Present: President Osgood, Dean J. Swartz, Associate Deans H. Scott and P. Smith, E. Dobbs, B. Ferguson, T. Moore, M. Pillado-Miller, D. Smith, B. Voyles.

The meeting was called to order by the President at 4:15 p.m. in Nollen House.

The minutes and excerpts of the meeting of November 17 were corrected and approved.

Remarks by the President

The President announced that he was in the midst of pulling together a proposed FY 2001 budget for presentation to the Budget Committee of the Board of Trustees on December 3rd in Denver. He noted that he has tried to talk more publicly about the College budget this year. The proposed new budget has no significant additions or deletions, but there are some big swings in the financial aid and academic budgets. We are seeking a more significant contribution from the endowment to the base budget in next year's budget

D. Smith asked if the Dean planned a full faculty meeting on the activities of the Admissions and Financial Aid Committee. The Dean noted that internal studies had been undertaken by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and the Office of Institutional Research to inform issues in this area. The President and Dean stated that a meeting of the full faculty to discuss these issues would be appropriate. However, E. Dobbs noted that it could be well into the next semester before the situation is fully understood by the Committee.

Grievance Procedure

Special Assistant to the President, J. Brand joined the meeting. The order of the agenda was altered to permit discussion of the 10/18/99 grievance procedures draft while J. Brand was able to attend the meeting. A discussion centered on the nature of the body consituted to be involved in formal procedures followed.

The Dean suggested that J. Brand draft new language that would summarize the process of selection of the "Adjudication Committee."

J. Brand left the meeting.

Remarks by the Dean

The Dean remarked that he was in the midst of interviewing candidates for the Chemistry position.

Process for Council Discussion of Faculty Appointments

The Dean asked what process should be used for keeping the Executive Council informed on faculty appointments.

The Dean suggested that he could ask the department chairs to send written summary of background and qualifications of recommended candidates and a detailed rationale for the recommendation. He would then share that with Council members. The President noted that as the person who recommends a candidate to the Trustees he needs such a written recommendation from the departments to serve as the basis for his recommendation to the Trustees. E. Dobbs noted that it is important to preserve the chain of recommendations that extends from department chair, Dean, Executive Council, President to the Trustees.

The Dean will draft a memo to department chairs.

Time to Complete Terminal Degrees

The Dean handed out information collected from peer institutions on their policies regarding time allowed for newly appointed tenure-track faculty to complete their terminal degree. He noted that our policy is out of alignment with most other institutions. The President noted that Grinnell's policy of allowing newly appointed faculty members to complete their Ph.D. or terminal degree in the fourth year was out of line with our peers, and strongly urged Council to take action to correct this situation. A discussion ensued.

There was consensus that a new policy of allowing two years to completion of the terminal degree would be adopted. The President suggested that there be provision for the Dean to initiate a complete review in the first year if necessary.

The Dean will draft language reflecting the consensus reached by Council.

Honorary Degree Nominees

E. Dobbs moved on behalf of the subcommittee on honorary degrees, and D. Smith seconded, that Council nominate Mary R. Lefkowitz to receive the Doctor of Humane Letters, and Arthur C. Risser, Jr. ‘60 to receive Doctor of Science at the Spring 2000 Commencement. The motion carried. This nomination will be brought to the full faculty at the December 5th Faculty Meeting.

The President adjourned the meeting at 6:05 p.m.

Secretary
Karen Wiese