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Current Issue: Volume 130, Number 1 July 14, 2009

News


New committee planned to discuss definition of faculty

Posted 03-30-2007 at 2:09PM

Erica Sherman
Senior Reporter

In light of the recent events regarding the definition of faculty, the Faculty Senate moved to withdraw the Faculty Handbook as submitted to the provost in May 2006. As a part of the motion, the Senate will instead form a committee of faculty, administration, and at least one member of the Board of Trustees to study models of faculty definition and governance at peer and aspirant institutions. This committee would recommend to the Senate the appropriate language for the Constitution and Handbook that will be brought to the faculty for a vote in Spring 2008.

According to Jim Napolitano, President of the Faculty Senate, the revised Handbook ultimately will be finished a year from now. Although the committee has not yet been formed, Napolitano anticipates that its work will stretch into the Fall 2007 semester, and hopes that it will be ready to be presented at the Board of Trustees meeting this December. Until the new version is passed, the old definition of faculty—including tenure-track, tenured, clinical, chaired and research professors—applies.

Also, the No Solicitation/No Distribution policy was discussed at the meeting. The wording of this policy prevents faculty members or employees from soliciting or promoting support for any cause or organization during his or her working time or during the working time of the faculty or employee at whom such activity is directed. Secretary of the Institute and General Counsel Charles Carletta explained during the meeting that the policy was intended to prevent outside organizations from soliciting or selling to employees or students. However, Napolitano felt that there needed to be a clearer understanding on how the policy applied to academic freedom. Discussion in the Senate meeting was in regard to which were appropriate and inappropriate actions that faculty could take. One question, for example, was whether a professor would be in violation of the policy if he or she encouraged students to join a professional society. More discussion has been scheduled as to how this policy affects faculty members.



Posted 03-30-2007 at 2:09PM
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