Oakland University Senate

FIRST MEETING
Tuesday, September 12, 1978
3:15 p.m.
128, 129, 130 Oakland Center

MINUTES

Senators Present: Allvin, Arnold, Barry, Boulos, Burke, Cherno, Coffman, Eberwein, Edgerton, Evans, Felton, Ghausi, Hampton, Hetenyi, Heubel, Hildum, Hovanesian, Howes, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Kleckner, Matthews, McKay, Merz, Moeller, Obear, O'Dowd, Pogany, Rogers, Russell, Scherer, Schwartz, Seeber, Torch, Tower, Ward, War go, Williamson
Senators Absent: Bantel, Blatt, Braun, Butterworth, DeMent, Doherty, Gardiner, Halsted, Hohauser, Holladay, Osthaus, Ozinga, Riley, Stransky, Weiner

Mr. O'Dowd presided during New Business; Mr. Matthews presided during Special Business.

Mr. O'Dowd commented as follows:

1. Appropriations: O.U. received a reasonably good state appropriation this year, an increase of about 15.7 percent over last year, the largest among the several state institutions. Internal allocations are in process.

2. COB II: The prospects are excellent that construction will begin during October.

3. Computer: Contract negotiations with Honeywell are in process; installation is expected by December.

4. Enrollment: In FYES teams enrollment for Fall 1978 will be approximately that of Fall 1977, although headcount may be up.

5. Residence Halls: 1,499 contracts are in hand, about 100 singles, the rest doubles and triples; the dorms are full!

6. Supplemental Equipment Fund: The second $50,000 of the supplemental equipment fund is being distributed, for a total of $100,000 during the calendar year.

7. Health and Medical Education: The current state appropriation bills contain funds for a study of health and education needs; Mr. Pak is in charge of the study.

The meeting was called to order at 3:25 p.m. The minutes of the meetings of April 20, April 27, May 3 and 8 were approved by voice vote as distributed upon motion of Mr. Hetenyi, seconded by Kr. Coffman.

Attention was directed to the agenda.

A. Old Business
     None

B. New Business

1. Election to Steering Committee: Mr. Kleckner called for nominations. Mr. Tower seconded by Mr. Arnold nominated Ms. Mary Sue Rogers; upon  unopposed motion of Mr. Hetenyi seconded by Mr. Jones, nominations were closed and Ms. Rogers was elected by acclamation.

2. Nomination of Chairperson of Admissions Committee. Mr. Tower seconded by Mr. Hildum placed Mr. Coppola's name in nomination. Appointment confirmed by voice vote.

3. Motion from the Faculty Council for the School of Performing Arts concerning establishment of a B.Mus degree program was moved by Mr. Allvin and seconded by Mr. Obear.

Mr. McKay inquired whether special funding was needed; Mr. Obear replied in the negative pointing out that this program comes under the "spin off" provisions of the current appropriations act. Ms. Eberwein wished to know whether 128 credits as a minimum was sufficient.   Mr. Allvin replied it was, but many students would elect courses in excess of 128. Mr. Hampton inquired about faculty appointments: will remain where they are?  Mr. Hampton was assured they would. At the suggestion of Mr. Burke, Mr. Allvin accepted a correction such that Philosophy would be added under Requirement 3, b in the History and/or Literature general education requirement.

No amendments were offered.

Attention was then directed to the agenda.

C. Special Business

1. Consideration of the University Planning Document - 1978. Mr. Matthews restated the Steering Committee's rules for discussion of the UPD-78 (see agenda, September 12, 1978, C. Special Business, comments). There being no objection, discussion on Section IV, subsection I. (Curriculum) and II (Student Enrollment) proceeded. Material concerning general education (IV-3) drew most attention. Mr. Hampton inquired how will the computer fit the general education picture as suggested (IV-347); Mr. McKay wondered how such changes might be implemented and what impact they might have on the College of Arts and Sciences. Mr. Tower argued that it was not simply of concern to Arts and Sciences, but that all general education needs restructuring (IV-3 #4) Messrs. Burke, Williamson, and Hampton wondered whether adding "modern forces" in general education would dilute or replace "cultural tradition" (IV-3 #7). Mr. Obear anticipated evolutionary change, not complete replacement. Mr. Edgerton felt that an integration of the various elements of UPD-78 concerning general education was needed; Mr. McKay opined that a "mode of thought" approach was perhaps the way to go, with emphasis on thought processes which would prepare students for continued learning.

Mr. Heubel pointed out that interdisciplinary efforts have languished; is there a message here? Can we legislate integration? Mr. Wargo expressed the point of view that instruction in disciplinary methodologies were needed before "issue-oriented" interdisciplinary courses were attempted. Ms. Eberwein felt there was a need to integrate on an all-University basis, across all schools and the college. Mr. O'Dowd raised as a general query, what incentives and rewards there were for interdisciplinary teaching at this level? Various voices suggested there was not much reward in it, that the whole structure of the University militated against such effort. Ms. Rogers questioned (IV-3 #13) the matter of 3 versus 4 credit courses. Mr. Obear pointed out that this issue while apparently technical, was one which must be settled before much progress could be made on the general education problem. Mr. McKay said that in paragraph (IV-3  #13) "study" ought to be substituted for "replace." Mr. McKay further wondered whether statements concerning enrollments (IV-6 #1) were accurate. Upon being assured they were, Mr. Matthews indicated that a considerable problem was implied.

Upon proper motion fully seconded, the meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.