Faculty Assembly Minutes    

Thursday, September 13, 2007

 

 

M. Adams called the meeting to order.

 

C. Thompson was present to remind faculty about the office of Alumni Relations.  She noted the campus-wide open house taking place during Homecoming and encouraged all faculty members to participate.  She also discussed the formation of the retired faculty and staff club and asked that possible members be suggested to her office.

 

W. Oberle highlighted the current contents of the Integrity! newsletter and urged faculty to submit their own writings, as well as high quality student work.

 

N. Hayes addressed academic integrity and the possible need for a standing faculty committee to act as a clearinghouse for information and education on plagiarism and how to deal with instances of it.  N. Hayes asked that people consider a draft proposal to form such a committee and that any comments be e-mailed to her. 

K. Kelley asked how this would differ from the Board of Studies and N. Hayes noted that this would be distinguished from the Board of Studies in that the Board attends to problems and repeat instances while the faculty committee would be a resource for preventing plagiarism and understanding the proper channels to address any plagiarism issues. 

B. Jacobson asked if the FDC or CTE might not be fulfilling this need.  N. Hayes responded that this might be something to look into.

K. Soko clarified that interested parties are to contact N. Hayes.

 

D. Ebener spoke about the role of Bishop O’Keefe in the diocese and noted that he did not personally commit any sexual misconduct.

M. Kennedy asked for clarification and D. Ebener responded that Bishop O’Keefe was aware of what was going on when he moved priests to different locations.

 

M. Adams announced that the faculty handbook would be going to the board in October.

 

M. Adams also noted that President Lescinski expressed hope that faculty at Saint Ambrose would be engaged in their faculty assembly.

 

M. Adams announced that President Lescinski requested that a task force be formed to define the criteria for closing a program.  Any interested parties should e-mail M. Adams.

L. Kilburg noted that there was a group previously formed to do this and that their work might be useful to those working on defining such criteria.

M. Hustedde asked if this was simply criteria or also defining the process, providing guidelines for procedure, etc.  M. Adams responded that it would probably be more involved than simply criteria.

 

C. Shoemaker opened the subject of the upcoming inauguration and asked S. Cassidy to elaborate on the current status of planning.  S. Cassidy said that there are many committees and subcommittees busy in preparation.  There are a variety of activities planned throughout the day with four key events which will be well attended based on faculty response.  Anyone who has not yet RSVP’ed may do so to Dr. John Byrne.

R. Wastyn asked if the “College of Liberal Studies” banner had been corrected.  S. Cassidy said that it had.

 

M. Adams reminded those present to send agenda items to Dr. Craig Shoemaker.

 

M. Adams asked for a motion to close.

A. Lensing made the motion.

B. Jacobson seconded it.

 

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 3:05 in the Rogalski Center Ballroom.          

 

 

 

Faculty Assembly Minutes

Thursday, April 19, 2007

 

J. Van Speybroeck called the meeting to order. Prayer was offered by Sr. Rita Cameron.

Motion by Mike Hustedde, seconded by Andy Swift to approve last month’s minutes.

 

Nominations closed; Craig Shoemaker is chair-elect for the 2007-2008 academic year.

 

Final report on the Faculty Handbook by Jon Stauff:

  • The University Board of Directors would like to see that the Handbook gives the President the authority to call a faculty assembly meeting, change the language to read “may request” to “shall request” when the President believes it necessary to call a special meeting. Motion to approve this language change made by J. Stauff, seconded by Tom Burns.
  • Section 3.4.1. Definition of Tenure: The Board did not accept the proposed new language regarding definition of tenure (see handouts given by JWS at meeting, proposed language that Board wished to see removed was “tenure is granted in the form of a permanent contract.”) Discussion ensued. Lori Rodrigues Fisher noted that the Board was concerned that such language would make it difficult to remove tenure in a case deemed necessary. Concerns expressed by faculty included the idea that the concerns of the Board may not always be the concerns of the faculty; faculty are concerned about any possible weakening of tenure; another concern expressed was that there could exist a potential deterioration in spirit between the Board and the faculty. Lori Rodrigues Fisher suggested that the Handbook should return to its original statement about tenure as “a continuous appointment until retirement.” This statement, plus carefully defined criteria for removing tenure, should serve the interests of both the Board and the faculty. Motion to table this issue made by A. Moreau, seconded by A. Swift.
  • Jon Stauff reminded faculty that a decision to table this section means that all changes are tabled, including ones deemed very important such as the grievance procedures and sexual harassment policies. Discussion ensued. K. Trujillo suggested that the Handbook Committee withdraw the proposed new language found objectionable by the board, approve all else and send the Handbook back to the Board for approval. Withdrawal of this language doesn’t preclude the faculty’s ability to revisit this issue at a future date. C. Devolder called for the question. Should we table approval of this section on tenure? The vote was in favor of the Nays—we will not table this approval. K. Trujillo made a motion to revert back to the original wording, seconded by A. Ambrose. Motion passed—the Board will see the original wording on tenure. Motion to recognize and thank the Handbook Committee made by A. Swift, seconded by J. Barr.

 

J. Van Speybroeck noted the formation of an exploratory committee to form an Emeritus Society; contact him for more information.

 

Reminder of the April 20 event celebrating Dr. Rogalski’s retirement.

 

Motion to adjourn: A. Swift, seconded by C. Stevens.