Michigan State University Oakland Academic Senate Meeting

October 14, 1960

Minutes

PRESENT: Messrs: Alexander, Amann, Appleton, Beardslee, Burke, Mrs. Caulkins, Cherno, Clarke, Walter Collins, Eklund, Fitzsimmons, Fromm, Galloway, Gherity, Hammerle, Hetenyi, Holmes, Hoopes, Kluback, Mrs. Kovach, George Matthews, Mrs. Matthews, McKay, Obear, O'Dowd, Pearson, Pope, Rhode, Schwab, Mrs. Shapiro, Samuel Shapiro, Simmons, Stoutenburg, Straka,  Susskind, Swanson, Tafoya, Taulbee, Tomboulian, Varner,  Mrs. White, Wilder
ABSENT: Mrs. June Collins, Mrs. Popluiko, Mrs. Rothschild, Mr. Shishkoff, Miss Stevenson, Mrs. Urla, Mr. Wisner, Mrs. North

Meeting called to order by Mr. Varner at 12:33 P.M.

Mr. Varner stated that this first meeting was scheduled at this time of day as a sort of trial and he had some doubts about finishing by 2:00 P.M. If this does not work out, it may be necessary to move to evening meetings in order to carry on all the necessary business.

Mr. Matthews moved and it was seconded by Mr. Hoopes that the reading of the minutes of the last meeting (June 6) be dispensed with if there were no corrections offered. None were, and the motion was passed.

The Chairmen of the several University Committees were asked to give brief summaries of their committee's work for the purpose of general information.

Committee on Scholarship Selections * Chairman - Mr. Justus Pearson

Mr. Pearson reported that this Committee consists of seven members (two ex officio) and they are divided into two groups. The Foundation Committee raises money and the Faculty Committee allocates it. Although the Committee was established late last spring, it met twice a week to study applications and shape thoughts towards long-range policy.

The scholarship budget was approximately $45,000. The monies were divided as follows:

21 students given $500 tuition scholarships
88 students given $279 tuition scholarships
43 new students given $125 grants
5 advanced students given $500 tuition scholarships 
5 advanced students given $279 tuition scholarships.

Mr. Hammerle asked if $45,000 was available for the first two years, would $90,000 be available in four years.

Mr. Vamer pointed out that the money came from devoted ladies who were willing to give both time and money. We have $43,000 now and are going to raffle off a "Tempest" automobile and this should bring another $2,000 or $3,000. In addition, the tea held at Meadowbrook Hall will increase the total $2,000 or $3,000. Scholarship funds for subsequent years will be more difficult to obtain so it is now necessary that we consider switching over to more student loans. Mr. Hammerle proposed that a fraction of the scholarship money be put into annuities rather than all in scholarships. Mr. Varner said that this was being done where possible.

Committee on Cultural Programs * Chairman � Mr. Gerald Straka

The first program for this school year is Wednesday, October 19, with the String Quartet from Michigan State University.  Mr. Straka urged all present to encourage students to attend. It would be disastrous if only a handful turned out.

The Committee will begin about January 31, 1961 to plan next year's program, To work ahead of this date is almost impossible due to the nature of the booking business. Mr. Straka expressed his desire to be notified of any good speakers and he would make the necessary contacts. General admission for the public to the lecture-concert series will be $1.00. It is hoped that a fund for next year can be built from this charge,

Mr. Straka said the Committee feels that for the most part, attendance should be on a voluntary basis.

Mr. Galloway expressed his hone that we would have a sculpture exhibit by the end of the present school year,

Mr. Holmes inquired about selling student activity tickets to pay for the lecture-concert series. It was pointed out by Mr. Alexander that a part of the tuition was set  aside for student admission to these activities.

Mr. Varner expressed his wish that the Committee and interested faculty continue to explore the total lecture-concert series program.

Committee on Admissions *Chairman - Mr. Orrin Taulbee

This Committee met with the idea of studying the original entrance requirements and to determine whether or not changes should be made.  (Entrance examinations, achievement examinations, aptitude tests, and other types of examinations). The Committee recommended that the original admissions requirements be changed for the fall of 1962 as follows:

A candidate for admission must be a graduate of an approved high school and must have been in the top quarter of his graduating class. Also, he must have the recommendation of the high school principal, endorsing him as a sound college risk.

It is strongly recommended. students preparing for admission follow the high school preparation described below:

1. Minimum 16 units
2. English - 4 units
    Foreign Language - 2 units (in the same language) 
    Science - 2 units (must include one laboratory science)
    Social Science - 2 units
    Math*.- 3 units (algebra, 1 1/2', geometry, 1; and trig.,1/2 )

*Students planning majors in the sciences, mathematics, engineering, or business administration must present at least three years of mathematics.

Other topics discussed by the Committee included Advanced Placement testing, handling deficiencies from high school, and evaluation of transfer credits.

Committee on Faculty Grants * Chairman - Mr. William Kluback

The budget for this year is $5,000. The Committee is now accepting research proposals and will help financially where it can within the limited funds.

Committee on Instructions * Chairman - Mr. George Matthews

The work of this Group is divided into two functions. First, general over-all curriculum development and working with departments to develop majors and course offerings. Secondly, to review Petitions of Exceptions. The Committee reviewed 11 Petitions this fall and approved three. All the decisions are subject to the review of the EPC and the faculty at large. The Committee's work this year will be much the same � continue to develop curriculum, review and study proposals of new departments and majors, and to consider Petitions of Exceptions,

Mr. Stoutenburg was asked if new students would be admitted winter or spring quarter. He announced that we could expect about 35-40 new students in the winter but none in the spring,

Committee on Student Publications * Chairman - Mrs. Mary Ann Cusack

Mr. Pope reported for Mrs. Cusack. The Committee will meet once a term unless some crisis arises. All student publications must be approved by the Committee. At this time. Association of Women Students (AWS) does not plan a newsletter.

Committee on Developmental Programs * Chairman - Mr. Loren Pope

The Committee extends an invitation to anyone who has an idea they wish to present to the Group. Ideas discussed last year included -- (a) the learning center (the Ford Foundation refused to finance); (b) teaching two sections of Western Institutions in the Pontiac High School last summer (enrollment too small to offer); (c) a study of comprehensive testing (Committee gave endorsement to general comprehensive tests at end of two years and at the end of the senior year); (d) proposal for a summer reading skills course, Dr. Whitmore, Superintendent of Pontiac Schools, gave the Committee a list of ideas to include -- (a) allowing qualified high school students to take courses here; (b) arrange for high school classes to visit our classes, .seminars, etc.; and (c) a proposal to have freshmen mathematics students interested in teaching teach in high school classes,

Mr. Varner pointed out the necessity of clearing implementation of any ideas through EPC.

Mr. Hammerle stated he felt that programs dealing with curriculum should be presented to the Committee on Instructions for informational purposes.

Committee on University Bulletins * Chairman - Mrs. Gertrude White

Mrs. White put in a request for clarification of what a bulletin is. This Committee met several times last year and found really nothing for them to do.  Only the catalog was issued, and that from the Committee on Instructions. This year, there will be published a series of bulletins on the library.  The Committee would welcome Senate clarification as to what is included in the term "bulletin" and what we are to do when a bulletin comes along from someone else,

Mr, Varner stated the EPC should deal with this subject at the next meeting as it would be difficult for the Senate to come to a decision as a whole,

Committee on Elementary Education * Chairman - Mr. Laszalo Hetenyi

This Committee began as an "ad hoc" Committee and was to advise the Committee on Instructions whether there should be a program or not and if so, what trend should it take? Their recommendation was that there should be such a program and on that basis, we have since in a permanent committee, worked out recommendations to the EPC. The program includes two basic ideas -- (a) general elementary degree which would involve 90-95% of all elementary education students and (b) special resource people in specific subject areas. Our recommendation is that we should not list majors and minors but simply to identify the graduates as elementary education majors.

Mr. Varner said that committees were appointed last January to operate through fall term, 1960.  There will be an opportunity for some adjustments in the winter quarter.

Mr. Varner explained the status of the library. Bids were opened last Friday and the low bid was $1,085,000, leaving a cushion of $65,000 including the cost of air conditioning. The mechanical sub-contractor has asked to be disqualified because of an addition error in his bid. Acceptance of this request will raise the contract price $22,000. Because there was a savings on the bidding, it may be possible to finish the third floor and the basement. It is hoped the library will be ready for September 1, 1961. Ground breaking ceremonies will be held Monday, October 17, at 3:00 P.M. Mr. Wilder announced that following the official ground breaking ceremony, there will be tea served in the Student Center. He expressed the hope that all members of the faculty and staff would be present. Families are invited.

Mr. Varner announced that bids will be opened November 2 for the Science Building. The building should be completed for occupancy around January 1, 1962, Present thinking would indicate that the Intramural Building will be started about April 1, 1961 and be completed by April, 1962. The Intramural Building will have a swimming pool, basketball courts, locker rooms, etc. Financing will be through the Federal Housing Agency under the new program authorized by Congress, Dormitories are planned for September, 1961.  The expansion of the Student Center is planned for construction in early spring and to be finished by next September.

The five-year building program includes --

1.$2,000,000 general classroom building.
2. $2,000,000 Fine Arts Bldg.
3. $1,500,000 Engineering Bldg.
4. $ 25,000 to expand the present heating plant.
5. $ 65,000 to remodel present library into administrative offices,

On Sunday, October 16, MSUO will have an open house to correspond with the open house at Meadowbrook Hall. It was felt that there might be some interest in coming here to view the University.  Mr. Pope is in charge and could use some reinforcements from members of the faculty and staff.

Mr. Vamer announced the appointment of three new committees --- Inter-collegiate Athletics, Honors Program, and Advance Placement. (Mr. Stoutenburg and Mr. Hopkins will change committee assignments on the Honors and Advance Placement Committees). The Athletics Committee is now at work and will present recommendations soon,

Mr. Hammerle moved that "it is the intent of the University to meet, within the limits of its resources, the educational aspirations of persons who cannot enroll as full-time day students. Within the limits of our resources, we will offer as many classes as feasible at night. At present, enrollment and resources limit the University to guaranteeing evening classes in the University courses at the rate of approximately three per term, with all University courses available in approximately four years. Other courses cannot be guaranteed, but may be offered later if enrollment and resources permit. However, it is not our present intention to offer a baccalaureate degree via evening classes exclusively." Seconded by Mr. Tomboulian.

Mr. Hammerle pointed out that to accept the motion we as a University would be obligated to offer evening classes for credit toward a baccalaureate degree. Which ones can we give? At most, we can only offer University courses. We should not guarantee or lead students to expect more than we can deliver. The hopes would be that they take two courses a year and in four years, they could take 8 courses. This means that every University course would have to be given once during a four-year period. Rhetoric & Literature and Western Institutions would have to be given at least every other year and languages perhaps every year.

Mr. Varner said students were never advised they could earn a Bachelor's degree but they assumed they would be able to graduate. The confusion this fall was caused by offering the same courses this year as were offered last year and the students felt they were blocked in their progress. In fairness to them, we must make a decision.

Mr. Schwab asked if the entrance requirements are the same for the evening students as for day students? Mr. Stoutenburg answered they were and further stated that all admissions to MSUO indicated that a person was capable of earning a Bachelor's degree. Mr. Tafoya questioned the quality of evening courses compared to day courses. He felt that the course work should not be bunched into two sessions of 2 1/2 hours each, but should be spread out for greater effectiveness.

Several faculty members indicated the same concern as Mr. Tafoya.

 Mr. Kluback and Mr. Gherity supported two-hour evening classes twice a week and felt that more can be accomplished in evening classes.

Mr. Varner stated if we really take seriously the assertion that education is an urgent matter in America, then it isn't fair to close school down at 5:00 P.M. The question for us, is rather, will we have a formally programmed evening college or make it a part of the regular University program?

Mrs. Shapiro said two 2-hour sessions at night are far superior to one 3-hour sessions. We should consider this in making out the program.

Mr. Tafoya agreed we cannot close doors at 5:00 but we must get the same amount of work in the evening as in the day. Otherwise, there will be a problem of transferring students from evening school to the day school. Mr. Stoutenburg explained the purpose of fewer sessions was to bring the students out to the campus as few times a week as possible. This is a scheduling matter and can be easily solved from the University's point of view but we may be causing the students hardship that should not be overlooked in the final decision.

Mr. Matthews said we can vary the credits but it brings to bear a difference, and now we are saying there is no difference. If we should go into a night program, we should do it with the recognition that it is not the same and set it up with its own requirements. In other words, develop two good programs.

Mr. Varner asked permission to explain the budget for 1961-62 before several faculty members leave for their 2:00 classes. The budget must be submitted on October 28 to the Board of Trustees and then will go to the Governor's office to be reviewed and studied by the State Department of Administration and Legislature. We should know what we will get sometime next May or June.

This year we are operating on a per capita basis of $957 for each student. (Western Michigan University - $600 per capita; Eastern Michigan - $600 per capita; Central Michigan - $600 per capita for 4,000 students.) If we can maintain the same per capita appropriation this year as last, we will be very fortunate. We will operate at no less quality than last year but we must reconsider our requests and expectations,

The Chairman said the meeting would be postponed for a lack of a quorum when several faculty members left for their 2:00 classes.

Meeting adjourned until a more suitable hour can be found.