Present: C. Hunter, D. Lopatto, E. Marzluff, W. Moyer, R. Osgood, 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 11/30/05 were approved.

President’s Remarks

The President noted that the Trustee Buildings and Grounds Committee voted to endorse renovation of the Cowles Dining Facility to be student apartment style housing.

Dean’s Remarks

The Dean noted that he had met with the Instructional Support Committee to request their participation in discussions about locating ITS and academic computing in the Forum.

He updated Council on the status of faculty searches. He noted that Council may have to meet on the 20th to vote on pending departmental personnel requests.

Council Remarks

E. Willis reported on the most recent Diversity Steering Committee meeting. She noted that the Committee had requested a convocation slot for next year for a speaker and had been turned down. She intends to meet with the Convocation Committee to press the case. She also reported that discussion with the President and Brad Bateman has resulted in the decision to include the Diversity Statement in the Strategic Plan Implementation document as a means of disseminating the Diversity Statement more widely.

Honorary Degrees

W. Moyer noted that the Honorary Degree subcommittee (Elaine Marzluff, Wayne Moyer and Eliza Willis) is recommending four candidates to receive honorary degrees at the next commencement ceremony.

Center Review Letters

Council approved the letters for distribution.

Proposed Change to Faculty Handbook

T. Roberts had previously distributed alternative draft Faculty Handbook language which clarifies the criteria used in the review process for consideration of promotion to full professor. Discussion ensued.

It was agreed that the Budget Committee is in an ideal position (as a result of conducting the three year reviews) to do initial screening of faculty who are eligible to be considered for promotion to Full Professor and provide this information to Council.

The meeting was adjourned at 6 p.m.

Karen Wiese
Secretary