Recap of University Senate’s April meeting

Here is a recap of the University Senate’s meeting that started on April 20 and continued and adjourned on April 27. The meeting was held virtually. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Senate website closer to the next Senate meeting.

Chair remarks. Cheryl Cooky, chair of the University Senate, gave her last remarks as the 2019-20 chair. Cooky’s remarks can be read here.

President's remarks. President Daniels provided an update to the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including potential plans for the Fall 2020 semester. The president's presentation is available here.

Civics literacy. Senators voted down a resolution presented by Andrew Freed, chair of the Educational Policy Committee, proposing that there be a baccalaureate requirement for civics literacy. The resolution can be read here.

Mental health statement. Senators approved a resolution encouraging University administration to require all course syllabi to include a mental health statement provided by administration containing a list of resources available to students on campus. The resolution was presented by David Sanders, associate professor of biological sciences and chair of the Senate’s Student Affairs Committee.

Election Procedures Inquiry Commission report. Senators voted to go into executive session to discuss the Election Procedures Inquiry Commission report, which was compiled by the Election Procedures Inquiry Commission. The commission was formed by the Faculty Affairs Committee to report on actions and procedures related to Senate elections and appointments. During executive session, senators voted to make the report public and it is available here. Additionally, senators voted to pass a document outlining the recommendations made by the commission.

Standardized test scores for undergraduate admissions. Senators voted down a resolution encouraging the discontinuing of standardized test results as criteria for undergraduate admission at Purdue. The resolution was presented by Sanders and Freed.

University benefits. Candace Shaffer, director of benefits in Human Resources, gave a presentation on 2019 outcomes of University benefits, approved changes for 2020 and considered changes for 2021. The presentation can be viewed here.

Teaching evaluations. Provost Jay Akridge gave a presentation on guidelines for teaching evaluations. The presentation can be viewed here.

Commendation for Joe Camp. Senators passed a resolution in appreciation of Joe Camp, who has served as a member of the Senate from 1991 to 1994 and from 2000 to the present, serving as secretary of faculties, parliamentarian and advisor since 2003. The April 20 Senate meeting was Camp’s last meeting before his retirement from the University in June.