Faculty Meeting 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, or comments regarding, the minutes of the Faculty Meeting held November 7, 2014.  Hearing none, he announced the minutes were approved.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

President Glotzbach thanked Beau Breslin, Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs, for chairing the November Faculty Meeting in his absence.  He, thereafter, introduced Professor Shirley Smith, Chair of the Faculty Development Committee.  Professor Smith thanked those faculty members who submitted nominations for the 2014-15 Distinguished Faculty Service Award and those candidates who stood for nomination.  With great pleasure, Professor Smith announced that this year's Distinguished Faculty Service Award has been awarded to Professor Jeff Segrave of the Department of Health and Exercise Sciences.  A congratulatory round of applause was given to Professor Segrave.

President Glotzbach thanked Professor Smith and offered his congratulations to Professor Segrave for this well-deserved award.   He then announced that Skidmore has been invited to join Project Pericles, a national non-profit educational organization "that encourages and facilitates commitments by colleges and universities to include education for social responsibility and participatory citizenship as essential elements of their educational programs, in the classroom, on the campus, and in the community."  Project Pericles involves approximately 30 colleges and universities; other member institutions include Bates, Berea, Carleton, Goucher, Hampshire, Macalester, Morehouse, The New School, Occidental, Pitzer, RPI, St. Mary's College of Maryland, Spelman, Swarthmore, and The College of Wooster.

President Glotzbach noted that his comments about Project Pericles lead directly to issues that today are receiving increasing—and long overdue—attention in our national media: the deaths of Michael Brown, in Ferguson Missouri, Tamir Rice, in Cleveland, Ohio, Eric Garner in New York, and so many other young black men (and, in the case of Eric Garner, a not-so-young black man) at the hands of police and others (as in the case of Trayvon Martin in Florida).  President Glotzbach acknowledged that this is not just a crucial, national social and political issue.  It is also a very personal one for persons of color who are members of our own Skidmore community–students, faculty members, members of our non-exempt and exempt employee populations–and who see themselves or their family members as potential targets of violence in the heartbreaking images we have seen on televised news.  He acknowledged and honored the very personal pain experienced by many of us over these tragic deaths that continue to occur; he also acknowledged and honored the commitment of those who have participated in various recent demonstrations, whose overall point is that black lives decidedly DO matter and that, as a nation, we–and especially the white population–can no longer turn a blind eye to what is happening on our streets.  Along with Dr. Martin Luther King, we must say that "we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.  We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.  And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice."

President Glotzbach reminded everyone that earlier in the Fall, we heard Michelle Alexander, the author of an important book, The New Jim Crow, speak both eloquently and passionately about this national tragedy.  She pointed out that today black men are dying at the hands of law enforcement officials at about the rate that black men were lynched in the 20s and 30s in our country.  She also spoke about the significant society-wide differential between numbers of whites and persons of color who are incarcerated in our nation– a discrepancy that only increases if we set these numbers against the percentages of our overall population these groups represent.

President Glotzbach indicated that, while he does not claim to know all the facts in the cases just mentioned above, as a nation we must face up to the reality that substantial numbers of persons who make up communities of color do not perceive the U. S. criminal justice system – an arm of society that is supposed to protect all of us – as working for them.  Perhaps a more accurate way to say this is that increasing numbers of citizens from all backgrounds see, in effect, two criminal justice systems that operate in two very different ways: one for white citizens, another for citizens of color.  Even if one does not believe that this perception accurately or fully reflects the complex underlying reality, the very existence of such a perception (that there is still one form of justice for whites and another for blacks or other citizens of color) is destructive of the civic unity that is essential to any democracy.

As a liberal arts college, President Glotzbach said, we are deeply invested in interrogating these issues in a number of important ways.  Even though, as a College, we are somewhat removed from the broader world, that world is after all the primary object of our inquiry.  Furthermore, we are preparing our graduates not just to succeed in their personal lives but to function as social leaders and agents of change – people who are committed to giving back to the larger society in proportion to the enormous advantages their Skidmore education has conferred upon them.  Our current Strategic Plan speaks of "Engaged Liberal Learning," "Intercultural and Global Understanding," and "Informed, Responsible Citizenship."   In pursuing our primary educational mission, we want our students to engage with their studies not just in an intellectual sense but also in a personal and an ethical way – to see the world as an arena for action in which they ultimately must be actively involved as well.  As citizens of an increasingly multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society and world, they must understand the dynamics that have structured – and continue to structure – interactions among populations, especially when those dynamics reflect differentials of political, economic, or social power. And as informed, responsible citizens of a democracy, they will share responsibility for the shape of our society – especially in its political life.

President Glotzbach stated that none of the issues referenced here is simple, and our nation has struggled with them since before its founding.  We can and must do our part as educators in helping our students understand all sides and perspectives on these issues and begin assuming responsibility – along with the rest of us – for bringing about a much different resolution of these issues than we have seen up to now.  Issues of bias, injustice, and inequitable treatment under the law threaten not just those who are most directly affected but, in fact, all of us.  In other words, all of us have skin in this game.  On November 26, Michele Alexander published an op-ed piece in the New York Times describing her conversation with her ten-year-old son about Ferguson, related events, and the demonstrations that have ensued.  Towards the end of this piece, she said to him,

"I've met some of these activists ....  They believe, like you do, that we should be able to live in a world where we trust the police and where all people and all children, no matter what their color or where they came from, are treated with dignity, care, compassion and concern.  These courageous young people know the tools of war, violence and revenge will never build a nation of justice.  They told me they're willing to risk their lives, if necessary, so that kids like you can live in a better world."

In that spirit of wanting all of us, together, to live in a better world – and on the day when we call our own community and come together under the Skidmore Cares banner to demonstrate our concern for the broader Saratoga community, President Glotzbach asked everyone to observe a moment of silence to acknowledge and share the pain that too many people in our country are feeling today, at a time of year that should be devoted to joy and celebration.  That pain comes as a result of the racial and other factors that continue to divide our nation.  In concluding, President Glotzbach asked that we reflect on the fact that, now more than ever, we are all in this together: in the project of creating a nation that truly offers liberty and justice for all.

DEAN OF THE FACULTY AND VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS' REPORT

Beau Breslin, Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs, echoed the sentiments expressed by President Glotzbach with regard to this national crisis.  DOF/VPAA Breslin acknowledged that the issue of race relations is a national as well as a local issue; it is both distant and personal.  The trick, especially for those of us like him who are very privileged, is to close that divide between the distant and the personal. The more that we see this problem as our community's problem, the more likely we will transcend it.  Individuals in our community, Skidmore's community specifically, are feeling vulnerable.  Indeed, matters of social justice inherently involve vulnerability. There is the vulnerability as President Glotzbach pointed out of those who have been victimized and oppressed by an unjust system.  There is the vulnerability of those who worry about raising their children in this particular environment, in this particular moment.  There is also the vulnerability felt by those who speak out in matters of social justice.  We are a community that more frequently than we like judges others, and those who do take risks to speak out about social justice matters are concerned about repercussions.  DOF/VPAA Breslin stated that he is proud of our colleagues who have the courage to say something, and he asked that everyone be as proud as well.  He also asked everyone to make a pledge to increase support for our colleagues who, in fact, feel vulnerable but who desperately want to engage in peaceful means of protest and conversation.  The history of liberal education actually is based on the principle of free thought.  As we think about those who are being vulnerable in this moment and asking questions about both our local community and the national community, DOF/VPAA Breslin asked everyone to celebrate them and come together in common purpose to help those, all of us, but ultimately, to hold up those who are choosing to walk and choosing to engage in protests.  It is a celebratory moment for us and we all should to celebrate it.

Thereupon, DOF/VPAA Breslin introduced Mariel Martin, Director of the Office of Student Diversity Programs and the Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Student Affairs.  Ms. Martin thanked DOF/VPAA Breslin for the opportunity to address the faculty and shared the impact these events are having on students.   The students have been surprised and very appreciative of faculty and staff action and support related to these recent national incidents and also on campus.  They see the faculty standing with them in solidarity at the events and in the classrooms, and that really means a lot to them.  They appreciate when faculty make space in their classrooms to talk about these issues and address them; it doesn't happen very often so when it does it means a lot.  There are not many places on campus where they can engage in those conversations so they appreciate when that happens.  The students also asked that faculty offer some flexibility when students request to be excused to participate in some movements and actions, and also the knowledge that many have been supportive in that regard.

Ms. Martin also acknowledged those faculty, staff, and students who organized the recent events on campus.  On November 21, in response to some on-campus and off-campus incidents related to campus climate, the Bias Response Group, CIGU, Advisory Council, Black Faculty Staff Group, and many other groups on campus held a solidarity breakfast.  On December 1, Silvena Chan, Program Coordinator in the Office of Student Diversity Programs, and Jenni Mueller, Assistant Professor of Sociology, worked with others to organize the hand-held walkout, which many faculty members participated. On December 4, a group of students, Gerolly Lorenzo, Rashawnda Williams, Tashawn Reagon, and Glenibel Cruz, organized the This Stops Today Die-in, as part of the national movement surrounding police brutality.

Ms. Martin also announced an upcoming event on December 9 from 2-7 in the Intercultural Center called We Can't Breathe, which is a drop in session for students, faculty, and the staff -- anybody who needs to process the ongoing national crisis regarding police brutality.  This is an open space for folks to be angry, to vent, and to share emotions and experiences for individuals impacted by systemic oppression and racism.  Community members are encouraged to join in solidarity and to take care of one another and create a community of understanding and love at a time of anger and sadness.

Ms. Martin concluded by acknowledging that many faculty members are engaging in these conversations and these issues can express themselves within the classroom.  In that regard, she indicated there are many resources available when students are experiencing distress: the counseling center, which is available all the time; the Office of Student Diversity Programs, the Bias Response Group, InterGroup Relations, the Black Faculty Staff Group, and the Committee of Intercultural and Global Understanding.  She asked that if anyone wishes to be explicitly named as a resource for students to approach if they want a space to have these conversations to please let her know.

Thereafter, DOF/VPAA Breslin opened the floor for any comments.  Associate Professor Adrienne Zuerner, Foreign Languages and Literatures, thanked both President Glotzbach and VPAA/DOF Breslin for their comments.  She reminded everyone that these issues don't just affect our students of color; our white students are very aware and affected as well.

After congratulating Professor Segrave on his well-deserved award, DOF/VPAA Breslin thanked the faculty for a tremendous job in the classroom this semester and thanked everyone for all their hard work.  He provided a quick update on the Middle States process, offering special thanks to Professor Sarah Goodwin and the Middle States Steering Committee and the various working groups.  In closing, he introduced Dr. Leya Moore, staff clinician in the Counseling Center; Elizabeth Karp, Head Registrar and Collections Manager for the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery; and Levi Rogers, Sustainability Coordinator.

CONFERRAL OF DEGREES AND HONORS

A. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degrees. Dave DeConno, Registrar, read the following resolutions into the record (see attached):

RESOLVED, that the Faculty of Skidmore College recommend to the Trustees the granting of the Bachelor of Arts degree to 23 students of the Class of 2015 upon satisfactory completion of the degree requirements by January 31, 2015.    RESOLVED, that the Faculty of Skidmore College recommend to the Trustees the granting of the Bachelor of Science degree to 8 students of the Class of 2015 upon satisfactory completion of the degree requirements by January 31, 2015.

There was no discussion, and the motions were voted on and passed with all in favor.

B. All-College and Departmental Honors.  Dave DeConno, Registrar, read the following resolutions into the record (see attached):

RESOLVED, that the Faculty of Skidmore College approve College Honors for the following 9 members of the Class of 2015, as presented at the December 5, 2014, Faculty Meeting: 4 students for cum laude distinction, 4 students for magna cum laude distinction, and 1 student for summa cum laude distinction.

RESOLVED, that the Faculty of Skidmore College approve Departmental and Program Honors for 5 students from the Class of 2015, as presented at the December 5, 2014 Faculty Meeting.

There was no discussion, and the motions were voted on and passed with all in favor.

OLD BUSINESS

On behalf of the Faculty Executive Committee (FEC), Professor Mehmet Odekon read the following Motion (see attached) that was introduced at the last Faculty Meeting held November 7, 2014:

MOTION: The Faculty Executive Committee proposes that the attached "F. FACULTY GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE" [Attachment I] replace the existing Part Two, Section II, F in the Faculty Handbook and that subsections F, 16 and F, 17 be relabeled as G and H, respectively.

If approved, "1. The Service Cycle" will go into effect beginning September 2016.

Also, if approved, "The Service Cycle" shall be re‐evaluated in seven years, i.e. in 2023-24.

Professor Odekon elaborated on the proposed new governance structure and service cycle.  He shared a PowerPoint presentation addressing faculty concerns regarding the service cycle, which FEC believes would make the faculty governance system more efficient, more equitable, and more effective.    Several faculty member spoke in support of the Motion, as it represents a model for equity and transparency.  However, some faculty members voiced concern about the Motion, specifically with regard to exceptions to service and having faculty members serving in positions that suit their skills, ensuring that full professors comply with the service cycle.  Following brief discussion about the process for a faculty member to indicate his or her committee preference for service, the motion was voted on and passed by majority vote.

On behalf of FEC, Professor Mehmet Odekon read the following Motion (see attached) that was introduced at the last Faculty Meeting held November 7, 2014:

MOTION: The Faculty Executive Committee proposes that the attached "The Council" [Attachment II] be inserted in the Faculty Handbook, Part Two, Section II as F.2 and the subsequent subsection be renumbered accordingly.

If approved, "The Council" will go into effect beginning September 2016.

Also, if approved, the Faculty Council shall be re‐evaluated in seven years, i.e. in 2023-24.

Professor Odekon discussed the background for FEC bringing the motion, indicating that FEC believes The Council will raise the effectiveness of the faculty governance committee system and be a helpful tool to raise communication among the faculty.   Discussion was held concerning the structure of The Council, whether administrators would be included or excluded from attending meetings and who would run The Council.  Some faculty members voiced concern that this would create additional work at a time when we are trying to streamline work.   After hearing the faculty's comments and concerns, Professor Odekon withdrew the Motion on behalf of FEC.

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• On behalf of the Subcommittee on Responsible Citizenship, Charles Tetelman '16 and Karen Kellogg, Associate Dean of the Faculty for Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Civic Engagement, announced an opportunity for faculty to nominate students for the Newman Civic Fellow. The Newman Civic Fellow award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country.  Three students have received this National award in the past.  Nominations for this award will be due February 1, 2015.  An email with further details will be sent out shortly.
• President Glotzbach thanked everyone for their good work over the second.  Thereafter, on behalf of he and Marie, President Glotzbach invited everyone to the Skidmore Cares Open House at Scribner House immediately following the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:48 p.m.

 

Debra L. Peterson
Executive Administrative Assistant