2007-2008 University Senate Executive Committee
December 3, 2007
Reed Hoyt, Chair
MINUTES
Present:
Richard Collier, John Delano, Sanjay Goel, Reed Hoyt,
William Lanford, Zai Liang, Eric Lifshin, George Philip,
Lawrence Raffalovich, Michael Range, Karin Reinhold-Larsson,
Junru Ruan, Joan Savitt, Lawrence Schell
Guest:
Professor Teresa Harrison, Department of Communication
Minutes:
The Minutes of November 12, 2007 were approved.
Chair Report, by Reed Hoyt:
“Last Minute” proposals: Chair Hoyt stressed the point of proposals needing to be
submitted in a timelier manner to allow for email distribution and review by other SEC
members, prior to the meetings.
Interim Provost Advisory Committee: Chair Hoyt reported that the Committee has
been formed, with the exception of the Undergraduate student, Rafelina Salcedo, who has
not yet replied to the email requesting her participation.
Presidential Search: The initial interviews should be completed soon.
Faculty Forum: Chair Hoyt mentioned that he was considering a forum involving a
panel discussion constructing an undergraduate curriculum, the writing proposal, and
diversity.
Guest Professor Teresa Harrison: Professor Harrison spoke about the history of GAC Bill
No. 0708-08 - Proposal to establish a Ph.D. Program in Communication. She reported that
the proposal went through UPC about two years ago, and that during 2006-2007 it did go
through all the appropriate bodies. A Letter of Intent was approved in March 2006. At that
time, the resources were documented and EPC did look at the Letter of Intent. There was
discussion. A motion was passed to move the proposal to the Senate floor.
Officer In Charge Report, by George Philip:
Mr. Philip arrived late to the meeting and briefly reported that the Budget negotiations are going
well.
Council and Committee Reports:
CAA (Council on Academic Assessment), William Lanford, Chair. Nothing to report.
COR (Council on Research), Lawrence Schell, Chair. Nothing to report.
CPCA (Council on Promotions and Continuing Appointments), Eric Lifshin, Chair.
Nothing to report.
GAC (Graduate Academic Council), Sally Friedman, Chair. Nothing to report.
GOV (Governance Council), John Delano, Chair. Discussion on the Freshmen Seminar
program proposal referred to the Governance Council from the September Senate meeting
included Chair Delano’s report of two meetings that he had had with Vice Provost Faerman. The
existing mechanism needs to be clarified. Trust must be maintained by all stakeholders; Trojan
Horses do not contribute to that. The rationale cited by Robert Gibson and Sue Faerman in the
Undergraduate Policy Manual was not a legitimate guide for procedures bearing on submission
of the UFSP proposal, especially since the sections that were highlighted dealt with faculty- and
student-initiated interdisciplinary majors. Refer to X.3.4.1 and X.3.4.3 in the Senate Charter for
possible areas for clarification, especially for proposals not originating from either academic
departments, or academic units with colleges, or schools.
It was also recommended that specific reference be made in the Senate Bylaws to “Pilot”
programs where a clear governance process would be described. During the maximum 3-year
trial period for ‘Pilot’ courses/programs, the Undergraduate Academic Council and Senate
Executive Committee would receive assessment data, and provide suggestions for those courses/
programs based on those data. This would be analogous to a “clinical trial” where regular review
of results would be required. Within the 3-year time-frame, the “Pilot” course/program would be
submitted for formal institutionalization with a full-review process through the UAC, SEC, and
Senate. It was also recommended that the Governance Council research the processes used at
other universities.
Chair Delano made arrangements to meet with Dean Faerman on the Writing Initiative.
LISC (Council on Libraries, Information Systems, and Computing), Larry Raffalovich,
Chair. LISC met 11/30. CIO Chris Haile briefed the Council on the Data Center Planning Study.
UPC will be briefed on 12/5 and the final report is scheduled for release on 1/8. The Library
Committee met earlier in the week and will meet again in January. The Information Technology
Usage Policy Committee has been formed. The Council will be considering suggested changes to
the committee's charge.
CIO Haile has spoken briefly with John Reilly about the bill regarding email as the
official means of communication with students. Apparently, there were concerns about the legal
implications of some language in the bill. John Reilly will be meeting with the OIC and CIO
about this, and LISC will be advised of needed changes to the language.
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UAC (Undergraduate Academic Council), Karin Reinhold-Larsson, Chair. UAC
unanimously approved: a restructuring of the Psychology major that does not allow students to
register for the major until they pass their three basic core courses; a restructuring of the
Psychology honors program that reflects the changes in the major; and Honors Program in
Africana Studies. UAC approved (12 for, 1 abstention) a proposal for a Faculty Initiated
Interdisciplinary Major and Minor in Financial Market Regulation with the following
amendments: (1) Admission to the minor requires written permission; (2) The internship should
be optional
ULC (University Life Council), Joan Savitt, Chair. Nothing to report.
UPC (University Planning and Policy Council), Diane Dewar, Chair. UPC will be meeting
on 12/5. The agenda includes presentations by the Undergraduate Writing Program Committee
chaired by Robert Yagelski, and an update on the new data center by CIO Haile.
CAFFECoR (Committee on Academic Freedom, Freedom of Expression, and Community
Responsibility), Sanjay Goel, Chair. In response to the Report of the Provosts' Task force on
Academic Integrity, CAFFECoR passed a resolution recommending against the adoption of an
“Honor Code.”
CERS (Committee on Ethics in Research and Scholarship), Zai Liang, Chair.
Nothing to report
NEW BUSINESS:
Proposal for a Faculty-Initiated Interdisciplinary Major and Minor in Financial Market
Regulation. The proposal was introduced by UAC Chair Reinhold-Larsson. There was
lengthy discussion and explanation on the proposal, as it was not distributed for review before
the meeting. It was suggested that this be reviewed by UPC for financial implications on the
campus. The admission requirement issue was also discussed thoroughly, including quantity
control, rather than quality control. It was determined that an appeals process needs to be
worked out.
Chair Reinhold-Larsson will bring it back to the department for amendments. The SEC
members agreed to approve the proposal, subject to amendments discussed, UPC and UAC
approval.
Resolution on Academic Integrity (CAFFECoR): The Resolution was introduced by
CAFFECoR Chair Goel. There was discussion, and it was decided to bring it to Senate. The
motion was approved with two opposing. It will go to Senate.
Meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayne VanDenburgh, Recorder
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