Minutes of the Faculty Senate | Faculty Senate | SIU

Meeting convened at 1:11 p.m. by Peggy Stockdale, President.

ROLL CALL

Members present: Mark A. Amos, Joseph Brown, Terry Clark, Jon D. Davey, Joan M. Davis, Stephen D. Ebbs, James S. Ferraro, Carl R. Flowers, Eric Hellgren (for Thomas Britton, ex officio), Philip C. Howze, H. Randy Hughes, Kathryn A. Hytten, Karen Jones (for Gary Apgar), Allan Karnes (ex officio), Sanjeev Kumar, Mary E. Lamb, David A. Lightfoot, Douglas W. Lind, Michael J. Lydy, John McIntyre (for Cathy C. Mogharreban), Don Rice (ex officio), R. William Rowley, Mohammad R. Sayeh, Thomas A. Shaw, Pamela A. Smoot, Gerald R. Spittler, Peggy Stockdale, Brooke H. H. Thibeault, Rebecca J. Weston, Matt Whiles, Kay M. Zivkovich.

Members absent: Samuel Goldman (ex officio), Russ Trimble (ex officio).

Members absent without proxy: Edward J. Alfrey, Lori Merrill-Fink, Thomas H. Tarter.

Visitors and Guests: David Carlson (Library Affairs), Sean McGahan (Daily Egyptian), Ed Shay (Faculty/Staff Ombudsman), Adam Testa (Southern Illinoisan).

MINUTES

The minutes from the regular meeting on July 9, 2008, were approved as presented.

REPORTS

1. P. Stockdale reported: a) the NCA campus-wide accreditation team will be visiting next spring. A committee has been formed to gather information and write the self-study report. She has asked Jim Allen (University Core Curriculum), chair of the committee; John Dotson, who chaired the previous accreditation committee 10 years ago; and Associate Provost Elmore to be the keynote speakers at the fall faculty meeting on October 30. She believes the Senate should be informed and educated in order to help with preparations for the accreditation visit. In addition, she has been asked to help the [self- study] committee sort through their reports and add information about campus climate. Consequently, there may be a campus climate survey coming from her in the next several weeks; b) as a result of recruitment and retention issues, the Senate may be asked to re-examine the University's admission requirements; c) she would like the Senate to continue reviewing policies, procedures and actions with regard to women and minorities in faculty and administrative roles, as well as the general climate for diversity; d) she plans to attend the Board of Trustees meeting on September 11 in Edwardsville; e) as Senate President, she has been asked to serve on the committee examining the structure of the Associate Chancellor for Diversity/Affirmative Action position. The committee will discuss restructuring that office, as well as making a decision about an interim person to fill this position. She would appreciate any advice/feedback/comments anyone has on how the office should be reorganized; f) the President's Office will be disseminating a draft of the revised Sexual Harassment Policy for review and comment. She believes an expert committee should be formed to review the document, in addition to being reviewed by the constituency groups and broader community.

2. Provost Rice reported: a) the 10-day numbers show enrollment is down 1.5%. However, he believes that percentage will decrease once all of the off-campus figures are received (around mid-October). As of now, the income fund will rise somewhat because of the increased tuition rate for this year. Although the University has not regained the number of international students it had pre-9/11, there are currently 50 Fulbright fellows on campus that are internationals; b) Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Victoria Valle has a committee working on an enrollment plan, and she has created various models for the Chancellor with respect to enrollment expectations should the University, for example, provide in-state tuition for individuals in [neighboring] counties or offer grants that would specifically go to help subsidize the cost of textbooks; c) in terms of retention, the University has increased both freshman and sophomore numbers. The number of juniors, however, is down as a result of losses from freshman-to-sophomore students. He believes it is an anomaly in the numbers that will improve as the retention of freshmen and sophomores improves. There have also been sustained conversations with the deans on the various activities their colleges and departments are conducting to help retain students. One program that is starting on a trial basis is called "research rookie," modeled somewhat after a program at UCLA. It will begin with a small target group of 15 freshman students who will basically be provided with undergraduate assistantships to get them involved and applied. It will be used as a basis for determining whether or not it makes a significant difference in grade point, retention, etc.; d) Peter Gitau has been appointed the new Associate Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. His broad knowledge includes first year experience activities and internationalization of curriculum. Provost Rice suggested that the Faculty Senate might extend an invitation to Dr. Gitau to meet with them to discuss [these and other important] issues; e) last year, the campus had several Illinois EPA inspections and did not do well in the areas of removal and storage of hazardous waste. Another review is anticipated this fall. Those in the sciences and have labs and those who are in studios can expect a visit from the Center for Environmental Health and Safety. The campus is also under obligations to the Illinois Department of Labor to comply with OSHA regulations, and they, too, will be visiting the campus this fall at the University's request.

QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION

1. P. Howze commented that one of OSHA's regulations is to have [a working restroom]. He asked if faculty [who have cause to evacuate a building] should be required to submit a leave slip. Provost Rice responded that the recent sewage backup at the library has been cleaned up by the Physical Plant; however, he is still awaiting verification that sanitation of the area is such that it is appropriate for human habitation. He believes that faculty and staff who had to evacuate because of the situation should not have to submit leave time, just as he believes they should not have to do so because of ice on the sidewalks or any other [hazardous situation they did not create]. Provost Rice noted that he met earlier with the Chancellor and, pending the Chancellor's approval, faculty and staff [in the library] will be given back any sick and vacation days they had to take to get out of that situation.

2. M. Lamb commented that the drop in juniors is distressing considering the number of junior colleges in the area. It suggests a problem with recruiting of transfers. She asked what specific steps are being taken to market and attract students locally who would then become juniors here. Provost Rice responded that the number of transfer students is down, and most of those students are coming from junior colleges in southern Illinois that have few students who transfer to SIUC; however, those numbers seem to be rising slightly, whereas the losses are level. The President and Chancellor are meeting with the presidents of the community colleges to ask yet again for their assistance in promoting transfers to 2+2 programs that would facilitate and enhance transfers. There have been concerns as to why some of the offices that were placed in the local community colleges have not seemed to yield any results. The sense is that those offices were put in too late to make a difference this year, but they possibly could have an impact next year. The [current] junior class had a lower profile in terms of academic readiness when its members were freshmen, and their numbers dropped further when they were sophomores. The thought is that they are uncharacteristic of the ones that will follow.

M. Lamb asked if SIUC is sending letters to every John A. Logan student to inform them of what this university is about and what it can do for them. Provost Rice responded that the aforementioned offices are supposed to do that. To the degree that those offices have a united front to try and attract students, that communication would probably come from V. Valle's office. M. Lamb commented that, to her knowledge, such letters have not been sent. She believes it is an important thing to do. Provost Rice responded that the Chancellor and President want to have a serious conversation with community college presidents about the degree to which the community colleges are allowing [other universities] to come in and deliver programs at their campuses. It is his understanding that any remediation would come from the President's office.

3. A. Karnes asked if the policy for textbook grants would allow use of the book, then either resell or use in the interim, almost like a semi-rental. Provost Rice responded that it would be a possibility. There is a new textbook initiative in the state of Illinois that would have to be discussed in this group. Whatever is decided in terms of reducing the cost of textbooks for students would be passed on [into] some program. The thought was to try and help subsidize that one cost.

4. S. Kumar asked the Provost if he knows how the research rookies will be selected. Provost Rice responded that Julia Spears, who handles the McNair program and other student programs, is the person responsible for the initiative. She has already selected the 15 students and did so over a series of SOAR meetings, as well as meeting with some of the students who have joined honors for the first time as freshmen. They self-selected when told about the program. [As it expands, a set of guidelines and a committee to help with selecting students for the program will need to be developed].

REPORTS (cont.)

3. P. Stockdale introduced Faculty/Staff Ombudsman E. Shay, noting that until recently, she was unaware that his position is provided for by the Faculty Senate, with funding through the Chancellor's office. E. Shay presented his report (see appendix 1), expressing thanks to the Senate for the opportunity to serve in the position. P. Stockdale reported that Chancellor Goldman had announced to the Executive Council his plan to eliminate the position. However, the Council's non-response to his announcement was not implicit approval of that decision. She has asked the Faculty Status and Welfare Committee to discuss the issue more thoroughly and bring to the Senate by October a resolution with regard to the position. P. Stockdale then asked E. Shay to articulate, without going into details, how a faculty ombudsman differs from a University Ombudsman and whether he believes the University Ombudsman could in fact take on the kinds of cases he handles. E. Shay responded that the issue of continuing the position is between the Senate and the Chancellor, and it would be inappropriate for him to "fight for his job." However, he is willing to provide the Senate with any information and suggested possibly the Senate could contact previous ombuds persons for their opinions. With respect to case load, it is his understanding that the University Ombudsman Office deals with approximately 800 or so cases every year. The two people in that office deal almost exclusively with student issues, whereas he deals only with faculty and staff and refers any students who come to him to the University Ombudsman.

E. Shay reviewed the history of the position, noting there have been at least a couple of occasions when the question was raised as to whether or not the position is a redundancy. He believes it is not because even though the titles are similar, the duties each performs distinctly differ, as do the constituencies they [represent]. The issues he hears are extremely varied, some of which relate to promotion and tenure, but most that are more unusual and require a great deal of investigation on his part. He believes his primary job is to prevent grievances and also to prevent litigation, which he believes he has done. Provost Rice indicated that, despite the ultimate disposition of the position, he would like to thank E. Shay on behalf of the Provost and Vice Chancellor's Office for his efforts to resolve issues before they become intractable. "The degree to which he has approached issues in an informed and humane way has made dealing with these kinds of disputes and problems much more productive for the individuals involved, as well as for his office and those who might be involved in any kind of grievance."

K. Jones asked E. Shay if his appointment was ever changed to half-time. E. Shay responded that the position has remained quarter time. He was asked about that when he first started under Chancellor Wendler. At the time, he felt it was on the cusp. Because it is such an unusual position and the work load varies so greatly, it is difficult to say whether [it should be] quarter-time or half-time. P. Stockdale also expressed appreciation to E. Shay on behalf of the Senate, indicating his services, as well as those of his predecessors, is greatly appreciated.

4. E. Hellgren reported that the Graduate Council held its first meeting on September 4. There was lengthy general discussion of enrollment management by V. Valle. He believes discussion will continue next month specifically in the area of graduate enrollment and retention. There was also extended discussion of the sexual harassment issue. A motion was approved requesting the Chancellor to provide some summary information or a general statement on the status of the proposed Sexual Harassment Policy.

PRESENTATION

M. Amos, director of the First Year Experience, gave a presentation on the self-study and action plan for the First Year Experience, then answered questions from the floor.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

1. S. Kumar reported the Judicial Review Board elections are underway, and ballots will soon be mailed electronically. He recommended that when making nominations, faculty check with those persons they are nominating to see if they are willing to serve.

2. S. Kumar presented for approval the Resolution on Faculty Commitment to Diversity and Affirmative Action (included as Attachment A to the Agenda). He reported that, as a result of the discussion that took place at the July Senate meeting, the resolution was sent back to the Executive Council for revision. What is now being presented is the result of those discussions.

P. Howze suggested the phrase, "women and minorities" should be added in the second "whereas." P. Stockdale agreed to the change, but wanted to call attention to why it was originally worded as "women," with the third "whereas" being more inclusive. She reported that at a Board of Trustees meeting early in the spring, the alarming statistics concerning the lack of women at the deans level and above was made known. This prompted President Poshard to ask her to develop a plan to help get more women into upper administrative positions, especially in Academic Affairs. In doing some background research, she found the utilization rates for women and minorities in all a/p positions, not just academic affairs. According to the March 1, 2008, data, women are underutilized in the executive 1, executive 2 and administrative officers positions (vice chancellor, associate vice chancellor, executive director) at rates ranging from 17% underutilized to 29% underutilized. Minorities, broadly defined, are not underutilized at the executive 1 and 2 levels, but are underutilized by a rate of 3.3% at the administrative officer level. Minorities, broadly defined, are underutilized at the next step down (program managers and specialists) at the rate of between 2.5-6.5%. On a national level, women earn an average of 47% of the Ph.Ds. Among university administrators, 23% of women are college presidents; 38% are provosts or chief academic officers; and between 11-48% are academic deans. At SIU, 0% of women are at the dean level and above, and around 33% are chairs. P. Stockdale noted that this is the data to take into consideration for the second "whereas." P. Howze moved to add "and minorities" to the second whereas; seconded by G. Spittler.

During the ensuing discussion, several issues/concerns were raised: a) M. Whiles questioned using the term "promotion" (in the preamble) as it interferes with the idea of what academic promotion is as opposed to being hired as an administrator. P. Stockdale responded that in her field of Organizational Psychology, selection means "the hiring of" and promotion means an "internal selection decision." Selection is a hiring decision, and that is why she used the term. [J. Ferraro] suggested the phrase "selection and advancement"; b) J. Davey read a written statement in support of including the term "protected veterans" in the preamble and provided wording from five Illinois university affirmative action/diversity/nondiscrimination statements that included "protected veterans" or "veteran status" (see appendix 2). P. Stockdale noted she had planned to have a separate resolution protecting veteran status; however, if it is included in other university anti-discrimination policies, then she had no objection to adding it to the preamble. R. Hughes pointed out there are a number of different phrases used for veterans, and "protected veteran" is only one. J. Davey responded that he checked with SIU's Veterans Affairs Office and was told that is the term they use, though he is unclear on its meaning. P. Howze reminded Senators that it is common for broad language to [accomplish specific goals]. He suggested simply using the term "veteran status." P. Stockdale pointed out that this is all part of the preamble; what she is attempting to do is draw attention to a broad class of people for whom diversity and affirmative action are directed. K. Hytten asked if veterans are "traditionally underrepresented and historically discriminated against" as it states in the preamble. She is not against adding it, but questioned whether it is a different category than the intention of the commitment to diversity and affirmative action. J. Davey responded that other universities in the state mention veterans, and he would like to get clarification [on the term "protected veteran"], though he has no problem with simply adding "veteran"; c) C. Flowers asked that "disabled" be changed to "persons with disabilities"; d) S. Kumar questioned whether "national origin" should also be included, noting the other state universities include it in their statements. R. Hughes suggested it be added. He believes that, as a group, those of national origin are sometimes prevented from being raised to administrative positions because of certain attitudes (e.g., having a different accent and thus being unable to deal with people in southern Illinois).

P. Stockdale read the preamble and summarized the resolution as amended. A question was raised as to whether the complete protected [Title VII] list should be added to the preamble. K. Hytten asked if a statement of nondiscrimination is the same as a resolution on faculty commitment to diversity. It appears to her that most of what P. Stockdale has provided are statements of nondiscrimination, and her understanding is that the intent is to resolve that faculty are more committed to upholding affirmative action and enhancing diversity. They seem to be two different categories that are being confused, which goes back to the question of "traditionally underrepresented and historically discriminated against." For example, are married people [who are included in Title VII] traditionally underrepresented or historically discriminated against? P. Stockdale responded that the attention should be to the resolved, "to foster a climate of respect for diversity as broadly defined..." which is where the list in the preamble becomes important, and to "maintain and strengthen affirmative action," which is the policy to which footnote two speaks. Her original intention as the first author of the resolution was to pull out those groups who have been historically discriminated against and continue to face obstacles of discrimination. The concern is for those groups who are still today subject to discrimination.

P. Stockdale indicated she will call for a voice vote by the Senate on the amendments to the preamble and resolution. At the request of a Faculty Senator, a vote on the amended resolution will be taken by written ballot.

Amendment to the resolution was approved on a voice vote.

Resolution, as amended, was approved 22-2-1 by written ballot. [see appendix 3]

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE -- None.

R. Hughes (for M. Amos) reported a draft of the resolution concerning the role of faculty and staff opinions on hiring Academic Affairs administrators has been circulated to the committee; work on it is still in progress. A second resolution still in draft form concerns revisions to the guidelines for dealing with search committees for administrative hires. The committee is also discussing the question of reapportionment for the Senate and of stabilizing the number of Senators from each college. P. Stockdale reminded the committee of the need to revise the Senate's Operating Paper to allow for electronic voting.

COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES -- R. Weston, Chair

R. Weston presented for approval the University committee Assignments (included as Attachment B to the Agenda).

University Committee Assignments were approved on a voice vote.

BUDGET COMMITTEE -- None.

FACULTY STATUS AND WELFARE COMMITTEE -- None.

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION POLICY COMMITTEE -- None.

OLD BUSINESS -- None.

NEW BUSINESS -- None.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

P. Stockdale reminded Senators to place on their calendars the fall faculty meeting scheduled for October 30.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 2:57 p.m.