Recap of University Senate’s Nov. 15 meeting

Here is a recap of the University Senate’s meeting on Nov. 15. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Senate website closer to the next Senate meeting on Jan. 24.

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, including sexual assault prevention and support.

President’s remarks. President Mitch Daniels provided an outlook on the spring semester, including an intention to relax some of the current Protect Purdue protocols on or around Feb.1. Gary Bertoline, senior vice president for Purdue Online and Learning Innovation,  joined Daniels to give a short presentation on Purdue Online.  

University benefits. Candace Shaffer, director of benefits, gave a short presentation to answer some commonly asked questions regarding University benefits.

ITEMS FOR ACTION

Senate standing committee members temporary leaves of absence. Robert Nowack, chair of the Nominating Committee, proposed for action 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. Senators approved the proposal.

Addressing campus sexual assault and misconduct. David Sanders, chair of the Student Affairs Committee, proposed for discussion and adoption a resolution of support for elements of the work of Purdue Student Government’s Ad Hoc S.A.F.E.R. committee on campus sexual assault and misconduct. Senators approved the proposal.

Academic regulation updates. Professor Thomas Siegmund and Shannon Kang, Purdue Student Government president, presented a revised proposal asking for language to be replaced within Purdue’s Academic Regulations to allow for up-to-date grade statuses. The amended proposal was approved.

Reapportionment of the 2022-23 University Senate. The University Senate Steering Committee presented for a vote the number of senators each faculty unit may propose for the 2022-23 University Senate according to each unit’s number of voting faculty. Senators passed the proposal.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

Shared governance.  Professor David Koltick presented for discussion a proposal calling for the Senate to disavow the Shared Governance Task Force's efforts to replace the University Senate with a University Council.

Medically excused absence policy. Siegmund proposed for discussion an option for students with serious mental or physical health concerns to receive excused medical absences.

Mental Health Action Week. Kang and Madelina Nunez, Purdue Graduate Student Government president, presented for discussion that Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week be officially recognized on the academic calendar. Senators will vote on the item at the Jan. 24 meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Senate spring meeting modality. After a brief discussion, senators voted to hold all University Senate meetings in the spring semester virtually.