Oakland University Senate

Seventh Meeting
Thursday, March 27, 1975
3:15 p.m.
128-130 Oakland Center

AGENDA

Submitted by Frederick W. Obear, for the Steering Committee.

A. Old Business

1. Resolution from the Budget and Planning Committee (Mr. Liboff)

    Moved by Mr. Liboff, seconded by Mr. Feeman, that the Senate endorse the following resolution:

* BE IT RESOLVED:   THAT THE UNIVERSITY SENATE HEREBY ENCOURAGES THE CONTINUED PLANNING OF A CENTER FOR HEALTH SCIENCE FACULTIES AS THE ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATIVE LOCATION FOR HEALTH SCIENCE PROGRAMS WITH THE AIM OF IMPLEMENTATION IN THE 1975 FALL SEMESTER. THIS SUPPORT IS BASED ON THE EXPECTATION THAT A DETAILED SPACE PLANNING REPORT WITH RELATED EQUIPMENT COSTS WILL BE PROVIDED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

Comment: The Budget and Planning Committee endorses the Report of Committee on Recommendation V on "Center for Health Science Faculties" with the reservation that the planning for space needs in connection with health sciences is viewed as yet inadequate and in need of further development. Especially in health sciences a close correlation between space and equipment needs may be possible and thus the resolution of support carries a proviso that additional space and equipment estimates be provided.

Second reading.

2. Motion from the Academic Policy Committee concerning the 1976-77 University Calendar

Moved by Mr. Feeman, seconded by Mr. Coffman:

* THAT THE UNIVERSITY SENATE RECOMMEND TO THE PRESIDENT THE 1976-77 CALENDAR DISPLAYED IN AN ATTACHMENT TO THIS AGENDA.

(Proposed calendar was distributed with the agenda for the meeting of March 13, 1975.)

Comment: For comparison purposes, a summary of instructional days for the five year period 1972-77 is as follows:

(proposed)

The Faculty Agreement for 1974-75 states that "the University Senate shall be responsible for recommending the specific dates of the University Calendar to the President."

Second reading. .

3. Motion from the Steering Committee (Mr. Obear)

Moved by Mr. Obear, seconded by Mr. Feeman:

* THAT THE DATE OF SPRING COMMENCEMENT BE CHANGED FROM "THE WEEKEND AFTER MEMORIAL DAY" TO "A DATE AFTER THE END OF THE WINTER SEMESTER, SUCH DATE TO BE SET BY THE PRESIDENT."

Comment: This change in legislation would make it possible for the spring commencement to be held on a date soon after the completion of the winter semester at a time when there is a sense of accomplishment on the part of faculty and students alike, a circumstance which should be recognized in as personal a way as possible. A substantial and evident dwindling of interest occurs when commencement does not take place soon after the completion of the winter semester. An earlier date assumes, however, a faster final processing of students for degree certification.

Second reading.

4. Motion from the Steering Committee (Mr. Obear)

Moved by Mr. Obear, seconded by Mr. Gerulaitis:

* THAT THE CHARGE TO THE FINANCIAL AID COMMITTEE BE EXPANDED TO READ:

"TO CONSIDER, RECOMMEND, EVALUATE AND REVIEW ALL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATIVE TO THE OPERATION OF THE FINANCIAL AID SYSTEM, AND TO FUNCTION AS AN APPEALS BOARD WHICH WILL HEAR AND RESOLVE DISPUTES BETWEEN THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AIDS AND APPLICANTS FOR AND RECIPIENTS OF FINANCIAL AID."

Comment: The current charge to this committee reads "To recommend policies governing all financial aid to students". The Financial Aid Committee endorsed this proposed change in November, 1974, but did not submit it for consideration by the Senate until the President  task force on financial aid had an opportunity to examine the proposal in depth.

Second reading.

B. New Business

1. Motion from the Academic Policy Committee

Moved by Mr. Feeman, seconded by Mr. Coffman:

THAT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY ESTABLISH AN HONORS COLLEGE, THAT THE PRESIDENT OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY BE THE HEAD OF THE HONORS COLLEGE, THAT THE HONORS COLLEGE BE ORGANIZED AS FOLLOWS:

a. A FOUNDER'S ORGANIZING COMMITTEE, WITH THE PRESIDENT AS CHAIRMAN AND FOUR FACULTY PERSONS AS MEMBERS, NOMINATED BY THE STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE AND ELECTED BY THE SENATE, SHALL BE FORMED.

b. THE FOUNDER'S ORGANIZING COMMITTEE SHALL INVITE APPLICATIONS FROM EXISTING FACULTY ONLY FOR THE DEANSHIP OF THE COLLEGE AND SHALL RECOMMEND A NOMINEE. THE DEAN SHALL SERVE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS, RENEWABLE.

c. THE DEAN OF THE HONORS COLLEGE AND THE FOUNDER'S ORGANIZING COMMITTEE SHALL SELECT A FACULTY FROM EXISTING PERSONNEL. THE DEAN AND THE FACULTY SHALL CONSTITUTE THE HONORS COUNCIL OF THE HONORS COLLEGE. THE PRESIDENT SHALL ACT AS AN EX OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE HONORS COUNCIL. UPON SELECTION OF THE HONORS COUNCIL THE FOUNDER'S ORGANIZING COMMITTEE SHALL CEASE TO EXIST. THE FACULTY MEMBERS SHALL SERVE FOR PERIODS OF THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE.

First reading.

(Comments pertaining to this motion follow Item 2)

2. Motion from the Academic Policy Committee

Moved by Mr. Feeman, seconded by Mr. Coffman:

THAT THE HONORS COUNCIL OF THE HONORS COLLEGE BE AUTHORIZED TO:

a. SELECT STUDENTS TO BE INVITED TO BE MEMBERS OF THE HONORS COLLEGE, AND TO DESIGNATE A SPECIAL TITLE FOR THEM,

b. DEVISE AN ADVISING SYSTEM, TO BE COORDINATED WITH THE UNIVERSITY'S ADVISING SYSTEM, FOR STUDENTS IN THE HONORS COLLEGE,

c. EVALUATE STUDENTS IN THE HONORS COLLEGE WITH REGARD TO STANDING IN THE COLLEGE, AND IDENTIFY THOSE STUDENTS WHO UPON GRADUATION SHOULD RECEIVE SPECIAL HONORS DESIGNATIONS,

d. INVITE FACULTY MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM OF THE COLLEGE,

e. DEVELOP COURSES AND CURRICULUM FOR THE HONORS PROGRAM, THROUGH THE ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE AS COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION.

(Comments pertaining to Motions 1 and 2:  The comments refer to the items in the Motion, in the same order in which they are presented there. 

In the Motion, in the same order in which they are presented there.

This proposal is being made to give Oakland's best students the broadest and most rewarding education the University can offer. Such Individuals have always been treated well by the units in which they have chosen to major, but have not previously been accorded the excellent all-University training they deserve. Development of an Honors College will balance the movement toward the establishment of professional and career-oriented programs and will enhance the academic atmosphere in the University. Since quality breeds quality, its existence will attract bright students to the University, will assist the admissions officers in advertising the University to bright students, and wi11 help to keep those students at the University once here, thus providing a counter to the transfer trend.
 

The leadership of the President in the Honors College, even though primarily ceremonial, adds honor and prestige to the venture. The President's role is to participate in the selection of the Dean and, from then on, to add in whatever way he chooses to the development of the College�an occasional party for the scholars, teach an occasional course in the College, etc. His involvement emphasizes the all-University character of the College.

Applicants for the Deanship of the College will be from existing faculty. The Dean shall report to the President of the University on the state of the Honors College. Budgetary matters of the College shall be administered by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The initial core faculty of the College shall be quite small, perhaps 3 to 6 faculty members. Other faculty will be invited to participate on a part-time basis as needed. The core faculty, which is part of the Honors Council, shall be people whose interests, talents, and prestige are most suited to a venture of this type. Their terms of office, as that of the Dean, are included to insure flexibility, stability, and continuity. The positions are not intended to be permanent. It is envisioned. that class sizes will be on the order of 20 students.

The Honors Council shall select students to be invited to be members of  the College. The key word here is "invited" for to insure quality .  In the total program, students and faculty alike will be admitted by invitation only. The criteria for selection of students shall include:

a) reading and writing proficiency'
b) a minimum G.P.A. of 3.50
c) good scores on various tests such as CEEB, SAT, etc.
d) high school or college faculty recommendations
e) other pertinent evidence.

Students will be interviewed personally by a faculty committee. The Council will determine levels of achievement needed for admission and will have the right to apply flexibly any stated criteria, to ensure high quality in the program. Approximately 75 students in each class will be invited to participate from all degree programs. It is expected that about 60 of these will graduate each year. The graduation requirements will include:

a) maintenance of a minimum G.P.A. of 3.50
b) successful completion of at least four of the offered honors courses, perhaps at least one per term for four terms.
c) evidence of distinction of an intellectual nature, in the form of a research project, work of art, or something else acceptable to the faculty and the Honors Council.

Special titles such as Honors Scholars or Honors Fellows add to the prestige of the venture and allow the students a means of identification with each other and with the University.

The Honors Council shall not be empowered to hire faculty but shall have a position budget, whereby faculty members can be invited to participate in the work of the College on a part-time basis. As faculty members choose to participate on a part-time basis, their home departments should be permitted to replace them on a temporary basis through visiting appointments. Joint appointments are frowned upon. The contractual arrangements should be spelled out very clearly to protect both the faculty member and the home department and to guarantee appropriate replacements.

The curriculum of the Honors College shall be of an all-University nature, complementary to programs leading to departmental and University honors. It is envisioned as a series of courses, enrichment courses if you will, which deal with topics not otherwise discussed in the University's course offerings. They would be pan-disciplinary in nature, centering around  fundamental intellectual processes and important problems. This set of courses would not be a full discipline or a full set in any sense, because it remains important for the students involved to participate in the regular programs of the University. The APC, which would serve as the Committee on Instruction of the Honors College, recommends that the UC rubric be used for these honors courses. With this there would be no difficulties in obtaining funding for the program from the legislature.

The Honors College shall be provided with space and budget as needed to contribute to the atmosphere of community and collegiality required for the success of the program.

First reading.

Written comments from the Academic Budget and Planning Committee will be distributed In advance of the Senate meeting.

3. Motion from the Academic Policy Committee (Mr. Feeman)

THAT TO RECEIVE A BACCALAUREATE FROM OAKLAND UNIVERSITY A STUDENT MUST COMPLETE A MINIMUM OF 32 CREDIT HOURS OF WORK IN COURSES AT THE 300 LEVEL OR ABOVE.

Comment: This requirement is generally met by students who graduate from Oakland. Since it  is an explicit requirement in the B.G.S. proposal, the APC feels that it should be stated for other programs as well in order to have consistency in degree requirements. Because of corequisite requirements for some degree programs and requirements for some concentrations, many courses taken by juniors and seniors are at the 100 or 200 level. Thus the APC feels that it is unrealistic to set the minimum above the 32 mark. The motion as stated should help to protect the integrity of our degrees.

First reading.

4. Motion from the Academic Policy Committee (Mr. Feeman)

THAT IF A STUDENT HAS ACCUMULATED 62 SEMESTER HOURS OF WORK FROM ANY INSTITUTIONS) THAT STUDENT MAY NOT TRANSFER ANY ADDITIONAL CREDITS FROM A TWO-YEAR INSTITUTION.

Comment: This motion clarifies our transfer credit policy. It is consistent with practices at other institutions such as Wayne State University and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. It does not prevent a student from transferring credits from a 4-year institution, but checks the flow from 2-year colleges.

First reading.

5. Motion from Faculty Assembly, School of Engineering (Mr. Witt)

THAT THE NEW CONSTITUTION OF THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING BE APPROVED BY THE UNIVERSITY SENATE.

A copy of the new Constitution is attached to this agenda.

Comment: The School of Engineering Constitution calls for the development of a new constitution every five years. This new constitution was thus developed to fulfill that requirement.

First reading.

6. Motion from the Academic Policy Committee (Mr. Feeman)

THAT THE UNIVERSITY SENATE RECOMMEND TO THE PRESIDENT AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES THAT THE UNIVERSITY BE AUTHORIZED TO OFFER INSTRUCTION LEADING TO THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES (B.G.S.) WITH THE FOLLOWING DEGREE REQUIREMENTS;

IN ORDER TO GRADUATE WITH THE B.G.S. DEGREE A STUDENT MUST:

a. HAVE COMPLETED 124 CREDITS OF WHICH AT LEAST 32 MUST BE AT THE 300 AND 400 LEVEL.

b. HAVE COMPLETED AT LEAST 32 OF THE 124 CREDITS AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY AND BE REGISTERED AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY FOR AT LEAST 4 CREDITS DURING THE SEMESTER IN WHICH THE DEGREE IS CONFERRED.

c. HAVE A MINIMUM 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. BE IN SUBSTANTIAL AGREEMENT WITH ALL LEGAL CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS.

f. HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO CANDIDACY FOR THE B.G.S. DEGREE BY THE UNIVERSITY AND THE FACULTY COUNCIL FOR GENERAL STUDIES.

B. THAT A GOVERNANCE BODY, REPORTING TO THE OFFICE OF THE PROVOST PRESIDED OVER BY THE PROVOST OR HIS DESIGNATED DEPUTY AND CALLED THE FACULTY COUNCIL FOR GENERAL STUDIES BE ESTABLISHED. THE FACULTY COUNCIL SHALL CONSIST OF AT LEAST ONE REPRESENTATIVE DESIGNATED  EACH COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION, TWO REPRESENTATIVES DESIGNATED BY THE STEERING COMMITTEE AND ONE REPRESENTATIVE DESIGNATED BY THE EVENING COUNCIL. THE FACULTY COUNCIL SHALL HAVE AUTHORITY TO ADOPT BY-LAWS FOR THE CONDUCT OF ITS BUSINESS, AND TO APPOINT AND CHARGE SUCH STANDING AND AD HOC COMMITTEES AS MAY BE NECESSARY. THE FACULTY COUNCIL SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING ACADEMIC POWERS:

a. TO PRESENT CANDIDATES FOR THE B.G.S. DEGREE, TO RECOMMEND CANDIDATES FOR UNIVERSITY HONORS, AND TO APPROVE CANDIDATES FOR THE AWARD OF CONCILIAR HONORS.

b. TO DEVELOP SUCH ACADEMIC-ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING ADVISING AND COUNSELING OF STUDENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY SUBJECT TO REVIEW OF THE ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE.

c,. TO ENCOURAGE ALL ORGANIZED FACULTIES TO MAKE AVAILABLE COURSES AND PROGRAMS OF DIRECT INTEREST TO STUDENTS PURSUING THE B.G.S. DEGREE. SUCH COURSES SHALL NOT BE DESIGNED ONLY FOR THE B.G.S., BUT MUST BE APPLICABLE IN SOME OTHER UNIVERSITY DEGREE PROGRAM AS WELL.

Comments:  This motion results from the work of the Main Committee on Recommendation II and III whose membership was:

Donald Hildum, Arts and Sciences, Chairman
Robert Howes, Arts and Sciences
Robert Donald, Arts and Sciences
Renate Gerulaitis, Arts and Sciences (University Senate member)
Daniel Fullmer, Arts and Sciences (Academic Policy Committee faculty member)
Reuben Torch, Arts and Sciences (Dean's designee)
Siddheshwar Mittra, Economics & Management (Dean's designee)
Laszlo Hetenyi, Education (Dean's designee)
Robert Edgerton, Engineering (Dean's designee)
Billie DeMont, Evening Program, ex officio
Lowell Eklund, Continuing Education, ex officio
George T. Matthews, Provost's designee, ex officio

This committee worked throughout winter and spring, 1974 and on July 1, 1974 submitted a unanimous report to the Provost which recommended the establishment of the B.G.S. degree with requirements substantially as advocated in Recommendation II and of a Faculty Council for the degree's management and sponsorship, which governance body would exercise academic powers substantially less than those advocated in the original Recommendation III.

A. The B.G.S. degree is now offered at hundreds of institutions big and small, public and private across the nation. In Michigan, the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and Wayne State are the most conspicuous. Serving different functions at different universities - at Ann Arbor the degree functions as a non-departmental, non-major baccalaureate within Letters, Arts and Sciences; at Wayne the degree functions largely as an adult, evening, continuing education degree in a new school - all share certain curricular similarities; the B.G.S. is universally an unstructured, non-major degree with minimal residence requirements as the only curricular element. At Oakland the B.G.S. is envisioned as functioning largely for the adult, evening population although it will be open to other student populations. The establishment of a B.G.S. degree at Oakland should provide the opportunity for other undergraduate degree programs - especially the B.A. degree in Arts and Sciences - to reinstitute certain genera! education requirements, or at least certain revisions of those requirements, abandoned several years ago. The basic reasons for the B.G.S. degree at Oakland are argued, to the satisfaction of the Main Study Committee, the St. Clair Inn Commission and the Academic Policy Committee in Recommendation II: Bachelor of General Studies Degree and Recommendation III (a): Faculty of General Studies already widely
distributed.

a. 124 credits compares to 128 in the B.S. in Engineering and the 124 for the B.A. degree. The stipulation that 32 credits must be in 300 or 400 level is a revision downward from the 60 originally recommended. Close study of data concerning distribution of credits between lower and upper division led the committee to believe that 60 was too high.

b. Standard requirement except that the 4 credits during last semester is 4 less than usual. This is because it is anticipated that the largest portion of students pursuing the B.G.S. will be people going one course at a time.

c. Standard requirement.

d. Standard requirement.

e. A power granted to the Council to permit it to monitor the
movement of students in and out of the B.G.S. program.

B. A degree program must be provided with a faculty capable of certifying completion of requirements and sponsoring students for the degree. It follows that such a body should have advising and counseling powers and the right to develop appropriate regulations concerning the degree. The Faculty Council for General Studies under this motion (which cites Article III, vi of the Constitution as its authority) has such powers. But the Faculty Council is not an Organized Faculty nor does it need to become such. It has no authority to offer courses in its own name nor to recommend primary appointment of faculty.

First reading.

Office of the Provost/sis
3/75
Attachment

NOTE: In the Interest of economy and of conserving paper the School of Engineering Constitution has been distributed only to members of the University Senate. A limited number of copies are also available in the School of Engineering, 248 Dodge Hall.