Faculty Senate 2006-2007

Minutes of the Faculty Senate meeting               October 18, 2006

The regular meeting of the 2006-2007 Faculty Senate was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by President Rick Morrow.  The following senators were present for all or part of the meeting. Alexander, Cairns, Conley, DeLaet, Dore, Lindbeck, Lyons, Morrow, Nelson, Reed, Richardson, Saylor, Simpson, Spaulding-Kruse, Torry, Vitha, Younger

Absent: Bartschat, Courard-Hauri, Larson, Wisniewski

The September 2006 minutes were accepted.

President Maxwell

Drake will host an NCAA re-accreditation team on November 5th and 6th.   The current outlook is for a very favorable visit and report. We had very few minor issues which have been noted to date and these will be addressed.

President Maxwell indicated that he is cautiously excited about the Strategic Position Initiative, specifically the administrative substantive review. A Raytheon executive, who is a colleague of his on the Business Education Forum, will have a team of executives to Drake around Thanksgiving for an initial visit.  This set of individuals has broad based organizational expertise which they will bring to Drake and begin an assessment.

Last Wednesday, at the health care forum, Drake experienced a great number of political signs being placed on the lawn. The sign and posters policy was reviewed and it was determined there was not a violation.  The President may set up a task force to review the sign policy.  In response to a Senator question, it was stated that the Sign and Poster Policy is posted on the web in the Student Handbook.

This evening, there is a community event which President Maxwell will participate.  He cautiously invited persons to attend and hear him and other area CEOs.

Report from Provost Troyer

Drake has been cited as tied for third in the nation as a producer of Fulbright Scholars.  This is an exceptional accomplishment, and the Provost thanked Professor Eleanor Zeff for her work. The Provost wondered if there is more to be figured out in providing a good system for students to apply and achieve these national academic recognitions.

He thanked the Senate for their attentive attendance and involvement in Mary Breslin’s visit last month.  Her advice is critical as Drake prepares for the Higher Learning Commission site visit. He stated she was quite complimentary towards Drake. Thanks were also offered to Sue Wright for taking care of the visit and her work on the accreditation process.

Report from President Morrow

No report

Unfinished Business – none presented

New Business –

Senators Simpson moved and Dore seconded motion 07-01

Adopt the Policy on Sexual and Other Discriminatory Harassment

 (Fall 06) and replace previous version.

The Senate heard opening comments from Vanessa Macro, Human Resources Director, who chaired the review committee.  Other committee members were Susan Breakenridge, Matt Esposito, LouAnn Simpson and Russ Lovell.

The policy was last fully reviewed in 1996 and the Non-Discrimination Statement was updated in 2004.  Many policies are being reviewed a result of Criterion One Committee’s work.

Ms. Macro, Senator Simpson and Mr. Lovell addressed portions of the committee’s review process and the updates to the policy. It was stated that the policy is now more user friendly to the person who makes a report. There was a desire to strike a balance in the document of including examples without overloading the policy document.

The new version also includes appropriate updates based on changes in the law and court cases, such as protecting against harassment beyond that of a sexual nature.

The University community will need to be informed of what is appropriate behavior and to where a report can be made.

           

Mr. Lovell stated that the law puts the authority with human resources, and he believes the portion of the policy review which centralizes the review is good for the institution.

On a voice vote the motion passed.

The Senate received, for informational purposes, the 06-07 approved athletic schedules as prescribed in the procedures of the Intercollegiate Athletic Council.

The Senate adjourned the regular session at 4:10 p.m. 

Secretary, Nancy Geiger