Minutes
Faculty Senate Meeting
November 2, 2011
Professor Girard called the meeting to order at 2:20 P.M.
Present: Professor Jim Girard, Leigh Riddick, Barlow Burke, Melissa Becher, Phil Brenner,
Christine DeGregorio, Larry Engel, Alberto Espinosa, Bryan Fantie, Phil Jacoby, Bob Jernigan,
Jonathan Loesberg, Sarah Menke-Fish, Candice Nelson, Gemma Puglisi, Patricia West, William
Ryan, Lacey Wootton, Provost Scott Bass and Dean Phyllis Peres
Welcome and Introduction, Jim Girard
Professor Girard called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Professor
Girard informed the senate that he is still having problems finding Senator to chair the Graduate
Curriculum Committee. He asked the senators for any advice that they might have to assist with
finding a resolution to this problem. Professor Girard also informed the senate that Larry Engel
has agreed to chair the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and they have already begun their
work.
Provost’s Report
Provost Bass began with the overview of the Faculty Leadership Retreat which was on
October14, 2011. This retreat included all Chairs, Program Directors, The Senate Executive
Committee, Vice Presidents, Vice Provost, Deans and Associate Deans. The theme of this retreat
was the changing nature of graduate education with a focus on the master’s level. This year we
had a dip in graduate enrollment by 5.5%. This is the first time that there has been a decrease in
graduate enrollment. . The President and the Board of Trustees have set a goal of adding 100
students per year for the next ten years. With this dip in enrollment, AU is now down 1200
students. AU already has a limited portfolio of graduate programs and with the changing nature
of the public sector and its contracting professions, and that the Federal Government has
stopped hiring due to budget cuts, there is reason for concern. At last year’s career fair we had
120 represented employers and this year we only have 90. There are a number of adults that want
to go back to school but they are looking for programs that have more flexibility such as online,
hybrid, nights and weekend classes. Additional competition also is happening as schools expand
the number of programs and new providers arrive in this area since DC doesn’t have regulations
preventing schools from other states from offering courses here in DC.
Provost Bass said that he will be meeting with various “turnkey providers” which are
companies that would work with our faculty and design a platform for online offerings. Further
research will be done to find a company that will best work with AU.
Provost Bass informed the senate that a top tier company called Tutor that chooses one
university to invest 15 million dollars in a single program to provide the best online educational
experience. They have partnered with USC for an education program and Georgetown for a
nursing program. They called to invite AU to join in a program where they are selecting 25
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universities nationwide that would join together and provide one to four classes that
undergraduate students could take online at anyone of the 25 facilities and be guaranteed that the
credits would transfer back to their home institution. They called to ask if we wanted to be one of
the twenty five. AU will be finding more information out as the year moves forward.
Provost Bass further informed the Senate that as of October 25, 2011 Dean Fish from the
Washington Professional Development Program, (WPDP) is no longer with the University. He
stated that he cannot go into anymore details due to personnel issues. Vice Provost for
Academic Administration Violeta Ettle will be overseeing spring enrollments and Dean Peres
will be working with the WPDP faculty.
Provost Bass stated that there will be an English language program on campus for September
that he has informed the Board of Trustees that Interim Vice Provost of Undergraduate Studies
Lyn Stalling will be over seeing this program and bringing it together for undergraduate and
graduate students.
Provost Bass stated that he would like to close his report by encouraging everyone to take some
time to go to the performing arts production of “Whose Tommy”. He stated that it is an
outstanding performance filled with wonderful music and engaged students and the performing
Arts department has done a wonderful job putting this production together.
Executive/Chairman of the Graduate Leadership Council Elliot Bell-Krasnerl asked Provost
Bass what the graduate students and Graduate Leadership council can do to help with retention,
recruitment and growing the graduate programs.
Provost Bass replied that first it is the faculty’s responsibility to develop the programs. As
graduate students it is important to network with peers to convey that quality of the programs at
AU are of high quality and encourage their peers to join these programs.
Approval of Minutes
Professor Girard asked the senators to approve the minutes from September 21, 2011. He opened
the floor for corrections or changes. No changes where voiced so the Senate voted unanimously
in favor.
Report from the Athletic Department, Keith Gill
Director of the American University ‘s Athletic Program, Keith Gill said that he was very
“Jazzed” to have been asked to present the state of intercollegiate athletics at AU to the Faculty
Senate. He stated that he has been with AU for five years and it has been a great fit for him. He
feels that this is because of the academic commitment that is present. University’s athletes
balance sports and academics very well and the athletic departments meeting the mission of the
University. Athletics is very integrated into the overall life and academic commitment at AU.
Director Gill stated that the athletic department takes every possible opportunity in broadcast or
print media to spread the word of all that is going on at AU. Director Gill stated that the
University athletic department is in good standing with compliance with the NCAA.
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Director Gill continued with an explanation of the life skills programs offered to the athletes at
American. This program runs for the four years that the athletes are at AU. It includes three
parts, competitive, academic and life after graduation. All of these areas are designed for the
success of the students after they graduate. They include study skills for freshman, budget
management for sophomores, and an etiquette dinner for the seniors. AU is working towards
including a resume and application skills section in the junior year to assist with applying for
jobs and preparing for the workforce. Overall the athletic department at AU is moving forward
meeting the mission and goals at the university and providing a solid and rewarding program.
Curriculum Review Procedures
Professor Girard presented to the senate the curriculum review process and explained how the
Graduate and Undergraduate Senate committees reviewed and approved requests. He also
explained how the Undergraduate Committee has already met and processed changes and
additions to curriculum using email eliminating the need to meet face to face and making it
possible to be able to work from remote locations. This process avoids having to find time for all
committee members to be able to meet to process proposals.
Provost Bass stated that the president has said that he will be having discussion with the Board of
Directors to see if they will agree with a “fast track” process for those programs that might come
through at the last minute in hopes that this will eliminate programs having to wait for as long as
a year or more to begin.
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), Vice Provost of Graduate Studies John Tubman
Vice Provost of Graduate Studies John Tubman opened by stating that the Responsible Conduct
of Research is also known as a research ethics training program. These are established at most
Universities nationally and recognized as a “best practice model.” This model is set up for
graduate students and mentors to ensure that research is conducted in an ethical manor. The
policy statement provided is an online module that is provided for faculty and students to take to
build their research skills when faced with any ethics dilemma. There will also be an online
archive of RCR material for faculty who would like to do a very detailed training within their
disciplines.
Vice Provost Tubman also stated that Federal Funding Organizations include individuals seeking
funds to take RCR training to obtain the funding. He also stated that all students who are doing a
thesis or dissertation will be required to take this class. When they complete the online module
they will receive a certificate immediately and one will be sent to Matt Zembrzuski who is in the
research compliance office on campus. Training will be provided for all schools and colleges.
Professor Girard called for the senate to VOTE and the proposal for Responsible Research and
Conduct was passed unanimously.
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Undergraduate Regulations, Leigh Riddick
Professor Riddick informed the senators that the graduate regulations draft should be ready to
bring to the December meeting. The committees work was slowed down to meet again with the
program directors for their input. She continued with some small changes that have come up in
the undergraduate regulations:
•
Office of the Registrar will be responsible for notifying students of their
academic progress. They are the main communication to the student. The Senate
VOTED unanimously in favor.
•
Language clarification was made on the process of academic probation. The
senate VOTED and it was passed unanimously.
•
The National standards of academic content for an internship for an
undergraduate student should be increased to 85% rather than our past standard of
75%. The senate voted and it was passed unanimously in favor to change to 85%.
Distinguished and University Professor Ad Hoc Committee
Professor Girard informed the senate that an ad hoc committee has been formed to define the
process for awarding this honor to faculty and is asking the senate for the approval.
Professor Espinosa asked if there was going to be a time line set for this committee.
Professor Loesberg said that he felt that there are several options that could be discussed and is
concerned that putting a time limit on coming to a final decision could harm the opportunity in
making the best decision.
Professor Riddick agreed with Professor Loesberg but stated that there are several members on
the committee that were involved in the rewriting of the Faculty Manual because it was felt that
they are aware of the responsibilities of the CFA and would have a helpful balance in making
this decision. She also said that they know how important this is to their colleagues and will
make the decision in a timely manner.
Provost Bass said that this has been a very difficult issue for him. He felt this will take a lot of
hard work for the committee because there are some very creative models that have come
forward making the decision very difficult. Furthermore he stated that it will take more than one
meeting for the senate to work through these issues as they will be very sensitive and painful.
This will require time for the senate to work through.
Dean Peres said that she feels that the full faculty should be involved in this discussion. Possibly
having a town hall meeting or sending out the various proposals for their review might be
options.
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The senate VOTED on the resolution for the formation of the University/Distinguished professor
committee and it passed in favor unanimously.
The Meeting was adjourned at 4:35 P.M.
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