MINUTES OF MEETING NUMBER 172
OF The
Senate OF mICHIGAN tECHNOLOGical university

24 January 1990

(Senate Minute pages: 3000-3018)

President's Report

President Adler received and directed to the Curricular Policy Committee a proposal from the Director of International Studies for a B.A. program in International Studies.

There is a vacancy on the Academic Tenure Committee and the nomination forms should be returned soon. We need to get that election completed for the tenure process to continue in a timely manner this academic year.

There is still a need for volunteers for Budget Liaison Officer.

We have tentatively set up an informational meeting for Senators and Alternates presented by Jack Robinson, an outside consultant, on the long-range physical facility planning. The meeting is tentatively scheduled for Friday February 16 at noon.

Dennis Salo reported on the interim Procurement Integrity Policy (Appendix A - Available by Request from the Senate Office) now being implemented. Faculty and staff input is solicited.

Mike Abbott presented and proposed Scientific Misconduct Policy (Appendix B - Available by Request from the Senate Office). Review by the Senate and the Academic Council is requested.

Vice President's Report

Vice President Tampas submitted a verbal report on the January 23, 1990 Academic Council meeting. Scientific misconduct and procurement integrity policies were discussed. Vice President Stucky indicated that there are a number of proposed procedural changes (how departments handle expenses, travel, etc.) that should streamline handling of expenses.

There was some discussion of GTA orientation programs being handled by the Center for Teaching Excellence.

There was some discussion of the Supreme Court decision in the Pennsylvania case where letters of review in the tenure process were not held to be confidential and were used as evidence of discriminatory action. Some changes will have to be made to inform reviewers that review letters may not be held in confidence in all circumstances.

There will be some change in the faculty vita supplements. These may be kept locally in the department offices until they are needed, rather than taking up space in the Vice President's office.

Committee Reports

A. Budget Liaison Officer - No report.

B. Curricular Policy

Senator Bulleit reported that the Scheduling Office is installing new software that will time date and catalog course numbers so that departments will be able to reuse a course number sooner than seven years after a course with that number was dropped. The new software will not be fully implemented for 1-1/2 to 3 years. At this time the seven year delay in reusing course numbers is still in effect.

C. Elections

Vice President Tampas reported that nominations were received for Ron Roblee and Pat Joyce to serve on the Sabbatical Leave Committee. The Senate voted to forward these two names to President Stein for consideration.

D. Faculty Handbook

Allan Hambley reported that the latest version of the Faculty Handbook has been distributed to the faculty for comments.

E. Faculty Fringe Benefits

Senator DePuydt reported that the Committee has scheduled a meeting with Vice President Stucky for 3:30 on February 6 in room 105 of the Memorial Union Building to discuss the next two items on the Committee's agenda: a flex benefits or cafeteria style planning benefits package, and a wellness program.

F. Institutional Evaluation - No report.

G. Instructional Policy

Senator Suryanarayana reported that the Committee received a memo from the Provost acknowledging receipt of the recommendation for the operation of the Center for Teaching Excellence. The Provost indicated that Director Agin will continue in his current post until a new director is appointed.

There is a wide variation in the faculty peer evaluation schemes in different departments. Some departments require an in-depth evaluation and some departments require none at all. Therefore, it is the Provost's conclusion that peer evaluation is just not working. The Committee will examine faculty peer evaluation at a later date.

Reports from Affiliated and/or Ad Hoc Committees

A. University Planning Committee - No report.

B. University Committee on Campus-Wide Computer Strategy

This committee has been dissolved and two new committees have been formed: the University Computer Executive Committee and the University Computer Advisory Committee. No report was received from either of these committees.

C. Quality of University Life Task Force - No report.

D. Teaching Award Procedure Committee

Senator Boutilier reported that recommendations for the Distinguished Teaching Awards are in the Provost's office and sixteen nominees have been forwarded to the ODK for final evaluation.

E. Academic Calendar Task Force

Senator Martin reported that a flurry of activity has occurred since the last Senate meeting. Six persons have been identified and two others may be requested to work on the Task Force. The Task Force has begun the process of gathering information from other campuses which have undergone or are undergoing conversion from a quarter calendar to a semester calendar. A more substantial report will be forthcoming.

VPI is currently in the process of changing from quarters to semesters, and MSU's faculty voted 400 to 399 to approve changing from quarters to semesters.

Old Business

Proposal 1-89 was modified as presented in Appendix C. The Senate approved the proposal unanimously on a voice vote.

New Business

President Adler adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Gary Lyon, Secretary