FACULTY MEETING MINUTES
Minutes of the November 6, 2003 Faculty Meeting
President Thomforde called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. and Pastor Bruce Benson provided the opening blessing. In celebration of Founders Day, Pastor Benson encouraged all faculty to honor those faculty who came before.
Approval of the Minutes of the October 2003 Faculty Meeting.
Moved and approved.
President's Remarks
President Thomforde gave thanks to ELCA for allowing St. Olaf to host the Lutheran Academy for the next few years. De Ane Lagerquist will be the director.
The first draft of the North Central report has been received and is being reviewed.
Nominations for the Martin Marty Chair have been received. President Thomforde encouraged more submissions.
Analysis of the 2004-05 budget has begun, as well as preliminary discussions with the Board for a formal review of the structure of the college.
The President thanked the Task Force for long-range viability of the Nursing Program for their recently submitted report.
RPC
Paul Wojick, on behalf of the Review and Planning Committee, moved for approval of RPC 03/04-3, the rationale of the Faculty Handbook and a newly created Faculty Manual, as set forth in said green sheet. Moved and approved.
CEPC
David Booth, on behalf of the Curriculum & Educational Policies Committee, moved for approval of CEPC 03/04-2, Revision of Dance Major Requirements, as set forth in said green sheet. Discussion followed. David Booth clarified that in cases such as these a student can complete the major under the requirements in place when the student entered the program, or the student may have the opportunity to fulfill the new requirements. Faculty in the department should assist the individual student in succeeding. Motion passes.
IDOCS
Wendy Allen, on behalf of the International, Domestic and Off-Campus Studies Committee, moved for approval of 03/04-1, Sociology/Anthropology TA 2XX, as the Field Supervised course for the Fall 2004 Term in Asia, as set forth in said green sheet. Moved and approved.
Wendy Allen, on behalf of the International, Domestic and Off-Campus Studies Committee, moved for approval of 03/04-2, Interdisciplinary ME 2XX, as the Field Supervised course for the Fall 2004 Term in the Middle East. Moved and approved.
Report from Board of Regents
Jim Farrell, Observer to the Board of Regents, reported on the June retreat of the Board. Issues before the Board included the review of the Strategic Plan, the new science center, the climate on campus, and economic issues. The October meeting included a separate finance session, in which collaboration with Carleton, local financial issues, and land use was discussed.
In February RFCC will discuss evaluation of the programs at the college and review the fourth draft of the Strategic Plan. The Board also addressed the issues of need blind admission and faculty salaries. President Thomforde clarified that in 2001-2002, RPC recommended a goal of the 90th percentile in the AAUP rankings for faculty at St. Olaf. While not losing sight of this ambitious goal, the current draft of the strategic plan calls for us first to reach the 80th percentile at all ranks within the next five years (currently we are below the 80th percentile in some ranks).
President Thomforde provided further information from the meeting where the Board discussed the balance between the net tuition and college endowment and development strategies, including town collaboration and use of land.
Dean's Remarks
Jim May, Provost and Dean of the College, thanked RPC for all their work on the Faculty Manual and Handbook. He is now involved in tenure track interviews and reading tenure and promotion dossiers. Dean May is also working on solidifying the staffing projections for next year and on extending the process out through 07/08.
Announcements
Wendell Arneson announced the Meg Ojala and Ron Gallas art exhibit and the opening celebration.
Pat Quade announced International Education Week.
Bryn Geffert announced the Quiz Bowl is scheduled for February.
Charles Forsberg announced the Honorary Degree and reception for Frederick Fennell scheduled for tomorrow.
Kathy Shea announced David Wee's Melby Lecture scheduled for November 13.
Meeting Adjourned at 12:29.
Mary Sue Lovett
Faculty Secretary