Present: R. Osgood, J. Brand, J. Swartz, P. Smith, W. Ferguson, B. Grey, K. Kamp, T. Moore, M. Pillado Miller, B. Voyles.

The meeting came to order at 4:20 p.m. in the Nollen House Conference Room. The minutes and excerpts from the 3/7/01 meeting were approved.

President's Remarks

The President reminded Council that members of the Board of Trustee's Campus Planning Committee (N. Brue, D. Booth, B. Musser) met in Grinnell on March 9. They agreed to continue to shape a facilities resolution that would go to the full Board for a vote in May. The investment committee of the Board will meet in New York in April to discuss the financial aspects of the proposed plan.

The President noted that he has been thinking about structuring a better process to compile an annual budget and that this be better tied to the overall process of long-term planning. To that extent, David Clay and J. Brand have prepared a memorandum to Council. He then passed the memorandum to Council. He also noted that he is considering changing the numbers of persons reporting to him.

Dean's Remarks

The Dean updated Council on the status of the diversity searches. The Dean also updated Council on the status of departmental searches for term replacement and Consortium for a Strong Minority Presence candidates.

The Dean noted that the Art Department will be making a proposal to make an offer for a one-year replacement position and that he is looking for a quick turn around from Council in the next day or so. He also expects a proposal from the Chemistry Department to make an offer for a two-year replacement position.

The Grinnell College Summer Day Camp will also continue for this summer. Monica Chavez Silva will provide administrative support to this operation.

The Dean noted that attendance of faculty at commencement has been shrinking and Council will need to think about how to encourage fuller participation of the regular faculty.

Discussion of Course Size and Course Closing Policies

The Dean noted that there are a number of issues associated with course size: small classes, standards for class size, and how to sort out over enrolled classes. B. Voyles added the process of pre-registration to the list.

The Dean shifted the discussion to the pre-registration process. There was discussion of alternative processes used on other campuses. The President stated that he would favor a system that had some modest rules of decision, but that left the decision in the hands of the professor.

Council Remarks

B. Grey indicated some faculty unhappiness with the proposed changes in the College's mission statement and with the current draft mission statement. He moved, B. Ferguson seconded, approval of the appointment of a committee by the Chair of the Faculty to produce an alternative draft mission statement which could then be considered along with the existing draft. The motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.

Secretary
Karen Wiese