Oakland University Senate
Tenth Meeting
April 17, 1974
MINUTES
Present: Senators Barren, Beardman. Burke, Coffman, Coon, Covert, DeMent, Evarts, Feeman, Gardiner, L. Gerulaitis, R. Gerulaitis, Graber, Haskell, Hetenyi, Hitchingham, Hovanesian, Johnson, Knoska, Liboff, Matthews, McKay, McKinley, Moorhouse, Obear, O'Leary, Paslay, Riley, Seeber, Krompart, Strauss, Tipler, Torch, Tower, and Wyatt
Absent: Senators Akers, Barnard, Barthel, Bingham, Brieger, D. Burdick, H. Burdick, Doane, Pfeil, Gray, Gregory, Kilburn, Light, O'Dowd, Palmer, Schillace, Schmidt, Schwartz, Sherry, Sturner, Susskind, and Woodard
After making some informal comments, Mr. Obear called the meeting to order at 3:45 p.m.
A. Old Business
1. Motion from the Steering Committee (Mr. Obear)
*THAT THE UNIVERSITY SENATE RECOMMEND TO THE PRESIDENT THE 1975-76 UNIVERSITY CALENDAR ATTACHED TO THIS AGENDA.
Approved.
2. Motion from the Academic Policy Committee (Mr. Feeman)
*THAT THE GRADE POINT AVERAGE (G.P.A.) BE COMPUTED BY MULTIPLYING THE GRADE RECEIVED BY THE HOURS OF CREDIT FOR EACH COURSE AND DIVIDING THE SUM OF THE NUMBERS OBTAINED BY THE TOTAL CREDITS CARRIED IN ALL TERMS, WITH THE RESULT GIVEN TO TWO DECIMAL PLACE ACCURACY. THAT ALL STATEMENTS OF RECORD WHICH INVOLVE A G.P.A. USE THE APPROPRIATE TWO-DECIMAL NUMBER.
Approved.
3. Motion from the Academic Policy Committee (Mr. Feeman)
THAT "W" BE ASSIGNED BY THE REGISTRAR FOR A COURSE FROM WHICH A STUDENT OFFICIALLY WITHDRAWS DURING THE REFUND PERIOD OF THE GIVEN TERM. THAT "W" BE ASSIGNED FOR ALL COURSES IF A STUDENT WITHDRAWS OFFICIALLY FROM THE UNIVERSITY AT ANY TIME. THAT THIS LEGISLATION BECOME EFFECTIVE IN SEPTEMBER 1974.
Mr. Feeman stated that item G under "intent" as presented in the agenda should be deleted.
Discussion began on an amendment proposed at the last meeting:
THAT THIS LEGISLATION BECOME EFFECTIVE FOLLOWING A REVIEW BY THE SENATE OF ITS IMPACT ON THE ACADEMIC PROBATION AND DISMISSAL POLICY.
Mr. Feeman stated that the amendment as proposed makes the motion itself inoperative. If what is intended is that the appropriate Senate committees review the results of this action and report to the Senate, then the amendment should be changed to so state. However, in that case an amendment is probably not necessary since the various committee charges call for such reviews as a matter of course.
Upon challenge, Mr. Obear ruled the amendment to be in order.
Mr. DeMent reviewed the history of the N grade and questioned the allowance of such a long drop period�seven weeks or more�without a penalty. He believed that to do so disregarded academic consequences in order to enhance administrative convenience. Mr. McKay stated that he is operating on two premises; 1) there is no difference between a W and an N with respect to dismissal and 2) any policy must recognize university responsibility for proper use of appropriated dollars. He stated that his original intent was that the W grade not exist until the Academic Standing and Honors Committee (AS&HC) decided how the W should be used. However, the AS&HC then said it needed data to know how to adjust the policy. His personal belief was that there should be no W grade, but if it is the will of the Senate that there be one, the policy regarding dismissal must be changed. He further stated that there was a jurisdictional problem between committees on this matter. He believes that it is important that there be a review by the AS&HC with a view to establishing a new policy which would not permit students with a disproportionate number of W's to remain in school. Mr. Pierson, speaking in the absence of Chairperson Bingham of the AS&HC, stated that there are aspects of administrative convenience involved with the motion and further assured the Senate that the AS&HC intends to make further recommendations on this matter in the future. Mr. McKay responded that it is proper that we say how we are going to use a grade before that grade is put into effect rather than to see how the grade is treated by students before determining policy concerning it. Mr. Matthews expressed puzzlement at the amendment since he felt it was contradictory in character: the policy can't be reviewed until it is effective but it can't be effective until it is reviewed.
The amendment was defeated on a voice vote.
In response to a question from Mr. Hetenyi, Mr. Feeman stated that the time period stated in the motion was to link it to the refund period and in that sense to differentiate among various types of N's. Mr. Tipler stated that he believed we have a good system now but we don't understand it. He would prefer to regard all N's as penalty grades. Mr. Feeman responded that the problem is how the AS&HC uses N'S�their job is to distinguish various types of N's to decide which should be used for penalty purposes. Mr. DeMent emphasized that this motion represented a policy change. There is a need to leave an instructor some prerogative to decide between a W and an N. He admitted, however, that the current system does not permit this option either.
Mr. DeMent, seconded by Mr. Gerulaitis, moved to refer the motion back to committee so that the APC could reconsider it in light of the alleged policy change contained therein. This amendment was defeated by a vote of 20 to 10.
Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mr. Knoska, then moved an amendment to add to the main motion:
THIS LEGISLATION WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC STANDING AND HONORS WITH THE OBJECT TO STUDY ITS IMPACT UPON ACADEMIC PROBATION AND DISMISSAL; THE COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC STANDING AND HONORS WILL REPORT TO THE SENATE NO LATER THAN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1975-76 AND, IN COOPERATION WITH THE ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE, FRAME SUCH LEGISLATION AS IT DEEMS NECESSARY.
Mr. McKay, seconded by Mr. Torch, moved an amendment changing "1975-76" to "1974-75".
After some discussion, Mr. McKay stated that it would be a satisfactory response to his amendment for the Academic Standing and Honors Committee to report to the Senate during the 1974-75 year that it did not have enough data to formulate a policy. He was merely asking for "some word" during the 1974-75 year.
The McKay amendment failed.
The Matthews amendment carried.
Mr. Gerulaitis asked what the effect of this motion would be on the ten day "no record drop" period currently in effect. Mr. Feeman reported that there would be no change in that period. Mr. Moorhouse stated that the legislation does not make this clear and Mr. Obear asked that the minutes report this intent.
The main motion, as amended, was approved, to read as follows:
* THAT "W" BE ASSIGNED BY THE REGISTRAR FOR A COURSE FROM WHICH A STUDENT OFFICIALLY WITHDRAWS DURING THE REFUND PERIOD OF THE GIVEN TERM. THAT "W" BE ASSIGNED FOR ALL COURSES IF A STUDENT WITHDRAWS OFFICIALLY FROM THE UNIVERSITY AT ANY TIME. THAT THIS LEGISLATION BECOME EFFECTIVE IN SEPTEMBER 1974. THIS LEGISLATION WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC STANDING AND HONORS WITH THE OBJECT TO STUDY ITS IMPACT UPON ACADEMIC PROBATION AND DISMISSAL: THE COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC STANDING AND HONORS WILL REPORT TO THE SENATE NO LATER THAN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1975-76 AND IN COOPERATION WITH THE ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE, FRAME SUCH LEGISLATION AS IT DEEMS NECESSARY.
The following statements of intent accompany the motion.
a. The assignment of "W" be made by the Registrar, not by the instructor. Therefore ''W" is not a grade in course, but a record of action taken.
b. The "W" not be punitive. Therefore it is recommended that no probationary or dismissal policies be created with regard to assignments of "W". Of course, this is a matter for the Committee on Academic Standing and Honors to consider at a later date.
c. If students remain in course beyond the refund period, they are subject to grading by the system currently in use.
d. If a student stops attending a course and does not officially withdraw from it, then "W" is not to be used, no matter how much time has elapsed.
e. Both N's and W's may appear on final class lists sent to instructors, as well as on internal transcripts.
f. Neither M's nor W's are to be recorded on official transcripts. Similarly, they are not averaged into the G.P.A.
A further statement of intent is that the motion will not affect the current "no record drop" policy.
4. Motion from the Academic Standing and Honors Committee (Ms. Bingham)
THAT THE FOLLOWING UNIVERSITY HONORS POLICY BE APPROVED:
a. THE THREE LEVELS OF UNIVERSITY HONORS, CUM LAUDE, MAGNA CUM LAUDE, AND SUMMA CUM LAUDE, BE AWARDED ACCORDINGLY TO STUDENTS WITH THE FOLLOWING CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGES:
3.50 - 3.69 cum laude
3.70 - 3.89 magna cum, laude
3.90 - 4.00 summa cum laude
b. THE AWARDING OF THE DEGREE WITH UNIVERSITY HONORS WILL BE BASED ONLY ON OAKLAND UNIVERSITY CREDITS, AND THE STUDENT MUST EARN A MINIMUM OF 62 CREDIT HOURS AT OAKLAND TO BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR UNIVERSITY HONORS.
c. ONLY BACHELOR OF ARTS OR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE CANDIDATES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR HONORS.
d. ALL DEGREES AND UNIVERSITY HONORS AWARDS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE SENATE.
The focus of initial discussion was an amendment proposed by Mr. Torch at the last meeting, seconded by Mr. Tower, and elaborated at the current meeting to make the honors cut off points read as follows:
3.60 - 3.74 cum laude
3.75 - 3.89 magna cum laude
3.90 - 4.00 summa cum laude
Mr. Torch spoke in favor of his amendment, citing his belief that any scheme which is proposed should not increase the number of honors awards over the current policy, especially in view of the perception that the University has experienced substantial grade inflation In recent years. Mr. Tower stated that he liked fixed cut off points since inconsistencies from term to term are avoided. Mr. Feeman called attention to the comment in the agenda on page 6 which stated that the AS&HC had proposed the 3.50 cut off because it was consistent with the semester honor award and with the university scholar definition. Mr. Torch stated that it was the intent of his motion that, if approved, these other definitions would be adjusted to agree with the new university honors cut off. A discussion then ensued as to whether an increase in the cut off point would encourage or discourage grade inflation.
Ms. O'Leary commented that she favored a raise, but felt that this could hurt the sciences. Mr. Torch agreed and stated that his real preference is to eliminate university honors altogether.
The Torch amendment was approved.
Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mr. Tower, moved that item c in the motion be changed to read: "Only baccalaureate candidates are eligible for honors."
The Matthews amendment was approved.
Main motion was then approved, as twice amended, causing it to read as follows:
* THAT THE FOLLOWING UNIVERSITY HONORS POLICY BE APPROVED:
a. THE THREE LEVELS OF UNIVERSITY HONORS, CUM LAUDE, MAGNA CUM LAUDE, AND SUMMA CUM LAUDE, BE AWARDED ACCORDINGLY TO STUDENTS WITH THE FOLLOWING CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGES:
3.60 - 3.74 cum laude
3.75 - 3.89 magna cum laude
3.90 - 4.00 summa cum laude
b. THE AWARDING OF THE DEGREE WITH UNIVERSITY HONORS WILL BE BASED ONLY ON OAKLAND UNIVERSITY CREDITS, AND THE STUDENT MUST EARN A MINIMUM OF 62 CREDIT HOURS AT OAKLAND TO BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR UNIVERSITY HONORS.
c. ONLY BACCALAUREATE CANDIDATES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR HONORS.
d. ALL DEGREES AND UNIVERSITY HONORS AWARDS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE SENATE.
B. New Business
I. Motion from the Academic Budget and Planning Committee concerning a school of nursing.
Mr. Liboff, seconded by Mr. Hetenyi, moved:
MOVED THAT THE UNIVERSITY SENATE RECOMMEND TO THE PRESIDENT AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ORGANIZED FACULTY AND SCHOOL OF NURSING AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1974, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRO TEMPORE PROVISIONS:
I. THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE III, IV AND V OF THE CONSTITUTION OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSITY SENATE THE ORGANIZED FACULTY OF NURSING WILL PROPOSE TO THE UNIVERSITY SENATE, NO LATER THAN THE FALL SEMESTER, 1977, A CONSTITUTION OF THE ORGANIZED FACULTY AND SCHOOL OF NURSING. UPON APPROVAL OF SUCH A CONSTITUTION THE ORGANIZED FACULTY AND SCHOOL OF NURSING SHALL EXERCISE ALL PREROGATIVES AND ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITIES AS STIPULATED IN ARTICLE III OF THE UNIVERSITY CONSTITUTION.
II. THAT PENDING APPROVAL OF SUCH A CONSTITUTION, THE SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ITS FACULTY SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING GOVERNANCE:
A. THE SCHOOL AND FACULTY SHALL HAVE A DEAN WHO SHALL BE A MEMBER OF THE FACULTY OF NURSING WITH PRIMARY APPOINTMENT IN NURSING.
B. THE FACULTY AND THE SCHOOL SHALL HAVE A FACULTY COUNCIL:
1. THE FACULTY COUNCIL SHALL BE PRESIDED OVER BY THE DEAN WHO SHALL BE A MEMBER EX OFFICIO AND VOTING AND COMPRISE ALL FACULTY MEMBERS WITH PRIMARY AND ADJUNCT APPOINTMENTS IN NURSING, THE PROVOST (OR HIS DEPUTY) EX OFFICO AND AT LEAST SIX MEMBERS (OF WHOM AT LEAST FOUR SHOULD BE TENURED) OF OTHER ORGANIZED FACULTIES INVITED BY THE PROVOST TO ASSUME MEMBERSHIP IN THE FACULTY OF NURSING, THE TERM TO EXPIRE WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE ORGANIZED FACULTY AND THE SCHOOL OF NURSING, AFTER WHICH THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE III, iii OF THE UNIVERSITY CONSTITUTION SHALL APPLY.
2. THE FACULTY COUNCIL SHALL ADOPT SUCH BYLAWS AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO THE CONDUCT OF ITS BUSINESS.
3. THE FACULTY COUNCIL SHALL CREATE SUCH SUBCOMMITTEES AS ARE NECESSARY, BUT INCLUDING:
a. A PRO TEMPORE COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION.
b. A PRO TEMPORE COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS.
4. THE FACULTY COUNCIL SHALL CREATE A BOARD OF VISITORS WHICH SHALL SERVE AS AN ADVISORY BODY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FACULTY, THE SCHOOL AND ITS CURRICULUM, AND RECOMMEND TO THE PROVOST THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD MAY HOLD ADJUNCT APPOINTMENTS IN NURSING.
III. THAT PENDING APPROVAL OF A CONSTITUTION OF THE FACULTY AND SCHOOL OF NURSING, THE FACULTY OF NURSING SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO:
A. OFFER INSTRUCTION LEADING TO THE B.S.N. DEGREE INCLUDING THE POWER TO:
1. DETERMINE AND PRESCRIBE THE B.S.N. CURRICULUM WITHIN THE LIMITS PRIORLY APPROVED BY THE UNIVERSITY SENATE AND THE BOARD.
2. OFFER COURSES OF INSTRUCTION IN THE NAME OF THE FACULTY OF NURSING.
3. ESTABLISH SUCH INTERNAL ACADEMIC REGULATIONS, INCLUDING THOSE AFFECTING B.S.N. DEGREE CANDIDACY, AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO THE CONDUCT OF ITS PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION.
B. MAKE PRIMARY APPOINTMENTS OF FACULTY IN THE PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE OF NURSING.
IV. THAT PENDING APPROVAL OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE ORGANIZED FACULTY AND THE SCHOOL OF NURSING, THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS FOR MANDATED MEMBERSHIP OF NURSING FACULTY ON THE UNIVERSITY SENATE AND ITS STANDING COMMITTEE SHALL APPLY:
A. THE DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF NURSING SHALL BE SEATED EX OFFICIO IN THE UNIVERSITY SENATE UPON APPOINTMENT.
B. THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE V AND ARTICLE VII SHALL APPLY TO THE FACULTY OF NURSING (INCLUDING INVITED MEMBERS AS PROVIDED FOR IN II B.I. ABOVE) FOR THE UNIVERSITY SENATE TERM OF 1975-77 AS DETERMINED BY THE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE EXCEPT THAT THE DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF NURSING SHALL BE SEATED EX OFFICIO ON THE UNIVERSITY TENURE AND APPOINTMENT POLICY COMMITTEE UPON APPOINTMENT.
C. THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE SHALL BE INCREASED TO ACCOMMODATE A MEMBER OF THE NURSING FACULTY'S PRO TEMPORE COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION IN FALL, 1974. MEMBERS OF THE NURSING FACULTY (INCLUDING INVITED MEMBERS AS PROVIDED FOR IN II, B.I. ABOVE) SHALL BE ADDED TO OTHER STANDING AND AD HOC COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE AS THE STEERING COMMITTEE SHALL DETERMINE ACCORDING TO ARTICLE V, xii OF THE UNIVERSITY CONSTITUTION.
Mr. Liboff reviewed the motion, stating that it incorporated elements developed from several groups including the Committee on Recommendation V and the University Study Committee of the Health Science Professions. He stated that the limited time available for review of the proposal hampered the Academic Budget and Planning Committee and as a result some issues had not been fully considered by that group.
Following this presentation, and because of the lateness of the hour, Mr. Obear suggested that the other items of new business be introduced, but that no discussion be entertained at this meeting. No objection to this suggestion was voiced.
2. Motion from the Academic Policy Committee concerning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Mr. Feeman, seconded by Mr. Tower, moved:
THAT THE UNIVERSITY SENATE RECOMMEND TO THE PRESIDENT AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES THAT THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (B.S.N.) BE AUTHORIZED WITH THE FOLLOWING DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
IN ORDER TO GRADUATE WITH THE B.S.N. DEGREE A STUDENT MUST:
a. HAVE COMPLETED 128 CREDITS.
b. HAVE COMPLETED AT LEAST 32 OF THESE CREDITS AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY OF WHICH AT LEAST 16 CREDITS MUST BE IN THE NURSING COMPONENT, AND BE REGISTERED AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY FOR AT LEAST 8 CREDITS DURING THE SEMESTER IN WHICH THE DEGREE IS CONFERRED.
c. HAVE A CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGE OF 2.00 IN COURSES TAKEN AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY.
d. HAVE DEMONSTRATED WRITING PROFICIENCY BY MEETING THE UNIVERSITY STANDARD IN ENGLISH COMPOSITION.
e. HAVE COMPLETED ALL CREDITS AND COURSES PRESCRIBED IN THE B.S.N. CORE CURRICULUM:
(1) UP TO 58 CREDITS IN THE NURSING COMPONENT AS PRESCRIBED BY THE SCHOOL OF NURSING.
(2) UP TO 54 CREDITS IN THE NATURAL, SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES AS COREQUISITES TO THE NURSING COMPONENT AND AS PRESCRIBED BY THE SCHOOL OF NURSING.
f. HAVE A GRADE OF AT LEAST 2.0 IN EACH COURSE PRESCRIBED IN THE NURSING COMPONENT.
g. BE IN SUBSTANTIAL AGREEMENT WITH ALL LEGAL CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS.
h. BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LEGAL REGULATIONS OF THE SCHOOL OF NURSING
i. HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO CANDIDACY FOR THE B.S.N. BY THE UNIVERSITY AND HE SCHOOL OF NURSING.
3. Motion from the Graduate Council concerning a master of arts program in Area Studies.
Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Barren, moved:
THAT THE SENATE APPROVE THE MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAM IN AREA STUDIES AS PROPOSED BY THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES.
Mr. Johnson distributed an amended final page to the Area Studies summary proposal (distributed with the April 17 agenda). The amended page is attached to the file copy of these minutes.
4. Motion from the Steering Committee concerning membership in the Association of Michigan Collegiate Faculties.
Mr. Strauss, seconded by Mr. Feeman, moved:
THAT THE SENATE APPROVE AND RECOMMEND TO THE PRESIDENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY JOIN THE ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN COLLEGIATE FACULTIES.
Mr. Strauss distributed copies of the Constitution of the Association of Michigan Collegiate Faculties. A copy is attached to the file copy of these minutes.
Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Strauss, moved to recess until Friday, April 19, at 3:15 p.m., whereupon Mr. Hetenyi suggested the absence of a quorum. This was indeed the case and the meeting dissolved at 5:45 p.m.
Robert H. Bunger, Secretary
University Senate
Office of the Provost
4/24/74
*Motions and amendments adopted at this meeting.