Provost Lachemi says that student presence is very important because it shows that they care about the future of the university.
Lachemi begins the presentation with an introduction of the university's Academic Planning
The Academic Plan is a "strategic blueprint for moving forward" with the university.
"We have to dream big dreams, but we also have to realize that we have limitations with our resources," says Lachemi.
"The plan is meant to guide us with [the university's] decisions in the next five years," says Lachemi.
Some main priorities being considered for this new plan are: new programs and curriculum, new experiential learning opportunities, technology in the classroom and the student experience.
Lachemi says that the foundation for the plan is that the university is "serving society."
During the last five years, Ryerson has created the Faculty of Science, new programs and minors, Get Clear and Fresh Start programs, and the Professional Skills Development Program for graduate students.
"A lot of people think that innovation is in one particular area," says Lachemi. "But innovation involves all aspects of our life."
We are now moving into the open discussion portion of the meeting. "We are here to hear from you," says Lachemi.
Nancy Walton will be moderating the discussion, while Lachemi sits to take notes.
Nancy Walton is director of Ryerson's e-learning and assistant professor in the School of Nursing.
The student's union and the university need to work better together, one student says,
The professors, though they may be great in their field, may not be skilled in teaching, one student says. He suggests collaboration among professors for more a consistent curriculum.
The BTM student is looking for better integration with other faculties. "I'm a BTM student, but I may also be interested in fashion," he says.
An Engineering student agrees with the previous comment and says that her professors do not deliver the course content properly.
There is a disconnect with what we're being taught and what is required of us in the workplace, says an Engineering student.
Another student has done an international placement and suggests an academic acknowledgement of those types of accomplishments, besides just the credit.
A Chang school student asks for more programs that have better external partnerships. He says that these programs would allow for a broader view.
The Chang school student also addresses the limitations created by pre-requisited courses and cancelled courses.
Another student would like to see more diverse courses. She is interested in seeing more language courses offered.