Minutes: faculty assembly meeting, March 27, 2015
In attendance: Ann Branaman, Dukhong Kim, Manju Pendakur, Kevin Wilt, Nancy Poulson, Justin P. White, Eric Hanne, Kelly Shannon, Lynn Appleton, Dan Murtaugh, Mike Harris, Mauricio Almonte, Susan Love Brown, Michael Horswell, Linda Johnson, Marcella Munson, Brian E. McConnell, Jennifer Low, Becky Lautar
12:02 Called to order
Approval of Minutes
Information on agenda item #5, Academic budget, from Dorothy Russell:
Restoration of lost funds will bring us to a balanced budget.
In the year 2015-2016, we will be in the middle of SUS, but not far away from the
bottom three schools.
We are likely to have our budget for the 2015-'16 year by the end of June
The restored money comes in non-recurring funds
There are 13 open tenure-track lines in the college.
Information on the no-credit policy for IFP and languages, from Michelle Hawkins and Ed Pratt:
There is a precedent for this policy at other universities.
The policy allows students to take courses without fear of failing them.
Some courses may be taken only twice without permission.
Electing to take a no-credit grade results in immediate advising.
Students may elect to take a no-credit--but only 4 times during their
undergraduate career.
Report by Heather Coltman, Dean of the College:
Dean Coltman commented on President Kelly's energy and charisma, and his urging that we be creative and think about partnering with others. He wants to move forward; this is a paradigm shift for us.
At the end of the year we are losing 13 tenure-line faculty: 5 are retiring; the remainder are leaving for positions elsewhere.
College P & T Amendments
Susan Brown read the amendments aloud.
Debate on the recommended additions ensued, especially on the necessity of the addition of the phrase "In line with the AAUP's Statement of Principles on academic freedom and tenure..."
Guneratne: Will there be an opportunity to grieve the process if the candidate wishes?
Wagner: Doesn't the Provost have a say in this? We could ask him if this would be acceptable.
Harris: Has anyone objected to the third amendment (the one involving annual evaluations)?
Guneratne: Amendment 3 now reads: "Unit chairs or directors are required to offer to discuss the Annual Evaluation and Performance Appraisal."
The amendments were approved by unanimous vote.
Information from Mauricio Almonte on a discussion item: the periodic review of textbook use:
Almonte explained the proposal and discussion ensued, with questions or comments from McConnell, Lautar, Brown, and Almonte.