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  • Confidence, Connection, and the RSD

    Article
    For Desiree Paczay, the Record of Student Development (RSD) has been more than a list of activities; it has been a way to understand her growth, track her expanding skill set, and document the depth of her involvement at Nipissing University. Now a Master of Science in Mathematics student set to graduate in 2027, she can look back and see a clear evolution: from a quiet first-year student unsure about extracurriculars, to a confident, engaged leader within the Nipissing community.
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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

    2023-2024 Senate Agendas

    Minutes

    2025-2026 Minutes

    2024-2025 Minutes

    2023-2024 Minutes

    2025-26 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 (Interim)
    • Dr. Nathan Colborne, Dean of Arts & Science
    • Debra Iafrate, Registrar
    • Dr. Nancy Black, Executive Director - Library Services

    Faculty of Arts and Science

    • 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. Ali Hatef 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. Stephen Kariuki 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Kristin Lucas 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. Gillian McCann 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. Gyllie Phillips (Speaker) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Peter Nosko 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. Margaret Owens 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. Katrina Srigley (Interim Speaker) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27 
    • Dr. Susan Srigley 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. Trevor Smith 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. Tyson Stewart 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Herminio Texiera 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Leslie Thielen-Wilson 1-Jul-22 to 30-Jun-25
    • Dr. Roxana Vernescu 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. Haibin Zhu 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26

    Faculty of Education and Professional Studies

    • Dr. Adam Adler 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. John Allison 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Steven Cairns 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. Christopher Greco 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. David Hemsworth 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • 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. 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. Aimable Nkurunziza 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. Carlo Ricci 13-Dec-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. Alison Schinkel-Ivy 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. Mary Pat Sullivan 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Inês Tavares 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. Jeff Thornborrow 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. Veronika Williams 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • VACANT

    Indigenous Council on Education Representative

    • TBA

    Board of Governors Representatives

    • Fran Couchie
    • TBA

    Alumni Advisory Board Representative

    • Ryan Hehn

    Instructor Representatives

    • Dr. Oriana Pokorny 1-Sep-22 to 31-Aug-25
    • Corina Irwin 1-Sep-22 to 31-Aug-25
    • Rebecca Kasperavicius (Librarian) 3-Feb-25 to 30-Jun-25

    Student Representatives

    • VACANT (NUSU President)
    • *Jaden Martin (NUSU VP Advocacy & Awareness) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • *Nicholas Botham (NUSU VP Finance & Administration) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Owen Remillard (VP Student Life) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • *Dakota Lamirande (NUSU Undergraduate A&S Rep.) 13-Nov-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • *TBA (NUSU Undergraduate EPS Rep.)
    • *Will MacKenzie (NUSU Graduate Rep.) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26

    *NUSU voting members

    2025-2026 Meeting Dates

    Senate Meetings

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

    • Friday, September 12, 2025
    • Friday, October 24, 2025
    • Friday, November 21, 2025
    • Friday, January 16, 2026
    • Friday, February 27, 2026
    • Friday, March 27, 2026
    • Friday, April 24, 2026
    • Friday, May 22, 2026 (10:30 a.m. start)
    • Friday, June 12, 2026 (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, September 4, 2025
    • Thursday, October 16, 2025
    • Thursday, November 13, 2025
    • Thursday, January 8, 2026
    • Thursday, February 19, 2026
    • Thursday, March 19, 2026
    • Thursday, April 16, 2026
    • Thursday, May 14, 2026
    • Thursday, June 4, 2026

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

    Academic Quality Assurance and Planning Committee (AQAPC)

    Meetings start at 1:00 p.m.

    • Friday, August 22, 2025
    • Friday, October 3, 2025
    • Friday, October 31, 2025
    • Friday, November 28, 2025
    • Friday, January 30, 2026
    • Friday, March 6, 2026
    • Friday, April 10, 2026
    • Friday, May 1, 2026
    • Friday, May 29, 2026

    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)

    • Friday, October 3, 2025 - 11:00 am-12:30 pm
    • Tuesday, October 21 - 10:00-11:30 am
    • Friday, November 7, 2025 - 10:00-11:30 am
    • Tuesday, December 16, 2025 - 10:00-11:30 am (CANCELLED)
    • Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - 1:00-2:30 pm
    • Monday, February 2, 2026 - 11 am-12 pm
    • Thursday, February 26, 2026 - 10-11:30 am

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

    2025-26 Standing Committees of Senate

    Senate Executive Committee

    • Dr. Kevin Wamsley (Chair)
    • Dr. Carole Richardson (Vice-Chair)
    • Dr. Barbi Law
    • Dr. Graydon Raymer
    • Dr. Nathan Colborne
    • Debra Iafrate
    • Dr. Gyllie Phillips 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27 (leave)
    • Dr. Katrina Srigley (Interim 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-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Sandy Landriault (Senate Secretary) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

    Academic Appeals and Petitions Committee

    • Debra Iafrate (Chair)
    • Dr. Robin Gendron (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Stephen Kariuki (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Andrew Ackerman (A&S non-Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. Alison Schinkel-Ivy (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. Jeff Thornborrow (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. Julie Corkett (EPS non-Senator) 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Jaden Martin (NUSU VP Advocacy and Awareness) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Dakota Lamirande (NUSU Undergraduate A&S Rep.) 13-Nov-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • TBA (NUSU EPS Undergraduate student rep.)
    • Will MacKenzie (NUSU Graduate student rep.) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Jane Hughes (Secretary to the Registrar) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

    Academic Awards Committee

    • Debra Iafrate (Chair)
    • Sarah Taylor (AVP Students)
    • TBA
    • Leslie Aitchison
    • Steven Smits
    • 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
    • Dr. Adam Adler (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. Natalya Brown (EPS non-Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • VACANT (NUSU President) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • TBA (NUSU Student Senator)
    • Jane Hughes (Secretary to the Registrar) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

    Academic Curriculum Committee

    • Dr. Dr. Carole Richardson, (Chair)
    • Dr. Barbi Law
    • Dr. Graydon Raymer
    • Dr. Nathan Colborne
    • Debra Iafrate
    • Dr. Nancy Black
    • Dr. Trevor Holmes - Director of Teaching and Learning (non-voting)
    • Robin Gibson - Manager of Quality Assurance and Program Innovation (non-voting)
    • Dr. Gillian McCann (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Ali Hatef (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • 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
    • TBA (EPS Senator)
    • Dr. Ping Zou (EPS non-Senator) 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • TBA (A&S) Graduate Program Coordinator
    • Dr. Kurt Clausen (EPS) Graduate Program Coordinator 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Jaden Martin (NUSU Executive) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Dakota Lamirande (NUSU Undergraduate A&S Rep.) 13-Nov-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • TBA (NUSU EPS Undergraduate student rep.)
    • Will MacKenzie (NUSU Graduate student rep.) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Jane Hughes (Secretary to the Registrar) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

    Academic Quality Assurance and Planning Committee

    • Dr. Carole Richardson (Chair)
    • Dr. Barbi Law
    • Dr. Graydon Raymer
    • Dr. Nathan Colborne
    • Debra Iafrate
    • Stephen Tedesco
    • Dr. Nancy Black
    • TBA (Board of Governors)
    • Dr. Roxana Vernescu (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • TBA (A&S Senator)
    • Dr. Rob Breton (A&S non-Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • TBA (A&S non-Senator)
    • Dr. Veronika Williams (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • TBA (EPS Senator) 28-Oct-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • 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
    • Jaden Martin (NUSU Executive) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Dakota Lamirande (NUSU Undergraduate A&S Rep.) 13-Nov-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Will MacKenzie (NUSU Graduate student rep.) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Sandy Landriault (Senate Secretary) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

    By-Laws

    • Dr. Gyllie Phillips (Chair & Senate Speaker) 1-Jul-21 to 30-Jun-27 (leave)
    • Dr. Katrina Srigley (Chair & Interim Senate Speaker) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. ​​Carole Richardson
    • 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
    • Owen Remillard (NUSU Executive) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Sandy Landriault (Senate Secretary) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

    Graduate Studies Committee

    • Dr. Barbi Law (Chair)
    • Dr. Dan Walters
    • Dr. Steve Hansen (Vice-Chair)
    • Dr. ​​Nancy Black
    • Debra Iafrate
    • Dr. Graydon Raymer
    • Dr. Nathan Colborne
    • Dr. Jamie Murton 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Kurt Clausen 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Logan Hoehn 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Benjamin Kelly 1-Jul-22 to 30-Jun-25
    • Will MacKenzie (NUSU Graduate student rep.) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Laura Snoddon (Secretary to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

    Honorary Degrees Committee

    • Dr. Kevin Wamsley (Chair)
    • Dr. Carole Richardson (Vice-Chair)
    • Dr. Nathan Colborne
    • Dave Smits (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
    • Nicholas Botham (NUSU Executive) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Christine Benoit (Assistant to the President) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

    Joint Committee of the Board and Senate on Governance

    • Dr. Kevin Wamsley (Chair)
    • John D'Agostino (Board of Governors)
    • TBA (Board of Governors)
    • David Smits (Board of Governors)
    • Dr. Mary Pat Sullivan (Senator) 13-Sept-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Robin Gendron (Senator) 17-Jan-25 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Chris Greco (Senator) 24-Oct-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • VACANT (NUSU Executive) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Christine Benoit (Assistant to the President) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

    Senate Research Committee

    • Dr. Barbi Law (Chair)
    • Dr. Carole Richardson
    • Dr. ​​Nancy Black
    • Dr. Haibin Zhu (A&S Senator) 22-Nov-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • TBA (A&S non-Senator)
    • Dr. Mary Pat Sullivan (EPS Senator) 28-Oct-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. ​​Christine Cho (EPS non-Senator) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Nicholas Botham (NUSU Executive) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Will Mackenzie (NUSU Graduate student rep.) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Laura Snoddon (Secretary to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

    Senate Budget Advisory Committee

    • Dr. Graydon Raymer
    • Dr. Nathan Colborne
    • Dr. Robin Gendron (Senator) 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. ​​Chris Greco (Senator) 1-Jul-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Hilary Earl (Senator) 24-Oct-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. Dan Jarvis (Senator) 24-Oct-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Nicholas Botham (NUSU Executive) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • Sandy Landriault (Senate Secretary) Recording Secretary (non-voting)

    Teaching and Learning Committee

    • Dr. Graydon Raymer (Chair)
    • TBA - Director of Teaching and Learning (non-voting)
    • Dr. ​​Nancy Black
    • Dr. Trevor Smith (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. Leslie Thielen-Wilson (A&S Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. Derek Neal (A&S non-Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. ​Pat Maher (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Dr. Steven Cairns (EPS Senator) 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dr. Louela Manankil-Rankin (EPS non-Senator) 1-Jul-23 to 30-Jun-26
    • Dakota Lamirande (NUSU Undergraduate A&S Rep.) 13-Nov-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • TBA (NUSU EPS Undergraduate student rep.)
    • Will MacKenzie (NUSU Graduate student rep.) 1-May-25 to 30-Apr-26
    • TBA Recording Secretary (non-voting)

    Faculty Senate Representatives on the Board of Governors

    • Dr. Katrina Srigley (Faculty Senator) 8-Nov-24 to 30-Jun-27
    • Dr. Tyson Stewart  (Faculty Senator) 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • 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

    • Fran Couchie 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-26
    • TBA

    Council of Ontario Universities

    • Academic Colleague - Dr. Carlo Ricci 1-Jul-25 to 30-Jun-28
    • Academic Colleague (Alternate) TBA