Oakland University Senate

February 28, 1967

ACADEMIC SENATE MINUTES

Chancellor Varner called the meeting to order at 3:20 p.m.

Chancellor Varner stated that the commencement speaker for the annual spring commencement would be Dr. Thomas Hamilton, president of the University of Hawaii.

The Chancellor noted that it was Dr. Hamilton who delivered the first convocation address for Freshmen at Oakland University in the fall of 1959.

The Chancellor announced the names of individuals nominated to receive honorary doctor's degrees from Oakland University at the annual spring commencement: Dr. Thomas Hamilton, speaker; Mr. William Gossett, from the community at large; and Dr. David Riesman, from the academic community.

Mr. Vann moved that President Thomas Hamilton and Mr. William Gossett be recommended to the Board of Trustees to be invited to accept an honorary doctor's degree at the April 1967 commencement. Seconded by Me. Stubblefield. Approved.

Mr. O'Dowd moved the recommendation of the Steering Committee that,

"The Senate of Oakland University recommends to the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees that Professor David Riesman, of Harvard University, be invited to accept an honorary doctor's degree at the April 1967 Commencement."

Seconded by Mr. Stubblefield. Approved.

Chancellor Varner brought up for discussion, areas of concern and interest to those present. The discussion included the proposed contents of the Contuse magazine, a play that has been suggested for inclusion in the students' Fine Arts Festival, and the 24-hour coed lounges.

The Chancellor asked whether proxy votes would be accepted in connection with the ratification action of the new University constitution. After a brief discussion, the chair ruled that proxy votes would not be accepted due to the wording of the initial ratification charges which states, "those present and voting." In lieu of accepting proxy votes, time was taken to call absent members to make sure that they had been notified of the meeting.

Mr. Heubel was asked by the Chancellor to explain the new and recent inclusions in the proposed constitution.

Mr. Torch moved that a vote for ratification of the new constitution of the University governance be taken today. Seconded by Mr. Simmons. Approved.

Mr. Heubel moved that the new constitution for University governance be accepted. Seconded by Mr. Torch, Approved.

Mr. M. Brown moved that a unanimous vote of thanks be given to the Committee for their time and effort in constructing the constitution for University governance.

Seconded by Mr. Stubblefield. Approved.

HNS:je