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Governance Minutes ArchiveApril 4, 1988
Minutes University Council Meeting April 4, 1988 Dr. Torgersen called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present:Dr. Torgersen, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Ridenour, Dr. Perry, Dr. Hooper, Dr. Sullivan, Dr. Boyd (for Dr. Nichols), Dr. Crofts (for Dr. Doswald), Dr. Sorensen, Dr. Ritchey, Dr. Geasler, Mr. Gherman, Mr. Savage, Dr. Conn, Dr. Van Krey, Dr. Arnold, Dr. Randolph, Dr. Seago, Dr. Fleming, Dr. Lovingood, Dr. Henneke, Dr. Campbell, Dr. Ludwig, Dr. Kornegay, Dr. Scanlon (for Dr. Blieszner), Dr. Paterson, Dr. Novak, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Baker, Mr. Donnelly, Mr. Abel (for Mr. Reynolds). Guests: Ms. Tomlinson, Panhellenic Council President; Mr. Hampton, Mr. Dudeck, Interfraternity Council; Mr. Ashby, Spectrum; Dr. Geyer, Student Legal Services Board. Absent: Dr. Steger, Dr. Smith, Dr. Stephenson, Dr. Eyre, Dr. Heterick, Dr. Misra, Dr. Sullins, Mr. Choby, Mr. Murir, Mr. Battaglia, Mr. Baird. 1. ANNOUNCEMENTS Dr. Torgersen reminded Council that a three-fourths affirmative vote would be required to place policy resolutions on the agenda after this date. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Dr. Torgersen recommended that the agenda be amended as follows: a. Add Commission on Faculty Affairs Resolution 1987-88A, Review of New Faculty Appointments, as Item 10. b. Add appointment of search committees for Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice President for Business Affairs, as Item 11. c. Add to the approval of the minutes of the Commission on Faculty Affairs the minutes of February 12 and March 11, 1988. d. Change remaining item numbers to reflect the above additions. A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as amended. The motion PASSED. 3. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES OF MARCH 7, 1988 The University Council minutes of the meeting of March 7, 1988, were approved as distributed. 4. SECOND READING: COMMISSION ON GRADUATE STUDIES, 1988-89A, CONCERNING DEPARTMENTAL DESIGNATIONS ON GRADUATE DIPLOMAS, FIRST READING MARCH 7, 1988. Dr. Hooper said the language of the resolution (for description, see Minutes of University Council, March 7, 1988, Item 8) had been Page 2 University Council Meeting April 4, 1988 changed so that it relates only to "graduate" diplomas. Dr. Perry said the change would be effective in 1989. In response to a question about cross-college program specialization, Dr. Hooper said the colleges involved would have to agree on the designation. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. The motion carried. ________ 5. SECOND READING: FACULTY SENATE RESOLUTION FOR THE CREATION OF A COMMISSION ON INFORMATION SYSTEMS, FIRST READING MARCH 7, 1988. For a description of this proposed amendment to the Constitution of University Council, please see the Minutes of University Council of March 7, 1988. Dr. Campbell, on behalf of the University Library Committee, asked that this item be deferred until the next meeting to allow the University Library Committee opportunity to fully consider it. The Secretary of Council has received a report from the Communications Network Committee about the proposal. This item was deferred until the next meeting of Council. 6. FIRST READING: CONSTITUTION OF THE FACULTY SENATE. Dr. Conn said that the proposed revision codifies previous amend- ments but also includes significant changes that would expand Faculty Senate membership to include extra-collegiate, extension faculty and to increase representation to three senators from each college and two each from the Library and Extension. Total member- ship would increase from 40 to 51 members. "Semester" is exchanged for "quarter" throughout the document. Ratification requires two-thirds approval in a faculty referendum, with at least one-half of the faculty voting and approval of University Council. This item was carried forward for second reading. 7. FIRST READING: RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE ON ATHLETICS. This resolution recommends that a University Committee on Athletics be created in conjunction with the establishment of intercollegiate athletics as an auxiliary enterprise of the University. (For additional information, see the Minutes of University Council, March 7, 1988, Item 7.) Mr. Ridenour said that the original resolution had been amended to include revisions suggested March 7. These include the appoint- ment to the committee of extra-collegiate faculty, an additional student (one scholarship athlete), and the Athletic Director as an ex officio, non-voting, member. Dr. Conn proposed that under the section on proposed membership, "collegiate" be substituted for "academic" faculty representative. Dr. Geasler pointed out that "one non-collegiate faculty nominated by the Faculty Senate" would be appropriate if the proposed revision on the Constitution of the Faculty Senate is passed; otherwise it would not be appropriate for the Faculty Senate to nominate non-collegiate faculty. The last paragraph of the resolution reading, "The Committee shall meet monthly during the eight months of the academic year..." was amended to read, "The Committee shall meet monthly during the academic year..." This modified resolution was carried forward for second reading. Page 3 University Council Meeting April 4, 1988 8. FIRST READING: RESOLUTION FOR A COMMITTEE NAME CHANGE FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP AND STUDENT AID COMMITTEE. This resolution proposes that the name of the Scholarship and Student Aid Committee be changed to the Scholarships and Financial Aid Committee. Dr. Perry said that the proposed change is a "housekeeping matter." He said that the committee does not grant athletic scholarships to student athletes, and this name change would reduce confusion with the Student Aid Association which is involved with athletic schol- arships. This resolution was carried forward for second reading. 9. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON STUDENT AFFAIRS, RESOLUTION 1987-88D, CONCERNING STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES ATTORNEY COURT REPRE- SENTATION Dr. Sullivan said this resolution "recommends that court represen- tation for certain cases involving students be instituted into the guidelines of the Student Legal Services Program." The resolution first came before Council February 15, 1988, but was withdrawn since it was concurrently before the Commission on Student Affairs. (See Minutes of Council, February 15, Item 6.) Dr. Cross said when the Student Legal Services Program was established limitations were placed on this level of service. Mr. Baker distributed an SGA summary report about the Student Legal Services program and a document prepared by the SLS attorney reflecting cases that would have been appropriate for court repre- sentation by the SLS attorney. Mr. Baker pointed out items in the summary report relating to the importance of the SLS attorney being an independent contractor, not an employee of the University; the Student Government Association providing the budget; the grievance procedure which provides appeal to the SLS Board; the future of SLS; and a comparison of SLS to corresponding services at other universities. In addition, the report includes a Policy Statement, approved by the SLS Board and CSA, supporting court representation in landlord/tenant disputes, personal injury-defense, and consumer matters; and prohibiting court representation in criminal charges, personal injury-plaintiff, domestic relations, and immigration matters. Dr. Torgersen asked if this item should remain on First Reading for the next meeting of Council, because the information was not distributed in advance. The consensus was to let it advance to second reading. Dr. Sorenson asked whether the Policy Statement regarding court representation conflicted with the document "Cases Appropriate for SLS Representation." It was explained that the latter was prepared by the SLS attorney to reflect which cases might have been appro- priate for court representation; the former sets forth guidelines for the SLS attorney to follow if Council approves this resolution. Dr. Perry asked if cases involving traffic arrests and/or intoxication would be criminal or civil offenses. Dr. Geyer explained that these would be criminal offenses and that the SLS attorney could discuss such cases with a student but could not represent the student in court. Page 4 University Council Meeting April 4, 1988 In response to a question from Dr. Seago, Mr. Baker said staffing requirements could change as a result of this proposal, but the Student Budget Board would have to allocate additional funds. He said that the intent is to make the most of what is available now, not to expand the service. In response to a question by Dr. Arnold, Dr. Geyer said that if the attorney opts to take a case to court, the student would then get "free representation." Dr. Geyer also noted that the contract agreement prohibits the attorney from using the SLS program as an avenue for other business. In response to a question by Dr. Seago about whether students would expect representation because part of their fees go to "free legal representation," it was explained that an unhappy student could appeal to the SLS Board under the grievance procedure about not receiving court representation by the SLS attorney. Dr. Geyer said this information should be a part of student information. 10. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON STUDENT AFFAIRS RESOLUTION 1987-88E, CONCERNING FRATERNITY AND SORORITY SEMESTER RUSH. This resolution calls for a change in current policy which prohib- its fraternity and sorority rushing of first quarter freshmen. If approved, the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Council would "deter- mine the appropriate dates for semester rush" and "first semester freshmen will be able to pledge a Greek organization." Ms. Tomlinson (President of PHC), Mr. Hampton (past President of IFC), and Mr. Dudeck (current President of IFC) distributed to Council two documents, one comparing the QCA of fraternity, sorority, and all campus students, and the other explaining the position of Greek letter organizations. The students argued that under the present policy and the semester system, a freshman student would pledge a Greek organization in the Spring Semester of the freshman year and then be initiated in the Fall Semester of the sophomore year. Under the proposed policy, if the 2.0 QCA and 12 semester credit hour requirements are met during the rush period (Fall Semester), initiation could take place in the Spring Semester of the freshman year. Dr. Arnold made the point that Greek organizations are exclusive organizations, in that new members are selected by the membership, and comparisons cannot be made with other, inclusive organizations. Mr. Baker said two issues of the resolution are (1) how the change would affect academics, and (2) freedom of choice to affilliate with an organization. The resolution was carried forward for second reading. 11. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON STUDENT AFFAIRS RESOLUTION 1987-88F, CONCERNING STUDENT REPRESENTATION TO UNIVERSITY COUNCIL With this resolution, the Senate of the Student Government Associ- ation requests an amendment to the Constitution of Council to reflect "a percentage division of the University Council members, with the number of undergraduate student representatives at approx- imately 20 percent.." thereby increasing student representation to Council. The resolution also provides "that the undergraduate student representatives in excess of specified positions be selected from the student body by the SGA Senate, and that at least one of these representatives be from outside of the SGA Senate." Page 5 University Council Meeting April 4, 1988 Implementing this resolution would require a Consitutional revision and thus requires a three-fourths majority vote of Council. Mr. Donnelly said that the objectives of this resolution are to increase the percentage of student representation on Council and to provide opportunity for the student body to be more participatory. Mr. Baker said the students feel they are under-represented. Dr. Hennecke raised the question of the extra representatives being elected at-large. Dr. Hooper said he would prefer to hear a different argument in support of this resolution in that University Council does not have proportional representation of all constituencies. The resolution was carried forward for second reading. 12. FIRST READING, COMMISSION ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES, RESOLUTION 1987-88A, TRANSFER CREDIT/REQUIRED MEDICAL DROP. This resolution first came before Council on December 7 and was referred to the CUS for review by the Health Evaluating Committee. Dr. Perry said the consensus of the Commission was to withdraw the resolution (see Minutes, Commission on Undergraduate Studies, January 11, 1988, Item 4.). The referenced minutes state that, "The consensus of this group was that mixing an academic drop penalty or sanction with a medical judgment would open the Univer- sity to litigation." The resolution was withdrawn and removed from the agenda of Council. 13. FIRST READING, COMMISSION ON UNDERGRADUTE STUDIES, RESOLUTION 1987-88B, ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTINUED ENROLLMENT This resolution sets forth a more complete definition of the phrase, "making satisfactory progress towards a degree." Dr. Perry said the existing explanation of the phrase relates to QCA. The resolution states that all students must meet the follow- ing minimum criteria to be certified as making satisfactory progress toward a degree: a. Have an overall QCA at or above that specified in the academic eligibility schedule at the end of the Spring Semester. b. Upon having attempted 36 semester credits, students must have passed at least 12 semester credits that apply to meeting the University Core Curriculum requirements. c. Upon having attempted 72 semester credits students must: 1) Have passed at least 24 semester credits which apply to meeting the University Core Curriculum requirements 2) Be enrolled in a degree granting program 3) Be certified at the close of the academic year by their depart- ment as making satisfactory progress toward a degree based upon pre-established minimum criteria from departmental checksheets which must be met for departmental certification. Page 6 University Council Meeting April 4, 1988 d. Upon having attempted 96 semester credits, students must have an in-major QCA of 2.0 or above. Mr. Donnelly said it was possible for someone to have a 4.0 without having completed the core courses. Mr. Abel said the proposed criteria would work against him because he had postponed taking core courses after transferring from one college to another so that he wouldn't fall behind peers in his major; yet he had a QCA above 3.5. The resolution was carried forward for second reading. 14. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES, RESOLUTION 1987-88C, ASSIGNMENT OF NG GRADES. This resolution establishes policy that "an indicator grade of 'NG' will be assigned for all missing grades." Dr. Perry said that the "NG" indicator would remain on the academic record and the result- ing QCA is that of an "F" grade if no other action is taken to assign another grade or remove the "NG" indicator. This resolution was carried forward for second reading. 15. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON FACULTY AFFAIRS, RESOLUTION 1987-88A, REVIEW OF NEW FACULTY APPOINTMENTS This resolution, if approved, establishes policy "that a review and recommendation by the applicable departmental or divisional commit- tee dealing with promotion, tenure and/or continued appointment shall be sought before a decision is made to extend to a prospec- tive appointee a firm offer that includes the granting of tenure or continued appointment or the award of a rank higher than Assistant Professor." This resolution was carried forward for second reading. 16. APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF SEARCH COMMITTEES FOR THE POSITIONS OF VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AND VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS AFFAIRS Dr. Perry presented a proposal for composition of a Search Commit- tee for the Vice President for Student Affairs and asked for Council's endorsement. As presented membership would include Dr. Perry, chair; President, SGA; President, Class of 1989; 2 faculty members from Council membership; 1 faculty member not serving on Council, and 2 Student Affairs Division faculty members. Mr. Baker suggested, and Dr. Perry agreed, to add the President of the Residence Hall Federation. The proposal received a unanimous vote of support from Council. Mr. Ridenour apologized for overlooking the need to seek Council's approval of appointments to the Search Committee for Vice President for Business Affairs. This committee has been appointed and has met once; and its membership is composed of: Charles Forbes, David Ford, Dana Johnson, Larry Killough, Jack Osborne, Diane Robertshaw, Dwight Shelton, Charles Steger. Of these members, two serve on Council. With a motion and second, the appointments received Council's endorsement. 17. IN SUCCESSIVE MOTIONS, COUNCIL APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS. Page 7 University Council Meeting April 4, 1988 a. Commission on Faculty Affairs, January 29, February 12, March 11, 1988 b. Commission on Graduate Studies, February 17, 1988 c. Commission on Research, February 10, 1988 d. Commission on Student Affairs, February 11, March 10, 1988 e. Commission on Undergraduate Studies, November 9, December 14, January 11, excepting Item 6. Page 8 University Council Meeting April 4, 1988 In response to a question about the December 14 Minutes of the Athletic Association Board of Directors, Mr. Ridenour will clarify a statement in the Auditors' Report section, relating to a debt of the Athletic Association and report to Council at the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lon K. Savage Executive Assistant to the President LKS:gf
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