Community trust endowment fund
Senate chair, president Andrew Petter, spoke to the continued community interest in the SFU community trust endowment fund. This fund channels revenue from the UniverCity development into the seven major initiatives outlined in the University’s Strategic Research Plan (SRP).

Petter commented that the senate has received many project proposals, mainly with regard to research. “It’s a very good sign of the strength of our research culture here at SFU,” he said.

Moving up in the rankings

SFU leapt 22 spots from last year in the QS World University rankings, which were released earlier this year. The university is now ranked 222 in the world, moving up from the 244 spot in 2013. It also moved up one spot in the Top 50 Universities under 50 category, reaching number 16.

“This is the second year of a major increase in standing for us in those rankings,” Petter remarked. “That’s indicative of many strengths.”

Climate change question
Senator Lynne Quarmby raised the question of whether or not president Petter should make an official statement on behalf of SFU regarding the existence of climate change.

Petter replied that he did not personally mind making statements about the issue, but did not feel it was appropriate to speak on behalf of SFU. “To call upon me to make a statement on behalf of the entire university on a matter of public policy, albeit one I personally care about an awful lot, I think is outside the jurisdiction of senate and frankly would be a mistake,” he said.

Quarmby replied, “It’s not a policy statement I’m looking for. I’m looking for a clear statement of factual reality.”

She continued, “[Speaking to this issue] does not seem to be within anyone’s jurisdiction, and those of us who do speak up get labelled as those extremists, those activists. It is frustrating to have our voices not heard.”