Oakland University Senate
November 6, 1969
MINUTES
PRESENT: Messrs. Akers, J. Appleton, Barthel, Burdick, Butler, Cherno, Davis, DeMent, Dovaras, Button, Gibson, Good, Hetenyi, Heubel, Iodice, P.J. Johnson, Kleckner, Letvin, Matthews, Miss Mattis, Messrs. McKay, Obear, Righter, Rue, Simmons, Springfield, Stern, Stoutenburg, Sturner, Susskind, Swanson, Tipler, Torch, Torgoff, Varner, Witt.
ABSENT: Messrs. Beardman, Briod, Coon, Cramer, Fernald, Gerulaitis, Harding, Haskell, Hildum, Hoopes, Kent, Mascitelli, Seeber.
GUESTS: Approximately 15.
Chancellor Varner called the meeting to order at 3:40 p.m.
Mr. Stoutenburg read a memo from Acting Registrar Ruggles regarding Oakland University's procedure for handling Selective Service Forms. A question was asked why the University felt it was necessary to report a male student's withdrawal from the institution. No specific answer was available so the Chancellor asked Mr. Stoutenburg to follow-up this inquiry with the State Selective Service Headquarters through Mr. Ruggles.
Chancellor Varner briefly described the George F. Montgomery House Bill 3896 to separate Oakland University from Michigan State University. The question was asked why salaries had not been published. Mr. Obear indicated that with the crush of business it just had not been done, but he was hopeful that he could get at it shortly.
The minutes for August 26, September 11, October 2 and October 16 were approved without additions or corrections.
Old Business
Mr. Matthews withdrew his substitute motion made October 16 and Mr. Gerulaitis his second re: the resident student referendum on the subject of visitation hours.
* Mr. Letvin reintroduced his motion of October 16 previously seconded by Mr. Stern.
"THE UNIVERSITY SENATE OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY RECOGNIZES AND EXTENDS ITS SUPPORT TO THE RESULTS OF THE FORTHCOMING RESIDENT STUDENT REFERENDUM ON THE SUBJECT OF VISITATION HOURS. THIS REFERENDUM, PASSAGE OF WHICH WILL REQUIRE A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY VOTE OF THE RESIDENT STUDENTS VOTING IN THE REFERENDUM, CALLS FOR EACH DORMITORY OR HOUSE TO ESTABLISH, BY WHATEVER MEANS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE, ITS OWN VISITATION HOURS, UNRESTRICTED BY LIMITATIONS OR GUIDELINES ESTABLISHED BY ANY OTHER OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY."
Mr. James Cheydleur, President of Inter-Hall Council, reported on the 12 to 12 visitation experience to date, discussed the judiciary system, and described the procedure for voting.
Considerable discussion followed regarding the rights of minority groups, procedure for handling roommate conflicts, self-determination, students' ability to police themselves, universal concern of parents for their sons and daughters, and instructor's view of students' maturity. Mr. Hetenyi pointed out that the motion does not affect the authority of the Board of Trustees and Mr. Sturner drew attention to the fact that this motion was a recommendation.
Mr. Susskind called the question. Seconded by Mr. Hetenyi. Approved.
Mr. Letvin's motion was passed.
New Business
Mr. Burdick moved the recommendation of the External Affairs Committee that, "The University Senate of Oakland University recognizes that many citizens from all over the United States intend to express their opposition to United States policy in Vietnam in a variety of ways on November 14 and 15. The University Senate further recognizes their constitutional right to petition their government for a redress of grievances in all legal ways.
The University Senate therefore recommends that all members of the faculty of Oakland University recognize the special nature of these dates either by (1) canceling classes after full consultation with class members, or (2) excusing students who desire to be absent from class in order to participate in activities related to such a petition."
Seconded by Mr. Heubel. After a brief discussion, Mr. Burdick withdrew his motion and Mr. Heubel his second.
Mr. Burdick moved the recommendation of the External Affairs Committee that,
a. "The University Senate of Oakland University, recognizing the immorality of the war in Vietnam, calls for a cessation of classes on November 14 in order for the students and faculty to demonstrate against the war.
b. The University Senate of Oakland University recognizes that many citizens from all over the United States intend to express their opposition to United States policy in Vietnam in a variety of ways on November 14 and 15. The University Senate further recognizes their constitutional right to petition their government for a redress of grievances in all legal ways.
c. Recognizing that a major purpose of a university is to promote freedom of inquiry; and that political advocacy by the University must almost invariably defeat such a purpose: We resolve that this University, through its Senate, should not advocate a stand on any political issue, other than on one which concerns the rights of its faculty and students to freedom of inquiry on any subject."
Seconded by Mr. Barthel.
* Mr. Hetenyi moved "to table the motion until the next meeting." Seconded by Mr. Obear. Adopted.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 11, 1969 at 3:30 p.m.
Mr. Fitzpatrick summarized the progress of the Insurance Study requested by the Senate on January 16, 1969. (See attachment)
* Mr. DeMent moved "to give Messrs. Fitzpatrick, lodice and Sturner a vote of thanks for the Insurance Study on behalf of the faculty and staff."
Seconded by Mr. McKay. Adopted.
Mr. lodice moved the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Mr. Swanson.
Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Submitted by
H. N. Stoutenburg, Jr.
Secretary
University Senate
* Motions and amendments adopted at this meeting.