Present: R. Osgood, J. Brand, J. Swartz, H. Scott, P. Smith, W. Ferguson, B. Grey, 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 11/1/00 and 11/8/00 meetings were approved.

President's Remarks

The President suggested that Council meet sometime after Thanksgiving to further discuss the long-range academic planning issues raised at the special meeting of November 8, 2000. He noted that these discussions are not about making decisions regarding what programs to add or remove, but rather about beginning a process of dialogue with the Trustees.

B. Voyles raised the issue of whether this process is really long-range planning by Council, when so many administrators are involved. The President responded that any long-range planning at the institutional level needs to be done with the participation of the administration and the Trustees to be ultimately effective. B. Voyles suggested that Divisional informational meetings be held for the President to be able to talk with the faculty about these issues and allow the faculty to express their concerns directly. The President agreed to do this.

Dean's Remarks

The Dean asked about the status of the draft letter to the faculty by Council concerning the Personnel Appeals Process. It was decided to distribute the letter to the faculty without further edit.

The Dean noted that the Social Studies and Humanities Divisions have received a memorandum from the American Studies Department for discussion and decision-making at their next meeting.

He also noted that the academic calendar discussion needs to take place within the divisions shortly.

H. Scott announced that S. Strauber and P. Smith would be the Grinnell-in-London faculty during Fall 2002.

The Dean noted that candidates are coming to campus to be interviewed in computer science, political science, physics, and religious studies.

There was continued lengthy discussion of end-of-course evaluations and the possible uses of the qualitative data for developmental, merit pay, or promotion decisions.

The Dean noted that the President has received several study leave proposals and once the proposals are acted on there may be position descriptions that will be circulated to Council for approval over break.

The Dean reported that K.Voss conducted a brief expenditure analysis at his request, which shows that the College spent $420,000 during the past year on travel and honoraria for visiting speakers. This does not include those costs associated with dining and entertaining. The President remarked that this expense is quite significant. T. Moore noted that it is important to remember our geographic location when considering this type of expense.

Discussion of Faculty Search Proposals and Position Descriptions

B. Voyles moved, B. Grey seconded, approval of a position description for a two-year term position in chemistry. The motion was approved.

M. Pillado Miller moved, B.Grey seconded, approval of a position description for a full-time, two-year term dance position in theatre. The motion was approved.

Council Remarks

B. Grey noted that it is an appropriate time for a discussion of the statement on diversity issued by the Executive Council and suggested the December 11 faculty meeting date. He also noted that while Council has followed-up on some of the issues raised in that statement, it is time that there is additional action taken on some of those remaining issues.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:12 p.m.

Secretary
Karen Wiese