Oakland University Senate

January 21, 1970

MINUTES

PRESENT: Messrs. J. Appleton, Davis, Gibson, Haskell, Hetenyi, Heubel, lodice, Kleckner, Matthews, McKay, Obear, O'Dowd, Righter, Seeber, Simmons, Stern, Stoutenburg, Sturner, Susskind, Swanson, Torch, Torgoff.
ABSENT: Messrs. Akers, Barthel, Beardman, Briod, Burdick, Burke, Butler, Cherno, Coon, Cramer, DeMent, Dovaras, Dutton, Fernald, Gerulaitis, Good, Harding, Hildum, P.J. Johnson, Kent, Letvin, Mascitelli, Miss Mattis, Messrs. Rue, Springfield, Tipler, Varner, Witt.
Several guests were present.

Chairman O'Dowd called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m.

Mr. Iodice drew the Senators' attention to the fact that it is necessary for individuals now covered by the TIAA Major Medical Insurance Plan to file a new enrollment card with the Personnel Office prior to February 13, 1970, if continued coverage is desired. Mr. Fitzpatrick said that this information with the new enrollment card was sent to current subscribers on January 20.

Mr. O'Dowd thanked the members of the University Community for their support last week. He discussed briefly the need for building a good case for independence, and for the 1970-71 budget. He said he planned to deliver a State of the University address toward the end of February.

Mr. Righter asked who has the final say in whether Oakland will be separated from Michigan State University - the Board of Trustees or the Legislature. Mr. O'Dowd said that the final action must be a concurrent resolution involving the Board and the Legislature.

Mr. Sturner detailed the procedure followed by the Steering Committee and other University groups in preparation for the January 16 Board of Trustees meeting, to propose that Mr. O'Dowd be named Chancellor. Mr. Heubel related highlights from that meeting.

The discussion than turned to the necessity for better communication between the various groups that comprise the University Community, and for a meaningful student government.

As an example of the discussion ; Mr. Ron Carlson said, "It appears that the 'student leaders' are being indicted for predictable actions. (This reference is to the resignation of student leaders on January 13, 1970). These actions should have been evident in coming because these 'leaders' have felt increasingly that they have been sold a bill of goods that the structures they are participating in, are working when they are not. They are told they can affect policy and really cannot. These leaders have realized and decided that it was time to pull out. They would rather have an effective structure that really speaks for students, rather than be in structures that will not allow them to communicate and speak for their fellows."

Several people spoke supporting this statement while several objected to it.

 Mr. Stern said, "It appears to be inappropriate for this body, at this time, to engage in an aggressive dialogue with the student community. The individuals in People for the People have expressed to some of us their willingness to seek our help and to work with us. In my view we should act on this and argue later."

Mr. Matthews moved the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Mr. Heubel.

Meeting adjourned 4:30 p.m.

Submitted by
H. N. Stoutenburg, Jr.
Secretary
University Senate

* Motions and amendments adopted at this meeting.