Minutes of the May 7, 2009 Faculty Meeting

 
I. Call to Order
The President called the April Meeting to order at 11.31.

II. Opening Prayer, Bruce Benson
Pastor Benson opened the meeting by giving thanks for the graduating students and asked God to further guide them.

III. Approval of the Minutes of the April 2009 Faculty Meeting
The minutes were approved.
 
IV. Report on the May Board of Regents Meeting, Karen Marsalek Faculty Observer-Elect to the Board of Regents, reported four things from the final Regent's meeting of the year.  First, the Regents discussed the proposed renovations of Old Science.  The Regents recognize their commitment to renovate Old Science.  It is not a matter of if it will be renovated, but when.  They believe that they will have a better sense of where the economy and credit markets are at in the fall.  Second, the Board also met with a student committee who gave a presentation about student issues, perceptions and concerns about attending St. Olaf during an economic downturn.  The reports indicated that students are taking more advantage of the education, meals and entertainment that they have already paid for in their tuition and sometimes opting not to study abroad.  Their report also reflected anxiety about securing funding for their tuition regardless of where the money was coming from, and future employment.  Third, the Board met with a group of faculty who reported on the Academic Integrity Policy.  The discussions followed largely the same discussions that the faculty have had in our own meetings.  The Regents were interested in and supportive of the work we are doing on this issue.  And finally, the Board also had opportunities to celebrate student and faculty achievements. 

V.  Remarks by the President, David Anderson
The President started by giving an update on admissions for the fall which are on target.  The President thanked the Enrollment Division for their work which was followed by a long round of applause by the faculty.  He also thanked the faculty and staff who contributed to this accomplishment in many ways. 

President Anderson recognized that this is a challenging time of year, and that we need to continue to extend generosity and kindness towards one another wherever possible and reminded us that we will return in the fall with renewed energy and grace. 

A question was raised as to what happens if the target number of students who have paid their deposits but do not end up attending the college is less than expected.  The President responded that in that situation that there would be adjustments made in housing and the number of courses intended for first year students.
 
VI. Consent Agenda
1. Curriculum Committee 0809-13, New Statement on Distinction in Majors and Concentrations (David Booth)

2. Curriculum Committee 0809-14, FOL Alternate Route (David Booth)

3. Curriculum Committee 0809-15, New Course Proposals (David Booth)

4. Fall 2009 Sports Schedules (Judy Kutulas)

The faculty voted to approve the agenda.


VII. Committee Reports

Mary Cisar, Registrar, moved to graduate the class of 2009, which was seconded by faculty members who are parents of graduating seniors. The motion passed and a warm round of applause was given.

Jonathan Hill, Faculty Governance Committee, moved to adopt motions 0809-06,07,08,09, Changes to the Faculty Manual, Jonathan Hill.  These included changing the wording of Physical Education to Exercise Science, appointing the position of Secretary to the Faculty instead of voting, guaranteeing that a set number of tenured faculty are elected to the Curriculum Committee as with other committees, and finally that the individual Faculty elections be held after the at-large election takes place.  The motions passed.
 
Jim Hanson and Judy Kutulas, Student Life Committee, moved to adopt the Academic Integrity Policy.  Hanson and Kutulas explained the procedural changes made from the motion they put forward last month which would allow for leeway for different situations.  They then moved an amendment to the motion.  A number of questions were raised.  Then a motion was made to amend the amendment to the motion.  The motion to amend the amendment passed.  Then the amendment to the motion passed.  After a number of additional questions about the role the faculty play in procedures and process of the policy, the motion as amended passed.

The Committee Reports were not completed due to time constraints.

The meeting adjourned at 12.30.


Minutes prepared by Kari Lie, Secretary to the Faculty

Printable Minutes