Recap of University Senate’s Nov. 18 meeting

Here is a recap of the University Senate's meeting on Nov. 18. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Senate website closer to the next Senate meeting on Jan. 27.

Graduate Student Bill of Rights. Senators approved a resolution suggesting a revision of some of the language in the Purdue Graduate Student Bill of Rights. The resolution was presented by David Sanders, Student Affairs Committee chair and associate professor of biological sciences.

Course retake policy. Senators approved a document that would amend the course retake policy. The amendment to the policy would allow students to enroll in a non-repeatable course three times without needing approval of an academic advisor. The current policy says that a student must receive consent from an academic advisor to repeat a course up to two times. The document was presented by Andrew Freed, chair of the Educational Policy Committee and professor of earth and atmospheric sciences.

Local transportation options. Senators approved a resolution to create an ad hoc committee that would help inform students of local transportation options and the rules that accompany them. The resolution was presented by Sanders.

At the Oct. 21 Senate meeting, Purdue Police Chief John Cox spoke to senators about the proposed committee, saying that a committee would help educate students about the options, rules and regulations when it comes to transportation – such as skateboards, bicycles and scooters.

Senate reapportionment. Senators approved a reapportionment of the Senate, presented by Deborah Nichols, Senate vice chair.

The Senate also went into executive session at the beginning of the meeting. Executive sessions are only open to voting members of the Senate.