Recap of University Senate’s April 19 meeting

Here is a recap of the University Senate’s meeting on April 19. The meeting did not complete its agenda, and a continuation is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET Monday (May 3). Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Senate website when that is feasible. Items for discussion normally are eligible for a vote at the next Senate meeting.

Chair remarks. In her remarks, Deborah Nichols, chair of the University Senate, began with traits of fairy tales, particularly how they recognize life’s pain but affirm its worth and hope. But some bullies acknowledge only themselves as the authority of their lives. In response, others can set limits, resist the urge to retaliate, cultivate compassion (up to a point) and even seek transformative change. Nichols quoted Tolstoy’s remarks about an arrogant person’s belief in their own perfection, and “This is the chief harm of arrogance. It interferes with the person’s main task in life — becoming a better person.” Nichols thanked the members for hard work in an unusual year.

President's remarks. President Mitch Daniels noted the women’s volleyball team’s advance to the final eight in the NCAA tournament. He then announced the plan for a child care center to be built near the 2550 Northwestern Ave. building and completed in 2022. He gave an update on COVID-19 vaccinations at the campus clinic, saying that by May 18 it will have fully vaccinated 18,200 Boilermakers. Surveys are showing that more than 90% of faculty, staff and students have or plan to have vaccinations. Daniels announced the trustees’ plan to adopt a civics literacy graduation requirement to take effect this fall.

Memorial resolutions. Memorial resolutions for George M. Bodner (Department of Chemistry) and Janice M. Lauer (Department of English) were presented.

Educational Policy Committee nominations. For the Educational Policy Committee, senators approved the following nominees and proposed terms of service: Eric Kvam, School of Materials Engineering, three years; Alice Pawley, School of Engineering Education, three years; Antônio Sá Barreto, Department of Mathematics, three years; Jeffrey Watt, Department of Mathematics (IUPUI), three years.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee nominations. This committee was renamed from Equity and Diversity Committee in March as part of a general updating of the Senate’s bylaws. For the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, senators approved the following nominees and proposed terms of service: Ximena Bernal, Department of Biological Science, three years; Brian Leung, Department of English, three years; Oana Malis, Department of Physics and Astronomy, three years.

Faculty Affairs Committee nominations. For the Faculty Affairs Committee, senators approved the following nominees and proposed terms of service: Signe Kastberg, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, three years; Brad Kim, Department of Animal Sciences, three years; David Koltick, Department of Physics and Astronomy, three years; Christine Rienstra-Kiracofe, Department of Educational Studies, three years; Susan South, Department of Psychological Sciences, three years.

Nominating Committee nominations. For the Nominating Committee, senators approved the following nominees and proposed terms of service: Robert Nowack, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, three years; Qifan Song, Department of Statistics, three years; Mario Ventresca, School of Industrial Engineering, three years.

Student Affairs Committee nominations. For the Student Affairs Committee, senators approved the following nominees and proposed terms of service: Brad Alge, Department of Management, three years; Erika Kaufmann, Department of Mathematics, three years; David Sanders, Department of Biological Sciences, three years.

University Resources Policy Committee nominations. For the University Resources Policy Committee, senators approved the following nominees and proposed terms of service: Yingjie (Victor) Chen, Department of Computer Graphics Technology, three years; Alan Friedman, Department of Biological Sciences, three years; Lori Hoagland, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, three years; Juan Sesmero, Department of Agricultural Economics, three years; Tony Vyn, Department of Agronomy, three years; Ann Weil, Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, three years.

Steering Committee nominations. For the Steering Committee, senators voted to fill two seats from among four nominees and elected, each for three years of service, Julie Liu, Davidson School of Chemical Engineering; and Shannon McMullen, Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance.

Standing committees advisor nominations. As advisors to existing committees, senators approved the following nominees and proposed terms of service and committee: Beth McCuskey, Office of Vice Provost for Student Life, one year, Student Affairs Committee; Sandy Monroe, Undergraduate Academic Advising, three years, Educational Policy Committee.

Process for documenting discovered or uncatalogued art items on campus. Janice Kritchevsky, chair of the University Resources Policy Committee, presented for a vote a set of guidelines for documenting art items on campus. No such process currently exists. The proposed process, relevant definitions and a rationale are available in Senate Document 20-40. The proposal was approved.

Increased access to menstruation products on campus. Audrey Ruple, chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, proposed for a vote the inclusion of menstruation products and disposal bins in all University bathrooms. The University already makes menstruation products and bins available in women’s and gender-neutral bathrooms. The full rationale and proposal are available in Senate Document 20-38. This was a revision to the proposal submitted at the March 22 meeting. The proposal was approved. Stickers and magnets are being placed to mark bathrooms where menstruation products are available.

Funding for the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. Audrey Ruple, chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, proposed for a vote a statement requesting reversal of the intended funding cuts and restructuring of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. The proposal also requests that all 16 directors of SIS programs be included in future planning meetings regarding SIS. The full rationale and proposal are available in Senate Document 20-39. This is a revision to the proposal discussed at the March 22 meeting. The proposal was approved.

Standardized tests and undergraduate admissions. David Sanders, chair of the Student Affairs Committee, and Audrey Ruple, chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, proposed for a vote the temporary continuation of the University’s “test flexible” approach to evaluating standardized test scores in undergraduate admissions until Fall 2022. The rationale cites inconsistent evaluation of standardized test scores across units as well as effects of COVID-19. The full rationale and proposal are available in Senate Document 20-19. The proposal was amended and approved as amended.

Introducing a January term (J-Term) to the academic calendar. Erik Otárola-Castillo, chair of the Educational Policy Committee, presented for a vote a statement supporting the introduction of a January term (also called a winter term or J-Term) to the University’s academic calendar. Having received a proposal from a dedicated working group, the EPC has asked the Senate to develop those findings with a goal of initial implementation during the 2022-23 winter term. Rationale for the proposed change is available in Senate Document 20-43, and the working group’s full proposal is available here. The Senate proposal was amended to support study of the matter, rather than to support an outcome. The amended proposal was approved.

Addition of an Election Committee to the University Senate. David Sanders, chair of the Student Affairs Committee, on his own behalf as a senator presented for a vote the addition of an Election Committee to the University Senate structure. The committee would oversee and conduct all elections and reported findings. The primary reason for the proposal is to separate the nominating and electoral functions. The proposal is available in Senate Document 20-42. The proposal, which involved a change to the bylaws and thus required a two-thirds vote, was voted down.

Required QPR (Question Persuade Refer) suicide prevention liaisons. On behalf of the Purdue Student Government Mental Health Action Week Committee, Grace Brooks, Purdue Student Government senator, and Assata Gilmore, Purdue Student Government president, proposed for discussion that each department should acquire and maintain a liaison trained in QPR suicide prevention techniques. According to the proposal, the liaison will “serve as a resource for students, faculty, and staff within the department and will promote opportunities for QPR certifications throughout the academic school year.” Details and rationale for the proposal are available in Senate Document 20-45. As an item for discussion, this can be eligible for action at the next Senate meeting.

University land use acknowledgement. Audrey Ruple, chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, proposed for discussion that a statement acknowledging that the University’s campus is on traditional homelands of Indigenous peoples be posted on the Senate website, be read at each Senate meeting and be included in the “recommended” section of the University syllabus template. The proposal also recommends waived and reduced tuition rates for peoples of recognized Indigenous tribes. Details and rationale for the proposal are available in Senate Document 20-55. The Senate voted to suspend the rules and take a vote on this matter at this meeting, and the proposal was approved.

Recognizing faculty efforts in diversity and inclusion efforts in promotion, annual reviews and raises. Audrey Ruple, chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, proposed for discussion that work by faculty in areas of diversity and inclusion be given explicit consideration in promotion, annual review and raise decisions, as appropriate. Details and rationale for the proposal are available in Senate Document 20-56.

Election Day as a no-instruction day of civic service. Assata Gilmore, Purdue Student Government president, proposed for discussion that on presidential election days, Purdue not hold classes and instead arrange opportunities for civic service. A motion to suspend the rules and allow a final vote was defeated. Several senators expressed a need for more reflection, consultation and discussion. The proposal is available in Senate Document 20-57.

ITEMS STILL TO BE CONSIDERED

These items were not heard April 19 due to the late hour. The meeting recessed at 5:30 p.m., having approved a motion to continue at 2:30 p.m. Monday (May 3).

Academic regulations update. Purdue Student Government is to bring this item, listed as Senate Document 20-58, for discussion. By the proposal, the University Senate would request requiring faculty to provide up-to-date grade status twice during a semester, including once before the final date to withdraw. Also, the change would expand the range of courses subject to the regulation to all 10000-59999 courses. Items for discussion typically are eligible for action at the next Senate meeting, which is scheduled for Sept. 13.

Academic regulations update for reading week policies. Purdue Student Government is to bring this item, listed as Senate Document 20-59, for discussion. The proposal has the support of the Senate’s Educational Policy Committee. The proposal would define types of “assessments,” regulate lecture time in the final week of classes and prohibit comprehensive final examinations for all courses except during the regular final examination period. Items for discussion typically are eligible for action at the next Senate meeting, which is scheduled for Sept. 13.

Sustainability report. Jay Akridge, provost, and Michael J. Gulich, director of campus planning and sustainability, are to present a report on a sustainability master plan. Graphics in the presentation are in a sustainability PDF file on the Senate meeting site.