MINUTES OF MEETING NUMBER 116
OF The
Senate OF mICHIGAN tECHNOLOGical university

11 February 1981

(Senate Minute pages: 1826-1856)

Meeting No. 116 was called to order at 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 1981 in the Faculty Lounge of the Memorial Union by Senate President O. David Boutilier.

The roll was called by the Secretary. Twenty seven members or alternates were present. Absent were Brahney/Lide (HU); Hauge/Boyer (SS); Hutzler/Sandberg (CE), Sloan/Horvath (EE); Sprague/Gimmestad (KRC); Stein; Sutherland/Handley (Grad. SC).

Acknowledgement of Visitors: Dr. Toby Fulwiler (HU) was present as a visitor.

The Minutes of Meeting No. 115 - Minutes of Meeting 115 were approved.

It was approved to allow Dr. Fulwiler to make his presentation requesting Faculty Senate endorsement and support of the Orientation Week Conference on Communication Skills (see Appendix A - Available by Request from the Senate Office). The Senate voted to support Dr. Fulwiler in his efforts.

President's Report:

In addition to his formal report (Appendix B - Available by Request from the Senate Office), President Boutilier stated that Senator Crowther, Faculty Handbook Committee Chair, has requested the overall definition of the term "faculty" be reviewed. Action was given to the Promotional Policy and Professional Standards and Development Committee.

Report on Meeting of the Academic Council.

Vice President Reynolds presented his report of the Meeting of February 3, 1981 (See Appendix C - Available by Request from the Senate Office). Senator Pintar suggested that the Senate discuss the proposed criteria for promotional policy for research personnel. No action was taken.

Report on the Board of Control Meeting

Vice President Reynolds presented his report of the meeting held in Detroit on January 16, 1981, (See Appendix D - Available by Request from the Senate Office), highlighting the following:

  1. Operating budget
  2. Extensions in employment beyond retirement
  3. Pre-employment physical examinations
  4. Moving expense policy
  5. Short-term investment policy
  6. The report on the Science, Technology, and Society Program
  7. The status of WGGL-FM
  8. An update on the nursing program

Committee Reports

A. Curricular Policy

Senator Agin announced that a subcommittee is currently meeting with the Humanities Department to formulate a questionnaire that will be circulated to the faculty during Spring Quarter. This questionnaire will elicit sentiment concerning the goals and objectives of Freshman English.

B. Instructional Policy

Senator Tampas indicated the committee is discussing the following items:

  1. Late Drop Policy
  2. Waiting Lists for Courses
  3. "Scramble Day"
  4. Restricting the number of courses to be included in the computation of grade point averages (See Appendix E - Available by Request from the Senate Office).

Please refer any inputs on these items to Professor Sloan or any member of the committee.

C. Institutional Evaluation

Senator Beske-Diehl reported that the committee had been meeting, but had no formal report at this time.

D. Elections Committee - No Report.

E. Joint Committee on Relations Between the Senate and Faculty Association

Senator Pintar states that a problem exists concerning the amount of annual dues assessed by the Association of Michigan Collegiate Faculties (AMCF) - a difference of $150. AMCF was informed that an increase of this magnitude may jeopardize future participation. This item is subject to further discussion.

Senator Pintar also announced that the election of the AMCF Delegate - a two-year position, will be held at the next Faculty Senate Meeting.

It was also announced that the committee has a continued concern regarding faculty liability for safety with regards to advising student organizations. A proposal will be forthcoming.

Appendix F (Available by Request from the Senate Office) contains the Report of the AMCF Meeting of January 29-30, 1981 and a report written for the Association of Michigan Collegiate Faculties by Virginia Delano, League of Women Voters Reporting Service.

F. Faculty Fringe Benefits

Senator Reynolds stated that the scheduled meeting with administrative personnel on retirement plans was cancelled, hopefully to be rescheduled before the next Senate meeting. He also announced that the committee has requested that the Employee Relations Office provide cost figures on proposed early retirement plan(s). He further stated that the committee would present the plan to the faculty after the details, technicalities, and the administrative stance is fully understood.

G. Promotional Policy and Professional Standards and Development - No Report.

 

Old Business - None.

 

New Business

  1. Senate Proposal 18-78 and President Stein's response was discussed. Although President Stein is amenable to the Proposal, he has recommended an alternate method of selecting the committee chair. He prefers to have he and the Senate President consult and then select the chairperson. A general discussion followed and it was decided to table the discussion until the next meeting. In the interim, the Senate Council will appoint a committee to work with President Stein to resolve the impasse.

  2. Senate 2-81, concerning correlations of faculty promotions, was introduced (see Appendix G - Available by Request from the Senate Office); acceptance was moved and seconded; and discussion ensued. After acceptance of an amendment and further discussion, the Proposal was referred to the Promotional Policy and Professional Standards Committee for action, with the stipulation that it would be reported on at the next Senate meeting.

  3. Senator Nelson reported on actions of the ad hoc committee on Admissions, Reforms for Undergraduate Foreign Students. The committee has met, is gathering data and formulating ideas, in the areas of academic testing and performance and financial responsibility. Committee actions are continuing.

  4. Senator Reynolds stated that Dr. Gale has suggested the concept where he would meet with the faculty on a regular basis to discuss mutual problems be reinstituted. After a discussion, it was decided to request that Dr. Gale set up details and announce the program to the faculty.

Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.