Present: J. Cummins, B. Ferguson, K. Jacobson, J. Meehan, R. Osgood, S. Rebelsky, E. Willis

Paula Smith was in attendance in her role as the new Dean beginning in July, 2008. Mark Schneider was in attendance in his role as the new Chair of the Faculty beginning in August, 2008.

Marci Sortor joined the meeting in order to provide information to Council on facilities planning as needed.

The meeting came to order at 4:15 p.m. in room 226 of the Rosenfield Student Center.

President’s Remarks

The President thanked Council members for their support of the student body in relation to recent events involving expressions of sexual preference intolerance. He reported that the situation is under investigation.

The President also thanked Council members for meeting with Mark Edwards on communication planning. He is moving forward to meet with other members of the College community.

Dean’s Remarks

The Dean was traveling.

J. Meehan and B. Ferguson joined the meeting in progress at 4:25 p.m.

Facilities Planning

The President talked about facilities which have been renovated, are under construction, and are being planned for renovation and/or new construction during his tenure at Grinnell. He then presented his tentative thinking on the matter.

Marci Sortor left the meeting at 5:00 p.m.

The minutes and excerpts from February 20, 2008 were approved.

Council Remarks

E. Willis would like to have a thorough discussion of term faculty and ways to enhance and market that experience for those in such positions.

She also asked Council to be prepared to continue discussion of multi-year contracts and reviews.

S. Rebelsky expressed his appreciation for the attentive manner in which Elena Bernal and Steve Briscoe responded to the recent incident of intolerance.

Rebelsky also asked the President to look into providing better support for faculty who have responsibilities for their school-age children during the many days during the year when they are not in school because of planned or unplanned events.

B. Ferguson noted that the Admission reception for parents has been rescheduled from a 3:00 p.m. start to an 11:00 a.m. start and this will not be promising for faculty attendance since many classes are schedule for that time.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

Secretary
Karen Wiese