Present: S. Barber, V. Brown, L. Gregg-Jolly, M. Montgomery, R. Osgood, M. Schneider, J. Swartz, R. Vetter

The meeting came to order a 4:20 p.m. in the Nollen House Conference Room.

The 11/19/03 minutes and excerpts were amended and approved.

President's Remarks

The President made no remarks.

Dean's Remarks

The Dean updated Council on the status of faculty searches. He also announced that Helyn Wohlwend has accepted the position in the Writing Lab. He distributed a position announcement from the Biology Department. M. Schneider moved, L. Gregg-Jolly seconded, approval of the Biology Department advertisement for two one-year term positions. The motion was approved.

Council Remarks

S. Barber asked if there is progress on the issue of early retirement. The President responded that they are currently working on a model but no decisions has been made. There was discussion.

L. Gregg-Jolly raised an issue regarding a perception of gender imbalance in relation to leaves which is held by some faculty members. V. Brown stated that she has asked for data on women faculty members' advisory load and class size. L. Gregg-Jolly asked to have this issue placed on Council's agenda for study. In agreement, Council proceeded to discuss how to proceed to examine this issue.

M. Schneider asked for clarification on the issue of whether early retirement would be available to all employees of the College. The President responded that it would be.

The President noted that he had received five thoughtful emails regarding the possibility of relocating the Bookstore following his presentation at the faculty meeting.

Strategic Planning

There was discussion of organizational and logistical options in anticipation of a faculty discussion of their perceived priorities in the strategic planning process. This discussion is being called for December 15th. V. Brown noted that she, L. Gregg-Jolly, and Marci Sortor had drafted a memorandum to be sent by the Council to the faculty regarding the issues to be discussed. The remainder of the meeting was focused on the content of that memorandum and planning for the best ways to have effective faculty discussions of those priorities.

The President left the meeting at 5:45 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

Secretary
Karen Wiese