Minutes AY 2003/2004

The Arts & Sciences Council (ASC) meets regularly every academic year, including nine times during the 2003 to 2004 academic year. The notes from said meetings are found below:

April 29, 2004

Minutes: A&S Faculty Meeting

  • Thu, April 29, 2004
  • UMC 245
  • 3:30 – 5:00 PM
  • Revised

Arts & Sciences Faculty present: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Christopher Braider (FRIT), Gordon Brown (MATH), Robert Craig (COM), Mel Cundiff (EBIO), Lew Harvey (PSYC), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Alison Jaggar (PHIL & WMST), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Lise Menn (LING), Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Mike Radelet (SOCY), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS) Chair of ASC, Patricia Rankin (PHYS & Baker), Rima Salys (GSLL)

ASC members absent: Fred Anderson (HIST), Bruce Bergner (THDN), Victoria Cass (EALC), Scott Chamberlin (AAH), Elizabeth Dunn (GEOG), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Luis Gonzalez-del-Valle (SPAN), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Peter Hunt (CLAS), Rodger Kram (IPHY), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Laura Michaelis (LING), James Palmer (FARR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Anne Sheehan (GEOL), Patricia Sullivan (PWR), Lynne Walling (MATH), Jeffrey Weiss (PAOS), Mark Winey (MCDB)

The Chair opened the meeting at 3:30 PM.

After a minor revision of the minutes of the Arts & Sciences Faculty meeting of December 11, 2003 was agreed upon, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. This motion was approved unanimously.

The Chair reported that SB 189 was sent to the Governor for signature and that it is expected that he will be in favor of it because it does include the voucher system. This bill grants enterprise status and makes it possible to raise tuition. The proposed increase of 8 % needs to be negotiated with CCHE. It is expected that CCHE may agree to a 6 to 8% tuition increase next year. SB 232 will be introduced this week. The advantages of this bill are not clear. Meanwhile, if the Governor signs SB 1869, the legality of the vouchers is still in question. The Chair further noted that, as far as the budget is concerned, the campus intends to go ahead with a salary increase for July 1. This increase may be anywhere from 1.1 to 2.25%. The Budget Committee meeting scheduled for May 11 is too late for committee members to give their input on salary matters. The Chair informed the members that the Dean has extended an invitation to the ASC for the Associate Dean interviews during the Chairs’ and Directors’ meeting on Tuesday, May 4th. Two applicants will be interviewed. During this meeting, the Dean will also discuss the 2x rule. The Chair then invited the A&S faculty members in attendance to express their opinions regarding application of the 2x rule this year. The following questions were raised: Do we want 2x if, after skims for promotions and retentions have been made, the salary pool returned is less than 2%? If the pool is less than 2% and 2x is not applied, can departments request special merit increases? Then a straw vote was taken and the question put to the members was: Should there be a skim for 2x beyond promotions and retentions if this year’s salary increase is less than 2%? Eleven members voted against the skim and 3 in favor. This result will be submitted to the Dean.

Christopher Braider (FRIT), Chair of the Budget Committee, reported that discussions held during the course of the year were not concrete owing to the absence of any real information concerning next year’s budget. One item of substance was TA/GPTI graduate tuition waivers. Though tuition for graduate students on appointment should be a wash since such students pay no tuition, central administration budgeting treats tuition waivers as expenditure and therefore allocates limited allocations to schools and colleges, which then pass them down to departments. This has created budgetary problems at both the College and department level. The Graduate Tuition and Enrollment Management System Task Force has recommended that this regime be abolished, a recommendation campus deans endorse. However, it remains to be seen how central administration will react. The Budget Committee also discussed the Dean’s proposal to central administration for a 3-year special merit increase for A&S faculty designed to help the College make up some of the ground it has lost to AAU peers in faculty salary. The Committee and the Dean examined department operating budgets and income and expenditure flows associated with Leaves and Replacements in order: (a) to determine equitable operating budgets; (b) to identify where budget cuts might be made should this be necessary; and (c) to see how best to invest new graduate funding promised by the Provost. The Committee and the Dean discussed the proposed student building fee with a view to determining how it might affect the College. Under this heading, Chris reported that he, the ASC Chair, and Terry Kleeman attended a meeting of the executive committee of the student legislative body and that the Chair gave an excellent presentation on the controversy surrounding the proposed fee. Finally, Chris noted that an ad hoc budget committee will be set up to up to discuss budget matters during the summer months. Subjects that may arise during the summer are how to distribute new hiring lines (if any), whether a salary skim should be taken, and how to respond to the final campus budget, once it is known.

Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Chair of the Curriculum Committee, commented that, during the course of the year, the committee has routinely dealt with the approval and disapproval of new course proposal. Two Special Task Forces have been set up to investigate remote teaching procedures and how to monitor and maintain courses that are taught off-campus. Cathy Comstock (FARR) is trying to standardize rules for internship and is collecting guidelines from different departments. Another item of discussion was whether the College should give course credit for career services programs. Other universities give academic credit for these courses and the students are requesting it, but there is a good deal of skepticism among faculty.

Christian Kopff (HONR), Chair of the Grievance Committee, reported that his committee has advised the Dean on two grievances that were approved by the Dean. The committee also examined annual merit evaluations and made recommendations to the College concerning departmental criteria for merit. The committee found that annual merit evaluations work best when they are expressed quantitatively, even though some departments have a strong commitment to qualitative measures.

Robert Craig (COM), Chair of the Personnel Committee, reported that this committee serves as the Dean’s advisory committee for tenure-track reappointment, tenure, and promotion cases in the College. During the year, 53 cases have been handled: 20 reappointment cases, 17 promotion and tenure cases, 15 promotion to professor cases, and 1 instructor reappointment case. Last year, the Dean presented the committee with data showing a steady decline in the proportion of tenure candidates rated as excellent in teaching from 1996-97 (61.1% excellent in teaching) to 2002-03 (4.2%), while the proportion rated excellent in research showed no clear trend (ranging up and down between 66.7% and 100% over the same 7 years). This year, the committee rated 4 tenure candidates (24%) excellent in teaching and 14 (82%) excellent in research. Out of a total of 17 candidates for tenure, 3 were rated excellent in both areas, 1 in teaching only, 11 in research only, and 2 in neither area. The question remains as to whether the committee’s evaluation of promotion and tenure cases gives adequate recognition to the quality of teaching in the College.

Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of the Planning Committee, reported that this committee deals with issues of space and technology. For the time being, space issues have been put on hold because of insufficient funding. Once funds become available, it is proposed to erect a new Law School building first, followed by the construction of the Alliance for Technology, Learning and Society (ATLAS) facility. The construction of a new chiller plant next to the Coors Events Center will be cash-funded, as will apartments for in-residence directors recruited to provide live-in adult supervision in campus residence halls. As far as technology is concerned, the new faculty computer program will give faculty more flexibility in how they use the funds allotted them and it is now on a 4-year cycle. The goal is to move back to a 3-year cycle as soon as possible.

Patricia Sullivan (PWR), Chair of the Diversity Committee, was unable to attend the meeting and could not submit a report at this time on the activities of her committee.

Lew Harvey (PSYC), member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Fall Break, reported that a survey taken by ASC indicated that the majority of faculty are in favor of eliminating fall break and increasing the length of Thanksgiving break. The results of the survey were submitted to the Provost. Discussions of this issue will continue next year.

April 15, 2004

Minutes: A&S Council Meeting

  • Thu, April 15, 2004
  • 3:30 – 5:00 PM
  • UMC 245

Members present: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Fred Anderson (HIST), Scott Chamberlin (AAH), Robert Craig (COM), Mel Cundiff (EBIO), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Luis Gonzalez-del-Valle (SPAN), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Lew Harvey (PSYC), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Peter Hunt (CLAS), Alison Jaggar (PHIL/WMST), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Rodger Kram (IPHY), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS) Chair ASC, Patricia Rankin (Baker/PHYS), Rima Salys (GSLL), Patricia Sullivan (PWR), Mark Winey (MCDB)

Members absent: Bruce Bergner (THDN), Christopher Braider (FRIT), Victoria Cass (EALC), Elizabeth Dunn (GEOG), Keith Julien (APPM), Christian Kopff (HONR), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Laura Michaelis (LING), Jim Palmer (FARR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Anne Sheehan (GEOL), Lynne Walling (MATH), Jeffrey Weiss (PAOS)

The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the Feb 12th ASC meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.

The Chair commented that the UCSU Legislative Council will soon vote on a proposed $400 annual student building fee. This fee would be charged to students and make it possible for the Law School, Business School and Atlas to go ahead with their building plans. The Chair, Chris Braider (FRIT), and Terry Kleeman (RLST) attended the UCSU legislative council meeting on Thursday evening to share concerns with the proposed student fee. While ASC has been criticized by some for becoming involved in this issue, the chair felt that the faculty is obligated to teach students outside the classroom as well as within. It seemed important to make sure that the students who would be making this very important decision were aware of all sides of the issue. The vote will be cast by the Legislative Council only and not by the students themselves. This evening is the first reading of the student building fee bill and it could be decided by the end of this evening’s meeting.

The Chair further reported that the Uniform Grading Policy was voted on and the proposed changes approved by the majority of A&S faculty, with 156 faculty in favor and 8 against the changes. If this policy is approved system-wide, it will be necessary for the Boulder campus to vote on the course forgiveness program next year. It will be important for faculty to keep apprised of the process that will be used for that vote. BFA will be in charge of the vote. ASC will ask that the vote be brought to the full faculty rather than to only BFA representatives.

At a recent BFA Executive Committee meeting, the Chair was able to observe the discussions being held by President Betsy Hoffman, Chancellor Byyny, and John DiBiaggio regarding campus politics. Betsy talked about her negotiations with the legislature and described the delicate political negotiations that have been taking place. At the same time that the university is trying to gather support for higher education funding, the legislature is considering several bills that would have significant impact on higher education (e.g. academic bill of rights, and the anti-affirmative bill). President Hoffman explained the strategy she would be using in her testimony re: the anti-affirmative action bill. While she firmly believes in affirmative action, she will be taking a purely economic angle in her testimony because she believes this will be the most effective approach given who it is she needs to convince and the limited time she has to speak. The President also talked about the enterprise status and the voucher system that is connected to it. She is forced to support the voucher system, because the Governor will veto SB 189 again, if the vouchers are not part of the enterprise system.

A brief discussion followed regarding John DiBiaggio, a special assistant hired to assess the culture of the athletic department. He strongly recommends that faculty become more involved in the athletic department. At a presentation he made to the BFA, he said that the core of the problem in college athletics seems to be the level of competitiveness. He also said that he thinks athletes are isolated from the general student body and do not have a diverse experience to mingle with others. He encouraged faculty to play a greater role in college athletics to assure that education is recognized as the primary purpose for students, athletes included, to come to the university.

The Chair asked the council members to participate in the election of the Boulder Faculty Assembly and its committees. Ballots were handed out to vote for departmental representatives, at-large members on the BFA, and for openings on BFA standing committees. The Chair pointed out that the president and the chancellor frequently lead discussions at BFA meetings and if more A&S members would attend these meetings, they would have the opportunity to be part of these discussions. Representatives with personal knowledge of candidates described positive characteristics of the candidates. Individuals completed their ballots and placed them in sealed envelopes. Lucy Nowak collected the ballots and she will deliver them to the BFA office before the Friday deadline.

The Chair expressed her appreciation to the A&S members that are leaving this semester for their service and support of faculty governance.

Dean Gleeson gave an update on the status of the budget and remarked that the Long Bill has passed and no additional cuts for higher education are predicted. However, even with no additional cuts to the budget, the expenses are expected to be greater than revenues. If SB 189 is approved and can then qualify for enterprise status, will be able to increase tuition rates up to 8%. An 8% tuition increase would be the best case scenario and if we were able to increase tuition by this much, we would be very close to balancing our budget. The Governor still needs to approve tuition increases even with enterprise status. If the governor will only approve a lesser tuition increase, then we will be faced with a shortfall that will require budget adjustments. If a tuition rate of 8% is approved, it probably will not be applied to out-of-state students since out-of-state tuition would no longer be competitive if it were increased significantly. Out-of-state enrollment has declined. The approval of SB 189 may also present a legal challenge as far as the vouchers are concerned, but the administration is hoping that other aspects of the bill will be implemented while the voucher issue is debated.

Because of the uncertain budget situation, it may be necessary for the Budget Committee to meet during the summer months and an ad hoc committee will be set up. The Chair asked that those members willing to serve to please contact her.

In the absence of Christian Kopff (HONR), Chair of the Grievance Committee, Paul Gordon (CLHM) presented the members with the following recommendations, addressed to the Dean, regarding criteria for annual merit evaluations:

The Grievance Committee would like to make the following recommendations to all departments in the College of Arts and Sciences about their published criteria for annual merit evaluation. We are aware of some of your concerns from your memo of March 1, 2004. We would like to draw our suggestions to the attention of the Arts and Sciences Council.

  1. All departmental criteria statements should be reexamined in light of the University of Colorado System’s Administrative Policy Statements on “Multiple Means of Teaching Evaluation” (1994/5) and “Annual Merit Adjustments for Faculty.” (2002)
    • http://www.cu.edu/policies/Personnel/teacheval.html
    • http://www.cu.edu/policies/Personnel/annmerit.html
    • These web addresses should appear in all departmental criteria statements.
  2. Every departmental criteria statement should include a paragraph on procedures, including the make-up of the Salary Committee. In those departments where the Executive Committee serves as the Salary Committee, we recommend that the department set up an Appeals Committee.
  3. The majority of the committee feels strongly that annual merit evaluations work best and most smoothly when they are expressed quantitatively. We understand that some departments have a strong and principled commitment to qualitative assessment.
  4. The components that are used to evaluate research, teaching and service should be described with a clear statement of the (1) relative ranking and (2) relative weight assigned to each component. FCQ’s must be one component of evaluating teaching, but there must be at least two additional components. Where many components are listed, they may be grouped into sub- headings with the same rank and relative weight.

We hope that you find these suggestions helpful. We recommend that one or more examples of good quantitative and qualitative criteria statements be sent to departments to help them revise their own statements. This should be done as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the Fall semester, 2004.

Regarding the election of a new ASC Chair for AY 04_05, Robert Craig (COM) announced that Gail Ramsberger had expressed her willingness to serve for another year. Her nomination was approved. Since no other nominations were made, Gail was elected by acclamation for a second term.

The meeting adjourned by 5:00 PM.

February 12, 2004

Minutes: A&S Council Meeting

  • Feb 12, 2004
  • UMC 245
  • 3:30 – 5:00 PM

Members present: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Christopher Braider (FRIT), Robert Craig (COM), Mel Cundiff (EBIO), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Luis Gonzalez-del-Valle (SPAN), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Lew Harvey (PSYC), Peter Hunt (CLAS), Alison Jaggar (PHIL & WMST), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Rodger Kram (IPHY), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Erik Monsen (Leeds School of Business), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Chair ASC, Bobby Schnabel, VC Academic Affairs, Jeffrey Weiss (PAOS)

Members absent: Bruce Bergner (THDN), Victoria Cass (EALC), Scott Chamberlin (AAH), Elizabeth Dunn (GEOG), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Laura Michaelis (LING), Angel Nieves (Ethn. Studies), Jim Palmer (FARR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Tricia Rankin (Baker), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Rima Salys (GSLL), Anne Sheehan (GEOL), Patricia Sullivan (PWR), Lynne Walling (MATH), Mark Winey (MCDB)

The chair, Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the Jan 15th ASC meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.

The Chair introduced Bobby Schnabel, VC Academic Affairs, who gave a brief presentation on the use of copyrighted materials for instructional purposes. Using a chart, he demonstrated how faculty can determine how to use copyrighted materials that are in compliance with copyright law.

Erik Monsen (United Government of Graduate Students) presented the ASC members with the revised “Graduate Students Bill of Rights and Responsibilities” for final approval. The revised document has been divided into two parts. The first part, or “guiding principles,” lays out basic university policy on graduate students. It combines the preamble from the last draft of the bill of rights and a summary of key graduate student rights and responsibilities. This portion will be voted on by the BFA and, should it be adopted, officially signed-off on by the Provost. The second section consists of recommended guidelines and standards for the development of graduate student policies at departmental level. Chris Braider (FRIT) made a motion to vote on this document. After a discussion by the members, a vote was taken. Thirteen members were in favor of the motion and two members abstained.

Lew Harvey (PSYC) reported that he had recently attended a campus-wide meeting to discuss Fall Break and possible academic calendar changes. Most representatives at this meeting agreed with the result of a recent poll taken by ASC. This survey indicated that the majority of faculty were in favor of eliminating fall break and increasing the length of Thanksgiving break. As far as the reading days were concerned, most of the members were in favor of re-instituting reading days in both semesters by moving the commencement ceremony to Saturday. Classes would end on Friday, reading days would be on Saturday and Sunday, and finals would take place Monday to Friday. The Chair commented further that 283 faculty in the college had participated in this poll, which represents approximately 37% of the A&S faculty. This unusually high number already indicates how concerned faculty are with this issue. Lew then reported that further discussions regarding fall break, etc., will take place soon and that he will keep the council informed.

The Chair reported on the Uniform Grading Policy and presented the members with a draft Faculty Ballot on proposed Changes to the Uniform Grading Policy. She pointed out that approval of these changes is not an endorsement of the existing pilot course forgiveness program. If these changes are approved system-wide, the Boulder campus will have the opportunity to vote on course forgiveness next AY. To facilitate and expedite the voting process, all members present agreed that the vote be conducted electronically.

The Dean reported on the budget and commented that most of the cuts for this year have been made, though not all of the classified staff reductions have been completed. Presently there is an imbalance of 1 million dollars out of 80 million caused by prior Leaves and Replacements commitments. The Quality for Colorado initiative and tuition increases for next year should put next year’s budget in good shape. Some hiring will be done, though probably not at the customary rate of 35 to 40 faculty hires per year. At this time it is not possible to predict what faculty raises will look like.

The members present discussed the academic bill of rights legislation and concluded that the bill could present a threat to the faculty’s right to decide what is taught at the university. Faculty are also concerned by a web site created by a Republican student group that reports alleged liberal bias and some members are planning to draft a new college-wide grade appeal process.

Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Chair of the Curriculum Committee, presented the ASC with a motion from the Curriculum Committee for changing the names of the following two degrees. The motion reads as follows:

“In conjunction with the reorganization of the Department of Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology (EPOB) into the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EBIO), and the reorganization of the Department of Kinesiology (KINE) into the Department of Integrative Physiology (IPHY), the Arts & Sciences Curriculum Committee has approved a change in the name of the BA degree in Kinesiology (KINE) to the BA in Integrative Physiology (IPHY) and a change in the name of the BA degree in Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology (EPOB) to the BA in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EBIO).”

A vote was taken and all 15 members present approved the motion.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.

January 15, 2004

Minutes: A&S Council Meeting

  • Thu, Jan 15, 2004
  • UMC 245
  • 3:30 – 5:00 PM

Members present: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Tony Barker (Assoc Dean A&S), Bruce Bergner (THDN), Christopher Braider (FRIT), Robert Craig (COM), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Luis Gonzales-del-Valle (SPAN), Lew Harvey (PSYC), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Peter Hunt (CLAS), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Dennis Maloney, Director ITS Administration, Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Chair ASC, Tricia Rankin (BAKER), Rima Salys (GSLL), Bobby Schnabel, VC Academic Affairs, Paula Vaughan, ITS Administration, Lynne Walling (MATH)

Members absent: Victoria Cass (EALC), Scott Chamberlin (AAH), Mel Cundiff (EEB), Elizabeth Dunn (GEOG), Todd Gleeson, Dean A&S, Paul Gordon (CLHM), Alison Jaggar (PHIL), Rodger Kram (IPHY), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Laura Michaelis (LING), Angel Nieves (E. Studies), Jim Palmer (FARR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Anne Sheehan (GEOL), Patricia Sullivan (PWR), Jeffrey Weiss (PAOS), Mark Winey (MCDB)

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the Nov 20th ASC meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.

The Chair gave an update on the Uniform Grading Policy and made reference to the Course Forgiveness program. She pointed out that faculty voted on this program last spring. Sixteen members were in favor and five members opposed the motion. This vote was premature in relation to the rules that currently govern the Uniform Grading Policy since the current policy does not allow campuses to initiate course forgiveness programs (as opposed to pilot projects) without the agreement of 80% of the schools and colleges in the 4-campus system. So a proposed change to this policy aimed at allowing campuses to initiate course forgiveness programs on their own needs to be approved first before the course forgiveness program can be voted on.

With reference to the Graduate Student Bill of Rights, the Chair commented that she had met with Barbara Bintliff, Chair of the BFA, and Eric Monsen, who will present the ASC members with a revised document at the next meeting. This revised document has a 19-page attachment called, “General Campus Policy Statement,” which contains guidelines and principles rather than the complex set of rules proposed in earlier versions. Departments will then be asked to establish their own specific rules and procedures, and this may in fact turn out to be an important and effective process.

The Chair reported that Council on Research (CRCW) has revised its policy with regard to funding for instructors as of January of this year. This policy change makes it possible for full time instructors to apply for SEED Grants, Grants-in-Aid, small grants, and conference support grants. Faculty Fellowship and Junior Faculty Development awards remain open only to tenure track faculty. Chris Braider (FRIT) announced that GCAH had recently made a similar change and, in answer to a question, it was reported that instructors are already eligible for the Dean’s Fund for Excellence.

Christian Kopff (HONR) reported that a meeting has been set up for Fri, Jan 16 to discuss the Fall Break issue. Participants at the meeting will include Bill Kaempfer, VC Academic Affairs, Christian Kopff, Lew Harvey (PSYC), and the Chair.

Bobby Schnabel, VC Academic Affairs, reported that a proposed faculty/staff portal would provide secure access to personalized news and applications and would assist staff with PeopleSoft. Paula Vaughan, ITS Administrator, gave a demonstration on the student portal which is already up and running. It provides students with customized information such as course schedules, grades, financial aid, final exam schedules, and Web-CT among other services. Bobby Schnabel explained further that the faculty/staff portal would provide several faculty tools, including electronic course rosters, course roster email lists and photo course rosters. Another feature would be operational/administrative tools for front-end to PeopleSoft, which would in part include multi-line cash transfers, budget journal entries and employee data. A third feature would be Employee Self-Administration tools, which would enable employees to review employee data and self-service updates. A fourth feature of the portal could be communication. This feature might include quick links to commonly-referenced sites, news channels, announcements and a calendar of events. When asked about the cost of this portal, Bobby informed the members that start-up costs for the PeopleSoft portion is between $200,000 and $250,000.

At the conclusion of this discussion, it was recommended to set up a project team to identify useful services from faculty for the portal.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.

December 11, 2003

Minutes – Revised: Arts & Sciences Faculty Meeting

  • Thu, December 11, 2003
  • 3:30 – 5:00 PM
  • UMC 245

Members present: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Tony Barker (Assoc Dean), Christopher Braider (FRIT), Scott Chamberlin (AAH), Robert Craig (COM), Mel Cundiff (EBIO), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Elizabeth Dunn (GEOG), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Elizabeth Guertin (A&S Advising), Lew Harvey (PSYC), Peter Hunt (CLAS), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Joyce Nielsen (Assoc Dean), Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Chair ASC, Patricia Sullivan (PWR), Jeff Weiss (PAOS)

Members absent: Bruce Bergner (THDN), Victoria Cass (EALC), Mary Churchill (WMST), Luis Gonzalez-del-Valle (SPAN), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Alison Jaggar (PHIL), Keith Julien (APPM), Christian Kopff (HONR), Rodger Kram (IPHY), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Laura Michaelis (LING), Angel Nieves (Ethn Studies), Jim Palmer (FARR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Robert Pois (HIST), Tricia Rankin (BAKER), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Rima Salys (GSLL), Anne Sheehan (GEOL), Lynne Walling (MATH), Jeff Weiss (PAOS), Mark Winey (MCDB)

Visitors: Anne Bliss (PWR), Gordon Brown (MATH), Jim Curry (APPM), Mark Malone (Chair, Faculty Council), Carrie Muir (MATH), RL Widmann (ENG)

The Chair opened the meeting at 3:30 and commented on an editorial recently published in the Colorado Daily. In that editorial, the Daily staff suggests that faculty “think about modernizing…by speaking up, speaking out and announcing what it stands for, rather than, to use a metaphor, sitting quietly in the back of the class and waiting for an A.” The chair took issue with the suggestion that faculty are not actively engaged in shaping the university and their own future in it. She reported that faculty governance in the College is hard at work and that the ASC has an elected representative from all but 2 units in the college, which represents the highest level of participation in recent years. She also commented that, if faculty seem passive these days, this is thanks to the work of the ASC and its committees and to the chance they give faculty to speak up and take part in decision making within the College. If the faculty at large thus seem quiet, it is because faculty governance is seen to be succeeding on their behalf.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the A&S Faculty meeting of May 6, 2003. The motion was approved unanimously.

The Chair then introduced RL Widmann (ENG), Chair of the Educational Policy and University Standards Committee (EPUS), to give a presentation on the Uniform Grading Policy. She was joined by Mark Malone, Chair of the Faculty Council, to present the members with recommended changes to the policy. New rules would allow future policy changes by a favorable faculty vote in 60% of the schools and colleges in the four-campus university system rather than the current requirement of 80%. The new version of the policy would mandate the creation of consistent grading symbols for all units on all campuses. The revised policy would replace current language requiring a “12-day” period for drop/add at the beginning of the semester with language requiring that drop/add be completed by the end of to the first “15%” of the semester, as stipulated in the policies laid down by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE). The presentation was briefly interrupted when Elizabeth Guertin (A&S Advising) noted that current policy requires the Dean’s signature for courses that are dropped after the drop/add deadline and that this is immensely complicated and time-consuming. It was therefore suggested by Elizabeth and others that the rules be simplified to allow instructor signatures to suffice for the purpose. Prof. Widmann reported that this topic had been discussed at EPUS meetings and it was decided to continue to require the Dean’s approval in order to shield instructors from pressure exerted by students eager to inflate GPAs by means of late drops aimed at eluding low or failing grades. It was then agreed that, since drop/add procedures are not included in the proposed changes to the uniform grading policy, a discussion of the matter should be postponed to another time. Prof. Widmann completed her presentation by making reference to the Course Forgiveness program. The new grading policy would make it possible for each campus to adopt a course forgiveness procedure on its own, if desired, without requiring similar procedures at the others, thereby triggering a system-wide vote. The BFA and ASC has already endorsed a permanent course forgiveness program, but this program cannot at present become permanent unless changes to the Uniform Grading Policy are approved.

Dean Gleeson reported on the budget and commented that the budget is more or less balanced for this year. The college is now exploring problems surrounding TA/GPTI appointments and how to make stipend allocations sooner in order to help departments make timely decisions. The college has also initiated new policies regarding tuition remission allocations designed to allow departments to maintain current levels while providing the flexibility to adjust to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., an abnormally high yield of acceptances in graduate admissions). The College is now engaged in 25 faculty searches, as opposed to the 35 to 40 searches normal in the past. Hiring is projected to be at a similar level next year. Academic space continues to be a problem on campus. Last month a proposed relocation of the Alumni Center to the University Club building was announced. The Dean had expressed concern that the move would not make more academic space available. However, it was announced more recently that the Alumni Association would not move its offices to the University Club because of rental and maintenance costs. The University will now evaluate other options for the use the University Club. As far as faculty salaries are concerned, the Dean reported that merit increases for the coming year will depend in part on tuition. The Quality for Colorado initiative will be renewed, which may help the College rebuild more quickly. Finally, the Dean reported that he has submitted a proposal to the campus administration for a 3- to 5-year program of differential salary increases to college faculty modeled on the one recently applied to library faculty.

Chris Braider (FRIT), Chair of the Budget Committee, reported that discussions have centered on the impact of the budget cuts, on the need to restore the budget as soon as possible, and on how to balance restoring lost faculty lines against the need to increase salaries. He also noted that the budget committee has discussed the new policies and procedures regarding TA/GPTI stipends and tuition remission, and that the Dean and the committee have discussed the need to raise salaries for lecturers, which have remained stagnant for years.

Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Chair of the Curriculum Committee, reported that one of the committee’s task is the approval of core curriculum requests and that 6 requests have been approved this semester. The committee had presented the ASC with a motion permitting students to declare two minors instead of one. This motion was approved. The committee has approved a procedure for limiting enrollment in certain majors that are overcrowded. The committee has also approved name changes for the following departments: Kinesiology (KAPH) to Integrative Physiology (IPHY), Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology (EPOB) to Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), and Fine Arts (FA) to Art and Art History (AAH). Plans for the future include establishing guidelines to govern the Distance Learning Program and setting up uniform guidelines for student internships. Special task forces are being created to examine both of these issues.

Patricia Sullivan (PWR), Chair of the Diversity Committee, reported that among the issues on the agenda for next semester is an initiative to encourage children of university staff members to attend the university, which would involve faculty mentoring and could increase diversity on campus.

Christopher Kopff (HONR), Chair of the Grievance Committee, reported that the committee advises the Dean on salary, annual merit evaluations, and special grievances. This year, several annual merit evaluations have been processed and the committee is gathering information on merit evaluation policies and procedures across the college.

Robert Craig (COM), Chair of the Personnel Committee, reported that this year the committee is reviewing 21 comprehensive review cases, 17 promotion and tenure cases, and 15 promotion to full professor cases, amounting to a total of 53 personnel cases. half of these cases have been completed and the remainder will be done during the spring semester.

Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of the Planning Committee, reported on the ongoing discussions regarding faculty/staff portals. These portals would offer access to services such as PeopleSoft for staff and services such as rosters, e-mail lists, and a database of research resources and opportunities for faculty. Student portals available to students in January of 2004 have been funded by student technology fees, but no funding has been identified for faculty/staff portals. Nor has it been explained what benefits faculty and staff would gain from portals and how these would justify the cost involved. The ASC approved a recommendation to invite Bobby Schnabel, VC for Academic Affairs, to give a presentation on the advantages of faculty portals.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.

November 20, 2003

Minutes: A&S Council Meeting

  • Thu, November 20, 2003
  • UMC 245
  • 3:30 – 5:00 PM

Members present: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Mary Churchill (WMST), Mel Cundiff (EBIO), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Luis Gonzales-del-Valle (SPAN), Lew Harvey (PSYC), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Peter Hunt (CLAS), Alison Jaggar (PHIL), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Rodger Kram (IPHY), Rolf Norgaard (PWR, non ASC), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Tricia Rankin (Baker), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Rima Salys (GSLL), Patricia Sullivan (PWR), Lynne Walling (MATH), Mark Winey (MCDB)

Members absent: Bruce Bergner (THDN), Christopher Braider (FRIT), Victoria Cass (EALC), Scott Chamberlin (A&SH), Robert Craig (COM), Elizabeth Dunn (GEOG), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Keith Julien (APPM), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Laura Michaelis (LING), Angel Nieves (ETHNIC ST), Jim Palmer (FARR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Robert Pois (HIST), Anne Sheehan (GEOL)

The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30.

A motion was made and seconded to approve he minutes of the Oct 23 ASC meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.

Rolf Norgaard (PWR) commented on the CRCW policy regarding funding for instructors. He mentioned that even though he personally has not applied for funding, he found out that CRWC approves funding for tenure track faculty only. In his research he found out that the Graduate Committee on Arts and Humanities does fund non-tenure track but not retired faculty and faculty with 50% appointments. The exception is the Dean’s Fund for Excellence of the College that does fund instructors. He further remarked that instructors do extensive research work and Lew Harvey (PSYC) emphasized that the instructors of his department do excellent research work. It was also noted that the bylaws regarding voting rights of instructors varies from department to department. It was suggested that the Personnel Committee and the Chair contact CRCW and the Graduate Committee on Arts and Humanities to request a change of the existing policy.

The Chair then reported on the Graduate Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities and commented that she had met with Barbara Bintliff, Chair of the BFA, and Eric Monsen, United Government of Graduate Students, to impress upon him that the faculty would be willing to support the Bill but is not ready to endorse it until a shorter, less prescriptive version of the Bill is submitted.

Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Chair of the Curriculum Committee, was not able to attend the meeting and the Chair reported on his behalf that the committee is involved in establishing a policy for the Distant Learning Program. For this purpose, a task force needs to be set up and the Chair asked the members to contact her if someone from the ASC or outside the ASC would be willing to join the group.

The Chair further reported that Martha Hanna (HIST) presented the BFA Executive Committee with a recommendation on how FCQs might be changed.

Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of the Planning Committee, reported that ITS is contemplating to install a faculty/staff portal. Even though the student portal was created with student money, the funding for a faculty/staff portal is not clear. The ASC members were not particularly enthusiastic about this concept and would prefer to spend the available funds on the Faculty Computer Program. Terry further reported that the University Club might be given to the Koenig Alumni Center for its own uses. They intend to keep 3 to 4 rooms as hotel rooms and plan to start a lunch service. There is one small storage room available, which could be remodeled into a faculty lounge.

The Dean reported that he is leading discussions with the Alumni Center to find academic space and has suggested dividing the Heritage Center by moving one part of it to the University Club and another part to the ground floor of Koenig. This arrangement would vacate the top floor of Old Main for A&S faculty purposes. It is unlikely that A&S will obtain academic space in the University Club. The Dean has also suggested that some of the Centers on campus could be moved to Koenig Alumni Center.

The Dean continued his report on the topic of a salary analysis prepared for differential salary increases. He presented the members with a chart on “AAU Average Salary Weighting by -Boulder. ” This chart showed that while faculty salaries for the campus are very close to AAU comparisons, faculty salaries in the College of A&S and the College of Music remain significantly below AAU peers. The Dean, therefore, has requested that special allocations be given to A&S and the College of Music, equivalent to $2.05 million over 3 years, to be allocated on top of the rest of the campus. The Dean has also made recommendations that all awards, normally distributed among the colleges, be awarded to A&S, considering that campus rankings are influenced by A&S. The response has been positive.

It was noted that the annual Diversity Summit by the President’s office was held recently to address issues of faculty recruitment and retention and primarily how to increase the number of faculty of color. Mary Churchill (WMST) commented that women of color are leaving more now than before and that it is not a question of salary but the climate at that needs to be changed. She also recommended that senior faculty, who are more experienced with these issues, be hired instead of junior faculty.

Christian Kopff (HON), Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Fall Break and Reading Days, reported that most faculty members are in favor of the Reading Days but opinions among colleagues vary greatly as far as Fall Break is concerned. He further commented that the Athletic Dept. seems to be more concerned with the scheduling of their own athletic events without consultation of faculty needs. Christian has discussed these issues with Bill Kaempfer, Assoc VC Academic Affairs and it was recommended to have Saturday and Sunday designated as reading days followed by a week of finals and the graduation ceremony to be held on the following Saturday. Since the Denver campus will no longer have their graduation ceremony on Saturdays, the VC mentioned the possibility of restoring the reading days for Saturday and Sunday. Christian will discuss this topic further with Ron Stump, VC Student Affairs.

Christian Kopff, Chair of the Grievance Committee, reported that the committee is in the process of reviewing salary evaluation systems and has received evaluations from 20 units. A summary report may be completed by the end of the year.

Patricia Sullivan (PWR), Chair of the Diversity Committee, is studying the feasibility of initiating faculty mentoring of staff children in an effort to increase diversity of ’s undergraduate student body. She is also looking into possible sources of funding for such a program.

The meeting was adjourned by 5:00 PM.

October 23, 2003

Minutes: Arts & Sciences Council Meeting

  • Thu, October 23, 2003
  • UMC Room 245
  • 3:30 – 5:00 PM

Members present: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Christopher Braider (FRIT), Mary Churchill (WMST), Robert Craig (COM), Mel Cundiff (EEB), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Elizabeth Dunn (GEOG), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Luis Gonzalez-del-Valle (SPAN), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Lewis Harvey (PSYCH), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Peter Hunt (CLAS), Alison Jaggar (PHIL), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Rodger Kram (IPHY), Laura Michaelis (LING), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Anne Sheehan (GEOL), Lynne Walling (MATH), Mark Winey (MCDB)

Members absent: Victoria Cass (EALC), Scott Chamberlin (A&AH), Keith Julien (APPM), Christian Kopff (HONR), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Angel Nieves (ETHNIC ST), Jim Palmer (FARR), Robert Pois (HIST), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Tricia Rankin (BAKER), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Rima Salys (GSLL), Patricia Sullivan (PWR)

Christopher Braider (FRIT), acting as Chair during the absence of Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the Sep 25 ASC meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.

Christopher Braider, Chair of the Budget Committee, reported that the first meeting of the committee has taken place and a second one is scheduled for the following day. Among the issues on the Committee’s agenda for the year is the rebuilding process, assuming no further budget cuts occur. A related question is whether preference should be given to salary vs. faculty lines. Other questions raised concern the College decision making process, especially in hiring. On this score, Chris reported that the Dean had explained that hiring decisions made during the summer without consultation of faculty had had to be made late owing to late notice from Central Administration. The Dean had thus assured the committee that consultation with faculty remains the rule. The issue on non-residential tuition differential waivers is a great concern among chairs and directors, since some departments depend on non-resident students for whom non-residential tuition differential waivers are needed. Another issue before the budget committee is the impact of the recent budget cuts, how it has affected various departments and what can be done about it. An additional concern is the fact that summer salaries have not increased in pace with summer school tuition revenues.

Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Chair of the Curriculum Committee, and Patricia Sullivan (PWR), Chair of the Diversity Committee, were not able to come to the meeting and will prepare a report for the next meeting.

Christian Kopff (HONR), Chair of the Grievance Committee, was not able to attend the meeting but submitted a report concerning criteria for annual merit review evaluations. Paul Gordon (CLHM) also amplified Christian’s written comments. The Grievance Committee is in the process of reviewing departmental salary evaluation systems in order to determine which systems seem to work best. The committee will discuss departments’ criteria and make recommendations to the Dean.

Robert Craig (COM), Chair of the Personnel Committee, reported that the committee is charged to advise the Dean on tenure track personnel actions. The committee expects to review 21 reappointments, 17 promotion and tenure cases, and 12 full professor promotions. He then commented on issues raised at the end-of-the-year debriefing of the Personnel Committee conducted last spring. Though the Personnel Committee is not empowered to attempt any systematic policy making, a number of significant questions have been raised: apparent gender equity issues; whether the committee should formulate clearer guidelines for early promotion and tenure; whether all units should apply the same voting procedures; what precisely constitutes “meritorious” as opposed to “excellent” research and/or creative work. Bob noted that he has no specific proposal to present to the ASC at this time. It was suggested that the Chair refer these issues to the BFA to be addressed at campus level.

Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of the Planning Committee, presented the members with the following motion:

Space Resolution

WHEREAS a burgeoning student body has stretched university classroom resources to the limits and a corresponding growth in instructional staff has led to a severe shortage of office space, and

WHEREAS current budget difficulties have exacerbated this situation by delaying needed capital projects, and

WHEREAS currently program plans are often proposed, evaluated and prioritized with little or no consideration given to their contribution to overall campus space needs,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

THAT the Arts and Sciences Council calls upon the Boulder Campus Planning Commission to include in each feasibility study and program plan involving new building or significant renovation on campus an assessment of current campus needs for classroom space and office space for teaching faculty, and a statement concerning the contribution of the proposed project toward meeting these needs. We further urge the Boulder Campus Planning Commission and the Chancellor’s Executive Committee, in approving such plans and prioritizing them for implementation, to give first consideration to their impact on campus needs for classroom and teaching faculty office space.

This motion was voted on. Eighteen members were in favor of the motion, with one opposed.

In connection with this resolution, Terry then presented “A Feasibility Study for the Adaptive Reuse of the University Club” to the council members. The purpose of this study is a proposed relocation of the Boulder Alumni Association, currently housed at Koenig, to the University Club building. The Association had been evaluating an expansion of Koenig to meet its need for more space. The cost of improvements necessary for the move is $2.0 million, as compared to $5.0 million needed to create additional space at the Koenig location. The study claims that the University would benefit from the Alumni Association’s enhanced ability to run existing and new programs and to serve its members, the University, and the Boulder community in the proposed new locale.

During his report to the council, Dean Gleeson expressed his concern about the proposed relocation of the University Club and the fact that the move would not make more academic space available at a time when there is a critical shortage of space for faculty growth. As far as the budget is concerned, he mentioned that he has received no further news about state plans, but at this point anticipates no new budget cuts. The Quality for Colorado initiative is being renewed for another year, and he believes this will help the College rebuild more quickly. When asked about the faculty raise due to begin in January 2004, the Dean reassured the council that the increase would in fact take place as scheduled.

As a member of the ad hoc committee on Fall Break and Reading Days, Lew Harvey (PSYC) presented the members with a notice of motion to change fall break and reading days currently instituted. Several members reported that some faculty in their respective units are in favor of the change while others are against it. Reflecting differences of opinion among their department colleagues, the council members could not agree on the wording of the motion. Lew therefore withdrew the motion with a view to submitting a revised version later in the year.

In response to a request from the Chair, several faculty members had submitted reports concerning the impact of the recent budget cuts in their respective units. It was felt that budget cuts need to be restored as soon as the financial situation permits.

Chris Braider (FRIT) reported that his department had submitted a letter to President Hoffman presenting a resolution it had recently passed concerning a racist flier circulating clandestinely to offices and mailboxes in Woodbury and Humanities. Chris reported that he had promised to bring the resolution to the ASC to see if its members might whish to join FRIT in the matter. The council decided to forward the resolution to the Diversity Committee to see if they felt any action should be taken.

The meeting adjourned at 5:05 PM.

September 25, 2003

Minutes: Arts & Sciences Council Meeting

  • Thu, Sep 25, 2003
  • UMC Room 245
  • 3:30 – 5:00 PM

Members present: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Christopher Braider (FRIT), Scott Chamberlin (A&AH), Robert Craig (COM), Mel Cundiff (EEBio), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Elizabeth Dunn (GEOG), Luis Gonzáles-del-Valle (SPAN), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Lew Harvey (PSYCH), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Peter Hunt (CLAS), Alison Jaggar (PHIL), Keith Julien (APPM), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Laura Michaelis (LING), Eric Monsen (Leeds School of Business), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Chair ASC, Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Rima Salys (GSLL), Anne Sheehan (GEOL), Patricia Sullivan (PWR)

Members absent: Victoria Cass (EALC), Todd Gleeson (Dean A&S), Rodger Kram (IPHY), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Angel Nieves (Ethn. Studies), Jim Palmer (FARR), Robert Pois (Acad. Ethics), Tricia Rankin (BAKER), Ted Stark (THDN), Mark Winey (MCDB)

The Chair, Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the Aug 28 ASC meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.

The Chair reported that a new Residential Academic Program will be set up in Libby Hall and will be financed, in part, by the Quality for Colorado funds. Deborah Haynes (A&AH) has been chosen to head up the program.

Regarding capital construction, the chair announced that an expansion of the LASP building (Laboratory for Atmospheric & Space Physics) has been approved. The campus will invest $1.6M a year for the next 10 years. These funds will be drawn from the campus budget portion of LASP ICR and will be supplemented by LASP departmental funds, if necessary.

The Chair introduced Eric Monsen (United Government of Graduate Students) to give a presentation on the draft of a Graduate Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities at UCB. He explained that the idea of drafting the document originated with a suggestion by Prof. Paul Levitt of the BFA in response to a variety of graduate student concerns regarding such issues as compensation, work loads, the absence in some units of clear contractual agreements between faculty and teaching assistants/graduate part time instructors, the fair acknowledgement of student contributions to published papers, and faculty accessibility to students working under their direction. However, Eric stressed that the document sets out to define graduate student responsibilities as well as rights. He further stated that the document was composed to help faculty and graduate students resolve disputes and also to attract new graduate students of high academic standing. Eric asked the council members to express their points of view, which would be incorporated in the next version of the document.

Lew Harvey (PSYC) pointed out that graduate student policies are already in place in the Graduate School and questioned why this new document is necessary. Eric Monsen responded that there is a general discontent within certain departments especially where compensation is concerned and issues of this sort do not seem to be covered by existing Graduate School rules or guidelines. This bill would, for example, ensure just compensation to graduate students who teach sections 110% or more of the previously agreed upon course size limit. Further, it would ensure that such things as section limits and corresponding compensation would be clearly stated in an appointment letter, something at present that is not mandated by any College or campus rules.

Elizabeth Dunn (GEOG) wondered whether graduate students understood the extent of the duties to which clearly defined rights and responsibilities might expose them: if graduate students ask to have the same rights as other employees, they must expect to take on all of the responsibilities of employees. At her request, Eric agreed to include in the next version of the draft of the bill acknowledgement of such responsibilities, including the obligation to honor contracts, to create a system for evaluating graduate students’ teaching outside the classroom, and to work the same number of days as regular employees.

Concern was expressed about the possible legal ramifications of a Graduate Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, and there was discussion of who on the campus or at the university possessed the authority required to enact a document like the one graduate students propose. One suggestion was that this was in fact a matter that needed to be decided by the Board of Regents.

Christian Kopff (HONR) reported on the recommendations made by the ASC ad hoc committee on Fall Break and Reading Days and stated that the foreign language coordinators believe that Fall Break is scheduled at the worst time in the semester and that the elimination of 2 reading days at the end of the semester has a deleterious effect on students. The committee recommends that reading days be re-instituted at the end of the fall semester and that the academic calendar be changed to include a week-long vacation the week of Thanksgiving or to move Fall Break to a later date in October.

As a member of the ad-hoc committee, Lew Harvey (PSYC) continued this discussion and reported that he has interviewed undergraduate advisors of the Psychology department about their opinion of Fall Break. They were unanimous in their disapproval. Their recommendations are similar to those mentioned above: 1. that Fall Break be eliminated, 2. that a reading period before final exams be reinstated and 3. that, if the administration is unwilling to do 1 and 2, Fall Break be combined with the Thanksgiving Break and occur at the end of November.

Lew recommended that members discuss this issue with faculty in their departments and present their colleagues’ comments at the next ASC meeting. Also, council members agreed to vote on a draft motion at that time.

Due to insufficient time, the reports of the standing committees could not be given and had to be postponed to the next meeting on October 23rd. In addition, two other documents on the agenda could not be discussed at this time. The Chair made reference to a document composed by the ASC Personnel Committee that lists issues identified at last year’s end-of-the-year debriefing session with the Dean. The Chair suggested that members of the ASC could poll their department colleagues to identify other, related issues and bring them forward at the next meeting. The second document, briefly referred to by the Chair, was about a resolution adopted by the Department of Communications, which relates to the quality of education impacted by the budget crisis. The Chair asked council members to forward examples to her of how the budget cuts have impacted their units. It was recommended at the Executive Committee meeting that a motion be endorsed to serve as a public faculty response to the budget cuts.

The meeting adjourned at 5:10 PM.

August 28, 2003

Minutes: Art & Sciences Council Meeting

  • Thu, Aug 28, 2003
  • UMC Room 245
  • 3:30 – 5:00 PM

Members present: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Tony Barker (PHYS), Chris Braider (FRIT/CLHM), Scott Chamberlin (FA), Bob Craig (COM), Mel Cundiff (EE Biology) Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Elizabeth Dunn (GEOG), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Luis Gonzalez-del-Valle (SPAN), Elizabeth Guertin (A&S, Asst. Dean), Lewis Harvey (PSYC), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Peter Hunt (CLAS), Alison Jaggar (PHIL), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Rodger Kram (IPHY), Robert Pois (HIST), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS) Chair, Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Rima Salys (GSLL), Anne Sheehan (GEOL), Patricia Sullivan (PWR), Mark Winey (MCDB)

Members absent: Victoria Cass (EALC), Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Keith Julien (APPM), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Angel Nieves (Ethn. Studies), Jim Palmer (FARR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Ted Stark (THDN)

Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), the newly elected chair of the ASC, called the meeting to order at 3:30 P and, with the beginning of the new semester, incoming members as well as ongoing members were introduced.

Please note: New names have been given to three departments: Fine Arts will now be called “Arts & Art History” (A&AH), Environmental, Population & Organismic Biology will now be called “Ecology and Evolutionary Biology” (EE Biology), and Kinesiology will now be named “Integrated Physiology” (IPHY).

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the April 24 ASC meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.

The Chair reported that the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee set up to advise the Dean on upcoming budget cuts had met and that no more meetings are required.

Elizabeth Guertin, Asst. Dean and representative of ACARP (Appeals Committee on Academic Rules and Policies), reported that she has received numerous appeals from undergraduate students requesting retroactive changes to their academic records and some of these records go back many years. It was recommended to develop guidelines which could be used by faculty. Elizabeth also requested that the ASC send one of its members to ACARP. The Chair commented that those members having a particular interest in this kind of work may serve on this committee.

The Dean reported that last year was a successful year for the hiring of faculty. Among the 35 new faculty members hired for the fall are 16 women and 11 faculty of color. He also reported that the vacant line caused by the budget cuts will remain vacant for approximately two and a half years, as compared to one and a half years previously. The Dean further reported that the first of the new Financial Service Centers, located in Hellems, is being completed. It was prompted by the increased workload caused by PeopleSoft and by a need to cut costs, and required a re-organization of staff members. The Dean explained that having a few staff members working with PeopleSoft all the time is expected to be more efficient than having staff members in each department using PeopleSoft only some of the time. It is planned to set up additional Financial Service Centers in Ketchum, Eaton Humanities, McKenna, and in Macky.

Elizabeth Guertin, as Director of Advising, commented on the increasing number of student requests for late course withdrawals. One of the requirements to withdraw in the sixth week of the semester is the approval of the Dean, which places additional burden on the administration. The Dean asked whether this approval is necessary. It was agreed that the Curriculum Committee further investigate this situation and provide recommendations.

The Chair then distributed copies of the draft of a Graduate Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities and invited members to prepare to comment on it at the ASC’s next meeting. She asked members to pay particular attention to student employment issues. Gail has invited Eric Monson to attend the next ASC meeting on Sep 25th to discuss this subject and to answer questions.

Christian Kopff (HONR) reported on the Fall Break issue. A committee has been formed to investigate this matter and he will give a presentation at the next meeting.

Robert Craig (COM) and Rima Salys (GSLL) volunteered to serve on the Committee on Committees. A vote was taken and all members were in favor of their membership.

The Chair then discussed the ASC goals for the coming year and suggested examining the annual faculty merit review procedures in force in individual programs and departments. She remarked that some units have sound procedures while others do not. The Dean noted that some departments have been more successful using a 2-year review cycle and he would like to try it out in the college, as indeed the college has been invited to do on a trial basis for the campus.

The Chair also proposed an initiative to encourage children of university staff members to attend the university. If full tuition benefits were offered to employees’ children, faculty would have an opportunity to play a mentoring role for staff and their children. The university would then not only be a place of work, but also a place where the children of university staff could receive an education. This initiative could increase diversity and also give first generation college students the opportunity to attend classes at UCB.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.