PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES
Capilano University is governed with the assistance and input of several advisory committees known as Presidential Advisory Committees (PAC). The CSU has representation on several general University committees, as do members of the staff, faculty, and administration.
Equity & Diversity
The Equity and Diversity committee acts as a resource for the college concerning equity, diversity and human rights legislation and issues; works to promote the values of inclusiveness and diversity in the college as a workplace and as a community; and makes recommendations for programs, projects and services delivery in the area of equity, diversity, and human rights. The committee has continued to work toward creating an open meditation space for students on campus.
Food and Beverage Services
The Food and Beverage Services Committee acts as an intermediary between the providers of Food and Beverage Services and the users of the Food and Beverage Services. Another function of the Committee is to look into any complaints that are received from time to time from students, faculty or staff on campus. One campaign that has achieved success is the phasing out of the Styrofoam food-packaging materials, used by the cafeteria, which have now been replaced by more biodegradable substitutes.
Grade Appeals
The Grade Appeals Committee meets on a needs basis whenever there are contentious issues of grades, plagiarism or cheating. After the Committee members are provided with all necessary documentation, including those from the concerned student, instructor and counselor, each case is discussed analyzed and adjudicated on.
Information Technology Technical & Operational Committee
The Information Technology Technical & Operational committee meets eight to ten times per year to advise the University Executive (via the executive responsible for IT Services) on the proposed use and implementation of educational technologies. This committee also fosters dialogue between stakeholders and providers, and provides a forum for more detailed discussions and debate to resolve technical and operational issues.
Learning & Teaching Technologies Committee
The Learning & Teaching Technologies committee meets at least twice a semester to advise the University Executive (via the administrator responsible for the Learning & Teaching Support Centre) on strategic directions in applying technology in education. They also advise on policies and priorities for the work of the Learning & Teaching Support Centre, and encourage the use of learning technologies.
Physical Environment
The Physical Environment Committee makes recommendations on matters relating to development of new University facilities, proposed external/internal building changes, proposed site (exterior) changes and resolution of space conflicts between user groups. The PEC reviews annual requests to the ministry for capital (renovation/building) funds.
This committee achieved a major milestone by implementing the container recycling program on campus through the introduction of the multi-bin garbage receptacles, spearheaded by students on its Recycling Sub-committee. Also, there has been lots of development on campus with the new Film Centre under construction.
Transportation
The Transportation Committee provides advice and recommendations on all matters related to public transportation to and from the University; cycling to and from the University; car pooling; parking; and the promotion of the "Go Green" environmental initiatives sponsored by local and provincial governments and Metro Vancouver.
Major achievements of the student representatives include the implementation of the Capilano U-Pass Program and the two-step parking price increase (this delayed the full impact of the entire increase by spreading out the increase over two years).
Washroom Advertising
The representatives on the Washroom Advertising committee have the job of examining advertisement requests for the washroom advertising spaces at the college. The advertisements must meet a certain number of guidelines before being approved for posting. Thanks to the members on this committee we've had several successful campaigns to remove offensive ads from the walls of our washrooms.
Student Behavior
In the event that a student is considered to have been involved in an incident of improper behaviour at the University and as a result a sanction is imposed the student has the right to appeal the sanction. The Student Behaviour committee is tasked with dealing with such appeals.
Sexual Harassment
The committee reviews from time to time the effectiveness of the sexual harassment policy and makes appropriate recommendations to the college president; and is also available to the president for consultation regarding the selection of the Conflict Resolution Advisor, and the development of a list of mediators.
Emergency Preparedness
This is the Committee that looks at the various plans and initiatives that protect or minimizes damage to the University in the occasion of dangerous occurrences that include earthquakes, security breaches, fire etc. The Committee ensures regular and periodic training as well as the availability of adequate resources for these eventualities. The CSU has two appointed Emergency Wardens for the Maple Building who are the Services Coordinator, Sarah Silvester and the Organizer, Giselle Aiabens.
First Nations External Advisory
This committee serves to advise the University on its role in providing educational opportunities to First Nations communities and acts as a liaison between the First Nations communities and the University. The committee advises the college on the development, curriculum design, cultural issues, content and evaluation of programs for First Nations learners.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards Committee has the responsibility of directing and monitoring the scholarship, bursary and award process as well as seeking out potential donors.