GEORGE
MASON UNIVERSITY
MINUTES OF THE
FACULTY SENATE MEETING
April 25, 2012
Robinson
Hall B113, 3:00 – 4:15 p.m..
Senators Present: Dominique Banville, Ernest Barreto, Scott
Bauer, Sheryl Beach, Jim Bennett, John Cantiello, Jack Censer, Rick Coffinberger,
Yvonne Demory, Charlene Douglas, Robert Dudley, Cody Edwards, Daniel Garrison,
Mark Houck, Dimitrios Ioannou, Kathryn Jacobsen, Dan Joyce, David Kuebrich,
Howard Kurtz, Ning Li, Jerry Mayer, Linda Monson, Star Muir, Susan Allen Nan,
Elavie Ndura, Peter Pober, Earle Reybold, Pierre Rodgers, Joe Scimecca, Suzanne
Scott, Suzanne Slayden, Bob Smith, Thomas Speller, Peter Stearns, June Tangney,
Susan Tomasovic, Susan Trencher, Halaevalu Vakalahi, Phil Wiest, Stanley
Zoltek.
Senators Absent: Alok Berry, Doris Bitler, Vikas Chandhoke,
Lloyd Cohen, Arie Croitoru, Kelly Dunne,
Mark Ginsberg, Lloyd Griffiths, Jorge Haddock, Margret Hjalmarson, Bruce
Johnsen, Alan Merten, James Olds, Paula Petrik, Daniel Polsby, William Reeder,
Edward Rhodes, Jim Sanford, Lesley Smith, Ray Sommer, Shirley Travis, Iosif
Vaisman, John Zenelis.
Visitors Present: Rizna Ahmed, Director of Benefits; Human
Resources and Payroll;
Mark Broderick, Vice President, University Development and Alumni
Affairs; Esther
Elstun, Professor Emerita, Modern and Classical Languages; Dolores
Gomez-Roman, University Ombudsman; Linda Harber, Associate Vice President, Human
Resources/Payroll; Robin
Herron, Associate Director, Media and Public Relations; Susan
Jones, Associate Provost and University Registrar; Justin
Lalputin, News Editor/Broadside; Michelle Lim, HR Faculty Business Partner, Human Resources
and Payroll; Thomas Moncure, University Counsel; Linda
Miller, Chair, Athletic Council; Rick Miller, CEHD/School of Recreation, Health
and Tourism; Laura Phelps,
Director, Communication and Planning, DOIT; Linda Schwartzstein, Vice
Provost, Academic Affairs/VP, Enrollment Services, Nicole Snyder, University Policy Manager, Office of the University
Counsel.
I.
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 3:01 p.m.
II. Approval of
the Minutes of March
28, 2012: The
minutes were approved as distributed.
III.
Announcements
Provost Peter Stearns
announced that President-Elect Cabrera has agreed to extend Provost Stearns’ service
by an additional year to facilitate transition.
He joked that he could not resist the opportunity to attend more Faculty
Senate meetings; which he has attended all along. He also noted that there is great pressure to
hold down tuition increases. Virginia
Tech has announced a 4.7% tuition increase.
GMU tuition increase is likely to be about 3.8% pending decision from
the BOV. He did say we received a little
more money from the General Assembly and the bonuses “should happen.”
Dean Jack Censer of the
College of Humanities and Social Sciences congratulated Provost Stearns. CHSS has more than 600 employees, more than
400 faculty, of whom ¾ are tenured/tenure-track. The College has 9,500 undergraduate students and 2,500 MA/PhD
students, and every undergraduate takes at least one course in the
college. The college offers a range of programs, he said,, from the
humanities to neuroscience (shared with the Krasnow Institute).
In the
strategic plan of the university, each college has to give a halfway report (at
five-year mark). Of the eight categories
applicable to CHSS, he said, the College has done well in some, not so well in
others:
·
Increases
in funded and non-funded research: last
year expenditures were 85% over the baseline year (2006-07).
·
We
were 60% over baseline for awards. Our
goal was 20%.
·
In
quality of teaching, he cited measurements above the mean (between .7 and 1.5),
there are many reasons why above/not above, a hard measurement to quantify;
attests that we’re doing better.
·
Improvements
to quality of graduate education (GPA) improved from 3.34 average to 3.55 last
year – a significant increase. We are
also trying to collect (data) on undergraduate student success, as IRR quit
collecting data.
·
To
increase by 50% students with a major or minor in global area, as of last year,
increase of 12.7%.
·
Student
participation rates working with neighbors in the community are low, at 25%.
·
Development
Activities: Goal 25% increase, we were
57% over baseline in 2009, 100% over baseline in 2010, minus (-) 2% in 2011;
we’ll beat this next year.
·
Increase
in Minority Students (10% increase goal – from 24.9 – 27.4%), up to 34% this
year. In response to a question raised
about the selection rates for minority students, Dean Censer will check on
this.
Linda Harber,
Associate Vice President for Human Resources/Payroll, noted that the dates for
Open Enrollment have changed. Usually in
April, they will now take place from Tuesday May 1st – Friday May 25th. She said they do not have the final amounts
due to legislative delays. If you wish
to make changes or wish to establish a flexible reimbursement account, you must
act.
Chair Peter Pober, “speaking in his own voice,” addressed the Senate: A little over a
decade ago, we watched two friends, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, touring
together in a lecture series. “The call
to serve is the call to give voice to all.
What I have done is to give voice to all who wished to be heard. I cannot thank the Executive Committee
enough. They do all the work; they are
exemplary in all their work both the present and former chairs.” He thanked all the officers (chair pro tem, parliamentarian, and
sergeants-at-arms) and also technician Jeff Pugh and Senate clerk Meg
Caniano. He thanked the central
administration for welcoming him and thanked the Senate for listening to
me. To Senator Susan Trencher, “never
lose your passion”. “Last but certainly
not least, people know Jim Bennett for his bark, but don’t know the heart
behind it…” He thanked Senator Jim Bennett for all his
support and knowledge , “he knows the heart of the faculty”. Finally he thanked the Senate for the utter
privilege (of serving as its chair).
IV.
New Business – Committee Reports
A. Senate
Standing Committees
Executive Committee – Peter Pober, Chair
Resolution of
Appreciation for Rector Ernst Volgenau
WHEREAS
Ernst Volgenau has been actively engaged in the affairs of George Mason University for many years
and
WHEREAS
Ernst Volgenau has served as a member of the University’s Board of Visitors
(BOV) for eight years and as Rector of the Board of Visitors for the past five
years; and
WHEREAS Ernst
Volgenau has championed the inclusion of the faculty in University governance
with the establishment of Faculty Representatives to the BOV committees; and
the inclusion of the standing Faculty Senate chair as an ex officio non-voting
member of the BOV; and
WHEREAS
Ernst Volgenau has sought faculty input, through the inclusion of Faculty
Representatives, his involvement in committee meetings, and his expectation
that the Visitors work productively with the Faculty Representatives; and
WHEREAS
Ernst Volgenau has
made himself accessible to Senate leaders, has been respectful of the faculty,
and has addressed faculty concerns; and
WHEREAS
Ernst Volgenau has given generously and tirelessly of his time, energy, and
effort to enhance the University and has made significant contributions to the
University Foundation’s Comprehensive Campaign;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Faculty Senate that the
Secretary of the Senate be directed to send this Senate Resolution and a letter
on behalf of the Faculty of the University not only expressing sincere
appreciation and gratitude to Ernst Volgenau for all of his contributions to
George Mason University but also indicating the desire of the Faculty that
Ernst Volgenau maintain close ties to George Mason University in the future.
A
Senator spoke in support of the motion but asked whether more respectful to
resolve to him as Rector Volgenau. The resolution was approved unanimously.
Faculty Senate Evaluation of the President
and Provost
The Faculty Senate voted to unanimously to accept the
report. See ATTACHMENT A
Academic
Policies –
Suzanne Scott, Chair
Degree Conferral Date
The
Academic Policies Committee was asked to approve a change in the degree
conferral date for those who complete work in the fall semester from a January
conferral date to a December conferral date. The committee approved the
proposal and sends it to the Senate for a vote.
Rationale:
·
Students
completing their work in one calendar year do not have to wait to have the
degree conferred in the next calendar year.
·
Most
schools’ conferral dates are May and December.
·
The
change has no impact on faculty or administrators, and the proposal matches the
May conferral time frames.
o
Example:
May
2012
§ Dissertation deadline – May 4
§ Exam period – May 9-16
§ Conferral- May 19
Fall 2012
§ Dissertation deadline – December
8
§ Exam period – Dec 11-19
§ Proposed conferral – Dec 20
§ Current conferral – January 20,
2013
The motion was approved unanimously.
Budget & Resources –
June Tangney, Chair
We have conducted a survey of
deans/directors regarding independent study credit. She commended Senator Jerry Mayer for his
work on this. Senator Mayer noted that
most schools claim they take independent study courses, dissertations, etc.
into consideration – some as a small component in raises, a small number take
into consideration as part of teaching load, a few have complicated equations, etc.. We will look at this interdepartmentally and
asked Senators to contact him with any data or questions they may have. A Senator noted that in some units
departments cannot do this because they do not have the resources. Is there a university-wide way to do this?
Faculty Matters – John Cantiello
The deadline for the Faculty Evaluation of
Administrators surveys is in two more days (April 27th). The Parental Leave Policy is on hold until
cost information becomes available. The
Budget and Resources Committee is also working on this.
Nominations – Suzanne Slayden, Chair
Michael R. Kelley (SPP) is
nominated to serve as the faculty Appointed Trustee on the Board of Trustees of
the George Mason University Foundation.
A Senator noted that in the past the GMU Foundation asked us to submit
three names. Chair Slayden responded
that in 2008 the GMU Foundation requested that three names be submitted from
the Faculty Senate and the community at large.
The Committee decided to submit one candidate this year. The
nomination was approved unanimously.
Organization & Operations –
Star Muir, Chair
Our formal report for this year is included in
the agenda. Based on the resolution
passed at our last meeting, the Committee will explore options for moving
Faculty Senate meetings to another location so that they may be
videoconferenced to the distributed campuses.
He noted that the Committee would also have to work out the details of
voting and of closed sessions. Research
I room 163 has been suggested as an alternate site, but it was noted that the
room is not functional at this time.
In response to a question raised about the
establishment of an ad hoc committee to review privacy issues, Senator Muir
responded that O&O is working with faculty to construct a relatively succinct
and clear charge for this group.
B. Other Committees no reports.
C.
Other Committees – Annual Reports
Senate Standing
Committees ATTACHMENT B
University
Standing Committees ATTACHMENT C
Senate Ad
Hoc Committees ATTACHMENT D
V. Other New Business
A. Contractual Parts of the Faculty
Handbook; Free Speech Policy –Tom Moncure, University Counsel
Mr. Moncure referenced
the VA Statute that BOV shall appoint President. “They can and they do delegate by their
authority. Only the General Assembly can
rescind their authority. Further, he noted, in the Code of Virginia
there is no such thing as tenure. To the
degree it exists, he said, tenure is a function of the Faculty Handbook. A Senator questioned “Why is the phrase used
throughout and used frequently?” Mr.
Moncure responded “In the industry it is a term of art, tenure rights are based in Faculty Handbook, not statutory based.”
Free
Speech Policy: Mr. Moncure provided the
following response by email to a request
for a brief statement to summarize the policy :
“By regulation, those facilities and events which serve core
University educational functions have been described (and designated) as the
"educational enclave." Within the enclave faculty, staff, students
and
the general public are simply required to comply with all University policies.
Outside the enclave (and excepting leaseholds) - which includes virtually all
open areas of campus - lawful non-commercial activities are unrestricted.”
Contractual Parts of
the Faculty Handbook: A Senator asked: which
parts of the Faculty Handbook are contractual and which ones are not? (Discussed at February 29, 2012 Faculty
Senate meeting with Rector Volgenau)
Mr. Moncure:
“Those part of the Faculty Handbook which relate to your contractual
rights as an employee is fixed in the Faculty Handbook.”
Follow up: Could you color-code the Faculty Handbook?
Mr. Moncure: Aspirational is good but not
enforceable. “Binding in terms of
employee contract: if you can enforce
it; if it’s not enforceable, it’s not contractual. Used example of a ‘gentlemen’s’ agreement’.
Another Senator
observed she was not sure how that applies – if in fact what we’re saying is
that Faculty Handbook “we would have to take GMU to court?”
Mr. Moncure: Doctrine of sovereign immunity in state of
Virginia. We are employees of the state
of Virginia. General exception to
sovereign immunity can sue is violation of binding contract. Anything beyond that is aspirational
A Senator observed the
AAUP website takes a different view.
B. Resolution on the Provost Search Committee
|
FACULTY SENATE RESOLUTION on the
PROVOST SEARCH COMMITTEE |
Co-sponsored by Senators Sheryl
Beach, Jim Bennett, Alok Berry, Doris Bitler, John Cantiello, Rick Coffinberger, Robert Dudley, Kelly Dunne, Cody Edwards, Mark
Houck, Dan Joyce, Dave Kuebrich, Jerry
Mayer, Linda Monson, Star Muir, Susan Allen Nan, Paula Petrik, Peter
Pober, Earle Reybold, Jim Sanford, Joe
Scimecca, Suzanne Scott, Bob Smith, Lesley Smith, Ray Sommer, Tom Speller, June
Tangney, Susan Tomasovic, Tom Speller, June Tangney, Susan Tomasovic, Susan
Trencher, Phil Wiest, and Stan Zoltek.
The first whereas was amended to delete “soon” and the
year changed from 2013 to 2014 as appears above. The
motion as amended was approved.
C. Update
on the GMU Capital Campaign – Mark Broderick, Vice President
A motion was approved to go into closed session
to hear an update on the GMU Capital Campaign. When the update was concluded a
motion was approved to go into open session.
A motion to extend the meeting for five more minutes was approved.
D. .Election
of the Faculty Senate Chair 2012-13
Senator June Tangney was unanimously elected as
the Senate Chair for 2012-13. She is
honored and looks forward to giving voice to your concerns.
VI. Remarks for the Good of the General Faculty – none.
VII.
Adjournment : The
meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Earle Reybold
Secretary
Note that some committees did not provide responses to each question.
GENERAL ANSWERS
RECEIVED:
Admissions
Committee: Our committee did not
have, or seek, interaction with the Provost or
President this past year, so I wouldn't have significant experience with which
to comment upon or evaluate them.
External Academic
Relations: The External Academic
Relations Committee has not yet conducted any business which would reflect on
this matter.
Question 1: During the past calendar year has the
President or Provost announced initiatives or goals or acted upon issues that
fall under the charge of your Committee? If so, was your Committee consulted by
the President or Provost in a timely manner before the announcement or action?
If not, do you believe your Committee should have been consulted? Would it have
been helpful to have had the input of your Committee from the outset?
Responses from Faculty Senate Standing Committees:
Academic Policies:
No initiative
was announced that impacted the Senate Academic Policies committee.
Budget and Resources: The Provost and his staff worked together
with the B&R Committee to gather information and develop
procedures that would give full-time faculty greater access to summer school
teaching salary, as provided by the handbook.
B&R Committee members continue to be welcomed
to the first meeting of the month of the Provost’s Budget and Planning Team
(BPT) meetings. The information provided
is extremely helpful and our comments on matters related to faculty are also
welcomed.
Faculty Matters:
There were two issues on which the provost acted that were related to
the charge of the Faculty Matters Committee, summer salaries and term faculty
moving to tenure track positions. In
both cases the committee was involved throughout consideration.
Nominations: No. All
other questions N.A.
Organization and Operations: There were no instances where the President or the Provost acted on issues that fall under our Committee’s charge. The Provost’s Office has appropriately brought two issues forward that merit the attention of the Faculty Senate, and these issues are being forwarded to the relevant committees.
Responses from University Standing Committees and ad
hoc Committees:
Academic Initiatives: Not any new initiatives or goals that I am aware of.
Athletic Council: No, no initiatives for the Athletic Council were initiated by the President or the Provost. We did not have any issues under my charge with either the President or the Provost.
Effective
Teaching: My committee was not
active until midyear and has not yet sought input
from the president or provost. I think that both of them are student
advocates who would be helpful. I am not aware of their initiatives this
year.
Faculty Handbook Revision Committee: The Provost’s Office has changes it would like to see implemented in the
Faculty Handbook and the Provost’s representative has brought these issues to
the committee for joint discussion.
General Education: The General Education committee continued
its multifaceted work on assessment, managing the inventory of gen ed courses,
revising student learning outcomes in key areas, and other matters in a
collegial relationship with the Provost. The President typically does not
have substantive interaction with the work of this committee, and that remained
true for this academic year.
Grievance: No initiatives or goals have been acted
upon that fall under the charge of the Grievance Committee (and we have
received no notifications of same).
(did not divide MDIV committee statement into segments)
Minority and Diversity Issues: The Minority and
Diversity Issues Committee (MDIC) has had limited interaction with the
President or other executive officers. We are not aware of any
initiative that would necessarily or appropriately engage the MDIC.
The only issue is that the MDIC-generated (and Faculty Senate-approved)
Diversity Statement was reportedly approved by the Executive Committee of the
administration during Summer, 2011. I was informed of this during
the Fall retreat prior to the start of the 2011-12 academic year. I
was consulted by Corey Jackson about the name of this statement, to reflect
some minor adjustment in how it is presented. This was appropriate, and
the revised title was also deemed appropriate. I was informed at
this time that the statement would be posted on the university's web site.
In checking the university web site one week ago, this Diversity Statement was
not yet posted. Further, there is no link on the office of
diversity and inclusion website about the existence of the MDIC (another
suggestion that I made, to clearly indicate the MDIC role and charge from
the Faculty Senate).
What the MDIC and I would like is to see more attention to diversity and inclusion issues from the campus leadership, including verbal statements, proclamations, initiatives and more. The intent of having the Diversity Statement is that it becomes a living framework for the university through its daily operations; the aim is to have attention to diversity and inclusion be more intentional.
Non-Traditional,
Interdisciplinary, and Adult Learning Committee: The administration has
put forth no new initiatives that would affect the workings of the
Non-Traditional, Interdisciplinary, and Adult Learning Committee.
Writing
Across the Curriculum: NC
2. Did your Committee seek
information or input from the President or Provost or members of their staffs?
If so, did they respond adequately and in a timely manner?
Responses from Faculty Senate Standing Committees:
Academic Policies:
We received
input from Susan Jones, Linda Schwarztstein, and Rick Davis. Any queries to Provost
Stearns received immediate responses. We have very little interaction with
President Merten.
Budget and Resources: Yes, we did several times in connection with the
Summer Teaching Salary Inquiry. There
were some delays in getting feedback on our interim report, but overall staff
were generous with their time and information, and they worked together
effectively to arrive at new procedures to address problems identified in the
survey.
Faculty
Matters: The committee sought information
from the provost about the two issues identified in #1 above. Responses were prompt and appropriate. Indirectly, the committee requested updates
from both the provost and the president to post for reference when faculty
completed the Faculty Evaluation of Administrators. The provost posted the information; the
president did not.
Nominations: No. All other questions N.A.
Organization
and Operations: This year there have been no
situations in which information was sought from the President or the Provost.
Responses from University Standing Committees and ad
hoc Committees:
Academic Initiatives: Yes, we did seek information and input from members of the Provost's staff. They did seek to respond, however, all of the information we requested was not available.
Athletic Council: No, the committee did not seek information from the President or the Provost.
Effective Teaching: Presently we are working with their delegate, whose response has been timely and helpful.
Faculty Handbook
Revision Committee: Yes. The FH committee
regularly meets with a representative from the Provost's office to discuss FH
issues of interest to both. All responses were adequate and timely.
General Education: The GE committee regularly consults with the OIA and IRR staffs, and the AP/UG regularly briefs the Provost on the work of the committee. The AP for Faculty Development sits on the Gen Ed committee and makes substantive contributions, including course review and portfolio assessment. These interactions are continuous and successful.
Grievance: We did not seek input or advice from the President or Provost, although we did deal with administrative offices (largely college deans and HR). In every case, responses were timely and helpful.
Minority and Diversity Issues: see #1
Non-Traditional,
Interdisciplinary, and Adult Learning Committee: The Non-Traditional, Interdisciplinary, and Adult
Learning Committee did not seek any input or information from the President,
Provost, or their staff.
Technology
Policy: The
Technology Policy Committee can report that the University's CIO,
Dr. Joy Hughes attends all our meetings and is very responsive to our requests
for information and quickly addresses issues that we bring to her
attention. Usually, her senior staff attends our meetings too.
Writing Across
the Curriculum: We asked
Jeanette Muir to attend our recent WAC meeting to discuss the committees charge
and how her office could best support it. Jeanette was fully aware of the
committee's charge and participated in a brainstorming session on how we can
better accomplish our goals.
3. Please suggest how you believe the
President, Provost and/or their staffs might more effectively interact with
your Committee in the future, if necessary.
Responses from Faculty Senate Standing Committees:
Academic Policies:
Keeping the
committee apprised of potential academic initiatives is very helpful.
Interactions have generally been very positive.
Budget
and Resources: Can’t think of anything at this
time, other than we wonder what we are missing in the second BPT meetings each
month.
Faculty Matters:
The committee has no suggestions for improving interaction with the
provost or president. As described
above, interactions with the provost and his staff are cordial and timely. The committee has had almost no interaction
with the president and his staff, but the charge of the committee is such that
there are few issues that would involve his office.
Nominations: Making timely appointments to
committees that require administrative appointees.
Organization and Operations: Maintain our existing cordial working relationship.
Responses from University Standing Committees and ad
hoc Committees:
Academic
Initiatives: As soon as new initiatives have
real possibilities for moving forward, it would be helpful to prepare a
briefing report of the committee and respond to committee questions.
Athletic
Council: No recommendations. Senior administrators who report to the
President, and senior administrators who report to the Provost serve as members
of the Athletic Council. They attend
regularly and serve on the council’s sub-committees.
Effective Teaching: Either could send any suggestions they have to the
committee.
Faculty Handbook Revision
Committee: No suggestions for improvement.
General Education:
N/A
Grievance: Again, nothing
directly related to the President or Provost.
However, we did suggest at one point that an annual meeting or workshop
might be scheduled between the folks in HR who deal with conflict resolution
and members of the Grievance Committee.
Minority
and Diversity Issues: see #1
Non-Traditional,
Interdisciplinary, and Adult Learning Committee: I
have no cause to suggest any improvements in gaining access to, or information
from the administration at this time.
Writing Across the Curriculum:
NC
4. Please relate any additional
information you may have regarding interactions between your Committee and the
President or Provost or their staff.
Responses
from Faculty Senate Standing Committees:
Academic
Policies: Nothing more to add.
Budget
and Resources: We greatly appreciate the
openness and transparency afforded by our attendance at the BPT meetings.
Faculty
Matters: The committee has no additional
information.
Nominations: None.
Organization
and Operations: NA
Responses
from University Standing Committees and ad hoc Committees:
Academic
Initiatives: Not at this point.
Athletic
Council: I am comfortable taking any
issue or situation to the President or Provost with regard to student-athlete
well being or academic performance. I
receive the support necessary to continue in my role as Faculty Athletic
Representative and Chair of the Athletic Council.
Faculty Handbook Revision
Committee: The FH Committee finds the
administrative representatives who meet with the committee to be dedicated and
knowledgeable in their areas. They have spent many hours in committee meetings
this year and their efforts have resulted in a much improved Faculty Handbook.
General Education: N/A
Minority
and Diversity Issues:
see #1
Non-Traditional, Interdisciplinary,
and Adult Learning Committee: None to report.
ANNUAL REPORTS OF
THE FACULTY SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES 2011-12
1. ACADEMIC POLICIES – Suzanne Scott (CHSS),
Chair /Spring 2012
Committee
Members: Sheryl Beach (COS), Dimitrios
Ioannou (VSE - Spring 2012), Janette Muir (CHSS - Fall 2011/Chair), Ning Li (SOM), Halaevalu Vakalahi (CHHS)
Academic Policies Report for
academic year 2011 -2012
During
the 2011-2012 academic year the Academic Policies committee focused on four
main topics. The summaries below indicate topics brought to the Senate and
those being discussed in committee meetings.
·
Add/Drop
Period -- Reconsidered
The Student Government asked to
reconsider the decision to change the Add/Drop date to 8 calendar days, which
the Senate approved in Spring 2011 and the university implemented in Fall 2010.
The chair of the committee met with representatives of the Student Government. The
APAC mentioned that some people in CVPA had issues with the short period
because of auditions; they believed one additional day would be helpful.
The committee considered all of the
evidence and saw no reason at this time to make another change, since the new
policy has been in effect for only one academic year.
o
The 8-day period allows students to
attend every class at least once, and the drop date is extended beyond the add
date (unlike all but two Virginia universities).
o
Financial aid is held up for
students until schedules are settled; this is a significant hardship on some
students.
o
We saw no testimonials from
students in the sciences; these students would be adversely affected by a
longer add/drop period, especially in the lab sciences.
o
Testimonials from students in
theater and dance had compelling arguments for needing extra time, but in these
cases there is the safety net of the late schedule adjustment.
·
Study Elsewhere Issues The APAC sent a proposal to the committee to make
changes to the current Study Elsewhere policy. The most substantive change
requires a signature from the academic dean in the student’s college to an
academic dean in the college where the course is being credited. An additional
paragraph was added to address the major arguments that students make in order
to be able to study elsewhere.
o
Our
committee approved the changes in theory and took the proposal to the Senate
for a discussion. A number of people had reservations, and were asked to send
their comments to the committee.
Additional
issues that the committee has reviewed this year:
·
AP Representation on the Graduate
Council – Based on changes to the committee
this year, we agreed that we would invite the associate provost for graduate
study to our April meeting rather than having a committee member sit on the
graduate council this year. Since she was unable to attend the April meeting,
one of our members will attend the April or May meeting of the Graduate
Council.
·
Conferral date change for mid-year graduates
o
The
committee has been asked to approve a December conferral date rather than a
January date. The committee has a number of
questions for which answers are pending.
·
IT
Clicker issue
o
Do we need policy changes to
clicker use, when clickers do not work? The committee decided that policy
issues for iClickers could not be made on the basis of one complaint by a
student and/or parent without knowing more of the facts in the case
2. BUDGET AND RESOURCES – June Tangney (CHSS),
Chair
Committee
Members: Yvonne Demory (SOM), Charlene
Douglas (CHHS), Jerry Mayer (SPP), Phil Wiest (CHSS)
Annual Report from the Budget and Resources Committee
This year, the Budget and Resources Committee provided an annual Faculty and Administrative Salary Update which is posted on the Faculty Senate website. Members of the committee regularly attend and participate in the first Provost’s Budget Planning Team meeting each month, held throughout the year. The committee continued its evaluation of the nature of summer salary concerns across departments and colleges. A survey was conducted of all chairs and directors. The chair of Budget and Resources met several times with members of the Provost’s staff to clarify the current summer school procedures and to underscore the provision in the Faculty Handbook regarding full-time faculty rights to teach a summer course at 10% salary. The Provost’s office agreed to send an email each September to all fulltime faculty, alerting them to the need to notify chairs of their intention to teach the following summer. Chairs will then work with Deans/Directors to accommodate these requests, and where necessary, Deans/Directors will work with the Provost’s office to secure additional funding as needed. The Budget and Resource Committee also embarked on a study of individualized course credit. The committee received and cleaned updated information from the Registrar on the number of individualized course credits generated by department and college. These data were included as an attachment to a survey of Chairs, Deans, and Directors regarding current practices for recognizing faculty contributions in this area as well as the disposition of funds generated. We just completed a follow-up mailing of the survey and are in the midst of analyzing responses.
3. FACULTY
MATTERS – Jim Sanford (CHSS), Chair
Committee
Members: Doris Bitler (CHSS), John
Cantiello (CHHS), Mark Houck (VSE), Paula Petrik (CHSS)
2011-2012 Annual
Report of the Faculty Matters CommitteeCommittee members: James F. Sanford
(chair), Doris Bitler, John Cantiello, Mark Houck, Paula Petrik
Committee report:
The committee was assigned six issues during AY 2011-2012. They are, with the result following each:
· Free tuition benefit available to faculty and staff. It had been reported that only faculty living in Virginia were allowed to use this benefit and that faculty were required to submit an application for admission to the university to use the benefit. Resolution: all faculty, regardless of jurisdiction of residence who meet stated criteria are eligible for free tuition. Faculty continue to have to apply for admission, but the application fee is waived.
· Faculty evaluation of administrators. The committee summarized the comments received on the 2011 evaluation and distributed the 2012 evaluation. Faculty may still complete the latter one.
· Reducing the time between study leaves for tenured faculty. The proposal was not approved by the Faculty Senate.
· Consensual Relations Policy. Along with the Executive Committee, the committee reviewed and recommended a revised draft of the consensual relations policy. The proposed policy was approved by the Senate.
· Parental leave. The committee approved a draft of a policy to grant paid leave for faculty members who become new parents, either through birth or adoption. The draft is on hold until the cost to the university is better understood.
· Email privacy/Freedom of Information Act policy. The committee recommended that an ad hoc committee be established to review and possibly modify the Responsible Use of Computing Policy. This recommendation was accepted by the Senate.
4. NOMINATIONS
– Suzanne Slayden (COS), Chair
Committee
Members: Rick Coffinberger (SOM), David
Kuebrich (CHSS), Howard Kurtz (CVPA), Pierre Rodgers (CEHD)
Annual
Report to the Faculty Senate from the Nominations Committee
Members:
Rick Coffinberger, David Kuebrich, Howard Kurtz, Pierre Rodgers, Suzanne
Slayden (Chair)
At the
beginning of the 2011-2012 academic year, the Nominations Committee provided 13
nominees to fill positions on Senate Standing Committees and 45 nominees to
fill positions on University Standing Committees and ad hoc committees. During
the year, the Nominations Committee provided 6 nominees to fill vacancies on
committees.
5. ORGANIZATION
AND OPERATIONS – Star Muir (CHSS), Chair
Committee
Members: Bob Dudley (CHSS), Kelly Dunne
(CHSS), John Farina (CHSS – Fall 2011), Dan Joyce (CVPA – Spring 2012), Elavie
Ndura (CEHD)
The
annual report of the Organization and Operations Committee is posted on the
Faculty Senate website at
http://www3.gmu.edu/resources/facstaff/senate/MINUTES_FS_2011-12/OandOReport20112012v1.pdf
.
ANNUAL
REPORTS OF THE UNIVERSITY STANDING COMMITTEES 2011-12
1.
ACADEMIC
APPEALS - Eva Thorp (CEHD – Chair, Fall
2011)
Committee
Members: Carryl Baldwin (CHSS), Sheri
Berkeley (CEHD), Flavia Colonna (COS), Michael Hurley (CHSS –Provost
Appointee), Linda Monson (CVPA – Spring 2012), Michael Naor (SOM), Johannes
Rojahn (CHSS),
The
Academic Appeals Committee, chaired by Eva Thorp, did not conduct any business
this year.
2.
ACADEMIC
INITIATIVES – Bob Johnston (SOM), Chair
Committee
Members: Liz Chong (CHHS), Wayne Froman
(CHSS), Tom Kiley (COS), Thomas Speller (VSE), Anne Schiller (Vice President
for Global and International Strategies ex-officio)
The
Spring 2012 Report of the Academic Initiatives Committee is posted on the
Faculty Senate website at http://www3.gmu.edu/resources/facstaff/senate/MINUTES_FS_2011-12/Faculty_Senate_Academic_Inititatives_Committee_Report_for_Spring_Semester_2012.pdf
.
3.
ADMISSIONS –
Dan Joyce (CVPA), Chair
Committee
Members: Marion Deshmukh (CHSS),
Jeng-Eng Lin (COS), Hung Nguyen (CHSS), Charles Thomas (CEHD), Eddie Tallent (Assistant Dean and Executive Director of Admissions)
REPORT FROM THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE April 18, 2012
Committee members: Dan Joyce (CVPA), Marion Deshmukh (CHSS),
Jeng-Eng Lin (COS), Hung Nguyen (CHSS), Charles Thomas (CEHD), Eddie Tallent
(Assistant Dean and Executive Director of Admissions)
A.On April 12, 2012, the University Admissions committee met. There was no old business pending, and no new business was presented. Assistant Dean Tallent shared with us the statistical information that follows in letter heading B.
B. Assistant Dean Tallent released statistics and
information to the committee pertaining to undergraduate applications and
admissions to
1) There is a
slight increase in freshman applications (+100) compared to same date last
year, (once again marking the largest freshman applicant pool ever for Mason).
2) Due to the
outstanding profile of the applicant pool, 300 more students have been admitted
compared to same date last year.
3) The class target is 2650;
there is a healthy waitlist to make sure that number is attained, but it does not appear at this point that
there will be a need to offer admissions from the waitlist, due to the strong
deposit activity that has taken place thus far.
The confirmation deadline for freshmen is May 1, 2012.
4) Students
selected for invitations to the Honors College increased due to the profile of
the applicant pool, and thus far these students are depositing at a higher rate
compared to last year.
5) Likewise,
students selected for the Cornerstones Program are confirming and depositing at
a higher rate compared to last year.
6) Transfer applications are level with last year. Since these students do not have to respond until July 1, it is too early to predict enrollment outcomes for transfers.
4.
ATHLETIC
COUNCIL – Linda Miller (CVPA), Chair and Faculty Athletic Representative
Committee
Members: Len Annetta (CEHD), Robert
Baker (CEHD), Cody Edwards (COS), Steve Klein (CHSS)
The annual report of the
Athletic Council is posted on the Faculty Senate website at http://www3.gmu.edu/resources/facstaff/senate/MINUTES_FS_2011-12/Athletic_Council_2012_Report,_final.pdf
.
5.
EFFECTIVE TEACHING – Bob Pasnak (CHSS), Chair
Committee
Members: Paul Gorski (CHSS), Michelle Greet (CHSS), Ramin Hakami (COS), Paula
Petrik (CHSS), Danielle Rudes (CHSS)
Annual Report of the Effective Teaching
Committee, 2011-2012
After extensive discussion between the
members, and consultation with Kim Eby, Associate Provost and Director of the
Teaching Excellence Center, and Rick Custer, Associate Vice President and Director
of the Mason Spirit magazine, the committee makes the following
recommendations:
* Feedback should be solicited from
faculty about the kinds of professional development they need or want and the
information forwarded to the Teaching Excellence Center
* Participation in
teaching workshops be acknowledged in annual reviews
*Announcements for teaching
workshops should be sent to department listserves
* A“Meet your teaching award faculty” session
should be scheduled in each college or school
* A rolling media tape
of teaching award faculty should be installed in the JC
* The Mason Spirit magazine
should announce the names of teaching award faculty
* Plaques honoring the
receivers of teaching awards should be placed in areas frequented by students
* Criteria for evaluating
teaching should be included in all tenure package information
* GMU policies
regarding laptop, smart phone, and cell phone use in the classroom should be
published more broadly and more frequently ***
* Greater support for the Students
as Scholars program should be developed through the Senate
* The criteria for teaching
portfolios for teaching awards should be published more broadly
* The standard course evaluations should also include comparisons of only the undergraduate courses of similar type (e.g., synthesis courses) without mixing in the graduate level courses or other course types. The evaluations should also include comparisons of graduate level courses of similar type (e.g., basic science courses) without mixing in undergraduate level or other course types. The
committee further notes that the number of members made it impossible to
schedule meetings that all could attend.
The Senate may wish to consider reducing the size of this committee.
***A Senator noted that we do not
have policies on this.
6. EXTERNAL ACADEMIC RELATIONS – Elavie Ndura
(CEHD) and Frank Allen Philpot (SOM), Co
Chairs. Committee Members: Alok Berry (VSE), Arie Croitoru (COS), Karl
Fryxell (COS), Lisa Gring-Pemble (CHSS – Provost Appointee)
Unfortunately
the Committee on External Academic Relations has not been active this year.
7.
FACULTY
HANDBOOK REVISION – Suzanne Slayden (COS), Chair
Committee
Members: Geoff Birchard (COS), Lloyd
Cohen (SOL), Richard Miller (CEHD)
Annual
Report to the Faculty Senate from the Faculty Handbook Revision Committee
Members:
Geoff Birchard, Lloyd Cohen, Rich Miller, Suzanne Slayden (Chair)
The Committee met 11 times (with one additional
meeting scheduled for May) during the 2011-2012 academic year. The first three
meetings were attended by only the committee members, during which procedures
were reviewed, a calendar established, and old and new issues discussed. For
the remainder of the meetings, certain administrators attended (Deborah
Boehm-Davis, Associate Dean, CHSS; Renate Guilford, Associate Provost; Michelle
Lim, Human Resources). Proposals for changes to the Faculty Handbook were
considered. These changes were submitted to the Faculty Senate at a Special
Meeting on Feb. 15, 2012. All the proposed revisions were approved, with the
exception of two items that were sent back for reconsideration. The approved
revisions, which were also approved by the administration and reviewed by the
University Counsel’s office, were submitted to the BOV for distribution at its
April meeting. It is anticipated that the BOV will vote on the revisions at
their May meeting.
8. GENERAL EDUCATION – Janette Muir (Associate Provost for
Undergraduate Education – Chair, Spring 2012), Rick Davis (Associate Provost
for Undergraduate Education – Chair, Fall 2011). Committee Members: Rick Diecchio (COS – Provost Appointee, Kelly
Dunne (CHSS), Kim Eby (Associate Provost & Director, Center for Teaching
Excellence), Doug Eyman (CHSS), Mack Holt (CHSS), Frank Allen Philpot (SOM –
Provost Appointee), Kammy Sanghera (VSE), Hugh Sockett (CHSS), Mark Uhen (COS),
Carol Urban (CHHS), Peter Winant (CVPA).
The report is posted on the
Faculty Senate website at http://www3.gmu.edu/resources/facstaff/senate/MINUTES_FS_2011-12/FY_11-12_GE_FS_report.htm
.
9.
GRIEVANCE -
Scott Bauer (CEHD), Chair
Committee
Members: Cody Edwards (COS), B ob Pasnak
(CHSS), Johannes Rojahn (CHSS), Sylvia Sanchez (CEHD).
Thankfully, the
grievance committee has not had a need to meet this year. In contrast to last
year, when we received quite a few inquiries, many of which that were outside
the scope of the committee charge, we have not even had an inquiry this year.
10.
MINORITY AND
DIVERSITY ISSUES – David Anderson (CEHD), Chair
Committee
Members: Xiaomei Cai (CHSS), Harold
Geller (COS), Hazel McFerson (CHSS), Michael Mink (CHHS), Suzanne Scott (CHSS)
The report is posted on the Faculty Senate website
at http://www3.gmu.edu/resources/facstaff/senate/MINUTES_FS_2011-12/Annual_Report_2011-2012_MDIC.pdf .
11. NON-TRADITIONAL, INTERDISCIPLINARY, AND
ADULT LEARNING – Ray Sommer (SPP), Chair.
Committee Members: Steve Klein
(CHSS), Jaime Lester (CHSS), Cynthia Lum (CHSS), John Riskind (CHSS), Carole
Rosenstein (CVPA)
The
Non-Traditional, Interdisciplinary, and Adult Learning Committee met only once
to elect a chair. Other than that, no other business was conducted during AY
11-12.
12.
SALARY EQUITY
STUDY
Committee
Members: Michelle Buehl (CEHD), Margret
Hjalmarson (CEHD), Prosenjit Mazumdar (SOM), Melinda Villagran (CHSS).
Last semester,
Kris Smith's office which is assigned to support this committee was unable to
provide data analysis for us due to staffing and other projects.
13. TECHNOLOGY
POLICY – Stanley Zoltek (COS), Chair
Committee Members:
Maggie Daniels (CEHD), Andy Finn (CHSS), Amin Jazaeri (COS), Goodlet McDaniel
(CHHS), Nirup Menon (SOM), Christy Pichichero (CHSS), Nigel Waters (COS)
The Faculty Senate Technology Policy Committee met six times during the academic year. We will hold our seventh and final meeting on May 7.
The committee began the year by discussing with the
university CIO how to provide the faculty with the best teaching and research
tools in an era of diminishing budgets and ever increasing demands of new
teaching paradigms which utilize only the newest computer hardware and
software. The committee assisted Jim Witte, director of the CHSS Center for
Social Sciences Research, in preparing a survey to elicit faculty input as to
which tools they used and considered the highest priority for future support
and improvement. We look forward to sharing further information on this survey
with our colleagues in the near future. The committee also
supported the work of the ITU to contract for an analysis of how best to
support the research computing needs of faculty. We
look forward to the discussion of the report that has recently been drafted.
The committee has received updates throughout the year on the university’s progress in selecting a new electronic mail system for faculty and staff .The chair of the FSTPC serves on the email selection committee.
The committee, on request from O&O, held discussions concerning the privacy of employee communications. The committee, after careful review, brought forward a recommendation to modify the current RUC, but not to the extent that the policy changes would require legal review. The changes would clarify the university’s commitment to faculty privacy. On further consideration some Senators felt that the committees changes were insufficient. The Senate plans to establish an ad hoc committee to consider more substantive changes to the RUC policy. The ad hoc committee is expected to have representation from FSTPC, Faculty Matters, and at large members and will begin deliberations in next academic year.
The committee held discussions concerning BlackBoard such as recommending to DoIT that the faculty should be able to see their courses as a student would see them instead of only seeing them from a faculty account’s perspective. This resulted in DoIT implementing “Student View” which is available under the “Tools” menu in BlackBoard. The committee held a discussion with ITU about the optimal retention period for course material held within BlackBoard. Eventually, older courses will need to be archived. The archival of courses will be a topic for consideration during the next year.
ITU kept the committee apprised of a number of their projects, such as: upgrading from XP to Windows 7 in labs and classrooms, continuing the rollout of VoIP phones across campus, ongoing voice mail issues which will be resolved shortly
On April 30, 2012, the Information Technology Unit will offer a secure (data-encrypted) wireless network service to the George Mason University community, named MASON-SECURE.
MASON-SECURE provides users an alternative to Mason’s current SNAP/Mason Public Wireless system with three major benefits.
1. The wireless signal is encrypted and users can feel confident that their wireless data will not be intercepted and read by others.
2. Once users log in to the new MASON-SECURE system from a smartphone, laptop, or other mobile device, they will not have to go through the login process on that device again until they change their Patriot Pass password. There will be no restrictions that will force a user to log into the system after a set number of hours.
3. Users will not need to
keep a browser window open while they are using the wireless network.
The current SNAP/Mason Public Wireless system will remain available for guests, and for devices that are not compatible with the new system.
For more information, visit http://wireless.gmu.edu/Mason-Secure/.
Finally, the committee discussed the best way to keep
faculty informed of technology changes, particularly changes which occur during
term breaks when most faculty are not on campus. The best way to find out about
these changes is to go to the ITU support home page, http://itservices.gmu.edu/, and from the menu
on the left select ”Technology Changes that Impact Teaching and Learning.” The
committee made several recommendations as to how to “push out” the change
notices without disturbing faculty with unwanted mass emails. The ITU will explore these options during the
summer.
14. WRITING ACROSS THE CURRICULUM – Stanley Zoltek
(COS), Chair
Committee
Members: Joan Bristol (CHSS), Susan Durham (CHHS), Tamara Maddox
(VSE), Agnieszka Paczynska (S-CAR), Gregory Robinson (CVPA), Nicola
Scott (SOM), Miruna Stanica (CHSS), Shahron Williams Van Rooij (CEHD).
Terry Zawacki ex-officio (Director, WAC Program); Sarah Baker ex-officio (Assistant Director, WAC Program); Jackie Brown (WAC Program Research Assistant)
Consultants to the Committee: Melissa
Allen (ELI), Peggy Brouse (VSE), Dawn Fels (Writing Center), Karyn Mallet (ELI), George Oberle (JC Library), Shelley Reid (Composition), Larry Rockwood
(COS), Paul Rogers (CHSS/NVWP), Bethany Usher (CTE/OSCAR)
The committee met eight times during the 2011-2012 academic year (last meeting scheduled for May 1, 2012). The committee’s charge includes: advising the director of Writing Across the Curriculum, approval of new writing-intensive (WI) courses, regular review of WI course syllabi, and assisting with activities and events related to Writing Across the Curriculum.
WAC now reports to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education.
2011-2012 activities included:
Committee Actions:
§ Reviewed and approved new or modified courses designated to meet the Senate-mandated WI requirement: ACS 306 & 321 (Applied Computer Science), CHIN 480 (Chinese), FRSC 302 & 304 (Forensic Science), HEAL 310 (Recreation, Health, and Tourism).
§ Each semester checked enrollments in WI courses to assess compliance with the 35-seat requirement and addressed non-compliant courses/departments. Provided resources to WI faculty.
§ Reviewed syllabi, including discussion of the types of writing assigned in WI courses, word/page-count requirements, and writing as proportion of overall grade.
§ Extensive discussion about revising the WI course requirements, including “what is writing?” (formal/informal, print/digital mediums, etc.). Drafted revised language; discussion will be continued into the next AY to develop a draft for formal approval.
§ The committee also discussed with Associate Provost Muir ways that the 35-student enrollment cap might be lowered so that faculty could teach more effectively with writing in the major.
§ Continued department-level analysis of graduating seniors’ writing experiences from the annual graduating senior survey (Office of Institutional Assessment). Survey results were distributed to members of the Council for Undergraduate Education.
§ Continued efforts to encourage departments to institute new and/or permanent undergraduate student writing awards.
§ Produced the print and online versions of the fall 2011 Teaching with Writing Across the Curriculum newsletter. The spring 2012 issue, focusing on WAC and the culture of writing at Mason, will be published in May 2012.
§ Promoted the cross-disciplinary, undergraduate journal, The George Mason Review (http://gmreview.gmu.edu/).
§ Created an email address specifically for the WAC program and committee ([email protected]).
Other program
activities in consultation with the WAC committee:
§ Conducted a comprehensive program assessment, including data gathering and tracking of responsibilities, initiatives, and programs relevant to the WAC Committee and program.
§ For the 10th year in a row, Mason’s WAC Program made the U.S. News “Best Colleges 2012” list of highly ranked colleges for Writing in the Disciplines (WID).
§ Developed WIN(ning) initiative for writing-infused programs in collaboration with Criminology, Law and Society (CLS), English, History, Philosophy, Social Work, and Systems Engineering, with an all-day planning workshop was held in August 2011.
§ Participated in searches for a new WAC director to replace Terry Zawacki, who is stepping down at the end of spring 2012 in preparation for retirement. The searches were not successful, so current assistant director Sarah Baker will become interim director for 2012-2013 while a new search is conducted.
ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE FACULTY SENATE AD
HOC COMMITTEES 2011-12
1. FACULTY SENATE TASK FORCE TO EXAMINE
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN GMU AND PRIVATE DONORS – David Kuebrich (CHSS), Chair
Task
Force Members: Penny Earley (CEHD),
Esther Elstun (CHSS – Emerita), Rich Rubenstein (S-CAR), Matt Zingraff
(CHSS/Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, ex officio)
REPORT
OF THE TASK FORCE RE PRIVATE DONORS
I.
The Charge and Schedule of the Task Force (excerpted from the Feb.9 Minutes) “Motion: The George Mason University Faculty Senate
shall create a fact-finding “Task Force re Private Donors” (TFPD). The charge
of the Task Force will be to review significant agreements between Private
Donors and the University that have an overt intellectual dimension. The
activities of the Task Force shall include examining the impact of these
agreements in regard to A) the teaching and research missions of the
University; B) the University’s mission to serve the public good; C) the
University’s use of resources; and D) the image of the University--as perceived
both by the George Mason community and the larger public.”
“Schedule: The Task
Force will make a preliminary report to the Senate by the end of the Spring
semester and a second report early in the Fall semester. In its Fall report,
the Task Force will recommend either that it be dissolved or that it continue in
order to develop and recommend needed changes in University policy.”
II. The Problem of
State-Mandated Secrecy
TFPD
has been unable to fulfill its assigned mission of reviewing the University’s
agreements with private donors because the University Administration, backed by
the Office of University Counsel, maintains such agreements are confidential
(and not subject to the Freedom of Information Act) at GMU and other Virginia
public colleges and universities. Nevertheless,
the Task Force has been able to carry out important parts of its assignment;
and, as a result, it makes several recommendations and also presents the Senate
with two “topics for discussion.”
III. Recommendations
1.
In order to better preserve the University’s integrity and academic freedom,
TFPD recommends the George Mason University Faculty Senate collaborate with the
Administration to create a special committee that includes appropriate
administrators (or their designees), but both the chair and the majority of the
membership should be tenured faculty elected by the Faculty Senate. The
committee would have two charges:
A)
To develop a comprehensive policy for dealing with donations to the University.
The committee should formulate “best policies and practices” for accepting
outside monies while also preserving the integrity of the University as well as
academic freedom in its teaching and research missions. TFPD suggests that
documents developed by Cornell University to govern its formation of “Strategic
Corporate Alliances” might provide a starting point.
B)
To create a detailed conflict of interest policy (COI) designed to protect the
integrity of all research and instruction done by GMU faculty, researchers, and
others associated with the University. In this regard, TFPD notes with interest
the set of principles recently adopted by the American Economic Association
(AEA, Jan 2012) for author disclosure of conflict of interest in any of its
publications. These principles include (amongst others) requiring an author to
state the sources of financial support for the research an article; to identify
“each interested party” from whom the author has received “significant
financial support, summing to at least $10,000 in the past three years, in the
form of consultant fees, retainers, grants and the like”; to “disclose any paid
or unpaid positions as officer, director, or board member of relevant
non-profit advocacy organizations or profit-making entities.” The AEA goes on
to urge “its members and other economists
. . . apply the above principles in other forms of publication and
public presentation: scholarly journals, op-ed pieces, newspaper and magazine
columns, radio and television commentaries, as well as in testimony before
federal and state legislative committees and other agencies.”
TPFD
also recommends that a COI policy should include not only general principles
that apply to all institutions of higher education but also specific principles
relevant to a particular institution. For instance, a university with a medical
school and/or heavily involved in medical research would want to have special
provisions in its COI policy that would
address potential conflicts arising from accepting research monies from
suppliers of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and/or medical services.
Similarly, a university such as George Mason, located near the seat of the
Federal Government, has special opportunities for influencing public policy.
Accordingly, it should have a COI policy that gives special attention to the
potential conflicts of interest that might develop between the teaching and
research faculty (and members of
institutes or centers associated with the University) who make public policy
recommendations and the gifts from outside donors who might benefit from such
recommendations.
In
order to protect the integrity of the University and its mission, an adequate
COI policy (and an adequate policy for dealing with outside donations) must not
only prevent conflicts of interest but also the appearance of such conflicts.
In thinking about what might constitute a robust COI policy, the TPFD has given
special attention to Vanderbilt University’s comprehensive and detailed
“Conflict of Interest and Commitment Policy,” which includes a statement of
general principles; specific guidelines regarding potential conflicts of
interest pertaining to administrators, faculty, researchers, and other
university personnel who may receive and/or manage outside gifts or funding;
and guidelines for avoiding conflicts of commitment that “can arise when [outside activities] . . . burden or
interfere with the University member’s primary obligations and commitments
to the University.”
2.
The TFPD also recommends the creation of a policy that allows for adequate
faculty representation on the GMU Gift Acceptance Committee (which approves
agreements with private donors). This representation would consist of at least two tenured faculty members,
elected by the Faculty Senate, at least one of whom is a member of the Senate's
Faculty Matters Committee. Such faculty participation would allow for a degree
of faculty oversight to insure that gifts do not impinge upon academic freedom
and faculty control of the curriculum.
IV. Topics for Senate
Discussion
In
its deliberations, TFPD has entertained a number of concerns about the University’s
relationship with its largest private donor, the Charles G. Koch Charitable
Foundation ($4,074,300 in 2009). Among the concerns are the following:
--A Need for Greater Transparency: Even if
we accept that the agreement itself is legally confidential, there is a need
for fuller disclosure of specific economic arrangements between units such as
the
--The Issue of Drawing upon the University’s
Intangible Resources: Even if units
associated with the University receive no financial support from GMU or the
State, they still draw upon what Vanderbilt University’s “Conflict of Interest
and Commitment Policy” refers to as “intangible resources,” which would include
such things as the University’s “reputation” or “prestige” and, more
importantly, we might add, its standing as a center of disinterested knowledge.
It makes a world of difference if a publication, program, or public testimony
advocating for a particular policy of significant economic import is seen as
emanating from university research as opposed to corporate interests. And these
intangible benefits are made possible, in large part, by tax-payer monies that
have built up the University over the years and that continue to support
it.
Some
of the problems associated with the second point would be resolved, or at least
reduced, if the University develops, implements and monitors a strong conflict
of interest policy. However, given these two points (and others might be
added), it seems inescapable that it is highly problematic for a university,
especially a public university, to enter into a secret agreement with a private
donor that provides funding for public policy research that impacts upon the financial interests not
only of the funder but also of the tax-payers.
Given
concerns such as these, it seems important for the Faculty Senate to conduct a
thorough discussion directed at making the best possible decisions for
maintaining an adequately funded system of public higher education.
V. Extending the Life of TFPD
The
Task Force asks that the Senate extend its life until at least October, 2012,
allowing it to further pursue its charge.
Submitted
by David Kuebrich for the TFPD (Penelope Earley, Esther Elstun, Richard
Rubenstein, Matt Zingraff)
Discussion: Senator Kuebrich displayed
slides depicting “Capitol Hill Campus” using Mercatus Center logo as a backdrop. Several Senators expressed concern as GMU
does not have a Capitol Hill Campus. This is not meant as an attack on the
Mercatus Center, rather shows need for all university groups to have a
conflict-of-interest policy, as outlined in the Task Force Report’s
Recommendations noted above. A motion
was made and seconded to extend the life of the Task Force until October
2012. The motion was approved
unanimously.