Recap of University Senate’s March 23 meeting

Here is a recap of the University Senate’s meeting on March 23. The meeting was held virtually. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Senate website closer to the next Senate meeting on April 20.

COVID-19 and online learning. In her remarks, Cheryl Cooky, chair of the University Senate, thanked senators for efforts as the University transitioned to online learning. 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 current statistics on students remaining on campus and the number of employees teleworking. The president's presentation is available here.

Vice chair selection. Senators elected Stephen Beaudoin, professor of chemical engineering, to serve as vice chair for the academic year 2020-21. The University Senate Nominating Committee proposed three additional candidates before the vote: Ralph Kaufmann, professor of mathematics; Jozef Kokini, professor of food science; and David Sanders, associate professor of biological sciences.

University Core Curriculum language changes. Senators approved a resolution presented by Andrew Freed, chair of the Educational Policy Committee, to make changes to the language in the University Core Curriculum. The changes are intended to clarify what is required for each foundational outcome to be adequately met, better align the Purdue University Undergraduate Core and the Indiana Statewide Transfer General Education Core and ensure that all Purdue undergraduates receive a solid education that reflects the most current scholarship.

Updating class absence policies. Senators approved a resolution presented by Freed outlining changes to the class absence policy, including adding military service, jury duty and parenting leave as excused absences in addition to grief and bereavement. The proposed updated policy can be read here.

Degree requirements for civics literacy. Freed presented a resolution proposing that there be a baccalaureate requirement for civics literacy. The proposed requirements can be read here and will be voted on at the April 20 meeting.

Revised Academic Progress and Records Committee charge. Freed presented a resolution that would update the existing charge of the Academic Progress and Records Committee. The current charge and the proposed new one can be found here. The resolution will be voted on at the April 20 meeting.

Mental health statement. Sanders, chair of the Senate’s Student Affairs Committee, presented 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 will be voted on at the April 20 meeting.

Food insecurity. Sanders presented a resolution encouraging University administration to work with the Purdue Student Government and the Purdue Graduate Student Government to combat food insecurity and to include a grocery store with affordable, fresh produce in any new residential development owned by Purdue or the Purdue Research Foundation. Senators voted to suspend the rules so they could vote on the matter after a discussion. Senators passed the resolution.

Standardized test scores for undergraduate admissions. Sanders and Freed presented a resolution encouraging the discontinuing of standardized test results as criteria for admission to undergraduate programs at Purdue. The resolution will be voted on at the April 20 meeting. A presentation from Kristina Wong Davis, vice provost for enrollment management, can be found here.

Bigotry statement. In the new business portion of the Senate meeting, Audrey Ruple, chair of the Senate’s Equity and Diversity Committee, presented a resolution to release a statement condemning anti-Asian and anti-Asian American bigotry. Senators voted to suspend the rules to vote on the resolution after a discussion. Senators passed the resolution.