A proposed College of Computer Science drew debate at Senate, with senators questioning how the initiative is being developed.
The more than two-hour meeting began at 2:30 p.m., April 16, with a land acknowledgment and a moment of recognition for the passing of Dr. Brian Osborne, professor emeritus of Geography, who served at the University for more than five decades, and Sheila Hutchinson, a staff member who worked at the university for more than 30 years.
Outlined in the agenda, Senators discussed provincial policy changes, a proposed computing initiative, and several academic and governance motions.
Provincial changes
During his report, Principal Patrick Deane outlined ongoing uncertainty in Ontario’s postsecondary sector, noting that details of the province’s new funding framework remain unclear due to Bill 33.
READ MORE: Bill 33 threatens student services and autonomy across Ontario universities
Deane also addressed recent provincial policy changes, including the decision to shorten teacher education programs to 12 months beginning May 2027.
He emphasized that universities are still waiting for clarity on how these policies will be applied, saying “our sector is still in flux.”
College of Computer Science proposal
The most substantial discussion of Senate centred on a notice of motion to establish a new College of Computer Science, an interdisciplinary academic unit focused on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) across disciplines.
The proposal would create a new college structure within the FAS. According to the Senate Agenda, the college would operate as a distinct budgetary and governance unit while remaining within the faculty, with its own academic council and the ability to develop interdisciplinary programs combining computing with other fields.
Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Matthew Evans said the initiative came from discussions beginning in early 2025, when faculty raised concerns about how to prepare students for a labour market increasingly shaped by AI.
The proposal includes the development of “X + AI” programs, pairing subjects like politics, business, or the arts with a shared AI curriculum.
Several senators raised concerns during an extended back-and-forth discussion on the proposal. Samantha King, professor and director in the FAS, argued Senate was being asked to move too quickly, saying the body would be asked to “endorse the concept of a college without necessarily knowing the future,” adding “this is not consultation.”
Diane Beauchemin, professor and undergraduate chair of chemistry, argued that the FAS is currently led by an interim dean and had a limited opportunity to formally discuss the proposal.
READ MORE: BREAKING: FAS Interim Dean Bob Lemieux prematurely departs Queen’s
Others questioned whether the University was approaching the initiative in the right order, with Richard Ascough, professor in the School of Religion, warning the proposal risked “putting the cart before the horse,” by establishing a new structure before fully developing academic programs.
In response, Evans said the initiative’s timeline reflects the rapid pace of technological change, noting that delays could push implementation back by years and limit the University’s ability to respond effectively.
He also defended the consultation process, saying discussion had taken place for over a year with faculty and external contributors, and rejected suggestions that the proposal had been developed without enough input.
The motion will return to Senate for further consideration in May.
Academic and governance motions
Alongside the extended discussion on computing, Senate approved several items.
With no questions, senators approved enrolment targets and projections for the 2026-29 academic years, as recommended by the Senate Committee on Academic Development and Procedures.
Senate also approved the creation of a combined Bachelor of Commerce-Master of Management Analytics degree, effective Sept. 1.
In the School of Nursing, senators approved a major modification to the Master of Nursing Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program, along with the name changes to two programs, aimed at simplifying program titles and aligning them with current credential standards:
- The Master of Nursing – Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner will be renamed the Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner
- The Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Diploma will be renamed the Nurse Practitioner Graduate Diploma
Additional motions included the approval of nominations from the Senate Governance and Nominating Committee and revisions to the university’s honorary degrees policy, including updated procedures for selection ad potential revocation.
Reports from the Senate Educational Equity Committee and the Senate Clinical Program Review Committee were received without discussion.
The meeting was extended by 30 minutes, and adjourned at 4:37 p.m., before Principal Deane asked non-Senate members to leave, saying Senate would “move into a confidential session.”
Tags
Bill 33, College of Computer Science, Senate
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