Faculty Council Minutes for April 28, 1998

The meeting was called to order at 3:50 by President John Kolena. Forty-one faculty were present along with guests Steve Warshaw, Joan Barber, Betsy Gardner, Jeff Bray, Sally Adkin, and John Friedrick.

Announcements:

A Nominating Committee consisting of Dot Doyle, Tom Clayton, Myra Halpin and Eileen Witt has been formed. They are seeking nominations for Faculty Council Officers and Board Liaisons.

Marilyn Link announced that the Science Research Symposium will be Friday, May 1. Students are required to attend one of the presentation sessions and one of the poster sessions. Students will need to be flexible as classroom space is very limited.

Steve Warshaw announced that in cases when a faculty member's contract in not renewed, if the individual asks for reasons, reasons will be given.

Joan Barber announced that there would be an Athletic Banquet on May 15th at 6:00 PM. Leroy Walker will be the speaker. Faculty are invited but will have to pay for their own meal. This is not intended to be annual event, but as a way to compensate for not participating in conference play this past year.

Alumni Career Day will be held on Wednesday, April 29th. More than thirty alumni will be on campus sharing information concerning their education and careers.

Alumni Survey results are available at http://courses.ncssm.edu/kolena/alums.htm

Agenda Items

Trip to Williamsburg - Alt Day, Sept. 1998: Ginger Wilson presented a proposal on behalf of the Humanities Department to take the entire junior class to Williamsburg on the first Alt Day in September. They see this proposed trip as a bonding activity for juniors, who will have completed a study of the US colonial period just prior to the first Alt Day. They also see this as an ideal use of an Alt Day. Plans would call for buses to leave NCSSM at 6:00 AM and return by 8 or 9:00 PM, giving student about five hours in Williamsburg. The cost per student would be about $27 and the school would try to find funds to help those students who could not afford this. The trip would not be required, but would be highly encouraged by the history teachers.

It was pointed out that the first Alt Day is one that is probably used more others. The Mathematics Department has used this day to bring juniors up to speed on data analysis and calculator/computer use. A weekend date for the trip was suggested, however, Williamsburg would be far more crowed on the weekend, and our students would have to contend with larger crowds. The Humanities Department would be willing to give up some time after the fact to compensate for taking students away from school for the entire day. Other departments use all of much of other Alt Days, so using a day for this trips seems reasonable.

SGA proposal for a moratorium on assignments: The SGA came to the council asking for a moratorium on tests and other assignments over extended weekends and breaks. They argue that the time spent at home with family and friends is too often spent doing school work. The types of assignments the students would like to see eliminated over extended breaks are graded assignments, labs, and major reading assignments made near the end of the week. Assignments made well in advance and those on the printed syllabus are not included in the ban. It is not clear how widespread the problem is. The students were asked if students have tried to approach individual teachers who make such assignments. The students felt that this was awkward. It was pointed out that that there has been an informal agreement that we do not give any assignments over extended breaks. Some of the newer faculty were not aware of this understanding. Dot Doyle made a motion that we accept the SGA proposal and implement it as policy. The motion was second and carried 36 for, none opposed.

Evaluation Committee Recommendations Gail Hudson, chair of the Evaluation Committee, reported that the committee had discussed the evaluation process at length and had several meetings with Dr. Warshaw and Sandy Rothschild. The committee has a list of questions and recommendations to present to the Council. (See the attached page from the Evaluation Committee.) Their discussions have centered around several questions, including whether the current process has any value. They committee has concluded that the process is important, and thus are making recommendations to streamline the process, to make it a more positive experience, one that is supportive and promotes professional growth. The recommendations fall into three categories: (1) New Faculty; (2) Part-time or Visiting Faculty; and (3) Faculty who elect not to be evaluated. After some discussion it was suggested that the recommendations be turned over to a committee, perhaps the Faculty Welfare Committee, for consideration. It was suggested that a paper ballot be constructed, giving more detail, by section, including a timeline for implementation. There should be a place on the ballot for comments.

The Minutes from the meetings of March 10th and 24th and April 7th were approved as submitted.

Fairness and Diversity Commission: John Kolena re-opened the discussion on the Fairness and Diversity Commission report. The issues that faculty have suggested for some action on our part fall into two categories: (1) issues that we have primary/sloe control over; and (2) issues shared with other groups. A poll was taken to see which issues need our early attention. The poll was not to imply that the issues with fewer votes should not be addressed. The following is the result of the poll:

Category I:

1. exit interviews (27)

2. faculty orientation (19)

3. diversity training mandated (12)

4. professional development, more than just goals (31)

5. attract females & minorities to upper level courses (21)

6. declare a truce (13)

7. State that we agree with findings. (13)

Category II:

1. happy with contract non-issue, no vote

2. faculty representative on Cabinet (24)

3. increase student input to faculty (4)

4. attracting minority faculty (29)

5. "old" vs. "new" faculty (30)

6. recruitment (admissions) (29)

7. freedom to speak our mind (21)

8. workload, no vote - being done

9. Director's vision no vote

The meeting adjourned at 5:05 PM

Respectfully submitted

John Goebel, Secretary