DRAFT Faculty Meeting Minutes

Founders

January 19, 2018

Call to Order

Tom Knecht called the meeting to order at 3:30pm.

Devotional

Meredith Whitnah reflected on the current season of Epiphany in the shadow of the recent Montecito mudslides.

New Faculty Introduction: Sandra Richter

Sandra Richter gave an overview of her many geographic, faith, ministry, career, and ministry journeys. Her scholarly interests include Deuteronomic history, writing texts for college students and lay people, and curricula. Sandra is also interested in environmental issues and the economics of Deuteronomy.

Since arriving at Westmont, Sandra has been working on new curricular developments:

  • Elementary Hebrew Grammar
  • Historical Geography at Jerusalem University College in Israel

Approval of Minutes from Nov 17, 2017

The November 17, 2017 minutes were approved

Report from the President

  1. Appreciation to Jane Wilson, Greg Spencer, and Holly Beers for their role in chapel
  2. Updates on the Fletcher Jones Foundation Grant for remodeling science laboratories
  3. Campus Disaster Recovery and Resilience
  4. Psychological Care
  5. Reflections on Josef Pieper, Leisure: the Basis of Culture
  6. One-page overview from Eric Nelson on how to respond to stress and PTSD
  7. Augustinian Scholars Weekend
  8. Martin Institute Book Award Winner: James K.A. Smith for Desiring the Kingdom
  9. Board of Trustees meeting next week
  10. CCCU International Forum in Dallas
  11. NAICU: Gayle was re-elected to the National Board
  12. President’s Breakfast is hosting General Michael Hayden on February 9th

Gayle responded to various questions about the leadership team’s wellbeing,prayer needs, and their response to the catastrophe.

Comments from the Provost

  • Mark Sargent welcomed back faculty returning from off campus programs and sabbaticals
  • Mark distributed Thank You cards for the faculty to sign for the fire brigade

Report from Troy Harris and John Draper

Troy and John described:

  • the development of the Thomas Fire and mudslides
  • the importance of Westmont’s relationships with city and county agencies and the Emergency Operations Center
  • the Situation Response Readiness team

Table Talk: Westmont’s Response

The faculty responded to three questions:

  1. What have we learned that would help us prepare for future challenges?
  2. Are there any things we need to do now to prepare for offering remote semesters?
  3. What can we do to serve the needs of the community in coming months?

Ballots

Tom Knecht distributed ballots for Faculty Council to be turned in before 1:00pm on 1/25/2018 to replace outgoing member, Jane Wilson

Provost Report

Mark Sargent highlighted

  • A resource from Eric Nelson In the Classroom Dealing with the aftermath of a tragedy and a service opportunity from Rebecca Boa (Student Community Recovery Team)
  • James K Smith’s visit to campus including chapel and faculty forum
  • A new show at Westmont’s Ridley-Tree Museum celebrating Westmont’s 80th anniversary
  • The Installation of Chandra Mallampalli to the new Fletcher Jones Foundation endowed chair
  • Mark also introduced Lesa Stern and Elizabeth Garden who highlighted a series of upcoming Oral Communication assessment ILO workshops
  • Congratulated Meredith Whitnah for a book grant from the Global Religion Research Initiative at the University of Notre Dame
  • Celebrated John Moore’s successful record

Adjournment

Tom Knecht adjourned the meeting at 5:00pm

Respectfully submitted: Enrico Manlapig
January 19, 2018