Oakland University Senate

12 April 2007
Minutes

Members present: Andersen, Berven (K), Deng, Dillon, Downing, Eberwein, Eis, Fink, Frick, Giblin, Goldberg, Goslin, Grossman, Hamilton, Haskell, Hightower, Khattree, Latcha, Lee, LeMarbe, Lepkowski, Machmut-Jhashi, Magnan, Miller, Mittelstaedt, Moudgil, Murphy, Russell, Sevilla, Silberman, Sudol, Thompson, Townsend, Voelck, Wendell, Williams, Wood, Zhu

Members absent: Berven (D), Cardiff, Clark, Eberly, Graves, Ingram, Klemanski, MacDonald, Mili, O'Mahony, Otto, Polis, Reger, Schweitzer, Shablin, Stamps, Stein, Tracey, Twardy

Summary of Actions:

Calling the meeting to order at 3:10, Mr. Moudgil began by honoring Distinguished Professor Jane Eberwein, retiring this year, for her tireless service to the Oakland University senate. Ms. Eberwein was a member of the University Senate for a total of 28 years, which included twelve years as a member of the Steering Committee, and twelve years as Senate Secretary. To great applause, Mr. Moudgil presented Ms. Eberwein with a bouquet of flowers and invited senators to a reception immediately following the meeting.

The first informational item was addressed by Mr. Downing, who reported on Graduate Council approvals to add a Teacher Leadership Track in the Master of Education program, a collaborative program offering between the Departments of Educational Leadership and Teacher Development and Educational Studies, and to modify the existing graduate programs: noting concentrations on student transcripts in the MPA program; requiring a focus in Conducting, Music Education, Pedagogy, or Performance in the Master of Music program; and lastly, suspension of the MSN in Adult/Acute Clinical Nurse Specialist program.

Mr. Moudgil then updated the Senate on the plant renewal projects taking place on campus. He informed the group that the underground pipe work would continue until at least the end of May, and that sidewalks and other repairs would be ongoing through August. The next informational items involved updates on Cooley Law School, the Medical School, and the Performing Arts Center. Mr. Moudgil first outlined the relationship with Cooley, noting that Cooley has helped OU by adding state-of-the-art technology in several classrooms that will be remain after their departure. Because Cooley's immediate need for additional space has exceeded what Oakland can accommodate, they will be vacating the space currently occupied in O'Dowd Hall at the conclusion of their contract in December 2007. Our joint programs will continue and the relationship remains cordial.

Mr. Moudgil then spoke briefly about progress toward a Performing Arts Center. Funding for a future facility would be generated from private donors and corporations, independent from Lansing. The Provost indicated that he plans to consult with Acting Dean Sudol and Ms. Wiggins, Chair of MTD, in the near future.

Lastly, Mr. Moudgil turned to the new medical school. He offered a brief chronology of OU's efforts during the past three years to develop an osteopathic school in collaboration with MSU. He recounted several on-campus visits made by MSU officials, but after three years, no serious overtures were made. The road to building an allopathic medical facility will be longer, but, as most will agree, it is more desirable. Mr. Moudgil noted that committees will be formed in the coming weeks to begin the intensive work necessary to move the project forward.

Mr. Slavin stated that the medical school venture is perhaps the best news for OU in the last 15 years. He noted that having an allopathic medical school will be greatly advantageous for the sciences and biomedical research. He suggested that joint Ph.D. and M.D. programs in Chemistry and Physics be developed, and noted the improved chances for NIH grants that will result. He added that Beaumont Hospital is among the top research hospitals in the country, and that its stature will add credibility to the Schools of Health Sciences and Nursing.

Mr. Giblin remarked that the medical school will be important to the future of the Eye Research Institute in several ways. Noting the ERI's twenty-year association with Beaumont's Department of Ophthalmology, Mr. Giblin expressed his belief that the medical school will strengthen this relationship, offering opportunities for joint research ventures and greater opportunities for NIH funding for "translational research" (research leading to therapy). Moreover, a medical school will offer additional funding sources beyond NIH. For example, Research to Prevent Blindness grants are available only to medical schools. He also observed that the medical school will attract high caliber faculty and postdoctoral fellows, as well as potential donors to the university. In closing, he added that the medical school should increase OU's national visibility and profile.

Mr. Severson added his support for the medical school on behalf of the Department of Chemistry. He mentioned the benefits for biomedical research and the raised visibility and stature of the university. In addition, he commented on future fund-raising possibilities.

Ms. Adams, Dean of the School of Nursing, noted the positive direction for nursing research at Oakland. Mentioning an upcoming conference on technology and health care at OU in October with a keynote address by the Vice-Chancellor of Medicine at Emory University, Ms. Adams observed that interdisciplinary health care tracks are intended to improve future overall care in the United States. Mr. Hightower also spoke about the impact of the medical school on teaching, and the benefits of having a larger pool of experts in their respective fields available within the campus community.

Mr. Russell turned the discussion to the role of the Senate in the development of the medical school. He noted that the Senate Constitution calls for a consultative role for the Senate to play in issues of importance to the university. He then outlined a brief history of Senate engagement in the establishment of various schools at Oakland, including CAS, Engineering, and Health Sciences, beginning with a significant reorganization in administrative structure in 1965.
Mr. Russell pointed out that in each case the pattern was similar: after an initial presidential edict to have a school, a group of faculty then assembled to create a constitution and other appropriate documents that were reviewed by Senate committees and approved. At this juncture, according to Mr. Russell, the work of the Senate becomes crucial to the future of the medical school.

Mr. Moudgil expressed appreciation for Mr. Russell's remarks, and added that the OU-Beaumont press conference announced the intention to have a medical school, and not that the medical school already exists. Specific academic issues have not yet been discussed, and all these are now open to the university to work through. A great deal of funding is needed, to be sure, and private donations are vital in this economic climate. Mr. Moudgil assured the Senators that all important matters would be brought to the Senate for discussion and review.

The secretary proceeded with the roll call, after which the minutes from the March meeting were approved upon a motion from Mr. Frick, duly seconded by Mr. Downing.

Old Business

Mr.  Lepkowski read the motion to approve a new major in Applied Health Sciences, and without any further discussion, the Senate voted unanimously to approve the new program.

Next, Ms. Andersen moved to approve the new B.F.A. degrees in Dance, Acting, and Musical Theater, Theater Design and Technology, whereupon the Senate approved unanimously.

Moved by Mr. Russell, the remaining item involved the Senate's endorsement of the recommendations made by the Task Force on Classroom Use and Scheduling. Mr. Grossmann sought clarification of the wording of the motion. Mr. Stewart also brought up the issue of the software purchase that was also recommended by the Task Force. Mr. Russell indicated that the software purchase was intended as part of the endorsement. The Senate voted to approve.

New Business

MOVED that the Senate recommend to the President and Board of Trustees approval of a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Biology.  

Moved by Ms. Williams, and duly seconded by Mr. Frick, the degree program was then discussed by Mr. Dvir. He outlined the structure of the new program, noting the exciting opportunities for interdisciplinary work in bioengineering that involves physics, chemistry, and math. He thanked the various governance committees and departments for their feedback and recommendations. Mr. Dvir characterized the program as providing a core foundation in engineering and biological sciences, and then in student's senior year, dividing into four or five concentrations. Those tracks were chosen in consultation with potential employers. Mr. Dvir pointed out that the expertise for the courses already exists, and that the administrative and advising components have been put into place. Ms. Sullivan inquired whether the program is intended to have 28 credits at the 300-level (whereas the university requirement is 32). Mr. Hanna replied that Ms. Gilroy has reviewed the possible tracks and that that issue has been resolved. Ms. Voelck observed that library funding for resources is delayed until the second year of the program and that interlibrary loan is suggested in the proposal as the primary research resource in the first year. She indicated that this is big cost for the library, and that she would like to see the proposal be revised to indicate library support from the first year onward. Mr. Dvir acknowledged the library's concerns, but pointed out that the first year is comprised of general courses. He stated that he would review the proposal and see what could be done.

Mr. Khattree commented on the lack of data analysis in the course offerings. Mr. Dvir responded that there is a basic foundation for students, and that students may choose to take more courses in math or biology, for example. Mr. Lepkowski added that UCUI specifically recommended that the library collections issue be addressed. Mr. Dvir replied that he would make sure that this was appended to the proposal, and then expressed his desire that this program be ready to be implemented in the fall.

The second motion was read by Ms. Mittelstaedt and seconded by Mr. Downing.

MOVED that the Senate recommend to the President and Board of Trustees approval of a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Informatics. 

Mr. Singh provided a summary of the intended program, noting that OU has the structure in place to offer a doctoral program. He touched on several issues raised by the Planning Committee, most notably that this program would be unique in the state of Michigan in its theory component and in the multidisciplinary nature of informatics. A survey conducted among students reflected a strong preference for the label of Computer Science and Informatics over Systems Engineering. He also commented on the library budget, with $25, 000 earmarked in the first year, primarily to insure that journal subscriptions can be funded.

Mr. Grossman wondered whether there is substantive difference from this program to that of Systems Engineering. Mr. Singh pointed out that there are differences in course requirements and qualifying examinations, along with a required teaching experience component. Moreover, there will be a publication requirement, which also involves a conference presentation.

Ms. Voelck expressed her appreciation for the library funding element of the proposal and noted that the 10% fee increase in journal subscriptions is typical. She also stated that the $27,000 annual cost for one journal is common and not an exceptional amount for an academic journal. Mr. Russell inquired about an assessment plan. Mr. Bhatt indicated that the assessment plan is in place, but may have not been distributed to all concerned parties.

Mr. Moudgil raised the issue of convening an additional Senate meeting in May for a second reading of the two new programs. Mr. Wendell moved that the Senate meet in May for a meeting that would be limited to consideration of these programs. Seconded by Mr. Russell, the Senate approved. Mr. Grossman clarified that according to Senate Constitution, the quorum rule is suspended for additional meetings beyond the fall/winter semesters.

Mr. Lepkowski moved the third item of new business, seconded by Ms. Andersen.

MOVED that the Senate approve discontinuance of the Senate Human Relations Committee.

Mr. Moudgil commented that the work of the Human Relations Committee has decreased considerably over the past several years. Reading from an annual report from Dr. Brian Murphy, a former chair of the Human Relations Committee, Mr. Moudgil noted that the committee has had few substantive tasks to undertake for many years, and that some of those tasks have been subsumed by other campus venues, such as the Center for Multicultural Initiatives, Office of Student Affairs, and Office of Diversity. Mr. Russell moved to waive the second reading of motion; Mr. Frick provided the second. The Senate approved, with no votes from Stephanie Lee and Jean Ann Miller. The second reading of the motion was approved.

Lastly, Ms. Andersen moved to staff the Senate Standing committee with the persons listed below. With Mr. Lepkowski's second, the appointments were approved.

Academic Computing Committee
Subra Genesan (SECS) - 2007-2009 Chair
Anne Becker (CAS) - 2007-2009
Laila Guessous (SECS) - 2007-2009
Gary Moore (SON) - 2007-2009
Robert Slater (Library) -  2007-2009

Ram Orzach (SBA)- 2006-2008
Yang Xia (CAS) - 2006-2008
Vijay Sugumaran (SBA) - 2006-2008
Howard Schwartz (SBA) - 2006-2008

Academic Conduct Committee
Kasia Kietlinska (CAS) - 2007-2009
Charlie McGlothlin (SHS) - 2007-2009
Estela Moreno-Mazzoli (CAS) - 2007-2009
Barbara Penprase (SON) - 2007-2009
Dan Ring (Library) - 2007-2009
Rachel Smydra (CAS) - 2007-2009
ONE VACANCY

Floyd Willoughby (SBA) - 2006-2008 Chair
Claude Baillargeon (CAS) - 2006-2008
Nancy Brown (SEHS) - 2007-2008
Sumit Dinda (SHS) - 2007-2008
Beth Kraemer (Library) - 2006-2008
Mariah Malec (CAS) - 2006-2008
Cynthia Miree-Coppin (SBA) - 2006-2008
Linda Pavonetti (SEHS) - 2006-2008

Academic Standing and Honors Committee
Eddie Cheng (CAS) - 2007-2009 Chair
Laszlo Liptak (CAS) - 2007-2009

Mohammad Bazaz (SBA) - 2006-2008
Suha Kridli (SON) - 2006-2008
Dan Ring (Library) - 2006-2008

Assessment Committee
Eileen Johnson (SEHS) - 2007-2010
ONE VACANCY - CAS

Frank Lepkowski (Library) - 2006-2009 Chair
Carrie Motyka (SON) - 2005-2008
Floyd Willoughby (SBA) - 2005-2008
Charles Marks (SHS) - 2005-2008
Madelyn Kissock (CAS) - 2006-2009
Keyu Li (SECS) - 2006-2009
Fran Meuser (CAS) - Winter 2007-2008
Robert Van Till (SECS) - 2006-2009 (at-large)
Shannon McNair (SEHS) - 2006-2009 (at-large)

Athletics Committee
Ken Mitton (ERI)  - 2007-2010

Robby Stewart (CAS) Chair
Caroline Jumel (CAS) - 2006-2009
David Kidger (CAS) - 2006-2008
Karl Majeske (SBA) - 2006-2009

Budget Review Committee
Shravan Chintala (ERI) - 2007-2010
ONE VACANCY

Balaji Ragagopalan (SBA) - 2005-2008 Chair
Zissimos Mourelatos (SECS) - 2005-2008
John Krauss (SHS) - 2006-2009

Campus Development and Environment Committee
William Cramer (Library) - 2007-2009
Mark Isken (SBA) - 2007-2009
Wanda Reygaert (SHS) - 2007-2009

Barbara Oakley (SECS) - 2006-2008 Chair
Mark Rigstad (CAS) - 2006-2008

General Education Committee
Cathie Breidenbach (CAS) - 2007-2009
Shawn Lombardo (Library) - 2007-2009
Kathy Pfeiffer (CAS) - 2007-2009
Marilyn Mouradjian (SON) - 2007-2009

Andrea Eis (CAS) - 2006-2008 Chair Fall 2007
Debatosh Debnath (SECS) - 2006-2008 Chair Winter 2008
Bill Connellan (CAS) - 2006-2008
Anandi Sahu (SBA) - 2006-2008
Anne Mitchell (SON) - 2006-2008

Honorary Degree Committee
Anahid Kulwicki (SON) - 2007-2010
Greg Giberson (CAS) - 2007-2010
Mike Polis (SECS) - 2007-2010

Miron Stano (SBA) - 2005-2008
Satish Walia (CAS) - 2005-2008
Shravan Chintala (ERI) - 2006-2009

Library Committee
Shannon Flumerfelt (SEHS) - 2007-2009
Rebecca Gaydos (CAS) - 2007-2009
Alice Horning (CAS) - 2007-2009
Tricia Juettemeyer (Library) - 2007-2009
Karen Markel (SBA) - 2007-2009
Robert Slater (Library) - 2007-2009

Cathy Larson (SHS) - 2006-2008 Chair
Meghan Harris (SON) - 2006-2008
Ann Pogany (Library) - 2006-2008
Jeanie Robertson (CAS) - 2006-2008
Kris Condic (Library) - 2006-2008
Barbara Harrison (SON) - 2006-2008
Ji-Eun Lee (SEHS) - 2006-2008

Planning Review Committee
Gautam Singh (SECS) - 2007-20010
Mukesh Bhargava (SBA) - 2007-2010

Mary Stein (SEHS) - 2006-2009 Chair Fall 2007
Frances Jackson (SON) - 2005-2008
Richard Rozek (SHS) - 2006-2008
Ingrid Rieger (CAS) - 2007-2009

Research Committee
Lynne Williams (SHS) - 2007-2009
Vince Khapoya (CAS) - 2007-2009
Paul Kubicek (CAS) - 2007-2009
Anne Mitchell (SON) - 2007-2009
Janell Townsend (SBA) - 2007-2009

Rasul Chaudhry (CAS) - 2006-2008 Chair
Sayed Nassar (SECS) - 2006-2008
Kasaundra Tomlin (SBA) - 2006-2008

Student Academic Support Committee
Joel Russell (CAS) - 2007-2010
Buck Dillon (SBA) - 2007-2010

Fran Meuser (CAS) - 2005-2008 Chair
Joseph Shively (CAS) - 2005-2008
Anne Switzer (Library) - 2006-2009
Peg Roytek (SEHS) - 2006-2009

Teaching and Learning Committee
Mike MacDonald (SEHS) - 2007-2009
Austin Murphy (SBA) - 2007-2009
Pavlo Bosyy (CAS) - 2007-2009

Henry Aigbedo (SBA) - 2006-2008
Melodie Kondratek (SHS) - 2006-2008
Anne Mitchell (SON) - 2006-2008

University Committee on Undergraduate Instruction
Kieran Mathieson (SBA) - 2007-2010
Darlene Schott-Baer (SON) - 2007-2010

Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education: Susan Awbrey, Chair
Michael Smith (CAS) - 2005-2008
Darrin Hanna (SECS) - 2006-2009
Millie Merz (Library) - 2006-2009
Timothy Larrabee (SEHS) - 2006-2009
Charlie McGlothlin (SHS) - 2006-2009

Senate Discussion, the last item on the agenda, focused on the subject of research at Oakland University. Mr. Wendell distributed a handout highlighting the steady decline in external research funding. He encouraged the Senate to consider the importance of this issue, which Mr. Moudgil strongly supported. Mr. Moudgil expanded on aspects of the current research situation at OU, including the issue of bridge funding, but would like to carry this discussion forward to the next year because of its significance to the institution. Mr. Goldberg supported Mr. Moudgil's ideas about bridge funding and believes that formalized funding mechanisms should be established.

Without items for good and welfare, a motion to adjourn was met with general approval at 5:05.

Respectfully submitted,
Tamara Machmut-Jhashi
Secretary to the University Senate

posted 9/12/07