Faculty of Arts Research Advisory Committee
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby
British Columbia
Canada
Minutes of FARAC Meetings
FACULTY OF ARTS
RESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Thursday, 22 February, 1996
AQ 6093
MINUTES
Present: David Burley Archaeology
Marc Diamond Contemporary Arts
Pat Brantingham Criminology
Clyde Reed Economics
Carole Gerson English, Co-Chair
Grazia Merler French
Alison Gill Geography
John Pierce Geography
Larwin Armstrong History
Paul McFetridge Linguistics
Steve Davis Philosophy
Michael Howlett Political Science, Co-Chair
David Cox Psychology
Pat McLeman Recording Secretary
The meeting was called to order at 2:30 p.m.
1. INTRODUCTIONS
Committee members introduced themselves. Carole Gerson gave a brief summary of the history of the
Research Liaison Officers. She commented that two years ago the Dean asked Michael Howlett and
herself to work as Research Liaison Officers for the Faculty of Arts, Michael for Social Sciences and
Carole for Humanities in coordination with the VP Research.
Because the Faculty of Arts is such a large, diverse faculty, a decision was made to establish a Faculty
of Arts Research Advisory Committee. It is hoped that this committee will provide a communication and
consultation link between Faculty, Research Liaison Officers and Research Services. It was noted that
this committee would normally meet once a semester. The mandate of this committee is to facilitate
communication and consultation about research matters to faculty members.
2. INFORMATION ITEMS
The following information was distributed to encourage greater knowledge and better use of internal
grants. In particular, Arts faculty could be applying more frequently for items marked*
Research Handbook
*President's Research Grants
University Publication Grants
Ada Steel Fund Grants
*SFU/SSHRC General Grants Program (includes SSHRC Travel Grants
and SSHRC Small Research Grants)
*Research Semester Research Grants (save tax dollars)
*Study Leave Research Grants Program (save tax dollars)
Terms of Reference - FOA Research Incentive Grants (ARIGS) and
Research Support Grants (ARGS)
Memo from Co-op Education regarding Research Grants
Research Links Newsletter
New forms for SSHRC Small Grants will be distributed shortly and members were encouraged to urge
their colleagues to apply for these grants. It was noted that joint funding is available (up to $10,000 if
2 applicants apply together.)
a) Electronic Grant Information Available to FARAC Members
A memorandum on Electronic Information Sources was distributed (see attached). Several e-mail lists
have been set up by the Office of Research Service to distribute information. A Faculty of Arts
homepage exists on the World Wide Web and this page includes a link to a Faculty of Arts Research
homepage.
b) Paper Information Available to FARAC Members - Internal Grants
A one page table of SFU grants was distributed (see attached).
c) V.P. Research Search
A search is under way for the V.P. Research/Dean of Graduate Studies position (to be filled by
September 1, 1996).
d) CV Update Process
The introduction of electronic CVs by the V.P. Academic office has been tested in two departments and
will be expanded in the near future. Access to faculty members' research interests would facilitate
research communication and networking.
3. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
a) Department Application Effort 1990-95 (Attachment I)
The information for this attachment was obtained through the Offfice of the V.P. Research and will be
improved through the use of the annual CV update materials.
b) Mentor Process
Members were encouraged to review their department's list of mentors.
c) External Grant Problems and Changes (SSHRC/NSERC)
The three difficulties identified by Arts faculty in applying to NSERC were:
1. Teaching release time difference between FOA and FOS
2. Matching funds for labs and lab equipment
3. Rule changes
In May information will be released concerning changes in the 3 year structure of SSHRC Grants.
Issues such as apparent changes in the policy for conference funding and the need for faculty to apply
for collaborative research projects will continue to be discussed at the next meeting.
4. FUTURE ISSUES
a) V.P. Research Plans and Changes
The V.P. Research Office will be moving to the first floor of Strand Hall this summer. A support
centre is planned to provide advice and service to research applicants.
b) Workload Policy Implications for Research
It is hoped that this committee will provide a unified voice to senior administration stressing the
importance of research in the Faculty.
5. NEXT MEETING DATE AND AGENDA ITEMS
The date of the next meeting was discussed. It was agreed that one will be scheduled for early April.
A member of the V.P. Research Office will be invited to attend.
The meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
/pmc
Return to Faculty of Arts Homepage
Return to SFU homepage
This page is maintained by Anita Mahoney
Site Visits Since January, 1996