Recap of University Senate’s Oct. 18 meeting

Here is a recap of the University Senate’s meeting on Oct. 18. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Senate website closer to the next Senate meeting on Nov. 15.

Chair remarks. In his remarks, Stephen Beaudoin, chair of the University Senate, spoke about the progress that is being made toward some of the priorities he set for the 2021-22 Senate year. Some of those priorities include sexual assault prevention and support, teaching excellence and January Term (J-Term). The January Term vision is to create time to allow students to take courses needed to progress toward their degrees, study abroad, enroll in immersive experiences, or take courses in subjects of interest that don’t fit into their normal semester schedule.

President’s remarks. President Mitch Daniels spoke about Purdue’s graduation rates and where Purdue’s rates stand compared with other schools in the Big Ten. Provost Jay Akridge joined Daniels to give a short presentation on Transformative Education 2.0 and some of the goals associated with the initiative.  

ITEMS FOR ACTION

Convening electronically at will. Professor Signe Kastberg presented a revised document that allows the Senate to meet electronically through Fall 2021. Senators approved the proposal.

Recognizing faculty efforts in diversity and inclusion efforts in promotion, annual reviews and raises. Brian Leung, chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, presented for a vote a proposal that work by faculty in areas of diversity and inclusion be given explicit consideration in promotion, annual review and raise decisions, as appropriate. Senators approved the proposal.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

Senate standing committee members temporary leaves of absence. Robert Nowack, chair of the Nominating Committee, proposed for discussion that in the case of senators going on a short (one semester) leave of absence, if their academic unit selects a temporary replacement senator, then this senator also will replace the person on leave for their Senate standing committee assignment(s) during the colleague’s short-term absence.

Addressing campus sexual assault and misconduct. David Sanders, chair of the Student Affairs Committee, proposed for discussion and adoption an action plan to address campus sexual assault and misconduct. The item will be voted on at the Nov. 15 Senate meeting.

Update on Senate Document 20-60. Beaudoin gave an update on the civics literacy document (Senate Document 20-60), which the Senate approved at its Sept. 13 meeting. Beaudoin reported that he provided an update on the document and summarized its key points for the Board of Trustees’ Academic and Student Affairs Committee at its Oct.1 meeting.