The Academic Council

The Academic Council

The Academic Council deals with all aspects of student life that touch on academic performance. We work to promote communication and consultation between students and faculty by representing the interests of law students on various faculty and university committees. We make policy recommendations regarding the JD curriculum, exam procedures, tuition, and more.

Since we represent your interests, we want and need to hear from you! Student town halls will be held as a forum for you to voice any concerns you may have about academic issues. Feel free to contact the Vice President Academic at any time throughout the year with your comments and concerns (we’ll also accept compliments).

 

Academic Council Committee Appointments

Meaningful student involvement in decision-making is necessary for achieving satisfactory outcomes for all stakeholders. Each of the following committees is composed of a mix of faculty and Academic Council members. One or two Academic Council members will be appointed to each committee to represent student interests and to work with faculty members in achieving that committee’s particular mandate in a given year. This ensures that students are proactively, rather than reactively considered.

Representatives from the Academic Council will be appointed to the following committees in September….

Admissions Committee

This committee oversees the admissions process. One or two Academic Council members will be appointed to sit on the Committee over the summer months. Members will need to come to campus regularly to review discretionary applications and to provide consequent recommendations.

Appointments Committee

This committee concerns the selections process for new faculty members, which may involve interviewing and evaluating prospective new hires. One to two Academic Council members may be appointed in the fall contingent upon the particular hiring needs of each year.

Curriculum Committee

This committee is responsible for making and approving all decisions concerning the law school’s curriculum. This work may include making changes to the first year curriculum, approving new courses, or approving new specialties. One or two Academic Council members will be appointed in the fall.  

Faculty Council Committee

This committee is open to all faculty members. At each monthly meeting, faculty recommendations are made and voted on for approval. Academic Council members are entitled to one vote for every three faculty members. The number of Academic Council members that will be appointed in the fall will correspond to that number of votes.

Faculty Advisory / Strategic Planning Committee

This committee develops the law school’s strategic plan, which includes tuition-related matters. One Academic Council member will be appointed in the fall. This position requires a high level of commitment.

Academic Procedures Committee

This committee works on exam-related issues and is responsible for granting extensions and deferrals. One or two Academic Council members will be appointed in the fall.

Indigenous Legal Studies Committee

This committee strives to ensure that aboriginal issues within the law school are identified and adequately addressed. The Academic Director of Indigenous Affairs holds this position and is appointed in the fall.  

Equity Advisory Committee

This committee meets regularly throughout the year to discuss specific equity issues and general proactive equity planning within the Faculty (for example, accessibility issues, diversity, and intercultural understanding). One Academic Council member will be appointed in the fall.  

Academic Council Members

  • Ryan Sissons – President (ex officio, non-voting)
  • Jameelah Ali – VP Academic (Chair)
  • Vaughn Beaulieu-Mercredi – Indigenous Director of Student Affairs
  • Aki Kamoshida – VP External Affairs
  • Kai Rogers – Senator
  • Shanice Harris – Ombudsperson (advisory capacity, non-voting)
  • Gabby Lees – Academic Director
  • Vaibhav Aggarwal – Academic Director
  • Cléa Catona – Academic Director
  • Liam Peet-Pare – Academic Director
  • One 1L representative from each small group as elected in the fall