REGULAR MEETING OF THE
Meeting Minutes
104
Gore Hall
I.
Adoption of the Agenda
Approved
II.
Approval of the Minutes: May
5, 2008
Approved
May
12, 2008
Approved
III.
Remarks: Dr. Amy Johnson,
President of the Faculty Senate, introduced members of the Executive Committee.
Provost Dan Rich. Dr. Rich reported
that almost 3600 new undergraduate students arrived this fall. This is the
largest incoming freshman class and the strongest academically qualified. The
average SAT score is about 20 points higher than last year’s class. A total of
1191 new graduate students were greeted at the first ever convocation for
graduate students; this will become an annual event. Dr. Rich announced that
there were 41 new permanent faculty appointments.
Dr. Rich also announced a number of new appointments. Alan
Fox was recently appointed Director of the University’s Honors Program. The
University recently announced a new Dean of Students, George Brelsford. Karl Steiner, currently the associate director
of the Delaware Biotechnology Institute and a professor of electrical and
computer engineering, was named associate provost for interdisciplinary
research initiatives. John Sawyer, professor of Business Administration, was
appointed Faculty Fellow in the Office of Graduate and Professional Education.
Kelvin Lee was named the new director of the Delaware Biotechnology Institute.
Friday September 12, President Harker will sign an
agreement with
Chief
James Flately (Public Safety) and Charles Beale
(Director of the Center for Counseling and Student Development), Title of their presentation was Active
Shooter. Emergency notification in place at the University includes UD
Alert phones, email, and text; UD home page; cable TV override; classroom
projector override; and local media. In case of emergency call 911 or 831-2222.
Use a UD land line if possible, so the location of call can be traced. If
shooting is audible, the priority of the first officers on the scene is to
neutralize the shooter(s). If shooting is not audible, officers perform a sweep
of the building. In case of a shooting, barricade the door(s) to impede entry
by shooter, turn off lights, and line up along wall so you cannot be seen from
the classroom doors. If there is an alternate exit, leave immediately.
Negotiation is not usually effective in situations involving active shooters.
If a hostage is taken, the shooter could be negotiated with. Do not attempt
escape unless good likelihood of success. Voice over Internet telephones used
in classrooms to contact Media Services also can be used to dial 911.
Dr. Beale discussed “red flag” behavior in students. He pointed out that it is
difficult to predict who will cause problems and those exhibiting red flag
behaviors may not become violent. Red flags include sullen depression and
paranoia and a tendency to use threats and intimidation. Any questions, call
Judicial Affairs (831-2117), Dean of Students (831-8939) or the Center for
Counseling and Student Development (831-2141) for advice. In case of emergency,
do not hesitate to call public safety, 831-2222. PowerPoint slides from today’s
presentation are available at the Faculty Senate website, http://www.facsen.udel.edu/sites/reports/9-2008.ppt.
IV.
Announcements: Senate President Amy Johnson. Reminded senators that they represent their
units. Senators need to go to the Faculty Senate website before the meetings to
review the agendas and minutes. The agenda is available one week before the
meeting. Dr. Johnson encouraged senators to challenge and debate items brought
to the floor of the Senate. Senators should also disseminate information
discussed at the Faculty Senate with colleagues in their units. Dr. Johnson
also announced that an ad hoc committee to look at breadth requirements was
formed and has held one meeting. October 15 is the deadline for funding request
to the Committee on Cultural Activities and Public Events. Information is
available on the Faculty Senate web site, http://www.facsen.udel.edu/.
Alan Fox, past-president of the Faculty Senate, announced
that he is a member of the
V.
Consent Agenda
A. Announcements
for Challenge: None
B. Resolutions: None
VI.
Regular Agenda
A. Old Business: None
B. New
Business: None
VII.
Introduction of New Business
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.)
A senator questioned a new University policy concerning
students changing majors. Students must have a gpa of 2.0 or greater in order to transfer. The
policy also identifies certain “restricted” majors that can only accommodate a
limited number of students for various reasons. The policy was not approved by
the Faculty Senate. Dan Rich responded that he and Havidán
Rodriguez meet with the deans and others to develop a policy making it easier
for students to move back and forth at any time, while some majors became
restricted. Transfer requests are accepted twice each year, and students are
admitted in the order in which they apply. Dr. Rich suggested a full report
should be made to the Faculty Senate in October. More information about
the policy can be found at this website, http://www.udel.edu/registrar/restmajorsinfo.html.
Adjourned
Submitted by Donald Lehman