Michigan State University Oakland Academic Senate

December 17, 1962

Minutes

PRESENT: Messrs. APPLETON, BEARDSLEE, BRUNO, BURDICK, CHERNO, CLARKE, COLLINS, HAMMERLE, HETENYI, HEUBEL, HOLMES, HOOPES, HUCKER, MAHER, MATTHEWS, McKAY, MOBLEY. OBEAR, O'DOWD, POPE, ROOSE, SCHWAB, SEIKEN, SELLS, SIMMONS, SIMONS, STOUTENBURG. STUBBLEFIELD, SUSSKIND, SWANSON, TAFOYA, TOMBOULIAN, VARNER, WHITE,WILDER and WILLIAMSON 
ABSENT: Messrs. GALLOWAY, HADEN, and HILDUM

The meeting was called to order by Chancellor Vamer at 4:06 p.m.

Mr. Williamson moved that the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted  as distributed. Seconded by Mr. Stubblefield. Approved

OLD BUSINESS

1. Dean O'Dowd, in reporting for the Steering Committee, commented on the motion presented at the previous Senate meeting. He said that any person who is a member of the Senate electorate may attend any meeting, but he cannot take part in the discussion unless this is so voted by the Senate. Non-University people who would be invited on special occasions by a member of the Senate would be voted on in advance of the issuance of the invitation. It is the intent that the meetings of the Senate be as open as possible. Dean O'Dowd moved adoption of the following motion, seconded by Mr, Stubblefield:

"All members of the Senate electorate who are not members of the Senate are welcome to attend meetings as visitors. Any other persons may be welcomed as visitors by vote of the Senate. Visitors may not participate in Senate proceedings except by vote of the Senate." Adopted

NEW BUSINESS

1. Report of Steering Committee

a. Dean O'Dowd, reporting on the activities of the Steering Committee, announced the appointment of an ad hoc Commencement Committee, which has an advisory role. Membership of this committee consists of: Mr. Stoutenburg. Chairman, Messrs. Clarke, Hetenyi, Obear and Sells.

b. The Admissions Committee has been asked to submit a written report to the faculty of its recommendations to the Director of Admissions. These are advisory recommendations of which the faculty should be informed.

Professor Simons has been added to the ad hoc committee on the Constitution, By-Laws, and Elections Procedures of the Senate.

The Steering Committee has returned two recommendations to the Academic Affairs Committee with the request that an explanatory memo be sent to the Steering Committee with the recommendations.

2. Dr. Matthews reported the activities of the Academic Affairs Committee. He said the Committee felt that curricular matters were its most important concern. It is time for a periodic review of the whole educational policy of the University as reflected in the curriculum. The Committee recognizes that some changes are needed. Dr. Matthews explained that the Committee hoped to have some specific short-range recommendations by the end of January to present to the Senate which would go into effect next September. At the same time the Committee is considering some long-term recommendations to be implemented by the fall semester 1965. Subject to the approval of the Senate, the Academic Affairs Committee will proceed with its plans as scheduled.

Mr. Schwab asked for a general statement on what the general curriculum problems are. Mr. Matthews said the objective was to provide for two or three electives in every student's program.

3. Dr. Matthews introduced for consideration at the next Senate meeting the following motion, which was seconded by Mr. Stubblefield: "Instructors shall not give any type of written examination during the calendar week immediately prior to the period designated for final examinations at the end of the semester." Considerable discussion followed this motion. Two major points were raised. (1) Did this motion preclude handing in term papers before the last week of classes. (2) This motion would, by implication, set the policy that there must be an examination schedule each semester. This in itself is a question that has not yet been completely resolved.

Dr. Matthews moved, seconded by Mr. Stubblefield, that "A student must complete eight courses (32 credits) at MSUO, at least four of which must be in his major. A student must be registered at MSUO for at least two courses during the semester in which the degree is to be conferred. Exception may be made by petition to the Committee on Instruction," Mr. Hetenyi moved the following amendment, seconded by Mr. Stubblefield, "That the Senate recommendation would take effect with the graduation of December 1963." Motion and second subsequently withdrawn. Motion Adopted

Mr. Vamer commented on several items not on the agenda. He first requested Senate members' reaction to a possible change of name for the University and mentioned the reactions he had received from other groups consulted, which were generally favorable.

Mr. Varner announced that a statement had been given to the press of the procedure followed in Mr. Shapiro's case. A copy of the statement has been given to Mr. Shapiro; it is also available in Mr. Varner's office if any members of the Senate also wish a copy.

Mr. Obear moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Mr. Stubblefield. Accepted.