Annual Report 2005-2006 - Osgoode Hall Law School - York ...

Programs, Including International
• Finalize for spring 2007 a new electronic course priority system to work with LawSelect.
• Create an online, living Syllabus.
• Develop online wait list procedures.
• Review moving to online course evaluations and amending content of evaluation.
• Pursue additional Wellness sessions for Osgoode students, participate in a Summer Equity and Academic
Support Roundtable at Queen’s and Co-Host the 2007 NY/Ontario Student Services Representatives
Meeting.
• Coordinate the Summer and Academic Year exchange programs and opportunities.
• Review staffing needs, particularly with growth of special academic (e.g. combined) and exchange
programs.
Records and Examinations
• Review staffing requirements in the area, as members were barely able to keep up with current projects
and requirements in 2005-06
• Develop new confidential exam number database program (i.e. current Law Trac) by fall 2006.
• Move towards a “mandatory” ESoft program for all first years (with option remaining for upper years).
• Increase the fees charged to students for participation in the ESoft Program to cover the actual costs of
the program. Similarly reconsider applying fees for certain types of requested forms and letters from
students and alumni.
• Due to limited financial and staffing resources, must postpone consideration of imaging of student
records, but need to keep this as a long-term project consideration
Issues and Challenges
While much was accomplished, either to maintain existing programs and/or services or in initiating new
ones, this past year has taken its toll on many of the members of Student Services. There is no doubt,
given the dedication and commitment of all Student Services staff, similar results will be achieved in
2006-07. Nevertheless, the area’s ability to successfully attain the priorities and goals considered above
will be done against the backdrop of the following specific challenges applicable to some or all areas:
1. Rebuilding staff morale, confidence and sense of physical security after a very trying year in 2005-06;
2. Managing organizational and personnel changes that will be required, in accordance with the HR
review, particularly in the present climate of existing grievances; in addition, manage return and
retraining of Admissions staff member and departure for maternity leave of a staff member in
Programs and Records;
3. Operating with increased demands and lower budget, given the continued University budget cuts for
2006-07 and the lower regulated tuition from the planned budgeted tuition increase;
4. Reviewing new governmental policies and adhering to the Student Access Guarantee requirements;
5. Responding to new or unplanned initiatives, programs or policies that arise from various committees or
other offices through the Law School’s Strategic Plan;
6. Ensuring a correlation of goals with other departments (IT, Communications, Alumni, Executive Office),
given that many goals and projects of Student Services require the cooperation (or initiative) of other
departments.
ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 31