Discussion Paper: A Proposal for a PGSS Equity Commissioner

Robert Sim, University and Academic Affairs Coordinator
Last modified: November 24, 2000

Abstract

This paper considers a proposal for the introduction of the position of Equity Commissioner (EC) to the PGSS. The proposed duties associated with such a position are discussed, as well as the relationship between the EC and the Society. Please send comments and/or criticism to academic@pgss.mcgill.ca.

Why an Equity Commissioner?

In May 2000, as one of his final acts as University and Academic Affairs Coordinator (UAAC) and Chair of the Committee for Graduate Student Support (CGSS), Stephen Dery submitted to the incoming PGSS Executive Committee a proposal for a new PGSS Equity Commissioner. Mr Dery's motivation was two-fold:

First, the growing demands and complexity of the CGSS caseload tended to divert the energy and attention of the UAAC from other important academic issues. The CGSS represents graduate students whose rights have been violated, and, where appropriate, will provide advocacy and financial support to such students. The CGSS is intended as a last resort for students and, as such, tends to take on very difficult cases. Mr Dery estimates that roughly 50% of his time as UAAC was spent dealing with CGSS cases.

Second, there is a growing need to raise the profile of certain equity issues on campus; most notably, but not limited to, access for students with disabilities and issues pertaining to discrimination against queer students. Recent events and policy discussions at the university also indicate a growing need to address intellectual property issues as they relate to student-supervisor relationships.

In an effort to address the first issue, in June the incoming UAAC chose, on the advice of both the outgoing UAAC and Executive Chairperson, not to sit as chair of the CGSS and the committee decided to actively seek a (non-executive) student to sit as chair. Furthermore, a stipend of $600 for the position was introduced. To date, this position remains unfilled while the Executive Chairperson of the PGSS acts as interim chair.

As such, there is clearly an important role to be played in the Society that is currently managed by the UAAC and Chairperson. That the UAAC is unable to maintain a total committment to equity issues is evident in the eighteen committee positions currently held in that portfolio (below), only three of which address equity issues specifically. The remainder of this discussion document outlines the proposed mandate of an Equity Commissioner to the PGSS.

Responsibilities of the University and Academic Affairs Coordinator:

Standing Committees and University Bodies:
1. PGSS Executive Committee
2. PGSS Council
3. CGSS (sometimes chair)
4. PGSS Academic Issues (chair)
5. PGSS University Affairs (chair)
6. Senate
7. Graduate Faculty Council
8. Graduate Faculty Executive
9. University Committee on Student Affairs
10. Advisory Committee on Women Students' Issues
Workgroups and ad hoc positions (2000-01):
1. Ad Hoc FGSR Restructuring Task Force (chair)
2. Graduate Studies Policy Committee
3. Research Policy Committee
4. FGSR Task Force for Restructuring of the Graduate Faculty Council
5. Academic Policy and Planning Committee (APPC)
6. APPC Workgroup on Supervisor Evaluations
7. CSA Workgroup on Student Academic Integrity
8. Ad Hoc Senate Workgroup on Intellectual Property

Proposed Responsibilities of a PGSS Equity Commissioner

In October, the CGSS approved in principle a plan to instate a PGSS EC as chair of the CGSS. Furthermore, in view of the expanded role the EC would play both within the CGSS and the PGSS proper, it was agreed that the CGSS would raise the proposed annual stipend from $600 to $1500, to be paid from the Trust Fund for Student Support (TFSS). The EC would be expected to actively chair the CGSS, play an active role in individual cases, and an active role in advocacy at the level of the McGill administration. It would also be expected that the EC would address proposed extensions to the mandate of the CGSS and take action in cooperation with the Society to resolve outstanding liability issues for the committee.

Beyond the CGSS, the EC would be appointed ex-officio to the Joint Senate-Board Committee on Equity and the Committee for Student Affairs. In addition, the EC would be expected to chair a new PGSS committee on Equity, which would coordinate the efforts of the PGSS representatives to the Senate Tribunals (Discipline, Grievance, and Appeals) and the Advisory Committees on Women Students and Students with Disabilities. The Committee on Equity membership would include the above mentioned representatives and possibly one or two Councillors, and would be expected to provide a source of leadership for ongoing equity issues on campus and in the community.

Election, Accountability and Compensation

The PGSS Equity Commissioner will be held accountable to the Society through regular reports to Council and ongoing consultation with the Executive Committee, the UAAC in particular. It is proposed that the EC be appointed on the basis of election by the general membership, in the same way that Senators and the Board of Governors representative are appointed. The EC will not be a member of the Executive Committee, but, in view of the fact that proposed responsibilities are considerably greater than that of the Senators and Board Representative, and less those of the UAAC, it is proposed that the PGSS match the stipend approved by the CGSS by providing an additional annual amount of $1500.

The timeline and required amendments to the Society bylaws are contained in the Appendices, below.

Conclusion

The need for a PGSS Equity Commissioner has been clearly identified. It is proposed that the PGSS create a position that would appoint an Equity Commissioner as Chair of the CGSS, and chair of a new PGSS committee on Equity. The EC would be elected by the general membership, and paid an annual stipend of $3000, half of which derives from the TFSS and half of which would derive from the PGSS budget. In return, the EC would play an active role on the committees he or she chairs, and report regularly to PGSS Council.

This paper is presented to the PGSS Executive, Council and CGSS in order to engage in the appropriate consultation. Please send comments and criticism to academic@pgss.mcgill.ca.

Appendix A: Required Constitutional Amendments

The approval of the above proposal will require the following amendments to the Society Bylaws:

A new Bylaw defining the Equity Commissioner and responsibilities.
New terms of Reference for a PGSS Equity Committee.
Revisions to Bylaw 8 for elections.
Revisions to Bylaw 26 for the CGSS.

Appendix B: Timeline

May 2000: Stephen Dery's EC proposal to Exec
May 2000: CGSS Approves $600 stipend for Chair
May-present: CGSS Chair remains vacant
September 2000: Equity discussion paper submitted to CGSS by UAAC.
October 2000: CGSS approves EC proposal in principle, including chairperson-ship and $1500 stipend.
December 2000: PGSS Council Committee of the Whole discussion
December 2000: Draft Constitutional amendments to Ad Hoc Constitution Committee
January 2001: Constitutional Amendments to PGSS Council.
January 2001: Constitutional Amendments to Constitution Committee
February 2001: Consitutional Amendments to PGSS Council (2nd reading).
March 2001: PGSS Annual General Meeting
March 2001: PGSS 2001-2002 Elections