Oakland University Senate
FOURTH MEETING
Thursday, December 7, 1978
3:15 p.m.
128, 129, 130 Oakland Center
MINUTES
Senators Present: Arnold, Blatt, Boulos, Burke, Butterworth, Cherno, Coffman, Eberwein, Evans, Grossman, Halsted, Hampton, Hetenyi, Heubel, Hovanesian, Jackson, Jones, Kleckner, Krompart, Matthews, McKay, Merz, Moeller, Obear, O'Dowd, Ozinga, Pop-any, Rogers, Russell, Scherer, Tweitmeier, Weiner, Williamson
Senators Absent: Allvin, Bantel, Barry, Braun, DeMent, Doherty, Edgerton, Felton, Ghausi, Goudsmit, Hildum, Hohauser, Holladay, Howes, Johnson, Kohn, Osthaus, Riley, Schwartz, Seeber, Stanovich, Stransky, Torch, Tower, Wargo
Mr. O'Dowd presided.
Mr. O'Dowd recognized Mr. Coffman who invited Mr. Jack Wilson, Dean for Student Life to present an informal report on Student Organizations in response to Mr. Williamson's query of November 16, 1978 (see Minutes, 11/16/78, page 1).Mr. Wilson explained that the matter referred to by Mr. Williamson has been resolved: The proposed formation of a student organization to be called the Association of White Students (AWS) was questioned because the name was not germane to the Association's announced activities which were of a purely social and recreational nature; the group which had originally requested authority to form the AWS has since withdrawn its request. Mr. Wilson, assisted by Mr. Joseph Euculano, Coordinator for Student Organizations, then explained that the University regarded student organizations as providing a channel for students to express creativity and individual talents while at the same time participating in the creation of campus life. In order to be recognized, a student organization must complete a statement of organization, sign a financial responsibility agreement and an anti-discrimination statement. Currently, some 53 social, educational, cultural, and recreational organizations are registered through Campus Information, Programs and Organizations. Of current interest is the development of increasing numbers of academic organizations in which Oakland students can build on academic learning.
Organizations will also be made aware of the opportunity of affiliation with professional associations where appropriate. Mr. Euculano distributed a detailed, formal statement of the status of Campus Information, Programs and Organizations (CIPO), copies of which are available in his office. Discussion was general, faculty members of the Senate displaying a lively interest in the Vending Machine Fund, an account based on the University's share of the campus vending machine profit (about $14,000 annually) which provides funding for student activities and programs; up to $500 is available to a recognized student activity; under certain conditions, a departmental or disciplinary club might be eligible for this largesse, general knowledge of which might blunt the edge of the academic community's criticism of the aesthetically and nutritionally offensive and mechanically cranky gadgets. Messrs. Euculano and Wilson were thanked for their contribution to the day's proceedings.
Mr. O'Dowd announced that the Married Student Housing project has received joint House and Senate approval.
At 3:45 p.m. the meeting was called to order.
The minutes of the meeting of November 16, 1978, were approved by voice vote upon motion of Mr. Arnold, seconded by Mr. Hetenyi.
Attention was then directed to the agenda.
A. Old Business
None
B. New Business
1. In the absence of Mr. Ghausi, the resolution concerning approval of certain revisions to the Constitution of the School of Engineering was 'moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Hetenyi. The statement highlighting the principle Revisions to the Constitution was noted with little comment. No amendments to the motion were offered.
2. Motion from the University Committee on Undergraduate Instruction concerning writing proficiency legislation dated April 21, 1977, was introduced by Mr. Kleckner, seconded by Mr. Hetenyi. Mr. O'Dowd announced that the present notion has the endorsement of the University Congress. Mr. Ozinga, member of the APC when the April 21, 1977, legislation was originally discussed, wished to emphasize that the APC's intention at the time was indeed to force all undergraduates to meet the Writing Proficiency requirement while still lower division students and to compel delinquent juniors and seniors to comply forthwith. Students should not take what in effect is freshman composition later than the sophomore year. Mr. Ozinga therefore opposed the motion. Mr. Hampton noted that final action on the motion would be taken in January after winter semester registration; does this not complicate the lives of seniors who might be affected? Mr. Kleckner responded that practically there would be little complication for seniors; monitoring the present requirement is admittedly difficult and leniency has already been adopted as a policy. Besides, delinquent seniors would have to satisfy the requirement before graduation anyway.
Mr. Heubel agreed with Mr. Ozinga as to the former APC's intention to compel students to comply with the Writing Proficiency requirement early in their careers, but supported the motion because he felt the problem would thus be gradually eliminated. Ms. Rogers felt that the problem that surfaced in the Pall, 1978 was really occasioned by lack of adequate publicity compounded by a shortage of L.S. sections at the right hours. Ms. Eberwein opined that certain students had indeed been caught in a box and hence supported the resolution. Mr. Kleckner offered the opinion that the Senate might wish to reconsider the present catalog rule. Mr. Ozinga felt the wording of the motion was faulty and suggested the addition of and subsequent after "1978-1979" and before "catalog" with the latter word made plural; Mr. Kleckner accepted this language as an emendation to avoid the formalities of amendment. No amendments were offered.
3. Motion from the University Committee on Undergraduate Instruction concerning extension of double undergraduate degree provisions to "additional degrees" introduced by Mr. Kleckner, seconded by Mr. Heubel. Mr. O'Dowd announced that the present motion has the endorsement of the University Congress. Mr. Moeller noted that the final paragraph of the motion should not be captioned "D." Mr. Kleckner agreed and the offending label for the subsection will be eliminated as a correction. No amendments were offered.
C. Good and Welfare:
Private Resolutions
Mr. O'Dowd called for Private Resolutions. None were offered, but Ms. Rogers initiated a general discussion of the difficulty of monitoring the so called "final examination" rule. Despite efforts to enforce this regulation; there were isolated examples of non-compliance to the disadvantage of certain students. There seemed general agreement the rule was a good one, but that there were abuses. It was also noted that the original legislation was intended to rule out "finals" in the week before the final examination week, not routinely administered "10- minute quizzes" or term papers. The question of examinations administered in a final laboratory session was briefly considered. Mr. Obear noted that if laboratory instructors wished to administer a final examination, it should be scheduled in the regular examination week.
D. Informational Items
1. Discussion was initiated by Mr. Heubel and centered on 1.1 Commission on General Education; what were the reporting channels to be followed by this body? It was agreed that as an ad hoc committee of APPC the Commission would report initially to that body, but that its final Fall, 1980, report would also go to the Senate. The President underscored the importance of the work about to be undertaken by the three committees.
2. The President reported briefly on his plans concerning the Sports and Recreation Committee. Mr. Grossman inquired whether the Committee would monitor compliance with Title IX? Mr. O'Dowd assured him it would; the President also observed that in this particular Oakland was already in compliance, unlike most other public institutions in Michigan.
Upon motion duly offered and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.