Present: C. Hunter, D. Lopatto, E. Marzluff, W. Moyer, T. Roberts, J. Swartz, E. Willis

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

The minutes and excerpts of 2/1/05 were approved.

President’s Remarks

The President was not present.

Dean’s Remarks

The Dean noted that the President has asked Frank Thomas to incorporate the Diversity Statement, which was approved by Council last spring, into the College’s Affirmative Action Statement after bringing it up to date.

He updated Council on the status of faculty searches.

He noted that the Curriculum Committee is documenting and will discuss the approval process for expectations (such as grade point average, course distribution, course requirements, etc.) we have of our students for getting approval for a number of activities (such as off-campus study) since they are not catalogued well at this time. E. Marzluff noted that the timing of these requirements/expectations is important to reveal as well.

The Dean stated that the new Second-Year Retreat is scheduled for the second weekend of Fall Break. E. Marzluff urged making this announcement soon in order to take into consideration various student obligations during that period of time.

The Dean stated that the Curriculum Committee is moving ahead with their discussion of Independent Study in order to make clear distinction between MAPs and other forms of Independent Study.

Finally, the Dean mentioned that a group of administrators have been looking at New Student Orientation. Of particular concern is the fact that the event schedule starts early and goes very late into the night each day. Jennifer Krohn, Dean for Student Life, and Brad Bateman, Associate Dean, will be looking more closely at this and other issues associated with the Orientation program. W. Moyer asked that the Tutorial Committee look at whatever they come up with in order to have faculty involvement in decision-making.

Council Remarks

E. Willis noted that the Diversity Steering Committee has had its first meeting of the semester. She reported she is continuing her discussions with the convocation committee about securing a slot for a speaker next year and expects to have a definite response soon. She also noted that the Steering Committee has invited Anthony Farley (Law-Boston College) to speak on April 10th. The week of April 10th is being designated Diversity Awareness Week. She reported that the Committee is conducting an inventory of the positive activities/movement in relation to diversity on campus. She also noted the Scott Baumler has led the way in collecting statistics (based on self-identification) for the past five years which shows an upward trend in diversity on campus. This document will be shared with Council soon.

E. Marzluff noted that Council had settled a point of policy regarding what goes into job advertisements via email this past week. She asked that this language be entered into the minutes as record of this decision. Council decided that job ads should not include language that states electronic submission of applications will not be permitted, but may include a notation that to be assured of a full review letters of recommendation must be received in paper format by the due date at the address listed in the announcement.

T. Roberts noted that the Theatre Department has developed a proposal with restructuring and staffing implications and will bring it to the Division Meeting on Monday. He asked for guidance regarding what types of issues can be voted on at the Division level. There was discussion.

Consortium for a Strong Minority Presence

The Dean noted that three proposals from Psychology, American Studies, and Theatre have been submitted for consideration. There was discussion relating to budget of whether Council could approve two appointments. Council prioritized the proposals.

Faculty Promotion to Tenure

In view of the late hour this topic will be discussed at the next meeting.

Faculty Meeting Agenda

It was decided that the following items would be placed on the next Faculty Meeting agenda:

faculty recruiting expectations and diversity search assistance available; and

a Presentation by Tom Crady describing the functions in the new Rosenfield Center with a report by Jon Chenette on classroom space in that facility.

The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

Secretary
Karen Wiese