REGULAR MEETING OF THE UNIVERSITY FACULTY SENATE
February 7, 1994
MINUTES
Senators excused were: John Cavanaugh, Stuart Cooper, Barbara Curry, William
Idsardi, Dene Klinzing, Robert Knecht, Jerome Lewis,
Beth McCoy, John Nye, Kent Price, Daniel Rich, David
Roselle, Stuart Sharkey, David Stone, Carolyn
Thoroughgood
Senators absent were not recorded.
I. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The order of New Business, Items G and H, were switched to accommodate
the schedule of the chairperson of the Committee on Faculty Welfare and
Privileges. With this modification the agenda was adopted as presented.
II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
The status of Dean Thoroughgood was changed from "absent" to "excused."
With this correction the minutes were approved.
III. REMARKS BY VICE PROVOST MARGARET ANDERSEN
The calendar for 1994-95 has been modified to provide time for a more
extensive new student orientation. Specifically, new students will
arrive on Sunday, August 28. The extended program for new students will
occur on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday is reserved for late advising
and schedule adjustments (called drop/add day in the past), and classes
will start on Thursday, September 1.
Vice Provost Andersen met with 30 faculty on February 4, 1994 to plan
the orientation program and, in particular, to strengthen the academic
component. The major goal is to emphasize to new students that they are
responsible for their academic success. The program is to highlight the
love of learning, to develop an appreciation of diversity as respect for
others and an opportunity to learn about others, and to foster an
identification with this University.
Faculty will be involved deeply with this program on Monday morning.
Students will go to their departments (the name for ASU students is to
be reconsidered) where, in addition to the usual informational talks,
students will be given a demonstration lecture in which they will take
notes. In the following workshop on study skills they will be shown an
effective set of notes. Departments are encouraged to expand on this
suggestion.
Vice Provost Andersen closed by thanking the faculty participants at the
February 4th meeting for their ideas.
IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Douglas F. Tuttle, Director of Public Safety: Implications of the
Federal Clean Air Act
Douglas Tuttle described the response by the University community
to the requirement of the Clean Air Act of 1990 mandating a 25
percent reduction in automobile commuting by employees of all
large organizations in order to reduce the ground level ozone in
northern New Castle County. Employees are defined as faculty,
staff, and graduate students on contracts; students not on
contract are excluded from the classification. A survey of
University employees conducted in September showed that there are
1.2 persons per car during the commuting periods of the day. This
number must be increased to 1.5 to comply with the law. This
figure can be achieved by any combination of increases in car
pooling, use of public transportation, walking, bicycling,
telecommuting and flex time. A second survey is in progress to
find effective ways to motivate the community to participate in
these corrective measures. Faculty are encouraged to send
comments and suggestions to Douglas Tuttle.
2. Senate President Scott
President Scott shared information on the Provost search. Dean
Daniel Rich, Chair of the Search Committee, will present a report
at the March meeting. The search is on schedule, and currently a
number of semi-finalists are being interviewed off-campus. These
interviews will be completed by the end of February, and then the
on-campus interviews of the finalists will begin.
The Senate has been invited to hold extraordinary meetings for
each of the finalists. These meetings will be open to the entire
faculty. The candidate will have an opportunity to give a brief
opening statement followed by responses to a set of questions
presented to all candidates, and, finally, to answer questions
from the floor. Suggestions for the fixed questions are welcome.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR CHALLENGE
Senator Taggart asked for clarification of the supporting material for
Item 2, Revision of the B.A. in Theatre Production. Senator Joann
Browning of the Theatre Department replied that the notation emphasizes
the increase in credits in Theatre Practicum and the corresponding
decrease in credits of 300-level courses required to keep the total
credits constant.
The following Announcements for Challenge were then accepted as
presented:
1. Revision of the B.S. in Chemistry
2. Revision of the B.A. in Theatre Production
3. Revision of the B.S. in Human Resources; Dietetics
4. Revision of the minor in Food Science
5. Revision of the major in Agricultural Engineering Technology
6. Revision of the minor in Economics
7. Revision of the Master of Business Administration
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Recommendation from the Faculty Senate Executive Committee to
prevent listing of academic activities not in compliance with the
University non-discrimination policy.
President Scott emphasized that Items A and B were intended to be
complementary. Item A addresses listing of courses in
transcripts, registration booklets and catalogs, while Item B
concerns the description of programs in University publications.
Major John Cooper and Colonel Richard Martel reviewed the
resolutions and concurred with them as written.
Senator Flynn asked how the resolution differed from the similar
resolution of the Fall. President Scott responded that the
current resolution is narrowly focused whereas the former was
broadly focused. Senator Bellamy questioned how the resolution
applied to the handicapped and was answered by noting handicapped
status is a separate issue for which the University has recently
hired a specialist. Senator Grubb offered an amendment (seconded
by Senator Klaff) to be added at the end of the first "Resolved:"
". . . except where allowed by Federal law." After a brief
discussion the amendment was defeated. The following resolution
was then adopted:
WHEREAS, the University of Delaware has the following
policy on discrimination:
The University of Delaware is committed to
assuring equal opportunity to all persons
and does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, gender, religion, ancestry,
national origin, sexual orientation,
veteran status, age, or disability in its
educational programs, activities,
admissions or employment practices.
and
WHEREAS, to comply with this, courses offered by
departments and programs must be open to all
academically qualified students, be it therefore
RESOLVED, that beginning with the 1994-1995 academic year,
no academic activity (e.g., course, section, or
laboratory) with admissions criteria
inconsistent with University policies shall be
listed on transcripts, in registration booklets,
or in the undergraduate or graduate catalogs,
and be it further
RESOLVED, that any complaint about academic qualifications
for such activities shall be adjudicated by the
University Faculty Senate Committee on
Undergraduate Studies or the University Faculty
Senate Committee on Graduate Studies, as
appropriate.
B. Recommendation from the Faculty Senate Executive Committee
regarding publication of restrictions on admission to
certification programs.
Senator Pizzuto asked how the resolution is to be carried out. He
was informed that the resolution is aimed at those who write
program descriptions for University publications, and enforcement
is to be collegial. Senator Bellamy noted that the resolution
only requires that program descriptions ". . . clearly state the
existence of restrictions," and does not require that these
restrictions be spelled out. Dean Murray stated that the word
"admission" in the third Whereas of the resolution creates an
ambiguity. After a brief discussion, this word was struck by a
vote.
Senator Martuza asked if the resolution applied to descriptions of
scholarships. President Scott replied that the resolution
pertained to program descriptions and that scholarship
descriptions should be considered in a separate resolution.
Following is the amended resolution as passed:
WHEREAS, the University of Delaware has the following
policy on discrimination:
The University of Delaware is committed to
assuring equal opportunity to all persons
and does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, gender, religion, ancestry,
national origin, sexual orientation,
veteran status, age, or disability in its
educational programs, activities,
admissions or employment practices.
and
WHEREAS, course work in some programs and departments at
the University of Delaware may provide
opportunities for certifications beyond the
University, and
WHEREAS, criteria for these certifications may be at
variance with the University of Delaware's
policy on discrimination, be it therefore
RESOLVED, that starting in the 1994-1995 academic year,
any description of such opportunities in
University publications shall clearly state the
existence of restrictions upon the eligibility
of students that are inconsistent with the
University policy on discrimination.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
Items A through E concern academic programs. The following items were
considered and approved without any discussion, and the voting process
switched from specific counting to voice vote to speed consideration:
A. Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies, with the
concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education, for the
provisional approval of a new major leading to an M.A. in Foreign
Languages and Pedagogy.
RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate approves provisionally,
for four years, the establishment of a new major
leading to the M.A. in Foreign Languages and
Pedagogy.
B. Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies, with
the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education, for
the establishment of a new Honors Degree leading to the Honors
B.S. in Business Administration.
RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate approves the
establishment of a new Honors Degree leading to
the Honors B.S. in Business Administration.
C. Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies, with
the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education, for
the establishment of a new Honors Degree leading to the Honors
B.S. in Accounting.
RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate approves the
establishment of a new Honors Degree leading to
the Honors B.S. in Accounting.
D. Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies, with
the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education, for
the permanent status of the Bachelor of Applied Science,
Engineering Technology.
WHEREAS, the Bachelor of Applied Science, Major:
Engineering Technology, has been recognized by
the national accrediting agency as a quality
program, and
WHEREAS, this program generates tangible benefits to the
students who successfully complete it, in terms
of recognition by employers, and
WHEREAS, these opportunities are available state-wide;
i.e., to students in Kent and Sussex Counties as
well as those enrolled at the Newark campus, be
it therefore
RESOLVED, that permanent status be granted to the Bachelor
of Applied Science, Major: Engineering
Technology.
E. Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies, with
the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education, for
the permanent status of the Bachelor of Applied Science,
Agricultural Engineering Technology.
WHEREAS, the Bachelor of Applied Science, Major:
Agricultural Engineering Technology has been
recognized by the national accrediting agency as
a quality program, and
WHEREAS, the program generates tangible benefits to the
students who successfully complete it, in terms
of recognition by employers, and
WHEREAS, these opportunities are available state-wide;
i.e. to students in Kent and Sussex Counties as
well as those enrolled at the Newark campus, be
it therefore
RESOLVED, that permanent status be granted to the Bachelor
of Applied Science, Major: Agricultural
Engineering Technology.
F. Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies, with
the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education,
regarding a minimum grade requirement for all students enrolled in
ENGL 110.
This resolution was introduced to extend the minimum grade
requirement of the College of Arts and Science to the University.
Senator Boncelet expressed his opposition to the resolution
because D is considered a passing grade. Discussion established
that very few students have graduated from the University with D
grades in English 110. Senator Bonner questioned the wisdom of
requiring the College of Business and Economics to impose another
requirement for graduation. Senator Varnes, an instructor of ENGL
110, responded that the C- standard means, ". . . you can kind of
tell what the speaker is trying to say." Senators Hobbie and
Daniels questioned if the C- standard should apply to all courses.
The question was called by a voice vote and the following
resolution was approved:
WHEREAS, currently the University requires all students
to complete ENGL 110, and
WHEREAS, given such a requirement, it is reasonable to
expect all students to demonstrate proficiency
in English composition, and
WHEREAS, such proficiency is an essential element for
conducting a successful undergraduate course of
study, be it therefore
RESOLVED, that, effective September 1, 1994, all students
enrolling in ENGL 110 must complete the course
with a grade of C- or better.
G. Recommendation from the Committee on Committees and Nominations
amending the Faculty Handbook concerning the Committee on
Instructional, Computing and Research Support Services.
[The original resolution was amended by the Executive Committee in
response to Interim Provost Murray's observation that the titles
used have been changed. The corrected resolution was presented to
the Senate on a viewgraph.]
Frank Dilley, Chairperson of the Committee on Committees and
Nominations, and President Scott noted that the Director of the
Bookstore supported the resolution. The following amended
resolution was approved:
WHEREAS, the University Bookstore is vital to the support
of the instructional program of the University,
and
WHEREAS, no Faculty Senate committee currently consults
with and advises the Director of the University
Bookstore, be it therefore
RESOLVED, that the charge to the Committee on
Instructional, Computing and Research Support
Services, as it appears in Section I-III, page
I-20, of the Faculty Handbook, be amended as
follows:
This committee will advise the Senate on
policies, practices, and needs for educational
resource facilities and computer facilities. It
will further represent the faculty to the Vice
President for Information Technologies, the
Director of Instructional Technologies Center,
the Director of the Library, and the Director of
the University Bookstore.
The Committee on Instructional Computing and
Research Support Services shall consist of one
faculty member from each of the colleges of the
University, one of whom shall be appointed as
chairperson; an undergraduate student; a
graduate student; a designee of the Director of
the Library; a designee of the Vice President
for Information Technologies; a designee of the
Director of Instructional Technologies Center;
and a designee of the Director of the University
Bookstore.
H. Recommendation from the Committee on Faculty Welfare and
Privileges, with the concurrence of the Committee on Committees
and Nominations, to revise the "Committee on Faculty Welfare and
Privileges Termination and Complaint Procedures."
This item was drafted by the Committee on Faculty Welfare and
Privileges and reviewed by the Committee on Committees and
Nominations. It was presented to the Senate because the
resolution makes a substantial addition to the Procedures of the
Committee on Faculty Welfare and Privileges.
Harrison Hall, Chairperson of the Committee on Faculty Welfare and
Privileges explained that the existing Procedures were rewritten
to follow the form of the Procedures previously passed by the
Senate and modified to include the policies of the Faculty
Handbook which deal specifically with terminations. Frank Dilley
added that there are two important distinctions. In a termination
hearing, the faculty member has the right to be represented by an
attorney, a right which does not apply to a complaint. Further,
in a termination hearing the attorney may lead the discussion,
whereas in a complaint the advisor may not participate in the
discussion.
Senator Bellamy questioned the standard of proof and asked why
"beyond a reasonable doubt" was changed to "clear and convincing
evidence." Harrison Hall responded that "beyond a reasonable
doubt" was once in a draft of the procedures but never was
adopted. The "beyond a reasonable doubt" is used in criminal
cases and the "clear and convincing evidence" applies in civil
cases. A review of termination procedures of other universities
established that civil standard of proof are used. Chairperson
Hall added that the procedures in this resolution use the more
stringent of the two civil standards.
Frank Murray asked if the termination procedures apply to
professional staff with secondary faculty appointments.
Chairperson Hall responded that termination of faculty applies
only to three grounds: moral turpitude, incompetence, and gross
negligence. Individuals with faculty status are entitled to a
hearing. Dean Murray also asked for clarification of C.1.a.,
"Written Letter of Intent to Terminate," which states that the
initiator sends the termination letter to the respondent and to
the Committee on Faculty Welfare and Privileges. He also asked
what happens if the respondent doesn't wish the Committee to know
of the intent to terminate. Chairperson Hall answered that the
Committee treats termination and complaints with confidentiality
and that no action would be taken by the Committee until requested
by the respondent of the letter of intent to terminate.
The following resolution then was passed:
WHEREAS, there exists currently no specific procedure for
termination hearings, and
WHEREAS, those hearings are much more serious than other
hearings conducted by the Committee on Faculty
Welfare and Privileges, and
WHEREAS, the Faculty Handbook, Section III-N, sets forth
some specifics in regard to termination
procedures, and
WHEREAS, major changes require approval of the whole
Faculty Senate, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the attached "Committee on Faculty Welfare
and Privileges Termination and Complaint
Procedures" be approved by the University
Faculty Senate, effective immediately, and
placed on file in the University Faculty Senate
Office.
I. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS
There were no items introduced.
Senate President Scott adjourned the meeting at 5:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jon Olson
Secretary
University Faculty Senate
JO/rg
I. Such items as may come before the Senate. (No motion
introduced under new business, except a motion to refer to
committee, shall be acted upon until the next meeting of the
Senate.)
TA/rg
Attachments: Committee Activities Report
1. Revision of the B.S. in Chemistry
2. Revision of the B.A. in Theater Production
3. Revision of the B.S. in Human Resources: Dietetics
4. Revision of the minor in Food Science
5. Revision of the major in Agricultural Engineering Technology
6. Revision of the minor in Economics
7. Revision of the Master of Business Administration
8. M.S. in Foreign Languages and Pedagogy
9. Honors B.S. in Business Administration
10. Honors B.S. in Accounting
11. Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology
12. Termination and Complaint Procedures