View this email in your browser

Grand Valley State University

Highlight of ECS Meeting of February 23, and Preview of UAS Meeting of March 15, 2024

 

In an effort to improve communication between ECS/UAS and faculty colleagues, the Executive Committee of the Senate (ECS) at its August 16, 2023, retreat reaffirmed a recommendation from August 12, 2021, that each week, a general message 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 meeting of February 23, and a preview of the UAS meeting of March 15, 2024. 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. Any faculty member wishing to speak at a UAS meeting can request to be added as an invited guest by contacting the chair of ECS/UAS at least 3 days prior to the meeting.

Highlights of ECS Meeting of February 23, 2024

Chair’s Report

  • We have now received the response memo on the Test-Optional and Holistic Admissions Task Force Recommendations from President Mantella, Provost Mili, and VP Truss. You can have access to the response memo by going here.
  • Join the GVSU Quest Series on Tuesday, February 27 at 3:00-4:00 pm in Room 2204, Pere Marquette Room, Kirkhof Center, in the Allendale Campus. The title is, “Academic Freedom: Building Trust and Community in a Time of Discord.” For more information and to register, please go here.
  • Upcoming events for Democracy 101 are February 28, and March 27.
  • The theme for the 2024 UAS Newsletter will be The Role of Shared Governance in Co-Creating Laker Readiness. All faculty who would like to contribute an article should contact Chair Ngassa and plan to submit their articles by the deadline of April 1.

Provost's Report

  • Provost Mili reported that Dr. David Ruiter, Faculty Director of the Teaching and Learning Commons at the University of California San Diego, visited Grand Valley for the President’s Forum discussion on “Lost & Found: Higher Education Equity Post-Pandemic.” He also shared that he was highly impressed with the FTLC, the level of trust between Dr. Christine Rener and the faculty and the high level of participation of faculty in FTLC events and initiatives.

Student Senate President's Report

  • Student Senate election season is underway.
  • The Student Senate continued discussing issues related to admissions and retention, especially how to help connect students with resources once they are here.
  • Student Senate hosted its annual “Elect Her” leadership training program.

New Business

  • On the Graduate Council (GC) Memo on Independent Study Policy: The independent study policy has not been reviewed for over 15 years. GC reviewed and updated the existing policy to be consistent with current practices and terminology. The policy is housed in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog within the section titled Graduate Academic Policies and Regulations. The motion to support the GC recommendation and forward to UAS with a recommendation to support was approved unanimously.
  • On the Graduate Council (GC) Memo on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy in Theses and Dissertation: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in generating a research project, thesis, or dissertation must adhere to some minimum standards in order to ensure academic integrity and uphold quality standards. The policy is housed in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog within the section titled Graduate Academic Policies and Regulations. The motion to support the GC recommendation and forward to UAS with a recommendation to support was approved unanimously.
  • On the University Curriculum Committee (UCC) Memo on Course Designation for Study Abroad: The UCC recommends the creation of a permanent course designation specific to study abroad. The recommendation is the result of collaborations with the Padnos International Center (PIC), the International Education Committee (IEC), and the Registrar’s Office. The motion to support the UCC recommendation and forward to UAS with a recommendation to support was approved unanimously.
  • On the Policy on Establishment, Review, and Discontinuing Academic Centers, SG 2.06 & 1.03.B.14: New language was proposed to replace the current language in SG 2.06. The current title of SG 2.06, “Procedure for Establishment of Non-Academic Institutes, Centers, and Offices” will be replaced with the title, “Policy on Establishing, Reviewing, and Discontinuing Academic Centers.” In addition, it is recommended to insert a new section SG 1.03.B.14 in order to establish an additional University Governance Committee. The motion to support the Proposed Changes to the Policy on Establishing, Reviewing, and Discontinuing Academic Centers, SG 2.06 & 1.03.B.14, and forward to UAS with a recommendation to support was approved unanimously.
  • On the Discussion of Consent Agenda for UAS: The proposed language for describing the operation of a consent agenda for UAS was reviewed. The motion to support the proposed language describing the operation of a Consent Agenda and forward to UAS with a recommendation to support was approved unanimously.
  • On the Review of Statement of Concern Document on Admission: We reviewed and discussed the “Statement of Concern Document on Admission.” ECS did not take any action on the document but rather made a motion to forward the document to UAS as a position statement expressing faculty concerns, for discussion of whether to modify, approve, and/or disseminate. The motion was not unanimous but received overwhelming support.
  • On the Discussion of Creation of Test-Optional and Holistic Admissions Task Force 2: We reviewed and discussed the potential charges of the Test-Optional and Holistic Admissions Task Force 2. The updated charges will be shared with UAS on March 15 and UAS will discuss the composition of such a taskforce.

For more details on the above items, please go here.

 Preview of UAS Meeting of March 15, 2024

  • Proposed University Definition of Digital Literacy
  • Faculty Personnel Policy Committee (FPPC) Memo on Bias Statements for Students and Faculty Revised
  • New Complaints and Grievance Process
  • Presentation of the Bellamy Creek Program
  • Inclusion & Equity Strategic Framework Presentation
  • Discussion of Creation of Test-Optional and Holistic Admissions Task Force 2
  • Discussion of Statement of Concern Document on Admission
  • Policy on Establishing, Reviewing, and Discontinuing Academic Centers, SG 2.06 & 1.03.B.14

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 2023-2024

ECS Membership

1 Campus Drive

3090 James H. Zumberge Hall
Allendale, MI 49401

 

Unsubscribe from future emails