In an effort to improve communication between ECS/UAS and faculty colleagues, the Executive Committee of the Senate (ECS) at its August 12, 2021 retreat recommended that each week, a general message will be sent out to all faculty. This message will highlight the immediate past ECS/UAS meeting and give a preview of the upcoming ECS/UAS meeting. In particular, the highlight will summarize the key agenda items and provide context on the key votes; the pros and cons will be summarized and the key arguments for each highlighted. Herein are the highlights of the ECS/UAS meetings of April 15, 2022 and a preview of the ECS/UAS meetings of April 22, 2022. Meetings of the ECS are restricted to members of the ECS, their alternates, and others whom the ECS may invite, pursuant to SG 1.01.7.2. Meetings of the UAS are open pursuant to SG 1.01.6.2.
Highlights of ECS/UAS Meetings of April 15, 2022
Chair’s Report:
- Elections for Senate Leadership will be held on 4/22/22 at the ECS meeting.
- ECS will hold two summer retreats, one in May and one in August. Dates are TBD.
- The new Senate for the 2022-23 AY will be welcomed at UAS 4/22/22.
- The next ECS meeting will be held April 22 from 3:00-3:30. UAS will be held from 3:30-5:00. A reception will follow.
- New Program Council will meet Wednesday 4/20.
Provost’s Report:
- AVP Ed Aboufadel attended the Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU) meeting.
- In response to a question on phased retirement, it was noted that an update will be given within the next few weeks.
Student Senate President’s Report:
- New Student Senate President Faith Kidd was introduced.
New Business:
- At ECS, General Counsel Pat Smith addressed questions about non-disclosure and non-disparagement clauses, especially why they were part of the VRIP. She noted that these are typically included when employees receive benefits to which they are not otherwise entitled.
- At ECS, the members discussed forming a task force on test optional and holistic admissions policies. This will be further discussed at the ECS summer retreat.
- FFPAC presented a memo on the work-order follow-up process. There will be a way to include an email address for follow-up on work orders. ECS made a motion to support with recommendation to UAS, which passed unanimously. UAS approved unanimously.
- On the EIC memo on leadership and succession planning, the statement “via the normal nomination and elections processes” were removed and ECS made a motion to support with recommendation to UAS, which passed with 10 yes, 1 no, and 1 abstain.
- The EIC memo on responsibilities of EIC included the following new language: “Identity existing resources for faculty professional development on issues related to diversity (teaching, collegiality, scholarship, campus community, and environment, etc.). Promote these resources through the EIC website and via faculty-led programming and events.” It was noted that the first word should read “identify” rather than “identity.” ECS made a motion to change the word identity to identify and support with recommendation to UAS, which passed will 11 yes votes, 0 no, 1 abstain. At UAS, the motion to support the recommendation passed unanimously.
- The EIC memo on the Teach-In provided information on how EIC will interface with the Teach-In in the future.
- The EIC report on data on diversity was discussed. A future charge to EIC might include a report on data on diversity over time to look at trends.
- Paul Leidig provided an NCAA update, including information on the role of the FAR, changes to the NCAA Constitution, the academic success of GVSU’s student-athletes, GVSU’s athletic success, an update on GVSU athletics, and a discussion of remaining in Division II vs moving into Division I. An update will be presented to ECS/UAS on Division I vs Division II when it is ready.
For more details on the above items, please go here.
Preview of ECS/UAS Meetings of April 22, 2022
- Election of Senate Leadership
- Welcoming of the new Senate for 2022-2023
- Remarks by President Mantella
- Reports from Standing Committees
Please, feel free to reach out to your ECS or UAS representative from your College/University Libraries to provide input on any ECS agenda item that you may like to weigh in on.
Thank you for your continuous interest in faculty governance.
Sincerely,
Felix N. Ngassa
Chair of ECS/UAS 2021-2022
