Oakland University Senate
October 2, 1969
MINUTES
PRESENT: Messrs. Akers, Appleton, Barthel, Briod, Burdick, Butler, Cherno, Cramer, Davis, DeMent, Dovaras, Button, Gerulaitis, Good, Harding, Hetenyi, Heubel, Hildum, lodice, Johnson, Kleckner, Letvin, Mascitelli, Matthews, Mattis, McKay, Obear, Seeber, Springfield, Stern, Stoutenburg, Sturner, Susskind, Swanson, Tipler, Torch, Varner, Witt
ABSENT: Messrs. Beardman, Coon, Fernald, Gibson, Haskell, Hoopes, Kent, Righter, Rue, Simmons, Torgoff
GUESTS: Approximately 10.
Chancellor Varner called the meeting to order at 3;45 p.m.
Chancellor Varner reported that the litigation between Mrs. Wilson's children and the Fund had reached a point where the children have approximately 10 days to file an appeal with the State Supreme Court. If the attorney for the children does not file an appeal, the Executor can then proceed with the closing out of the Estate.
A question was asked if Oakland University reports the graduation of a male student to his draft board. When a definitive answer was not forthcoming, Chancellor Varner asked Messrs. Ruggles and Stoutenburg to pursue this question and report to the Senate at its next meeting.
Mr. Philip Johnson reported that the Search and Selection Committee hopes to present additional names for the presidency to the Board of Trustees before their next meeting. In brief, Mr. Johnson stated the situation is fluid.
In answer to a question from Mr. Hetenyi about the progress of the Riding Ring Theatre, Chancellor Varner indicated that the architects are prepared to go out for bids as soon as funds for construction can be identified, but no gift for construction is anticipated at this time.
Chancellor Varner asked Mr. Akers to serve as the Senate parliamentarian for this school year.
The approval of the August 26 and September 11 Senate minutes was delayed to the next meeting so that all Senators would have a chance to receive and study the minutes for these two meetings.
New Business
* Mr. Sturner moved for the Steering Committee that
"AGENDA ITEMS Ala, (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (S) AND AN ADDED ITEM (9) WHICH STATES 'THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE RESEARCH COMMITTEE INCLUDE THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE AS AN EX OFFICIO AND NON-VOTING MEMBER', BE VOTED ON AT THIS MEETING."
Seconded by Mr. Stern Adopted.
* Mr. Sturner moved the recommendation of the Steering Committee that
"THE SENATE APPROVES THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS IN THE TITLES, THE CHARGES, AND THE MEMBERSHIP SPECIFICATIONS OF PARTICULAR STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE.
* (1) CHANGE THE STUDENT REPRESENTATION ON THE ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE FROM "ONE STUDENT" TO "TWO STUDENTS, ONE OF WHOM MUST BE A STUDENT SENATOR." ADD TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE "THE REGISTRAR, WHO SHALL BE EX OFFICIO AND NON-VOTING."
* (2) DELETE THE PHRASE "TO INFORM THE FACULTY OF PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED IN CASES OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY," FROM THE CHARGE OF THE ACADEMIC STANDING AND HONORS COMMITTEE. ADD "ONE STUDENT" TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THAT COMMITTEE.
* (3) CHANGE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AIDS COMMITTEE FROM "FIVE MEMBERS INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE FROM EACH ORGANIZED FACULTY; AND THE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AIDS, BOTH OF WHOM ARE EX OFFICIO AND NON-VOTING," TO "SIX MEMBERS INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE FROM EACH ORGANIZED FACULTY; ONE STUDENT; AND THE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS, THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AIDS, AND THE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS IN THE OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS, EACH OF WHOM SHALL BEEX OFFICIO AND NON-VOTING,"
* (4) CHANGE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ATHLETICS COMMITTEE FROM ."FIVE FACULTY MEMBERS; TWO STUDENTS; AND THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS, WHO IS EX OFFICIO AND NON-VOTING," TO "FOUR FACULTY MEMBERS; TWO STUDENTS; ONE MEMBER OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE-PROFESSIONAL STAFF; AND THE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AND THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS, WHO SHALL BE EX OFFICIO AND NON-VOTING."
* (5) CHANGE THE TITLE OF THE "FACULTY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE" TO "PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE." CHANGE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THAT COMMITTEE FROM "FOUR FACULTY MEMBERS AND ONE ADMINISTRATIVE-PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBER" TO "FOUR FACULTY MEMBERS AND TWO ADMINISTRATIVE- PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBERS."
* (6) CHANGE THE AT-LARGE REPRESENTATION ON THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE FROM "THREE MEMBERS" TO "TWO MEMBERS."
* (7) CHANGE THE TITLE OF THE "LONG-RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE" TO "LONG-RANGE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE." CHANGE THE CHARGE TO THAT COMMITTEE FROM, " TO STUDY AND SHAPE THE LONG-RANGE FUTURE GROWTH OF THE UNIVERSITY," TO "TO STUDY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE LONG- RANGE FUTURE GROWTH OF THE UNIVERSITY." CHANGE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THAT COMMITTEE FROM "THE PROVOST AS CHAIRMAN, THE DEAN OF EACH ORGANIZED FACULTY, AND FIVE MEMBERS (INCLUDING ONE STUDENT)," TO "THE PROVOST, AS CHAIRMAN; ONE FACULTY MEMBER FROM EACH ORGANIZED FACULTY; ONE STUDENT; ONE MEMBER FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE- PROFESSIONAL STAFF; AND ONE MEMBER-AT-LARGE."
* (8) DELETE THE "GRADUATE STUDY COMMITTEE" FROM THE LIST OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY SENATE SINCE THE FUNCTION AND JURISDICTION OF THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN GRANTED TO THE GRADUATE COUNCIL IN AMENDMENT I TO THE CONSTITUTION.
* (9) THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE RESEARCH COMMITTEE INCLUDE THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE AS AN EX OFFICIO AND NON-VOTING MEMBER."
Seconded by Mr. Stern.
Mr. Cherno raised a question about broadening the membership of certain standing committees to include clerical-technical and bi-weekly staff.
After a brief discussion, the motion as made and seconded was adopted.
* Mr. Sturner moved for the Steering Committee that
"AGENDA ITEMS Alb (1), (2), (3), AND (4) BE VOTED ON AT THIS MEETING."
Seconded by Mr. Stem. Adopted.
Mr. Sturner moved the recommendation of the Steering Committee that
"The Senate approves the creation of four new standing committees of the University Senate. The titles, the charges and the membership specifications of the committees are as follows:
(1) The Summer School Committee
Charge: To advise the Dean of the Summer School on all matters relating to the Summer School program; to formulate the specific policies that may be required to assure the effectiveness of the Summer School providing they are not in conflict with established Senate policies; and to accept "Petitions of Exception" and, with the guidance of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, serve as a special Student Conduct Committee (the Committee, however, should not duplicate the functions of the Academic Standing and Honors Committee and the Academic Conduct Committee, both of which will be active throughout the Summer School period.)
Membership: Six members of the summer session faculty; a representative of the Steering Committee; the Dean of the Summer School and a representative of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, who shall be ex officio and non-voting. Members shall be appointed each winter and serve one-year appointments from January to December.
(2) External Affairs Committee
Charge: To investigate, study and make recommendations regarding the interests and/or concerns of the university community on those issues and actions external to the university which are not directly related to the operation of the academic structure of the university; and to receive, by referral from the Senate, motions by senators related to public positions or actions on external issues. In all cases the committee should consider first whether an issue is appropriate for consideration by the Senate and if so, to thereupon conduct the necessary investigations in order to give the Senate an accurate and complete assessment of the issue or action and, where appropriate, to bring before the Senate such recommendations as are suggested by its findings.
Membership: Four faculty members (of whom at least one must be non-tenured; one representative of the Office of the Provost; two students; and one member of the administrative-professional staff.
(3) The Teaching and Learning Committee
Charge: To promote the teaching function and the learning process by sponsoring incentives for good teaching; to provide for a more structured outlet for reflection on both the teaching and learning processes and the aspirations and accomplishments of the teaching profession.
Membership: Two non-tenured members of the faculty; two tenured members of the faculty (one of whom should be a member of the University Tenure and Appointment Policy Committee); two students; one member representing the Office of the Provost; and one member-at-large.
(4) The Academic Conduce Committee
Charge: To review, propose, and implement policies concerning academic dishonesty.
Membership: Three faculty members; three students; and the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, who shall be ex officio and non-voting.
Seconded by Mr. Stem.
Several questions were raised about the appropriateness of the Summer School Committee handling student conduct problems for those enrolled in the summer. Further discussion questioned the lack of student representation on the committee. Following additional discussion, Mr. Sturner moved to amend item Alb (1) "to place a period after the word Exception and delete the rest of the statement starting with the words 'and, with the guidance of the Vice Chancellor et cetera.'" Seconded by Mr. James Appleton.
Mr. McKay suggested that no action be taken at this meeting on the motion Alb (1) and the amendment.
Mr. Cherno asked that members of the clerical-technical and bi-weekly staff be included on the membership of the External Affairs Committee and pointed out that a precedent had been established for including non-senators on Senate committees. Mr. Heubel suggested that this matter be discussed further and Mr. Hetenyi suggested that this motion be held over so that the clerical-technical and labor payroll staff members could be asked what their interest might be in serving on the External Affairs Committee.
* Mr. Simmons moved "TO HOLD OVER TO THE NEXT MEETING THE FINAL ACTION ON THE CHARGE AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE."
Seconded by Mr. Dutton. Adopted.
The Senate then voted and adopted agenda items Alb (3) and (4).
* (3) THE TEACHING AND LEARNING COMMITTEE
CHARGE: TO PROMOTE THE TEACHING FUNCTION AND THE LEARNING PROCESS BY SPONSORING INCENTIVES FOR GOOD TEACHING; TO PROVIDE FOR A MORE STRUCTURED OUTLET FOR REFLECTION ON BOTH THE TEACHING AND LEARNING PROCESSES AND THE ASPIRATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION. MEMBERSHIP: TWO NON-TENURED MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY; TWO TENURED MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY (ONE OF WHOM SHOULD BE A MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITY TENURE AND APPOINTMENT POLICY COMMITTEE); TWO STUDENTS; ONE MEMBER REPRESENTING THE OFFICE OF THE PROVOST; AND ONE MEMBER-AT-LARGE.
* (4) THE ACADEMIC CONDUCT COMMITTEE
CHARGE: TO REVIEW, PROPOSE, AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES CONCERNING ACADEMIC DISHONESTY.
MEMBERSHIP: THREE FACULTY MEMBERS; THREE STUDENTS; AND THE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS, WHO SHALL BE EX OFFICIO AND NON-VOTING."
* Mr. Sturner moved that "ITEM Alc BE VOTED ON AT THIS MEETING."
Seconded by Mr. Iodice. Adopted.
* Mr. Sturner moved the recommendation of the Steering Committee that
"THE SENATE APPOINT THE NOMINEES NOTED ON THE LIST TO BE DISTRIBUTED AT THIS MEETING TO MEMBERSHIP ON THE STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY SENATE AND THE ELECTION COMMITTEE
Seconded by Mr. Stern.
Based on the above action regarding the Summer School Committee and the External Affairs Committee, the Senate then adopted the membership of the Elections Committee, Academic Policy Committee, Academic Conduct Committee, Academic Standing and Honors Committee, Admissions and Financial-Aids Committee, Athletics Committee, Library Committee, Long-Range Development Committee, Professional Affairs Committee, Research Committee, and the Teaching and Learning Committee with the substitution of Mr. Al Pritchard for Mr. S. Sinkoff. (See attached list).
Mr. Sturner then reported item by item the activities of the Steering Committee.
Miss Mattis and Mr. Letvin discussed the interest of some students in holding a referendum in the dormitories to allow 24-hour open houses. They recommended that the referendum, if passed, be binding on the University, that each dormitory have local option for implementing the referendum, and that the conduct of students be the responsibility of the dormitory students.
Chancellor Varner recommended to the Steering Committee that they consider making the Commission on Student Life a standing committee of the Senate.
* Mr. Matthews moved that
"THE STEERING COMMITTEE CALL A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SENATE IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS TO DISCUSS THE 24-HOUR OPEN HOUSE REFERENDUM."
Seconded by Miss Mattis. Adopted.
Mr. Cherno moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Mr. Iodice. Approved.
Meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Submitted by
H. N. Stoutenburg, Jr.
Secretary
University Senate
* Motions and amendments adopted at this meeting.