Recap of University Senate’s April 18 meeting

Here is a recap of the University Senate’s meeting on April 18. Minutes from the meeting will be posted soon on the Senate website.

Chair remarks. In his remarks, Stephen Beaudoin, chair of the University Senate, gave an update on ongoing work regarding sexual assault prevention and awareness on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus, including adding four new learning modules on Brightspace for students, faculty and staff. Beaudoin also gave an update on civics literacy, policing on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus, and ACT/SAT requirements.

President’s remarks. In his remarks, President Mitch Daniels gave an update on Purdue’s Ukrainian Scholars Initiative, as well as an update on Purdue’s 2022-23 compensation program.

ITEMS FOR ACTION 

Need for campuswide curricular treatment of diversity, equity and inclusion. Professor Thomas Siegmund presented a document applauding the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee’s ongoing work on curricular treatment of diversity, equity and inclusion and directing the UCC to develop a formal framework to structure the initiative into Purdue’s Core Curriculum to be considered by the Senate in the fall of 2022. The proposed action can be read in Senate Document 21-29. The document was approved.

Shared governance at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. Siegmund presented a document requesting that the Purdue administration and the Board of Trustees meet with Senate leadership to consider adopting the American Association of University Professors statement on shared governance. The document was approved.

Investment plan for the Purdue endowment. Professor Janice Kritchevsky presented a document requesting that Purdue University (including all affiliated campuses) and the Purdue Research Foundation (including the Purdue Foundation endowment) develop an investment plan that will commit to a divestment from investments in fossil fuels and greenhouse gas contributors and instead shift to investments in renewable resources. The document, which includes a proposal, did not receive a majority vote and was not approved.

SAT/ACT and undergraduate admissions. Professors David Sanders and Brian Leung presented a document urging the Office of Admissions to discontinue requiring standardized test results as criteria for admission to the undergraduate program at Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus beginning December 2023. The document, which was amended during the meeting, was not approved.

Academic regulations for finals week. Siegmund presented a revised document proposing that the Senate revise the University’s academic regulations and procedures in two specific areas, final examinations and the creation of a “Quiet Period” before final examinations. The document was approved.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

Promoting civic engagement. Sanders presented a document proposing that attendance at certain events, such as Purdue Student Government Senate sessions, would go toward fulfilling the civics literacy proficiency graduation requirement.
The document will be voted on at the September meeting.