Faculty Meeting Minutes May 6, 2004

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President Thomforde called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. and Pastor Bruce Benson provided the opening blessing.

Approval of the Minutes of the April 2004 Faculty Meeting.

Moved and approved.

President's Remarks

President Thomforde began with a quick overview of the year's accomplishments:  continued to teach, learn and perform well; completion of the Strategic Plan; contined work on the Science/Math facility; continued work on the 2005 budget; development of a new loan progam for students; and meeting the increased goals of the annual fund.  He also highlighted the work on a performance review system for the administrative staff, the work of RPC on the Faculty Manual and Faculty Handbook, and the success of the Nobel Peace Price Forum.  He also commented that the faculty continues to enjoy its work.

He announced that the Report on the Faculty Status of Librarians will be available on the web and several fora will be scheduled before the end of the year.  He encouraged written opinions of the report directed to him.  A recommendation will be made to the Board of Regents June 4, 2004.

He closed with a thank you to all.

CEPC

David Booth, on behalf of the Curriculum & Educational Policies Committee, announced that a new green sheet (CEPC 03/04-10) was available today and asked for a waiver of the seven-day rule for the consideration of all four CEPC green sheets before all.

He announced a change in the motion of CEPC 03/04-7:  removing Asian Studies 275 from the New Course Proposals.  He then moved for approval of the 18 remaining courses as set forth in said green sheet.  Moved and approved.

David Booth, on behalf of the Curriculum & Educational Policies Committee, moved for approval of CEPC 03/04-8, Proposed Revisions to Requirements for the Concentration in Statistics, as set forth in said green sheet.  A friendly amendment was made to 1) required Foundation, changing AP Statistics, Statistics 110, 212, . . . to read AP Statistics, Statistics 110, 212, or .... .  David and Matt Richey also provided the explanation of QUAC (Quantitative Work Across the Curriculum).  Moved and approved.

David Booth, on behalf of the Curriculum & Educational Policies Committee, moved for approval of CEPC 03/04-9, Proposed Revisions to Requirements for the History Major, as set forth in said green sheet.  Moved and approved.

David Booth, on behalf of the Curriculum & Educational Policies Committee, moved for approval of CEPC 03/04-10, New Course Proposal for Biology 396:  Animal Behavior.  Discussion of possibly cross-listing of this course in Psychology.  Some discussion of listing as an ID course.  Cross-listing may be available in the future.  Moved and approved.

Office of the Registrar

Mary Cisar, Registrar, moved that the 701 canddates for the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music who satisfactorily complete all degree requirements be awarded their diplomas with appropriate honors at Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 30, 2004, and that those who have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and who come to within two full courses of completing degree requirements be permitted to participate in Commencement exercises and that their diplomas be awarded upon completion of the remaining requirements.  Motion carried.

Athletic Committee

Wes Pearson, on behalf of the Athletic Committee, moved for approval of the Fall Sports Schedule.  Moved and approved.

Dean's Remarks

Jim May, Provost and Dean of the College, announced that the Library Report is now up on the Dean's webpage.  He reminded all of Honors' Day, scheduled for tomorrow.  He reported that all eight tenure track searches are completed and that we have secured the top candidates.  He also talked about the diversity initiatives in bringing underpresented faculty members to campus.

He announced that the forum on Academic Freedom will be held on May 13 during Community Time.  He also thanked everyone for their good work.

Announcements

Update on Diversity Awareness Card Events Initiative.  Eida Berrio, Tim Schroer and Jim Farrell spoke on the Diversity Awareness Card Events initiative.  The Diversity Office will handle the logistics in scheduling events.  All participating faculty will be put on an e-mail alias.  Jim spoke of how American Conversations has incorporated the program.

Faculty Travel Update.  Kathy Chadwick introduced the new travel initiative.  The new program will be available in June and will include an online booking tool and agent assistance when necessary.  The information will be available through the St. Olaf webpage.

Open Agenda

On behalf of RPC, Paul Wojick moved to change the Faculty of Social and Applied Science to the Faculty of Social Science.  Waiver of the seven-day rule.  Moved and approved.

Pat Quade, Office of International Studies, introduced visiting scholars and observers.

Wendy Allen announced the third Fulbright with Michael Shoemaker heading to Columbia.

Janice Roberts invited all to a West African Drummer performance scheduled for Monday at 2:00.

Margaret O'Leary invited all to the Norwegian breakfast on May 17.

Gary Wicks reminded all of the St. Olaf Conference on Sports and Religion.

George Holt encouraged all to come to graduation.

Wes Pearson announced the Fifth Annual Science Symposim "The Strange Attraction of Chaos."

Meeting adjoured at 12:32 p.m.

Mary Sue Lovett
Fauclty Secretary