Oakland University Senate


Minutes of the University Faculty Meeting for Friday, January 15, 1960

The meeting was called to order by Dean Hoopes,

The following members were present:  Dean Alexander, Dr. Amann, Dr. Burke, Dr. Collins, Dr. Cusack, Dr, Danielson, Mr. Fitzsimmons, Dr. Gherity, Dr. Hammerle, Dean Hoopes, Dr. Hopkins, Dr. Kovach, Miss North, Dr. Pearson, Mrs. Popluiko and Dr. White.

Dean Hoopes opened toe meeting by describing something of the work of the Committee on Instruction to date. He advised the group that at next Friday's meeting (January 22) the Committee would be presenting a number of its recommendations toward the specifics of next year's curriculum and of those in the future. The faculty will be invited to consider a choice between a three-course-per-quarter and a four-course-per-quarter program. Dean Hoopes further outlined on the blackboard representative science curricula under each of the two plans.

Dr. McKay and Dr. Matthews will make their report on three-course programs when they return from their current visit to Hofstra and Dartmouth Colleges.

Miss Audrey North presented a report on Library acquisitions and policys.  Her report included monies spent and books ordered by specific titles, basic reference books, handbooks, dictionaries, faculty requests, etc. The library  regulations were explained and the Faculty Library privileges at Wayne State University, University of Michigan and Michigan State University were discussed.  A system will be devised whereby specific books ordered by instructors may be brought back with a driver.

Mr. Herbert Stoutenburg spoke on Registration and touched on the following subjects:

Students enrolled winter term,
Students not enrolled winter term.
Plus and Minus grades.
N and I grades.
Important dates.

Mr.  Amann raised the question of having two free days ahead of each exam period. The matter was discussed briefly and recommended for future faculty discussion. He also expressed his desire, shared by others present, for the retention of "plus" and "minus" in formal grade records. This matter was also marked for future close discussion.

Dean Alexander outlined the Academic Advisor system which was used for the fall term. The basis for the present system was discussed. The following proposals were advanced regarding a reorganization of the advisor system:

1. Retain present system but:
    -Provide more extensive background information regarding each advisee  for the academic advisor so that a more thorough job of counseling could be done,
    -More small group meetings with students, informing them of the operation of the advisor system.
    -Refer psychological and non-academic problems to Dr. Hopkins,

2. Hire a select group of faculty with titles of "Assistant to the Dean" to be academic advisors (Columbia System). These people would have reduced loads or receive extra pay for this service,

3. Select one faculty member within each academic area to serve as Academic Advisor.

4. Establish core of Academic Advisors whose sole functions would be advising.

Dean Alexander stated that more counseling material would be available to the Academic Advisors through t he cooperation of the Dean of Students Office, Counseling and Testing Office and the Registrar's Office. He also indicated the need for a committee to consider alternatives to the present system,

The members present realized it would be necessary for the present  system to be continued through this school year but future discussion  of the revision of the Academic Advisor system would be held at subsequent meetings,

Discussion also was held regarding the need for mid-term evaluations of some kind which the academic advisor could share with the advisee,

The meeting was adjourned at 5 P.M.