News from Oct. 28 Board meeting

Dawson AI report
Joel Trudeau, co-lead of Dawson AI, presented the progress report. There are now distinct Communities of Practice (C of P) related to Dawson AI: one is focused on teaching and the other is on applied research. Carl Saucier-Bouffard (Humanities) is the co-lead of Dawson AI and also leads the teaching C of P and Robert Stephens (Humanities) leads the new research C of P.

The first cohort of 2019-2020 developed teaching modules related to the way AI is impacting their field. This is now available for all to see and use under the Resources tab on the Dawson AI website.

“All Dawson teachers are encouraged to use these materials, which are meant to be open source,” Carl said. “Through these teaching modules. I would estimate that at least 1,700 students have had a chance to learn something about AI.”

All of the 2019-2020 fellows co-led workshops at Ped Days in October.

Robert Stephens, who was in that first cohort, shared the research community goals. They will share research, bring awareness to the greater Dawson community at events, prepare a portfolio of research, publish on the website and make at least one grant proposal.

At the end of the three-year period, dozens of faculty members will have developed materials or conducted research. There are plans for a new certificate open to all students who take the cross-listed courses.

“We want to expose as many students as possible to have an informed citizenry,” said Joel Trudeau.

Director General Richard Filion paid tribute to Joel Trudeau, Carl Saucier-Bouffard, Robert Stephens and team, who he called “the driving forces of Dawson College,” adding that he is confident that the project is going in the right direction. “Innovation and academic research – this is the DNA of Dawson,” he said.

On behalf of the team, Carl thanked the Director General for supporting this “ground-breaking initiative.”

Interior Design revision

Kurt Holfeld, Program Coordinator of Interior Design, presented the revision for his program, which will be implemented in the Fall 2021 Semester.

The revision reflects the changes in tools and technology, an increase in collaborative working and sustainable design practices.

The Director General acknowledged the good work of the “forward-looking faculty” and thanked the Office of Academic Development for their assistance in the process.

Industrial Design revision

Industrial Design faculty member David Weeks explained that the program was revised based on feedback from students. The revised program will now offer more instructor-supported lab time.

Computer Science adds an ATE

Jaya Nilakantan, Program Coordinator of Computer Science, presented the introduction of a work-study element to the program. Called an Alternance travail-études (ATE) in French, Dawson’s new ATE will reinforce attained competencies and motivate students. It will be possible to do an ATE after the first year and after the second year in the program. “There are many benefits and no changes to the grid,” Jaya reported. All Computer Science students were able to do their internships last spring remotely so the internships and the ATE should be possible during the pandemic.

Radiation Oncology received national accreditation

Giovanna Miceli, Program Co-Coordinator of Radiation Oncology, presented the program’s national accreditation by the Canadian Medical Association. The program complies with ministerial and provincial standards and submits to this national accreditation process. The team worked for six years to achieve this.

Code of Conduct

A new Code of Conduct is in the final stage of review. It will go to management and Senate and will be presented to the Board for approval at the Nov. 25 meeting. The Inclusion Policy is also almost final and will be presented once the Code of Conduct is official.

Enrolment for Fall 2020

Academic Dean Diane Gauvin reported that for the Fall 2020 Semester, there are officially 8,495 students due to higher retention and the fact that no students were expelled in the Winter 2020 Semester. In Continuing Education this semester, there are 2,340 students. There are less students but more course seats in Cont. Ed. compared to last year.

Student fees cut

Director of Finance Glenys Ronnie’s recommendation to cut student fees was passed by the Board. Students will pay $70 for Student Services and graduating students will pay $5 for the Convocation fee. This is a one-time temporary reduction for Winter 2021.

Next Board meetings

There will be a special meeting of the Board on Nov. 11 and the next regular Board meeting is Nov. 25, the last of 2020.