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

The meeting came to order at 1:00 p.m. in the Nollen Conference Room.

The minutes and excerpts of 12/7/05 and 12/15/05 were approved.

President’s Remarks

The President made no remarks.

Dean’s Remarks

The Dean noted that we have received 258 applications for the Consortium for a Strong Minority Presence program this year. The Dean’s Office will be sending the essential information to departments soon. The College hopes to make one appointment from this pool. D. Lopatto asked if there were Mellon funds available to provide the possibility of making a post-doctoral appointment if a strong CSMP candidate is identified. The Dean responded that this is a possibility.

The Dean updated Council on the status of faculty searches.

D. Lopatto moved, T. Roberts seconded, approval of two position descriptions from the Department of Mathematics for two one-year leave replacements subject to certain clarifications in wording. The motion was approved.

He updated Council on the response of the Department of Chinese and Japanese to Council’s recent request to reduce the proposed number of Japanese language courses to be taught by an adjunct professor next year and increase the number of courses in translation. They have responded appropriately, but still propose to teach one 300 level language course.

He reported that the Faculty Organization Committee has discussed faculty voting issues and wishes further conversation with Council. The Dean suggested that a subcommittee of both groups be formed next semester to reach a consensus on remaining issues.

Council Remarks

C. Hunter asked for an update on plans for the Council to meet with the Trustee Diversity Subcommittee in January. The President said he would check.

Hunter noted that he had been asked by a member of the Division for an explanation of the cost components which drive the increases in health insurance premiums.

Hunter also asked when the library planning report would be ready. The Dean noted that the committee is still working on it but it should be ready soon.

Finally, Hunter noted that the 24 hour parking on Park Street during snow events only translates into not getting snow removed. The President responded that the City of Grinnell makes the decisions on parking.

W. Moyer noted that Expanding Knowledge Initiative position proposals are expected in
April and asked what procedure should be followed for submission. There was discussion. W. Moyer moved, C. Hunter seconded, that EKI proposals be submitted to the Dean’s Office as is the case with all other department position proposals and he will distribute them to the EKI Committee for comment to Council.

Faculty Position Requests

There was discussion of recommendations from the Biology and Anthropology Departments and the Library Search Committee.

Candidates for Promotion to Professor

There was a discussion of promotion of faculty to Professor and a list of candidates was approved.

Center Reviews

Since sending out letters from Council to the Center Directors regarding the Center reviews conducted last year, Council has received responses from Jon Andelson and Todd Armstrong. Council discussed these responses.

Benefits for Part-time Faculty

W. Moyer noted that he has received a complaint from a part-time faculty member that they are no longer receiving benefits. The Dean responded that the policy is that to be eligible for benefits a faculty member must teach at least four courses (which is the level of effort which the College considers half-time). A discussion ensued. T. Roberts argued strongly for better treatment of adjunct professors. There was spirited discussion. Roberts requested that this particular case be pursued and that Council have a much more in-depth discussion of this policy next semester.

The meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.

Secretary
Karen Wiese