Recap of University Senate’s Nov. 21 meeting

Here is a recap of the University Senate’s meeting on Nov. 21. Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the Senate website closer to the next meeting (Jan. 23).

Chair remarks. In her remarks, Colleen Brady, chair of the University Senate, congratulated and thanked President Mitch Daniels, who will be succeeded by Mung Chiang, currently the executive vice president for strategic initiatives, as the university’s next president effective Jan. 1.

President’s remarks. In his remarks, President Mitch Daniels gave an overview of examples of key collaborations between the University Senate and university administration throughout his presidency. Daniels also gave an update on the number of fall applications from students applying to Purdue as of Nov. 21. 

ITEMS FOR ACTION

Reapportionment of the University Senate. After a vote, senators approved a proposed reapportionment of the University Senate for the 2023-24 academic year.

Authorship of scholarly works standard. Professor David Sanders presented a document proposing that the University Senate endorse an authorship of scholarly works standard and encourage the dissemination of its content. After a vote, the document was approved.

Indiana Senate Bill 1. Professor Alice Pawley presented a document proposing ways that the university can support Purdue faculty, staff and students who may be negatively impacted by Indiana Senate Bill 1. After a presentation and a vote, the document was approved. 

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

University Senate’s right to direct communication with faculty. Pawley presented a document proposing that the University Senate chair, secretary of the faculties, and sergeant-at-arms should have the right to email faculty directly on the Senate’s behalf, without needing advance approval.

Maintenance of a Bureau of Motor Vehicles license branch in West Lafayette. Sanders presented a resolution proposing that the University Senate strongly encourage the State Bureau of Motor Vehicles to reverse its decision to close the West Lafayette branch. Senators voted to suspend the rules so they could vote on the matter after a discussion. After a vote, Senators passed the resolution.

Commendation for Jay Akridge. During new business, senators suspended the rules and voted to endorse a resolution commending Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity, in recognition of his distinguished service to the Purdue community.

Report on Libraries and the School of Information Studies. Beth McNeil, dean of Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies, gave an update on Purdue Libraries and open access publishing.