FACULTY MEETING

May 16, 2012
Gannett Auditorium

MINUTES 

Vice President for Academic Affairs Susan Kress called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. She announced that President Glotzbach is off campus and will be arriving shortly. She thanked everyone for all their hard work of teaching, scholarship, and service this year. Noting that this will be her last faculty meeting, VPAA Kress stated that it has been a privilege working with everyone.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

VPAA Kress asked if there were any corrections to, or comments regarding, the minutes of the Faculty Meeting held April 27, 2012. Hearing none, she announced the minutes were approved.

Thereafter, VP Kress invited Mary Lou Bates, Dean of Admissions, to provide an update on Admissions. Referencing the detailed report she emailed to the faculty earlier in the week (see attached), Dean Bates reported that the class is fully enrolled; for the first time in 3 years, the class was finalized with 38 students from the wait list. Our target this year was 580-630 on campus and 36 in London. If the anticipated summer melt holds at 52, we will open with 600 on campus (30 fewer than last year) and 36 in London. Dean Bates noted that we won’t know our bottom line until the summer, and she thanked everyone for all their help in recruiting this year’s class.

In response to her report, a question was raised with regard to transfer students. Dean Bates indicated that there is a target of 45 transfer students, and we expect to meet that target. Another question was raised with regard to the continuing decrease in applications; in response, Dean Bates acknowledged that while we have been experiencing a decrease in the number of applications, this year saw the smallest decrease at about 1 percent. With regard to statements regarding the fluctuation of the median SAT score over the past few years, Dean Bates said that the SAT score was not the best indicator of success; the AQR score is considered the best indicator of success.

VP Kress expressed her appreciation to Dean Bates and her office, and a round of applause was given. 

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS REPORT

Dean of the Faculty Report. Interim Dean of the Faculty Beau Breslin reported that in anticipation of the next strategic plan, President Glotzbach met with him and VPAA Kress to discuss the possibility of a faculty summit wherein the faculty would come together over a full day or weekend to discuss the next strategic plan. While this would be additional work, he said it would provide an opportunity to think strategically with regard to the direction of the institution. Dean Breslin asked that anyone interested in the faculty summit to contact him.

Thereafter, Dean Breslin announced that Associate Professor Kristie Ford has accepted the position of Director of Intercultural Studies. A congratulatory round of applause was given to Associate Professor Ford. Dean Breslin noted that the line previously held by Professor Winston Grady-Willis is still open, and there will be more discussion with regard to filling that line.

Dean Breslin concluded by thanking everyone for all their work this past year. 

OLD BUSINESS

Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work

On behalf of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work (SASW), Associate Professor Rik Scarce read the following Motion that was introduced at the faculty meeting held April 27, 2012 (see attached):

MOTION:The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work moves that Skidmore College create three separate departments: the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Social Work, and the Department of Sociology.

Associate Professor Scarce indicated that a faculty forum was held to discuss the separation of the department and no serious issues were raised. Thereafter, Associate Professor Crystal Moore extended her gratitude to her colleagues in the department for their support of the Social Work program since its inception in 1983; Associate Professor Michael Ennis-McMillan also thanked his colleagues in the SASW department for their support of the Anthropology program. Thereafter, the Motion was voted on and passed with all in favor.

Faculty Executive Committee

On behalf of the Faculty Executive Committee (FEC), Associate Professor Barbara Black read the following motion that was introduced at the last faculty meeting held April 27, 2012 (see attached):

MOTION:On behalf of the Committee on Academic Standing (CAS), the FEC moves that the following changes to the Faculty Handbook (Part Two, II.F.13. second paragraph) be adopted:

Revised Language (additions in bold; deletions are struck)

Membership: Three faculty members, at least one tenured and none of whom may be a member of the CAFR, appointed to serve three-year terms; the Associate Dean of the Faculty for Academic Advising (ADOFAA) and/or his or her designated representative, the Registrar and Director of Institutional Researchand/or his or her designated representative, and two students selected by SGA, one junior to be appointed each year to serve a twoone-year term. Additional staff may join the meeting at the request of the Chair, the ADOFAA, or the Registrar. Such staff may include representatives from the Office of Academic Advising, the Registrar, or Off-Campus Study and Exchanges. This expanded participation in CAS meetings can occur only with the consent of the regular CAS membership. Those voting on CAS are the three faculty members, the ADOFAA or his/her designee, the Registrar or his/her designee, and the two students.

Original Language

Membership:Three faculty members, at least one tenured and none of whom may be a member of the CAFR, appointed to serve three-year terms; the Associate Dean of the Faculty for Academic Advising or his/her designated representative, the Registrar and Director of Institutional Research or his/ her designated representative, and two students selected by SGA, one junior to be appointed each year to serve a two-year term.

Discussion was held concerning the language “and/or” when referring to who would be able to attend meetings. Associate Professor Hauser indicated that it was not CAS’ intention to change the vote of the committee; however, she noted that sometimes an administrator may bring a case in which the administrator is serving as an advocate which would make it difficult for that person to vote on a case. Thereafter, the Motion was voted on and passed with one opposing vote.

On behalf of the FEC, Associate Professor Black read the following Motion that was introduced at the last faculty meeting held April 27, 2012 (see attached):

MOTION: The FEC moves that the following changes to the Faculty Handbook (Part Two, I. “Faculty Meeting By-Laws”) be adopted:

(additions in bold; deletions struck)

In Article I.A,

Faculty governance is carried out through decisions made at Faculty Meetings and through a system of committees of the Faculty. The primary purpose of Faculty Meetings is to provide a forum for discussion on important college matters and to facilitate governance of college affairs.

In Article III.A.1,

1. Faculty members should notify either the Dean of the Faculty/Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Chair of the Faculty Executive Committee of items they wish included on the agenda at least 24 hours prior to the meeting by Monday in the week of a faculty meeting. The Chair of FEC will convey agenda items to the Office of the DOF/VPAA by 9AM on Tuesday. The DOF/VPAA and the FEC will work together on constructing the agenda.

2. The agenda shall be distributed to the Faculty no later than the morning of the day of the Faculty Meeting. by Wednesday in the week of a Faculty Meeting.

In Article V,

9. Committee of the Whole discussions will take place during at least two, but preferably more, Faculty Meetings each semester. The topic of discussion will be determined by FEC and the DOF/VPAA, and as directed by suggestions from either individual faculty or committees. Suggestions may be sent to either the DOF/VPAA or the Chair of FEC. 

Associate Professor Black reviewed two friendly amendments that were suggested subsequent to the last faculty meeting, which FEC has accepted. After discussion concerning the scheduling of Committee of the Whole sessions (specifically potential violations of the Handbook in the event two Committee of the Whole discussions were not held in a semester), the focus of the Committee of the Whole discussions, the presiding officer, the possibility of reporting back on ideas raised without recording the minutes of the discussion, the Motion was voted on and passed with all in favor.

Thereupon, VP Kress turned the podium over to President Glotzbach who presided over the remainder of the meeting.

On behalf of the FEC, Associate Professor Black read the following Motion that was introduced at the last faculty meeting held April 27, 2012 (see attached):

MOTION: The Faculty Executive Committee moves to approve the tracked changes made to the Faculty Handbook, 2011-2012 (see attached).

Brief discussion was held concerning the possibility of rethinking the process for appointing associate deans given that the roles of the associate deans will be more substantial. Thereafter, the Motion was voted on and passed with all in favor.

Committee on Educational Policies and Planning

Associate Professor Ness read the following Motion that was introduced at the last faculty meeting held April 27, 2012 (see attached):

MOTION: CEPP moves to expand the types of courses offered in the Culture-Centered Inquiry requirement by replacing the existing two categories of courses (“Non-Western” and “Cultural Diversity”) with one new category: “Considering Difference.” This new category (DF) will apply beginning with the class of 2017. The Culture-Centered Inquiry Requirement will continue to include one course in Foreign Language. Class years prior to 2017 can fulfill the CCI requirement with one Foreign Language course and one course which meets NW, CD, or DF.

Thereafter, Associate Professor Ness reported that since the last meeting, the revised Motion was discussed with Academic Staff and was posted in an online discussion forum. Thereafter, lengthy discussion was held concerning the motion. Several faculty members thanked CEPP for all the hard work that went into revising the Motion to accommodate all the suggestions and comments made by the faculty over the past several months, but indicated they had concerns regarding the removal of the international/non-western component of the requirement, that they believed the rationale and process is flawed or that they didn't believe the current requirements were failing. Several faculty members spoke in support of retaining or revising the current non-western and cultural diversity components of the requirement while others spoke in support of the new requirement, stating that the current requirement is outdated and that, as long as we are unwilling to add an additional requirement, the new requirement represents a better compromise than our current requirement.

Thereafter, a request was made for a paper ballot vote. The Faculty Executive Committee administered the paper ballot vote: the votes were reported as 30 yes, 92 no, and 3 abstentions. Thus, the motion was defeated.

CONFERRAL OF DEGREES AND HONORS

A. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degrees. Dave DeConno, Interim 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 384 students of the Class of 2012 to be awarded on May 19, 2012.

RESOLVED, that the Faculty of Skidmore College recommend to the Trustees the granting of the Bachelor of Science degree to 174 students of the Class of 2012 to be awarded on May 19, 2012.

RESOLVED, that the Faculty of Skidmore College recommend to the Trustees the granting of the Bachelor of Arts degree to 33 students of the Class of 2012 upon satisfactory completion of the degree requirements by August 31, 2012.

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 2012 upon satisfactory completion of the degree requirements by August 31, 2012.

The total number of graduates is 28 for January completion, 558 for May completion and 41 for August completion.
There was no discussion, and the motions were voted on and passed with all in favor.

B. All-College and Departmental Honors. Corey Freeman-Gallant, Associate Dean of the Faculty for Academic Policy and Advising, read the following resolution into the record (see attached):

RESOLVED, that the Faculty of Skidmore College approve College Honors for members of the Class of 2012, as presented at the May 16, 2012, Faculty Meeting: 72 students for summa cum laude distinction; 90 students for magna cum laude distinction; and 211 students for cum laude distinction. (Note: including January 2012 graduates, 385 of 627 students [61,4%] in the class of 2012 will receive College Honors).

RESOLVED, that the Faculty of Skidmore College approve Departmental and Program Honors for 225 students from the Class of 2012, as presented at the May 16, 2012, Faculty Meeting.

(Note: including January 2012 graduates, 232 of 627 students [37%] in the class of 2012 will receive Departmental or Program Honors; 27 students will receive honors in two majors).

Dean Freeman-Gallant noted that if the new criteria passed by the faculty a few years ago were in effect, just under 30 percent of the class would receive College Honors. Thereafter, the motions were voted on and passed with all in favor.

C. Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Degrees. Associate Professor Caroline D’Abate read the following resolution into the record (see attached):

RESOLVED, that the Faculty of Skidmore College recommend to the Trustees the granting of the Master of Arts degree to eleven students.

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

D. University Without Walls Degrees. Paul Calhoun, Interim Dean of Special Programs, read the following resolution into the record (see attached):

RESOLVED, that the Faculty of Skidmore College recommend to the Trustees the granting of the Bachelor of Science degree to one student.

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

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

President Glotzbach thanked everyone for a great year and noted we had some very good conversations this year. He introduced Janet Whitman, outgoing chair of the Board of Trustees for the last four years; Chair Whitman thanked everyone and conveyed the Board’s support and encouragement. A standing ovation was held for Chair Whitman. Concluding his report, President Glotzbach reminded everyone that this was VPAA Kress’ last faculty meeting. A round of applause was given to VPAA Kress.

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business.

REPORTS

Curriculum Committee. Associate Professor Lisa Aronson announced that the Curriculum Committee has approved the IGR minor. Details concerning the minor will be sent to the Catalog and will be posted as soon as possible. She also noted that Skidmore is the first college or university in the country to have an IGR minor.

Faculty Executive Committee. On behalf of the FEC, Associate Professor Black reported on the Committee of Committees meeting (see attached for complete report).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Associate Professor Michael Arnush thanked the members of the Periclean Scholar Awards Committee for their hard work this year. Thereafter, he invited everyone to attend the Honors Forum ceremony scheduled for Friday, May 19, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Periclean Scholar Awards ceremony at 10:30 a.m.
• President Glotzbach invited everyone to attend the annual President's Reception at Scribner House for graduating seniors and their families on Friday, May 19 as well as a reception following Commencement to be held at the Tang from 2:30-4:00 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:57 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra L. Peterson
Executive Administrative Assistant