Minutes of the October 3, 2002 Faculty Meeting

President Thomforde called the meeting to order at 11:29 and Pastor Bruce Benson provided the opening prayer.

Approval of the Minutes of the August 2002 Faculty Meeting.

Moved and approved.

President's Remarks

President Thomforde asked LaVern Rippley to introduce two distinguished visitors: Dr. Wolfgang Weber, who is the Rektor [President] of the University of Paderborn; and Dr. Beate Wieland, the chancellor of the same university.

The President began with a statement about the Agenda of faculty meetings and encouraged those with ideas for any new formula to please contact Jim May or President Thomforde with those ideas.

He then spent some time clarifying the duties of the College Council and talking about the differences between RPC and the Council. He referred all to his December 12, 2002 memorandum, "Charge to the St. Olaf College Council" on the President's web page for clarification of the Council. He emphasized that the Council has no jurisdiction, but faculty committees (like RPC) have specific tasks and jurisdiction.

CEPC

David Booth, on behalf of CEPC, moved for approval of CEPC 02/03-1, Media Studies 240; German 149; Asian Studies 310; History 134; Biology 383; and Art/Art History 117, as set forth in said green sheet. All approved. Motion carries.

Winter Athletic Schedule

Wes Pearson, on behalf of the Athletic Committee, moved for approval of the Winter Sports Schedule, as set forth in the green sheet. Much discussion followed regarding students' absences from class due to athletic events. Questions and issues brought forth included: whether there are guidelines for maximum number of days missed; Friday and Saturday scheduling of contests out of town; advance notification of contests by coaches; comparison of method used for music absences; student responsibility; future green sheets to possibly include additional information. Cindy Book, Director of Athletics, addressed some of the specific issues. President Thomforde charged the Athletic Committee to meet and discuss the issues and present findings at the next Faculty Meeting. Winter Sports Schedule approved as published. Motion carries.

June Board Meeting Report

Martha Wallace, observer to the Board of Regents, reported on the June Board Meeting. She spoke of the experience, dedication and expertise of the members and their importance to the faculty, especially the board's Financial Committee and the Academic Affairs Committee. The June meeting is primarily a retreat, but Martha highlighted a few of the business matters: 1) the introduction of Jim May; 2) the many aspects of the Framework plan (including tours of the facilities by the Board); and 3) student "engagement" issues. She reminded all that the Board is around for the next few days.

Dean's Remarks

Jim May, Provost and Dean of the College, began his remarks by thanking the faculty for the success of registration, and encouraged future involvement. He thanked those faculty who were on sabbatical and have sent in their sabbatical reports, and gently mentioned that he has not received all the reports.

Dean May provided an update on the GRECO Report. Draft responses and job descriptions are in progress. These drafts are working documents and will be posted on the web for viewing shortly. RPC has also decided to "take up" GRECO Part II (reform of faculty governance).

The North Central accreditation is coming in April. The Dean requests active participation in reviewing drafts and attending the proposed fora. Part of the report addresses program mix and quality, and a portion will view "how our curriculum is working." With the assistance of GEC and RPC, St. Olaf is going to participate in a study called TRENDS, which maps education programs at 75 to 100 colleges and universities.

Announcements

Jonathan Hill asked for clarification of the drafts of the job descriptions and the next step. Jim May indicated that he will send further information clarifying what is expected along with deadlines shortly.

Gary Wicks asked for a clarification on the purpose of Community Time and whether it was meant to be the most appropriate time for committee meetings. A discussion followed, including the issue of who "owns" CT. Eida Berrio spoke of the plan for community events held during CT once a month. Jim May stated that although the CT period may be ideal for meetings, because of various events scheduled, meetings that meet weekly would not always be able to meet during CT. He indicated that a decision about CT and the current Class and Lab Schedule would need to be made by February.

Gary Gisselman announced the addition of another performance time for The Laramie Project.

Judy Kutulus announced the Faculty Action Committee meeting after the Faculty Meeting.

Patrick Quade reminded advisers of the deadline for their students' registration for off-campus interims.

Matt Richey announced the upcoming Leraas Lecture, "Opportunities for Preventing Gun Violence" by Daniel Webster, Tuesday, October 8, 2002 at 3:00.

Eida Berrio reminded all of upcoming events surrounding ADA Awareness Month and GLBT activities.

Meeting adjourned at 12:21 p.m.

Mary Sue Lovett
Faculty Secretary