Present: V. Brown, L. Gregg-Jolly, D. Lopatto, R. Osgood, J. Swartz, R. Vetter, E. Willis

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

President's Remarks

The President made no remarks.

Dean's Remarks

There was discussion of the plan for external review of the Theatre Department.

The Dean reminded Council members that last year Council expressed an interest in getting a greater return rate of affirmative action information from applicants in the hiring process. He noted that a new policy and system has been worked out and a note has been sent to all departmental units of the College, including department chairs.

Council Remarks

V. Brown commented on the good cooperative working relationship she has developed with John Kalkbrenner regarding planning for the remodeling of the Forum grill.

Mellon Postdoctoral Fellows Proposals

The Dean distributed proposals from the Music and Political Science Departments for Mellon postdoctoral fellows. He noted that structural issues have not yet been resolved regarding the Music Department proposal and asked that Council delay consideration until those questions have been addressed. In reviewing proposals for postdoctoral appointments Council should look at whether there is a reasonable expectation that strong mentoring can be provided by the department and whether and in what ways the department proposes to meet curricular and teaching requirements. V. Brown moved, L. Gregg-Jolly seconded, approval of the Political Science Department proposal to search for a postdoctoral fellow. The motion was approved.

Center Reviews

There was general discussion of a draft Center review process document produced by E. Willis and D. Lopatto. L. Gregg-Jolly asked that administrative support be provided to the Center review task force. She would also like to see the assessments have some randomness. She would also like to see how the activities of the Centers fit with the curricula of departments and concentrations.

L. Gregg-Jolly left the meeting at 5:20 p.m.

There was discussion of the composition of the review committees and the role of Center Directors in the reviews. The President stated that he reserves the right to decline to accept the proposed composition of any review committee. He also reminded Council members that the appointment of Center Directors to mid- to longer-term positions will be made by the President upon the recommendations of the Center governance committees. The President suggested that the facilities aspects of the Centers should be considered during the reviews. R. Vetter asked about the purpose of the review of the Centers and whether it is anticipated that Center termination could be an outcome. The President responded that this could be recommended, but at a minimum the mission of the Centers could be clarified. V. Brown stated that she would like to see the review of the Centers contributing to strategic planning outcomes.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

Secretary
Karen Wiese