BSc Programs Committee Meeting

Division of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine

October 27th, 2008

Room B103.11 Health Sciences Building

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

MINUTES

Present

Dr. Nick Ovsenek (Chair), Dr. C. Havele, Dr. M. Pato,  Dr.  P. Krone, Dr. P. Lee, M. Webster

Regrets

Dr. W. Albritton, Dr. K. Schneider, Dr. K. Desai

1. The Chair informed the Committee that Barrie Dubray from the Provost's office indicated by telephone (Oct 21) that the PCIP proposal was supported for the duration of the 2nd planning cycle. While the Division awaits a formal memo from the Provost, some advance planning on the advertisement for the Lecturer position associated with BMSC 240.3 is prudent given the tight timeline for implementation by September 2009.

2. Discussion - advertisement of the Lecturer position within the Division: A lengthy discussion on the content of the advertisement resulted in revision to the current draft:

"The Division of Biomedical Sciences invites applications for a full time three-year term Lecturer position. There is a strong possibility that this will develop into a permanent academic position. The salary range for this position is established by the current faculty Collective Agreement. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong teaching focus. Candidates must have a PhD related to Biochemistry, Microbiology or Cell Biology, and Postdoctoral experience in these areas is preferable.

The Division of Biomedical Sciences offers programs in Anatomy & Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, Pharmacology and Physiology. The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring all students majoring in biomedical sciences receive an enriched laboratory experience. The primary purpose will be to develop and teach the newly established Biomedical Sciences undergraduate Laboratory Techniques course (BMSC 240), one of six common core courses within the Division which serves as a foundation for upper year specialized courses. The individual in this position will also participate in related program development and delivery within the biomedical core.

The University of Saskatchewan is a publically funded institution established in 1907. It has over 19,000 degree students, 4,500 employees, an operating budget of approximately $200 million, and receives research funds in excess of 100 million annually. It offers a full range of programs both academic and professional, in thirteen colleges including seven in the life sciences.

Please send curriculum vitae and the names of three references by Wednesday, December 31, 2008 to..."

3. The Committee discussed the time constraints and considerations adhering to the Collective Agreement associated with this position. Issues arising: the management of this position by the Division's BSc Program Committee is inconsistent with the terms of the Collective Agreement in which a department is responsible for hiring, promotion and tenure, and teaching assignments. Dr. Ovsenek emphasized that this position should be managed by the Division, and the intent is to provide support for the Biomedical core, not individual departmental programming. There is a possibility that some departmental advising may be assigned. The Committee recognized that it may need to function as a sub-committee of a departmental search committee. Dr. Ovsenek will arrange a meeting with Jim Germida as soon as possible to discuss the advertisement and issues regarding management of the position.

4. Where to advertise

Maureen did some preliminary inquiries and provided information on advertisements. There was some consensus that an ad should be placed in Science, University Affairs, and the CAUT bulleting. Maureen will acquire further details on advertisement packages to facilitate a decision on placement of the advertisement at the next meeting. Dr. Ovsenek will investigate whether the College will provide assistance with the ad.

5. Other Business

- The Committee needs to determine a department into which this position will be placed. Agreements on management of the position and the relationships between the Division and home Department will need to be articulated.

- Committee agreed to tentative timelines of the following:

a) Applications deadline - December 31, 2008

b) Start date - on or before July 1, 2009

- Considering the time frame, the Committee members are willing to assist the new Lecturer position with existing laboratory and lecture materials related to content in BMSC 240.3.

- Some discussion for the time table of core course offerings. This will be discussed further at the next meeting.

6. Next meeting TBA.