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Minutes
Faculty Council Meeting
November 30, 2007
Faculty Council Members Present: Greg Bassham (Chair), Derrick Boucher (Chair-elect), Joan Coffin (A&P Chair-elect), Kristi Concannon (C&T Chair-elect), Howard Fedrick (Div. B Rep.), Dan Ghezzi (A&P Chair), Brian Pavlac (C&T Chair), Regan Lance Reitsma (Div. C Rep.), Jeremy Simington (Div. A Rep)
Guests Present: Nick Holodick, (VPAA), Fr. Tony Grasso (AVPAA), Ron Supkowski
1. The meeting was called to order at 2:07 PM in the Lipo Room of the Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center.
The Minutes of the November 9, 2007 Faculty Council meeting were approved.
2. Chair's Report (Greg Bassham)
-Senior Faculty Review: Greg reported on the Faculty Forum, November 13th, which was held to discuss changes to the review process for senior faculty. Most faculty who attended stressed the importance of framing the policy as a positive, affirming procedure. Concerns were expressed about the nature of the sanctions that would be imposed for senior faculty who do not meet the standards set forth in the policy. Nick Holodick will develop a draft of proposed sanctions, in accordance with AAUP guidelines. Nick also mentioned that the new policy will also include in-class observations, and recognition of those faculty who perform above the standards.
-Revision of the Faculty Handbook: Greg met with the College attorney, Dick Goldberg, to review the language in the updated Faculty Handbook. It remains unclear what sections of the Handbook are contractual. Greg will meet again with Attorney Goldberg before the end of the semester.
-During his meeting with the President, Fr.O’Hara noted one goal of the strategic plan is to increase faculty diversity
3. C & T Committee Report (Brian Pavlac)
-CART coordinators: Brian reported that all positions have been filled. CARTs have been meeting to establish course offerings and to develop new CORE courses and syllabi. At present, there are no guidelines as to the number of courses proposed or newly developed, particularly in three new categories (Contemporary Global Studies, American Studies, and the Arts).
FYS: The committee is discussing the issue of quotas from departments for staffing sections of the First Year Seminar.
4. A & P Committee Report (Dan Ghezzi)
-ETS: The subcommittee has sent a short survey to faculty regarding the new survey instrument. Comments should be sent to Dr. Jean O’Brien.
Summer Grant Research Committee: A subcommittee of A & P will begin a review of submitted proposals. There was concern regarding the composition of committee as stated in the Faculty Handbook. A & P has elected to follow guidelines as described in the Faculty Constitution.
-A request for discipline-specific standards for Tenure & Promotion will be sent to Chairs/Program Directors the week of December 3rd. the request includes resources to assist in articulating standards. This Information is to be included as appendices in revised Faculty Handbook
5. Social Activities Report
-This year’s Decompression Session will be held at the Pierce Street Deli (Atrium), on Tuesday 12/18, from 4:30-8:30.
6. New Business
-Faculty Scholarship Guidelines: Dan Ghezzi presented a revision to the current guidelines. Following a brief discussion, the revised guidelines were approved.
-Approval Process for new Majors and Minors: Brian Pavlac presented a document detailing the procedure for submitting a proposal for a new Major or Minor to the C & T Committee. After discussion the procedure was approved. The document can be found on the C & T website.
-Academic Integrity Policy Progress: Ron Supkowski, Chair of the subcommittee, presented a brief update and an outline of the revisions to the current AI policy.
The meeting adjourned at 3:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Coffin