Faculty Meeting
October 3, 2008
Gannett Auditorium
MINUTES
President Philip A. Glotzbach called the meeting to order at 3:33 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
President Glotzbach asked if there were any corrections to the September 5, 2008 Faculty
Meeting minutes. Hearing none, he announced that the minutes were approved.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Glotzbach announced that Skidmore had received a $500,000 grant from the
National Science Foundation to support a 3-year joint Skidmore College and Union College
study dealing with recruiting and retaining female professors in the fields of science,
social science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The amount of the award
to Skidmore is $283,889; Union will receive $216,111. President Glotzbach congratulated
the principal investigator, Alice Dean, and the other faculty members working on this
study: Holley Hodgins, Monica Raveret Richter, Caroline D’Abate and Kate Berheide.
President Glotzbach thanked Lary Opitz for agreeing to serve as parliamentarian again.
President Glotzbach addressed the current economic situation and indicated that he
would be sending an email next week to the Community regarding the situation. As everyone
is aware, we have been operating in a very challenging financial environment for virtually
all of 2008. In the past week, the financial markets in the United States and around
the world have experienced tremendous volatility, mostly in the downward direction.
These market conditions affect all of us individually through the performance of our
retirement and savings portfolios. Even more troubling is that the economy may be
heading into a recession if we are not there already. The College is not immune to
these conditions; we are beginning to feel the influence of the market’s volatility
and are likely to see continuing effects over the course of the following months,
and possibly years. We are currently projecting a significant decline in interest
earnings from short-term investments on working capital (primarily cash receipts from
tuition and fees, which earn interest from the time received to the time spent); this
shortfall may be in the neighborhood of $500,000 this year.
President Glotzbach also advised that Skidmore’s endowment value dropped by almost
6 percent as of August, and September’s performance is expected to add to the decline.
This reduction in value will lower income generated by the endowment for the operating
budget. Specifically, the budget for the current fiscal year includes approximately
$15 million in endowment take-out spending. It is likely that the actual funds realized
will be less than this budgeted amount. To give a sense of the magnitude, a 5 percent
reduction in that take-out would yield a shortfall of approximately $750,000.
President Glotzbach indicated that, along with many other colleges, we are anticipating
a slow down in charitable contributions. This year’s budget includes an aggressive
target of $6.63 million from the annual fund; that is, we expect that revenue to be
generated from annual giving for the budget. If we cannot reach this goal, then we
will experience an additional revenue shortfall. President Glotzbach emphasized that
we have not yet seen any significant reduction in giving but we are now just entering
the busy part of the fund year. Over the next few weeks, we will have a better sense
of how things are going, but for now we are monitoring the situation and focusing
our attention on working to meet the current annual fund goal.
As for expenses, President Glotzbach indicated that we are likely to experience several
negative effects and have already seen increases in energy and other base operating
costs. Potentially more significant could be a marked rise in demand for financial
aid among our students. He noted that families are already starting to be affected,
and some schools have already been affected; and we may see additional requests for
financial aid among our current students and prospective students. At this moment,
it is difficult to predict just how much the current economic condition situation
will affect our admissions and enrollment, but we need to take seriously the possibility
that it might do so.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, President Glotzbach stressed that nothing
should be taken as a cause for panic or alarm, but everyone should understand the
situation. It is expected that the markets will regain some degree of normalcy over
the coming weeks, especially now that the House of Representatives has passed the
massive bail-out bill previously approved by the Senate. We do, however, need to plan
to deal with what is likely to be a prolonged and significant economic downturn. These
conversations have already started in the President’s Cabinet meetings, and IPPC will
begin to consider ways to address this situation when they meet next week. The College’s
investment committee has met and will continue to monitor our portfolio; and other
committees of the Board will be involved this month at the Board’s scheduled meeting
at the end of the month.
President Glotzbach emphasized that the administration is working to address the issues
and will continue to do so in consultation with the appropriate campus governing bodies
and the Board. As things progress, we will provide additional information and create
opportunities for dialogue. Specifically, we anticipate scheduling an open campus
meeting. President Glotzbach is confident that, although we are likely to experience
a rough time ahead, we will work through these unsettled times. On a brighter note,
our endowment is well managed and well diversified and has performed better than that
of many of our peers We have good controls on our spending, have access to sufficient
funds to meet our needs, and our admissions picture remains strong, all of which should
help us weather this storm.
The President welcomed questions, and one faculty member asked whether the current
“credit crunch” affecting many other colleges and business is affecting the College’s
cash flow. The President responded by noting that the College is not in the credit
market right now as are most colleges and universities. However, there have been stories
in the news about the Commonfund, which is a combined fund where colleges place short-term
money. This fund experienced some liquidity problems limiting the amount of funds
you could take out.
Mike West, Vice President of Finance and Administration & Treasurer, emphasized this
was, in essence, our savings account. Wachovia had a silent run on the bank and 17
percent of deposits were withdrawn. As Trustee, the bank decided to limit withdrawals
which created challenges but we believe we have enough funds to meet short-term needs.
President Glotzbach noted that we expect to weather this downturn short-term and long-term;
however, we may have some challenges in the middle-term. President Glotzbach also
noted that this type of economy puts more pressure on schools to offer more financial
aid to students. But, we don’t know exactly what the picture will be this year on
the admissions side.
Another faculty member was concerned about the students that are already here that
are invested emotionally in Skidmore, and, if their situation at home changed dramatically,
would there be a financial aid package available to them. In principal, there is funding
but it would depend upon the magnitude of the need.
Another faculty member asked what would happen if a family’s financial situation changed.
President Glotzbach noted that if a family’s financial situation changed, such that
they needed aid, they would go to financial aid and talk about options. Bob Shorb,
Associate Dean and Director of Student Aid and Family Finance, noted that these situations
happen all the time and that his office would certainly entertain a financial aid
application or a new financial aid application. The problem, however, is that we don’t
know what is going to happen in the current economic climate and how many of those
situations will come up this year.
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS REPORT
There was no report from the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
OLD BUSINESS
John Brueggemann, on behalf of the Faculty Executive Committee (FEC), read the following
three (3) motions introduced at last month’s faculty meeting (see attached):
1. The Faculty Executive Committee moves that Part Six, Article VII, Section C, Number
2, a and b and c be revised as follows:
Add new second bullet to all three sections (complainant and respondent and witness
will not have the right to . . .)
use any mechanical device to record the proceedings (in case of disability, the representative
may be delegated to take notes).
The motion was voted on and passed with all in favor.
2. The Faculty Executive Committee moves that Part Six, Article VIII, Section B be
revised as follows:
Omit “processing.”
The motion was voted on and passed with all in favor.
3. The Faculty Executive Committee moves the adoption of the 2008-2009 Faculty Handbook,
including the following amendments:
Part One, Article IX, Section E, number 3, point h shall read as follows:
Teaching evaluations. The Department Chair shall bring to the attention of the CAPT
student and faculty opinion concerning the faculty member as a teacher and shall indicate
the procedures employed in obtaining such information, including class visitation
procedures. Classroom visitations are a mandatory part of the process. (See Part One [Faculty Rights and Responsibilities], Article VII [Rights, Obligations,
and Responsibilities of all Faculty], Section C [Academic Responsibilities], number
7 [Student Evaluations], and Part Two [Governance], Article III [Academic Policies], Section D [Peer Evaluations
of Teaching]).
Part One, Article IX, Section F, number 2: FACULTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will not be
in ALL-CAPS.
The motion was voted on and passed with all in favor.
John Brueggemann announced that FEC has been hoping to move to make the Faculty Handbook
available online primarily. At this point, we have decided not to do that yet – partly
because we determined that there are so many people that need to have a hard copy
and because we have had a complicated sequence in the last couple of years. FEC will
determine how it can move in that direction and be environmentally responsible in
making the handbook available. FEC welcomes any input on this issue.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Tim Harper, on behalf of the Curriculum Committee, introduced the following motion
(see attached):
MOTION: The Curriculum Committee moves to eliminate the Economics-Mathematics interdepartmental
major.
There were no questions or discussion concerning the motion; and the motion will lay
over until the next faculty meeting.
B. Dan Nathan, on behalf of the Committee on Educational Policies and Planning (CEPP)
introduced the following motion (see attached):
MOTION: CEPP moves that the faculty approve the articulation agreement with Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, which would permit eligible Skidmore students to obtain dual Bachelor degrees
in liberal arts and engineering.
There were no questions or discussion concerning the motion; and the motion will lay
over until the next faculty meeting.
C. CEPP Announcements:
1. Dan Nathan introduced CEPP’s members for this year: Kyle Nichols, Erica Bastress-Dukehart,
Rik Scarce, Terry Diggory, Bob Turner, Susan Kress, Rochelle Calhoun, and Claire Solomon.
Dan reminded everyone that CEPP’s minutes are posted on CEPP’s home page and are available
for everyone to read.
2. Dan reported that in Spring, 2007, CEPP formed a subcommittee to review the restructuring
of the Dean of Studies Office, which took place in 2005. CEPP charged the subcommittee
with three broad issues: determining the nature of the restructuring, determining
whether the restructuring was working well, and exploring whether changes were needed
in order to make the restructuring more effective. The subcommittee consisted of Dan
Curley, representing FEC, Tillman Nechtman, representing the Committee on Academic
Standing (CAS), Ann Henderson, and CEPP members, Deb Hall and Kyle Nichols, who chaired
the subcommittee. The subcommittee submitted their report to CEPP on schedule in April,
2008. At the time of the submission of the report, CEPP was preoccupied with another
matter and was not able to give the report its full attention. CEPP has now reviewed
the subcommittee’s report and will post the report on its website. Dan encouraged
the community to read the subcommittee’s report and noted that CEPP would welcome
any feedback.
3. Dan also reported that CEPP, after carefully considering a memo from the Dean of
Studies, has charged a subcommittee to review the College’s academic grievance policy
and recommendations proposed by the Dean of Studies and Committee on Academic Freedom
and Rights. The subcommittee, chaired by Erica Bastress-Dukehart, will report its
findings to CEPP in January.
One faculty member asked that the chair of CEPP send an email when the report about
the restructuring of the Dean of Studies’ office is posted.
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
A. Mary DiSanto Rose, on behalf of the University Without Walls, read the following
resolution (see attached):
RESOLVED, that the Faculty of Skidmore College recommend to the Trustees the granting of the
Bachelor of Arts degree to three students and the Bachelor of Science degree to eight
students.
The motion was voted on and passed with all in favor.
B. Mary Correa, on behalf of the External Master of Arts Committee, read the following
resolution (see attached):
RESOLVED, that the Faculty of Skidmore College recommend to the Trustees the granting of the
Master of Arts degree to two students.
The motion was voted on and passed with all in favor.
REPORTS
A. Rochelle Calhoun, Dean of Student Affairs, introduced Jennifer Burden, Director
of Health Promotion. Last year, Jen co-chaired a health task force and through surveys
looked at the health and wellness of members of the Skidmore community. Jennifer presented
a Powerpoint presentation that outlined the task force’s findings with regard to Skidmore
students’ health and habits as well as (to some extent) those of employees. The report
included statistics on students’ alcohol and drug use, exercise habits, sleeping habits,
social relationships, sexual habits, and eating habits as well as information on Skidmore’s
alcohol prevention programs, eating disorder programs, and mental health programs.
Jen concluded by introducing Kate Rose Bobseine, Prevention Coordinator for Health
Promotions; Kate Child, Health Educator; and Julia Routbort, Director of the Counseling
Center. Jen indicated that she would be happy to talk to any class. For complete details,
Jennifer’s presentation is attached (see attached).
John Brueggemann praised the work of Jen Burden and stressed its importance for all
members of the community. As chair of FEC, he also urged faculty members to consider
serving on the Student Affairs Subcommittee of IPPC.
B. Terence Diggory provided an update on the Center Study Group, a task force formed
to look into the creation of a center that would broadly support faculty development.
The main goal of a Center would be to coordinate current efforts for faculty development
and to fulfill needs that are not being currently addressed. The range of faculty
development needs might include support for teaching, for use of new technologies,
for research, and for our culture of faculty leadership and shared governance. There
are six members of the task force consisting of Terence and Rick Scarce, both representing
CEPP, Mary Ann Foley, representing Faculty Development Committee (FDC), Ruth Copans,
Beau Breslin and Ann Henderson. The charge issued by the VPAA asked for a preliminary
report in February, 2009 with a final report in April, 2009. Terry also announced
that the Center Study Group will conduct four focus groups on October 24, 2008. The
focus groups would consist of a group of first year faculty, a group representing
pre-tenure faculty beyond the first year, a group of tenured faculty who have had
less than 20 years of service and a group of tenured faculty with more than 20 years
of service. The Center Study Group will follow up these focus groups with a general
forum to which everyone will be invited. Terry noted that any suggestions or questions
about this project would be welcome; he concluded by noting that further information
can be obtained about the project at the website that has now been set up and linked
from the VPAA’ s home page.
C. Jacqueline Shydlowski, President of the Student Government Association, introduced
SGA’s executive committee for 2008-2009: Claire Solomon, Vice President for Academic
Affairs; Derek Bagley, Vice President for Clubs and Organizations; Katarra Peterson,
Vice President for Diversity Affairs; Jason Sherwin, Vice President for Financial
Affairs; Rob Hill, Vice President for Residential Affairs; and Alyssa Chrobuck, Vice
President for Communications.
OTHER
There was no other business to report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Pushi Prasad, on behalf of the Skidmore Research Colloquium, announced a grant
writing workshop being held on October 10, 2008 coordinated with the Dean of the Faculty’s
Office and New Faculty Seminar. The focus will be on grant writing for sabbatical
leaves and there will be a component on institutional grant writing as well.
B. President Glotzbach reminded the faculty that the 5th annual Saratoga Reads ballots
are on the table outside.
C. Ian Berry, Malloy Curator of the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery,
announced the opening celebration this weekend for Amy Sillman and Dario Robleto and
invited the community to the reception at the Tang immediately following the faculty
meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra L. Peterson
Executive Administrative Assistant
Executive Administrative Assistant