa Leblond 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Pat Maher 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Mike McCabe 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. Aimable Nkurunziza 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Laurie Peachey, 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. Cindy Peltier 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. Prasad Ravi 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. Carlo Ricci 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. Alison Schinkel-Ivy 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Inês Taveres 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Ping Zou 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Erin Moorhead 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • VACANT
  • VACANT

Indigenous Council on Education Representative

  • VACANT

Board of Governors Representatives

  • VACANT
  • VACANT

Alumni Advisory Board Representative

  • Riley McEntee 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29

Instructor Representatives

  • Dr. Oriana Pokorny 1-Sep-22 to 31-Aug-25
  • Corina Irwin 1-Sep-22 to 31-Aug-25

Student Representatives

 

  • *Jaden Martin (NUSU VP Communications & Awareness) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • *Nicholas Botham (NUSU VP Governance & Services) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • *Logan Lloyd (NUSU VP Campus Relations) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • Owen Remillard (VP Student Life) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • *Dakota Lamirande (NUSU Undergraduate A&S Rep.) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • *Hilda Konadu (NUSU Undergraduate EPS Rep.) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • *VACANT (NUSU Graduate Rep.) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26

*NUSU voting members

2026-2027 Meeting Dates

 

Senate Meetings

Meetings start at 2:30 p.m. except where noted:

  • Friday, September 11, 2026
  • Friday, October 23, 2026
  • Friday, October 31, 2026
  • Friday, November 27, 2026
  • Friday, January 15, 2027
  • Friday, February 12, 2027
  • Friday, March 12, 2027
  • Friday, April 23, 2027
  • Friday, May 14, 2027 (10:30 a.m. start)

Senate meetings will take place in the Fedeli Theatre (F210) and by Zoom conference for those unable to attend in person.

Senate Executive Committee Meetings

Meetings start at 3:00 p.m.

  • Thursday, August 27, 2026
  • Thursday, October 8, 2026
  • Thursday, November 12, 2026
  • Thursday, January 7, 2027
  • Thursday, January 28, 2027
  • Thursday, February 25, 2027
  • Thursday, April 8, 2027
  • Thursday, April 29, 2027

Senate Executive Committee meetings will take place in the President's Boardroom (F303) and by Teams conference for those unable to attend in person.

Academic Quality Assurance and Planning Committee (AQAPC)

Meetings start at 1:00 p.m.

  • Friday, August 21, 2026
  • Friday, September 25, 2026
  • Friday, November 6, 2026
  • Friday, December 18, 2026
  • Friday, January 22, 2027
  • Friday, February 19, 2027
  • Friday, April 2, 2027
  • Friday, May 14, 2027

AQAPC meetings will take place in the President's Boardroom (F303) with a Teams option for those unable to attend in person.

Academic Curriculum Committee (ACC)

 

2026-2027 ACC meetings to be announced.

ACC meeting rooms will be announced prior to the meeting with a Teams option for those unable to attend in person.

2026-27 Standing Committees of Senate

Senate Executive Committee

  • Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor (Chair)
  • Dr. Carole Richardson, Provost and VP Academic (Vice-Chair)
  • Dr. Barbi Law, Associate VP, Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies
  • Dr. Nathan Colborne, Dean, Arts and Science
  • Dr. Graydon Raymer, Dean, Education and Professional Studies
  • Debra Iafrate, Registrar
  • Dr. Gyllie Phillips (Deputy Senate Speaker) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Dr. Katrina Srigley (Senate Speaker) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Dr. Kristin Lucas (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. John Allison (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Jaden Martin (NUSU Executive) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • Sandy Landriault (Secretary to the Senate) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

Academic Appeals and Petitions Committee

  • Debra Iafrate, Registrar (Chair)
  • Dr. Robin Gendron (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • VACANT (A&S Senator)
  • Andrew Ackerman (A&S non-Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Alison Schinkel-Ivy (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. Prasad Ravi (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • VACANT (EPS non-Senator)
  • Jaden Martin (NUSU Executive) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-29
  • Dakota Lamirande (NUSU A&S Undergraduate Student Rep.) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • Hilda Konadu (NUSU EPS Undergraduate Student Rep.) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • VACANT (NUSU Graduate Student Rep.)
  • Jane Hughes (Secretary to the Registrar) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

Academic Awards Committee

  • Debra Iafrate, Registrar (Chair)
  • Sarah Taylor, AVP Students
  • Patty Chabbert, Director, Office of Indigenous Initiatives
  • Leslie Aitchison, Manager, Financial Aid & Services
  • Steven Smits, Manager, Alumni & Advancement
  • Dr. Margaret Owens (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Mukund Jha (A&S non-Senator) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • VACANT (EPS Senator)
  • Dr. Tina Benevides (EPS non-Senator) 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Logan Lloyd (NUSU Executive) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • Hilda Konadu (NUSU Student Senator) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • Jane Hughes (Secretary to the Registrar) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

Academic Curriculum Committee

  • Dr. Carole Richardson, Provost and VP Academic (Chair)
  • Dr. Barbi Law, VP, Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies
  • Dr. Nathan Colborne, Dean, Arts and Science
  • Dr. Graydon Raymer, Dean, Education and Professional Studies
  • Debra Iafrate, Registrar
  • Dr. Nancy Black, Executive Director of Library Services
  • Dr. Trevor Holmes, Director of Teaching and Learning
  • Robin Gibson, Manager of Quality Assurance and Program Innovation (non-voting)
  • Dr. Roxana Vernescu (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • VACANT (A&S Senator)
  • Dr. Toivo Koivukoski (A&S non-Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Aaron Kociolek (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Prasad Ravi (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. Blaine Hatt (EPS non-Senator) 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • VACANT (A&S) Graduate Program Coordinator
  • Dr. Kurt Clausen (EPS) Graduate Program Coordinator 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Logan Lloyd (NUSU Executive) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-76
  • Dakota Lamirande (NUSU A&S Undergraduate Rep.) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • Hilda Konadu (NUSU EPS Undergraduate Student Rep.) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • VACANT (NUSU Graduate Student Rep.)
  • Jane Hughes (Secretary to the Registrar) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

Academic Quality Assurance and Planning Committee

  • Dr. Carole Richardson, Provost and VP Academic (Chair)
  • Dr. Barbi Law, VP, Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies
  • Dr. Nathan Colborne, Dean, Arts and Science
  • Dr. Graydon Raymer, Dean, Education and Professional Studies
  • Debra Iafrate, Registrar
  • Stephen Tedesco, Director, Institutional Planning and Analysis
  • Dr. Nancy Black, Executive Director of Library Services
  • VACANT (Board of Governors)
  • VACANT (A&S Senator)
  • VACANT (A&S Senator)
  • Dr. Andrew Weeks (A&S non-Senator) 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. Haibin Zhu (A&S non-Senator) 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • VACANT (EPS Senator)
  • VACANT (EPS Senator)
  • Dr. Steve Hansen (EPS non-Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Greg Rickwood (EPS non-Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Logan Lloyd (NUSU Executive) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • Dakota Lamirande (NUSU A&S Undergraduate Student Rep.) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • VACANT (NUSU Graduate Student Rep.)
  • Sandy Landriault (Secretary to the Senate) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

By-laws and Elections Committee

  • Dr. Katrina Srigley (Chair & Senate Speaker) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Dr. Gyllie Phillips (Vice-Chair & Deputy Senate Speaker) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Dr. ​Carole Richardson, Provost and VP Academic 
  • Dr. Herminio Teixeira (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Todd Horton (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Nicholas Botham (NUSU Executive) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • Sandy Landriault (Secretary to the Senate) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

Graduate Studies Committee

  • Dr. Barbi Law, VP, Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies (Chair)
  • Dr. Dan Walters, Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Research
  • Dr. Steve Hansen (Vice-Chair)
  • Dr. ​​Nancy Black, Executive Director of Library Services
  • Debra Iafrate, Registrar
  • Dr. Nathan Colborne, Dean, Arts and Science
  • Dr. Graydon Raymer, Dean, Education and Professional Studies
  • Dr. Jamie Murton 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Dr. Kurt Clausen 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Dr. Tzvetalin Vasssilev 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Benjamin Kelly 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Kirsten Greer 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • VACANT (NUSU Graduate Student Rep.)
  • Laura Snoddon (Secretary, Graduate Studies and Research) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

Honorary Degrees Committee

  • Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor (Chair)
  • Dr. Carole Richardson, Provost and VP Academic (Vice-Chair)
  • Dr. Nathan Colborne, Dean, Arts and Science
  • VACANT (Board of Governors)
  • Jason Bramburger (Alumni Advisory Board)
  • Dr. Reade Davis (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. ​​Mark Bruner (EPS non-Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Logan Lloyd (NUSU Executive) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • Christine Benoit (Assistant to the President) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

Joint Committee of the Board and Senate on Governance

  • Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor (Chair)
  • John D'Agostino (Board of Governors)
  • VACANT (Board of Governors)
  • VACANT (Board of Governors)
  • Dr. Robin Gendron (Senator) 17-Jan-25 to 30-Jun-27
  • VACANT (Senator)
  • VACANT (Senator)
  • Nicholas Botham (NUSU Executive) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • Abby Blaszczyk (University Secretary) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

Senate Research Committee

  • Dr. Barbi Law, VP, Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies (Chair)
  • Dr. ​ Carole Richardson, Provost and VP Academic
  • Dr. ​​Nancy Black, Executive Director of Library Services
  • VACANT (A&S Senator)
  • Dr. Steve Arnocky (A&S non-Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Alison Schinkel-Ivy (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • Dr. ​​Christine Cho (EPS non-Senator) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • Jaden Martin (NUSU Executive) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • VACANT (NUSU Graduate Student Rep.)
  • Laura Snoddon (Secretary, Graduate Studies & Research) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

Senate Budget Advisory Committee

  • Dr. Nathan Colborne, Dean, Arts and Science
  • Dr. Graydon Raymer, Dean, Education and Professional Studies
  • Dr. Hilary Earl (Senator) 24-Oct-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Kristen Lucas (Senator) 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • VACANT (Senator)
  • VACANT (Senator)
  • Logan Lloyd (NUSU Executive) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • Sandy Landriault (Secretary to the Senate) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

Teaching and Learning Committee

  • Dr. Graydon Raymer, Dean, Education and Professional Studies (Chair)
  • Dr. Trevor Holmes, Director of Teaching and Learning (non-voting)
  • Dr. ​​Nancy Black, Executive Director of Library Services
  • Dr. Leslie Thielen-Wilson (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Sarah Winters (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-26 to 30-Jun-29
  • VACANT (A&S non-Senator)
  • Dr. ​Pat Maher (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • VACANT (EPS Senator)
  • VACANT (EPS non-Senator)
  • Dakota Lamirande (NUSU A&S Undergraduate Student Rep.) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • Hilda Konadu (NUSU EPS Undergraduate student rep.) 1-May-26 to 30-Apr-27
  • VACANT (NUSU Graduate Student Rep.)
  • Barbara Popkie (Clerk, CTL) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

Faculty Senate Representatives on the Board of Governors

  • Dr. Katrina Srigley (Faculty Senator) 8-Nov-24 to 30-Jun-27
  • VACANT (Faculty Senator)
  • Dr. Blaine Hatt (Faculty non-Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-26
  • Dr. Denyse Lafrance Horning (Faculty non-Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28

Board of Governors Representatives on Senate

 

  • VACANT
  • VACANT

 

Council of Ontario Universities

  • Dr. Carlo Ricci, Academic Colleague 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
  • Dr. Aaron Kociolek, Academic Colleague (Alternate) 21-Nov-25 to 30-Jun-28
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