Present: C. Hunter, D. Lopatto, E. Marzluff, W. Moyer, R. Osgood, T. Roberts, E. Willis

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

In the Dean’s absence, Jon Chenette was present to represent the Dean’s Office.

Scott Baumler and Ann Gansemer Topf were present to provide an overview of two large national surveys conducted on campus last year. The National Survey of Student Engagement was administered to first-year students and seniors (NSSE) and the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) survey was administered to faculty. The NSSE survey resulted in a 71% response rate compared to 37% nationally.

The National Survey of Student Engagement is aimed at measuring student behaviors and institutional factors that affect student life and student learning. It is organized around five major themes:

1. Level of academic challenge
2. Active and collaborative learning
3. Student-faculty interaction
4. Enriching educational experiences
5. Supportive campus environment

A few questions to keep in mind that might help us frame, understand, and process this material:

1. What, if anything, surprises you?
2. Does this information line up with existing college goals, plans, and activities?
3. How can we, at an institutional level, use this feedback information to improve the student experience?

Baumler stated that this information is for our formative use. We hope to be able to use this information to provide more insight into our campus culture. There was discussion of the results of these two surveys. Baumler and Gansemer Topf left the meeting at 4:45 p.m.

The minutes and excerpts from 11/2/05 were approved.

President’s Remarks

The President congratulated the Women’s Soccer Team on its victory over Lakeland College (Wis.) 3-1 in the First Round of the 2005 NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament on Wednesday in Grinnell. Wednesday's win over Lakeland marks the first NCAA Tournament win in the history of the Grinnell women's soccer program.

Dean’s Remarks

Chenette noted that the Associated Colleges of the Midwest, as part of its faculty career enhancement grant, has developed a “job shadowing” program which is aimed at building faculty leadership skills. Faculty from other campuses would come to campus for a day to observe leadership practices. He is asking campus leaders who would be willing to participate to contact him. He noted that all the Deans and Center Directors have agreed to participate.

Chenette noted that Grinnell is participating with Carleton and Macalester in an Arabic language initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation. The grant is a small ($50,000) planning grant. He is seeking a few faculty members who are willing to go to Carleton for initial planning.

Council Remarks

D. Lopatto noted that a member of the Science Division has asked him to add a discussion of smoking near the building entrance to the Science Division meeting agenda. He asked for Council perspective and advice on how to proceed. W. Moyer suggested that this is a College-wide issue and not limited to the Science building. It was decided that Lopatto would respond to the complainant that the President will be looking at this issue over time.

C. Hunter noted that he has received a report of an out-of-control alcohol party in Carnegie Hall involving several hundred students. This late night party resulted in a large mess for facilities management and several carpet burns. E. Willis expressed deep concern and wondered what could have tripped such student behavior on this particular weekend, noting that there were numerous such incidents which kept Campus Security busy. The President stated that Tom Crady is looking into the situation.

Research Oversight and Compliance

D. Lopatto recalled the decision by last year’s Council to remove appendices from the Faculty Handbook and to make allusion to them in the Handbook with reference to where such policies can be found. This gave the College time to revise the policies to come into compliance with new Federal government regulatory requirements, especially in the areas of human research, animal research, and research involving recombinant DNA. These revisions have been made to the satisfaction of the College lawyer. D. Lopatto moved, C. Hunter seconded approval of the revised policy statement on research oversight. The motion was approved.

Chemistry Department Position Request

Chenette noted that the Chemistry Department is conducting a diversity search. There was discussion.

The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.

Secretary
Karen Wiese