MedComm, Win4Science, new Schools, new Faculty name…
At the first Faculty Council meeting of the academic year, held September 23, several innovative initiatives were shared, among them: MedComm, a student-led, patient-centred interpretation support service that promotes cultural sensitivity; an update on Win4Science, which aims to help close the gender gap for women in science through awareness, advocacy and other activities. A detailed review of the Faculty’s budget process and status was also presented.
Also discussed were recent developments in the Faculty’s Project Renaissance strategic planning exercise. Building on the May 21 Faculty Council meeting, VP-Dean David Eidelman provided an update on the Faculty’s reorganization and the creation of new schools: the School of Medicine and the proposed School of Biomedical Sciences. Additionally, a motion was passed with respect to the renaming of the Faculty of Medicine. A message will soon be sent from VP-Dean Eidelman to all members of the Faculty to share the proposed name – the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences – and the rationale for the change. It will include a poll to confirm that there are no major objections and that the Faculty may proceed to next steps, including submission to McGill’s Senate for approval.
VP-Dean Eidelman also presented the Faculty’s updated Code of Conduct, underscoring that it is the responsibility of each member of the Faculty (academic and administrative staff, students and residents) to read the Code, understand how it applies to her/him and comply with it. The Faculty’s Code contains links to important University policies, for example:
- Policy on Harassment and Discrimination Prohibited by Law
- Policy Against Sexual Violence
- Regulation on Conflict of Interest
- Regulation on the Conduct of Research
- Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures
More communication about the Code of Conduct will be shared in the coming weeks.
Other topics covered during the Sept. 23 meeting included regular Faculty Council business, the passing of members of our Faculty since the last meeting in remembrance, and the characteristically long list of kudos congratulating the Faculty’s many laureates of recent months.
The Faculty Council presentation, video and minutes are available here for your review.
November 1, 2019