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RPC Minutes, September 21, 2005
Present: Matt Richey (chair), Jolene Barjasteh, David Emery, Gary Gisselman, Anne Groton, Bob Hanson, Heather Klopchin, James May, Alan Norton, Mark Schelske, Marcus Sublette, Mary Titus, Pin Pin Wan
- Called to order at 3:35 PM.
- Minutes from 9/14/05 were approved.
- Chair's report on issues brought before RPC from the faculty: A question about the wording of a recent letter to the faculty from the administration regarding salary and employment was brought forward. RPCmembers reviewed the following section in the Faculty Manual (4.IV.F):
"Salary to faculty is normally paid in twelve monthly installments forprofessional service during the academic year. The College does not place any formal restrictions on the summer employment or summer activity of the faculty, but it expects that faculty will allot sufficient time during the summer for intellectual refreshment, professional growth, and planning for the next academic year."
RPC members determined there was no disconnect between the FM statement and the letter sent to faculty. RPC has determined there is no change in College policy regarding summer activities.
- Conveners of RPC subcommittees reported the results of their meetings last week.
Faculty Manual: Anne Groton, chair of the subcommittee, reported that her team is charged with reading through the Faculty Manual, noting changes made recently to it, finding out who is affected by these changes, and determining whether those changes have been implemented, etc. Anne's team (including David Emery, Bob Hanson, Heather Klopchin and Arnie Ostebee) will begin its work by reviewing the wording of the section on salary.
Governance: Mark Shelske, chair of the subcommittee reported on the discussions of his subcommittee. His team (including Jolene Barjasteh, Gary Gisselman, and James May) identified five areas where the faculty has influence: curriculum; tenure and promotion; student life; faculty life; and governance. The subcommittee intends to send out a survey to those who have served on committees in order to gather pertinent information about time commitment, workload for the chair, success in meeting the charge of the committee as outlined in the FM, and assessment of how meaningful the work has been for the committee members. Mark's report prompted lively discussion among the members of RPC. The subcommittee hopes to bring a couple of broad proposals regarding governance reform to the December faculty meeting for further discussion.
Budget/Compensation: Matt Richey, chair of the subcommittee (whose other
members are Alan Norton, Mary Titus, and Pin Pin Wan), identified two important issues: the wage pool increase and how to align faculty compensation with faculty work. Given that the nature of faculty instruction and student learning is changing, Matt's team asked the questions: Are we compensating faculty appropriately for work the College values the most? Are we too tied to the notion that a "full load" means a six-course teaching load? How might course-load vary depending on other responsibilities a faculty member may have at the College.
- Role of RPC in the presidential search: This item will be added to the agenda for next Wednesday's RPC meeting.
Adjourned at 5:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jolene Barjasteh, Acting Secretary
