MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OF THE FACULTY SENATE

APRIL 23, 2007; 1:30 –2:30 p.m., Mason Hall, room D5

 

Present:  Lorraine Brown, James Sanford, Suzanne Slayden, Peter Stearns, Cliff Sutton

 

Motion:  Tenure Clock Extension for New Parents – Faculty Matters Committee

·        Proposed policy would allow an automatic second year extension upon request.  AAUP strongly recommends this; similar policies in effect at the University of Maryland and Virginia Tech.  Some universities also include serious illness of a family member.  Provost feels first year request receives (automatic) approval; second-year request negotiable; should also be considered and recommended by dean.  Concerned about faculty member trajectory – may be ill-advised to break momentum; prefers to approach individual cases; needs to be co-determined.  Second year extensions presently granted on an ad hoc basis.

·        Note this is not a leave of absence, but stopping of tenure clock; may still be working or may be on leave. When you take a leave of absence, does the tenure clock stop?  Not always, you need to ask. 

·        The fact that we do not have these policies in place is cause of disagreements here.  There are so many differences among colleges, because deans must approve.  Example: practice of study-leave semester at the end of your career varies greatly. Deans and the Provost must both approve; also needs to be included in the Faculty Handbook.

 

Motion: Academic Policies Committee:  To send the proposed amendment of the Honor Code, with the endorsement of the Faculty Senate, to the Honor Committee for their consideration.

 

Multiple Submissions: Multiple submission is defined as academic work originally created by the student that is presented to more than one instructor in fulfillment of course requirements, at this or any other academic institution.  Students are required to notify and seek the permission of any instructors for whom they plan to submit the same or only slightly modified work.  It is the instructor’s prerogative to decide if this is an acceptable academic practice for their course and may require work created uniquely for and presented singularly to them. 

 

·        A recommendation; not a mandate. 

·        The Provost noted volume of honor code cases is up significantly.

 

Discussion:  Public Space Policies

·        Amplified Sound Policy:  A faculty member who is a sound expert gave a presentation involving decibel levels, logarithmic numerical changes, etc. 

·        Leafleting/Sales/Vending Policy:  passed on to Senator who teaches about public space policy.  Lacks reference to a demonstration policy; although leafleting as part of demonstration policy.  What about petitioning? 

·        Most onerous is request for prior permission, even if it says you will be given permission (upon request). Absence of policy means lots of ad hoc policies.

 

Textbooks:  A motion from the Math department concerning new editions of textbooks was transmitted to the Organization and Operations Committee. 

 

Summer Compensation Motion:  After some discussion, it was decided not to include the motion in the next meeting.  Noted that in years past, members of then General Education Task Force (now the General Education Committee) received compensation (stipend money) when held regular meetings over the summer.  Request for compensation for Faculty Handbook Committee members at its inception (Fall/Winter 2006) in the form of release time was denied; although committee members at present do not feel it is warranted given the short time worked this summer.  Suggestion made to include “Compensation for significant (committee or service?) work over the summer” be included in Faculty Handbook.  Not to ask for 1/10th salary, compensation in range of  $2000 - $3000.  The Associate Provost for Educational Programs gives small stipends for course development for new general education courses. 

 

Senate input/oversight regarding admissions policies in spirit of shared governance:  managing of classrooms with diverse populations:  There are many non-native speakers of English.  More funding for the Writing Center needed.  Policy affects us very severely – we need to be able to help students.  Should writing be part of entrance requirements?  To have TOEFL requirements?  Writing center does not have anyone who can address this; nor do linguistic areas; significant costs if you wish to do this right.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Meg Caniano

Clerk, Faculty Senate