Recap of University Senate’s Jan. 24 meeting

Here is a recap of the University Senate’s meeting on Jan. 24. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Senate website closer to the next Senate meeting on Feb. 21.

Chair remarks. In his remarks, Stephen Beaudoin, chair of the University Senate, encouraged senators to continue to take care of both themselves and those around them as the COVID-19 pandemic enters its third year and unique stressors continue to affect both them and their families.

President’s remarks. In a message recorded before the meeting, President Mitch Daniels reflected with Carol Shelby, senior director of Environmental Health and Public Safety, on the anniversary of the 2014 shooting of Andrew Boldt, providing an update on the 2014 security feedback report. Daniels also provided an update on a proposed faculty club at the Purdue Memorial Union and asked for faculty feedback. Robert Wynkoop, associate vice president for auxiliary services, gave a brief presentation on the concepts for the project.

ITEMS FOR ACTION 

Academic regulation updates. Professor Thomas Siegmund presented a revised proposal for action asking that a Medically Excused Absence Policy for Students (MEAPS) be added to Purdue’s Academic Regulations. Action on the revised proposal was delayed until the Feb. 21 Senate meeting.

Mental Health Action Week. Shannon Kang, Purdue Student Government president, and Madelina Nuñez, Purdue Graduate Student Government president, proposed for action that Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week be officially recognized on the academic calendar. Action on the revised proposal was delayed until the Feb. 21 Senate meeting.

Committee vacancy nominations. The Senate Nominating Committee approved the following nominee for the committee: Andrew Liu, Industrial Engineering, January-December 2022. The University Resources Committee approved the following nominee for the committee: Eugene Chan, Hospitality and Tourism Management, January-December 2022.

Purdue Student Government update. Kang gave an update on Purdue Student Government and its goals.

Purdue Graduate Student Government update. Nuñez gave an update on Purdue Graduate Student Government and its goals.

Shared governance. Professor Deborah Nichols, senator and Shared Governance Task Force chair, made a brief presentation and update on the task force’s efforts to change the shared governance process at Purdue, which could potentially include altering the University Senate into a Faculty Council. Professor David Koltick presented a proposal for action that the Senate disavow the Shared Governance Task Force’s efforts. The proposal was amended, and following a discussion, senators approved the document.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION 

Undergraduate Curriculum Council. Professor Thomas Siegmund proposed for discussion the addition of a Honors College member on the Undergraduate Curriculum Council to ensure the necessary representation from all colleges and schools. The Senate voted to suspend the rules, and then approved the proposal.