Faculty Senate Minutes, May 3, 2024

September 30, 2024

10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Westville – LSF 002

Minutes

Determination of quorum.
- Quorum determined at 10:03 AM
Call to order.
- Meeting called to order at 10:06 AM
Approval of the agenda.
- Motion for approval by S. Rezak
- Seconded by D. Kozel
- Approved by approved by voice vote
Approval of the minutes from April 12, 2024
- Motion for approval by R. Hallock
- Seconded by S. Rezak
- Approved by voice vote
Remarks by the Senate Chair
- The Chair said
- Budget
  1. The Chair said he contacted Cindy Christ to review remaining Senate funds.
  2. Outside consultant
    1. The Chair said that $1,500 had been budgeted to retain a consultant to provide information on the Senate regarding the IBBM model. However, this consultation did not ultimately occur, leaving those funds unspent.
  3. Faculty handbook
    1. Three individuals have volunteered to serve on the Faculty Handbook Committee – Rob Hallock, Kathy Tobin, and Diane Spoljoric.
    2. $5,000 will be allocated to these three individuals for their work on developing the new faculty handbook over the summer.
    3. The goal is for the committee to have a draft handbook completed by mid-August, before the start of the new academic year.
    4. The Chair opened the opportunity for additional volunteers to serve on the committee, noting that if no other volunteers come forward, the three existing volunteers would be approved by acclamation.
      1. Irving volunteered.
      2. McGonigal-Kennedy volunteered.
    5. The Parliamentarian asked if having four members would be problematic. The Chair said it would be fine, except the funds allocated remain fixed.
    6. Chancellor Holford said if the Senate were willing to contribute $1,500, the Provost’s Office would provide an additional $3,500. These funds would cover one additional committee member.
    7. With five volunteers, it was determined that a vote would take place via Qualtrics to determine who the four members would be.
  4. Faculty Feedback Survey results.
    1. The Chair said R. Hallock will discuss survey results later in the meeting.
  5. Academic Integrity and Grade Appeals needs a Chair
    1. The term for the current chair of Grade Appeals and Academic Integrity has ended. An individual willing to take on that work is needed.
    2. The Senate Chair has a report from the former Chair of Grade Appeals on the level of activity that was involved and will share it with Senators to give an idea of what the position entails.
  6. The Strategic Planning Steering Committee
    1. The Chair said two Senators are needed to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee. He said the committee will meet every other week for 1-2 hours, either in person or via Zoom, and that faculty members will be compensated for their work during the summer.
    2. Stipends of $3,000 will be provided.
    3. The Chair said the goal of the work by the committee in the summer would be to organize the process for fall to get things lined up, and then in the fall, there would be actual data collection and convening. Similar to town halls to get feedback from individuals.
    4. Chancellor Holford stated that the strategic planning committee is his charged committee, and he has allowed the Faculty Senate to appoint two of their faculty representatives to serve on the committee. He emphasized that this compensation applies specifically to faculty members, as they are on 9-month contracts. The purpose of the committee’s work over the summer is to organize the strategic planning process so that when the fall semester begins, the committee can execute the strategic planning in earnest. Chancellor Holford explained that the steering committee will decide how the strategic planning process will occur. The overall goal is to complete the strategic planning by the end of February, if not sooner. Chancellor Holford expressed excitement about defining a vision for the university’s future through this strategic planning initiative.
    5. Stankowski said she would forward the committee charter to any Senator interested. She explained that the steering committee’s role is to guide the planning process, make decisions about the focus areas and stakeholder groups to engage with, and then provide recommendations to the Chancellor and senior leadership based on the feedback and input gathered. B. Stankowski stated that the 19-member steering committee will have representatives from various constituent groups, and each of those representatives will be tasked with going out and gathering input from their respective employees or stakeholder groups. The goal is to determine the key priorities and direction for the university’s strategic plan over the next 5 years.
    6. K volunteered
    7. Tobin volunteered and removed herself from consideration on the Faculty Handbook Committee.
    8. The Chair requested a vote of acclimation to confirm members of the Steering and Faculty Handbook Committees.
      1. Dave Kozel and Kathy Tobin for Steering Committee.
      2. Shontrai Irving, Meghan McGonigal-Kenny, and Diane Spoljoric for Faculty Handbook Committee.
        
        Approved by voice vote.
      3. The Vice-Chair said that Grade Appeals needs a Chair. Compensation is $2,500. M. Spaulding noted there is a release. Chancellor Holford said compensation comes from Senate discretionary funding. The Parliamentarian said when the Senate passed its priority order for funding, Grade appeals comes after the Senate Chair.
      4. Meeting with the Chancellor and Interim Provost about issues taking place in CHESS.
        
        The Chair explained that the dean of his college is attempting to reorganize the college by hiring associate deans while keeping the existing department chairs in place. This would not result in cost savings, as an additional administrative layer is being added without reducing anything.
        
        The specific concern the Chair raised was that the dean sent a brief CV and three publications for a candidate they wanted to hire as an external associate dean and asked the college’s Promotion and Tenure Committee to vote on this candidate. The Chair stated this was not the proper process, as the committee should have evaluated the candidate based on the standard teaching, research, and service criteria.
        
        The Chair indicated that the Promotion and Tenure Committee voted not to recommend this candidate for promotion and tenure. However, more clarity is needed regarding whether the dean sent an offer letter to the candidate, apparently offering them the rank of full professor with tenure, which the Chair believes would have circumvented the faculty’s decision.
        
        The Chair requested that the Faculty Affairs Committee investigate this matter further to understand the timeline and details of what occurred, as he sees it as a concerning violation of the faculty’s role in controlling the curriculum and who joins their ranks. He indicated two key questions
        
        Did the offer letter from the Dean to the candidate include a promise of the rank of full professor with tenure, or did it simply indicate a desire to bring the candidate in at that level, subject to approval?
        
        Did the Dean send the offer letter to the candidate before or after the college’s promotion and tenure committee had completed their review and voted not to recommend the candidate for promotion and tenure?
        
        The Chair said that the CHESS Dean has shared plans to hire an Associate Dean and has approved promotion & tenure without following standard processes. The Promotion and Tenure Committee will need to meet and discuss these matters.
        
        Mitra thanked the Chair for bringing up this matter.
        
        The Chair asked for input. The Parliamentarian had questions about the process, stating that tenure can only be granted by the Board of Trustees, and asked the Chancellor if individuals can be provided rank & tenure without BOT consultation. Chancellor Holford stated that the normal process for someone being brought in with rank and tenure is for the recommendation to go through the college committee, which is then forwarded to the Provost and Chancellor. He confirmed that the Board of Trustees is the body that ultimately confers academic tenure.
        
        Artz asked if the Chancellor approved the recommendation. The Chancellor clarified that he had not authorized or approved any contract that did not follow the proper process.
        
        The Vice-Chair questioned whether the summer teaching compensation for these committee members could exceed 22% of their annual salary limit.
        
        Chancellor Holford clarified that the committee members can be paid both for their summer teaching and work on the Faculty Handbook Committee as long as the total compensation does not exceed the 22% summer salary cap.
      5. Remarks by the Chancellor
        
        Chancellor Holford began by thanking the senators for their hard work as the academic year ends. He expressed appreciation for the number of special events and recognition ceremonies he has been able to attend in recent weeks, noting the excitement and large turnout of students and families.
        
        The Chancellor stated that he is looking forward to his first graduation ceremony as Chancellor and that commencement is his favorite time of year due to the energy and celebration on campus.
        
        He took a moment to thank the Faculty Senate for their work in passing the AI guidelines and forming the new Budget Committee. He indicated these were items he had been requesting for some time, and he is pleased the faculty has now approved these initiatives.
        
        He expressed gratitude for the faculty’s contributions and enthusiasm for the university’s future, including the upcoming strategic planning process to help define Purdue Northwest’s vision going forward.
        
        Chancellor Holford expressed enthusiasm for the newly formed Faculty Senate Budget Committee, as he believes it will allow for greater faculty participation and input in the university’s budgeting and resource allocation processes.
        
        The Chancellor announced that the provost search has concluded, and Dr. Mora will join Purdue Northwest as the new provost, starting on July 15th.
        
        He stated that they are very excited about Dr. Mora’s appointment and that she brings much expertise from the various universities she has worked at.
        
        He mentioned that Dr. Mora may visit the campus a few times over the summer before officially starting in her new role on July 15th, as she will have a full agenda to address when she begins.
        
        Strategic Planning Committee
        
        It’s time to discuss the institution’s vision. Senate representatives are not the only faculty representatives; reps from each college are invited. SGA member J. Buggs was also nominated to the committee.
        
        Chancellor Holford concluded by thanking the faculty for their hard work, stating that they are the heart and soul of the institution. He expressed pride in what the university has accomplished and said he looks forward to Purdue Northwest’s vision for the future.
        
        Upon request, the Chancellor shared that 771 candidates will participate in the spring commencement ceremony.
      6. Remarks by the Provost/VCAA
        
        Provost Latif began by sharing positive news about the university’s research and scholarship activities. He reported that undergraduate research awards are up 24.4% compared to the previous academic year, and student participation in undergraduate research has increased by 49.4%.
        
        He also noted that the university has received $11.7 million in external grant funding this year, which exceeds the typical $10 million they have received in recent years.
        
        The Provost shared that the university’s broadcast program has been nationally ranked, with the scriptwriting category ranked 5th out of 16 institutions and the overall program ranked 39th out of 95.
        
        Provost Latif added that 47 faculty positions have been approved. 17 tenure-track.
        
        He concluded by thanking the senators, as this was his last time addressing the Faculty Senate in his interim provost role before the new permanent provost, Dr. Mora, starts in July.
        
        The Vice-Chair thanked Provost Latif for his flexibility in leadership.
        
        The Chair added that the number of individuals accessing the testing center has doubled since 2023.
      7. Unfinished Business
        
        none
      8. New Business:
        
        Curriculum Documents Approval
        The following proposals can be accessed at curriculog.com
      9. Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
      10. EDCI – 32800 – Teaching Writing in P-6 Classrooms
      11. EDCI – 41100 – Professional Year Special Education Practicum
      12. HSCI – 40000 – Blood Bank
      13. HSCI – 40000 – Clinical Immunology
      14. HSCI – 40000 – Hematology and Coagulation
      15. HSCI – 40000 – Laboratory Operations
      16. HSCI – 40000 – Phlebotomy
      17. Liberal Studies, BLS
      18. Sales Engineering Minor
        
        Artz summarized the ten proposals up for a vote.
        
        Motioned for approval by L. Artz
        
        Seconded by R. Merkovsky
        
        Approved by voice vote
        
        Kozel asked who is offering the sales engineering minor. L. Artz said it’s a combination of computer science and another college he was unsure of, which W. He said was for business majors. D. Kozel said the Engineering dept should been consulted and suggested postponing the vote until EE can discuss it.
        
        It was determined this was a joint effort between CSC.
        
        Artz said the Curriculum approved it because the proposal came from ECE.
        
        Kozel moved to vote on the Sales Engineering minor separately from the others.
        
        Motion to discuss Sales Engineering Minor separately
        
        Seconded by R. Kramer
        
        Motion passed. Minor will be voted on separately.
        
        No further discussion on items 1-9.
        
        Documents 1-9 approved by voice vote.
        
        Kozel clarified that his motion is to send the document back to departments, especially Engineering, for review.
        
        Artz said that he is in favor of the motion to vote down.
        
        Vote to approve Sales Minor fails. The document will go back to ECE and CSC.

Discussion of dissemination of FAC survey results
1. The Faculty Affairs Committee had previously conducted a survey, and the Faculty Senate had voted last month not to share the full results in an open Senate meeting.
2. The Executive Committee then proposed a resolution to share limited information from the survey, including the average response and a 95% confidence interval for each question, without sharing any qualitative comments.
3. There was discussion about whether the confidence intervals were appropriately representing the variability in the data, with some Senators providing statistical context around the meaning and limitations of the confidence intervals.
4. Hallock clarified that the individual survey responses would still be shared confidentially with each respondent and their direct supervisor.
5. Artz then called the question, which requires a two-thirds vote to cut off further debate and proceed to a vote.
6. The motion to call the question passed, and the Senate then voted on the resolution to share the limited survey results. The resolution did not pass.
  1. Motion passed, discussion ends.
  2. Motion to approve.
    1. Approved by voice vote.
  3. For Action:
    - FSD 23-11 Guidance on use of AI in Teaching and Learning
      1. The Chair noted that this document had been discussed extensively at the previous Senate meeting. He had asked Senators to take it back to their units for further discussion, but he only received feedback from one individual.
      2. The Chair acknowledged that this will not be a “one and done” issue and that the guidance on AI usage will require ongoing attention and modification as the technology and its applications evolve.
      3. Motion to approve by D. Kozel
      4. Seconded by R. Merkovsky
      5. Approved by voice vote

Discussion Items:
- FSD 23-12 Senate Budget Subcommittee Membership
  1. The Chair provided some context that he had been serving in an ex-officio capacity on the Senate Budget Subcommittee, as he had some ideas about their work.
  2. He explained that several new members had volunteered to serve on the subcommittee, including himself, as he will be rotating off the Senate next year. He also asked the incoming Vice Chair, Dave Kozel, to serve in an ex-officio capacity to maintain an odd number of members, per the subcommittee’s bylaws.
  3. Nalbone noted that this subcommittee may be doing work over the summer, so he wanted to resolve the membership quickly through a vote. He opened it up for discussion, but there were no further comments.
  4. The Chair said he would like to move this to a vote after discussion.
  5. The Vice-Chair said the VCFA would also be included according to the bylaws.
  6. Motion for approval by D. Nalbone
  7. Seconded by R. Merkovsky
  8. Approved by voice vote

Reports from Senate Standing Committee Chairs
- Curriculum (Lee Artz)
  1. Artz stated that the curriculum committee had received a late proposal from the Integrative Health Programs after the committee’s review deadline. As a result, the registrar reported that the revisions to that program could not be implemented for the upcoming fall semester.
  2. Artz noted that the curriculum committee had reviewed and confirmed that most of the other course exemptions were acceptable, as they were primarily for transfer students from Ivy Tech and other campuses.
  3. He raised concerns about a proposed revision to the Communication department’s “Roundtable Perspective” course. He explained that the dean had announced plans to significantly change the nature of the course, moving it away from its current studio-based, academic focus towards a more promotional, commercial format.
    1. He strongly opposed these proposed changes, as the dean and interim chair initiated them without input or approval from the department. He saw this as undermining the academic integrity of the program and the faculty’s control over the curriculum.
    2. Artz indicated he had already raised these concerns with the Provost and sought guidance from the Senate on addressing this issue.

Ed Policy (Dave Kozel)
1. Kozel said Ed Policy will be meeting to elect a new chair.
2. He added that the committee did not want to engage in any further new business with the upcoming Provost entering the position over the summer.
Faculty Affairs (Rob Hallock)
1. Hallock said there is no report unless there are further questions on confidence intervals.
Gen Ed & Assessment (Ali Alavizadeh)
1. Alavizadeh said the committee met last month, and A. Mitra was elected chair.
Nominations, Elections, & Awards (Meden Isaac-Lam)
1. Isaac-Lam said new members have been determined. Two more are needed to replace the Nominations and Ed Policy Chairs.
2. It was clarified that at-large seats are no longer needed due to the size of the current Senate.
Student Affairs (Michelle Spaulding)
1. SAC Chair M. Spaulding said her term is ending, but no Chair is in place. Lots of turnover due to retirement.
2. Student of the Month:
  1. Marissa P. in Biology
  2. Savannah B. in Marketing
3. West Lafayette Report (Lee Artz)
  - Artz said he will be stepping down as the West Lafayette representative.
  - Senate Bill 202
  - President Chiang spent time discussing the NCAA tournament.
  - President Chiang addressed admission issues as a result of FAFSA revisions. Deadlines for acceptance are expected to be put back.
  - Still discussing AI.
  - Discussing final determinations for graduate student compensation, which may affect our grad students.
  - The Chair asked the Chancellor if FAFSA delays would affect us. Chancellor Holford said FAFSA delays are affecting all institutions. Awards can’t be posted without the process being completed.
  - This will push back acceptances and enrollments deep into the summer, which are currently up by a modest amount. This may delay our ability to access students denied admission to other institutions. The most significant national impact will be on private institutions with higher tuition rates.
  - Protesters have created an encampment at PUWL.
4. IFC Report (Geoffrey Barrow)
  - PNW rep reported our Senate consideration on AI and
5. SGA Report (David Bolton)
  - Bolton said this is his last Senate meeting as SGA President. He thanked the Senate for their support and guidance over the last two years. He said he plans to return to PNW.
  - New members are in place with a few vacancies.
  - Buggs was nominated to participate in the Strategic Planning Committee.
  - Setting the foundation for the incoming group.
  - DEI initiatives.
  - The first Senate meeting for the fall semester will see President-Elect Chloe Belford as SGA President.
6. Open discussion (as time permits).
  - The Chair thanked the Senate for the privilege of being able to serve and added that he looks forward to stepping into a different role.
  - Omeed Ilchi introduced himself and said he would like to call upon the Senate to support student protestors across the country who have been punished with excessive force. He called for the Senate to draft a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
  - The Chair asked if O. Ilchi was offering a resolution. O. Ilchi confirmed he was.
  - Artz seconded the motion, adding that the resolution should address academic freedom. Omeed accepted the amendment.
  - The Chair said Omeed could include this as a friendly amendment.
    1. Ilchi said to include L. Artz’s friendly amendment.
  - Ilchi’s resolution:
    1. I come here today to call upon the faculty senate to vote on a resolution to support college students across the country who have been met with extreme and excessive force by law enforcement and punished by their universities for peacefully protesting. Police paramilitary units have been deployed against peaceful student protesters, and just this week, student protesters at UCLA were shot in the face with rubber bullets. Faculty members have been assaulted and arrested. I believe that as an institution of higher learning, we have a duty to support student protests, whether they are at PNW or any other institution. We also call for the defense of academic freedom of faculty and students and protection against retaliation.
      1. Motioned for approval by O. Ilchi
      2. Seconded by L. Artz
      3. Approved by voice vote
    2. I am also calling upon the faculty senate for a resolution to call for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Approximately 35,000 have been killed in Gaza since October, with approximately 15,000 of them being children. Hospitals have been leveled. Every single university in Gaza has crumbled. Mass graves have been uncovered. Humanitarian aid workers and journalists have been killed. I believe it is our duty as faculty to call for a permanent ceasefire.
    3. The Chair suggested a friendly amendment to change “permanent” to “immediate.” O. Ilchi denied the amendment, believing that a permanent ceasefire is necessary. And I also believe that a temporary pause in genocide is not a solution.
    4. Kozel agreed, stating that we condemn the initial terrorist attack but that we also feel that the response needs to be stopped or tempered.
    5. Bhandari thanked Omeed for bringing this to the Senate floor.
    6. Amended version from O. Ilchi:
      I am also calling upon the faculty senate for a resolution to call for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. We condemn the attacks on civilians on October 7, but since then, approximately 35,000 have been killed in Gaza since October, with approximately 15,000 of them being children. Hospitals have been leveled. Every single university in Gaza has crumbled. Mass graves have been uncovered. Humanitarian aid workers and journalists have been killed. We condemn these actions as well and call for a permanent ceasefire.
      1. Motioned for approval by O. Ilchi
      2. Seconded by L. Artz
      3. Motion approved by voice vote
        
        Artz asked if sharing this resolution with the media would be permissible. The Chair suggested making a motion.
        
        Artz motioned that the resolution should be shared with the media. The Parliamentarian said that since this is a public, discussions can be publicized without resolution.

Mitra recognized D. Nalbone’s excellent service as Senate Chair. He proposed that the Senate pass a resolution recognizing his service.
1. Seconded by K. Tobin
2. Approved by round of applause.
The Vice-Chair said the PNW Research Board needs two faculty positions filled. The position is for tenured non-administrative faculty. Deadline is May 8.
The Vice-Chair said Senate Leadership will be meeting after today’s meeting at JD Pour Decisions and invited Senators to join in celebration of an eventful academic year.

Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned at 12:27 PM