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Grand Valley State University

Highlight of ECS Meeting of September 1, and Preview of ECS Meeting of September 8

 

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 September 1, 2023 and a preview of the ECS meeting of September 8, 2023. 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 Meeting of September 1, 2023

Chair’s Report

  1. Most of the memos from the 2022-23 academic year were approved as recommended, except for the FFPC memo on Bias Statement to Students and Faculty, the FSBC memo on Update to the Faculty Salary Adjustment Program, and the FSBC memo on Extra Compensation. In considering the broader implications of the recommendations of these three memos, the provost has asked for more time to make a decision of these three memos.
  2. Three taskforces were created at the ECS summer retreats: one on drafting language for the Faculty Representation on Senate (FARES), one for revision on S.G. 1.01.2 (Responsibilities of the UAS), and SG 2.05 (Establishment of New Programs or Units), and one on workload and significant focus.
  3. The Education Advisory Board (EAB) will be leading a workshop on September 22 on Identifying and Responding to Bias in Promotion and Tenure Decisions. More details on the September 22 workshop will be provided by the Office of the Provost.

Provost's Report

  1. The provost is happy that enrollment is up, aware that it means lots of work for all of us, and thanks everyone in advance.
  2. Academic Affairs is working on the plan for the year, developing a set of projects that align with the 5 priorities that the president has published. This includes looking closely at the priorities of faculty governance and ensuring that we coordinate rather than duplicate efforts. The overarching theme is to be intentional about developing our capacity.
  3. 1824 faculty are enrolled in the active shooter education module, and by last Friday afternoon, 558 have completed it. All faculty are encouraged to complete the module by this Friday, September 8.
  4. GVSU has been in the process of upgrading and growing our IT infrastructure. As we continue these efforts, I want to thank our faculty for their extreme patience and understanding and thank our IT colleagues for efforts and their listening to faculty's concerns and their responsiveness to them. I look forward to us continuing this transition in the most appreciative fashion. ECS members noted that Education Technology has been very helpful, especially with the transition to Blackboard Ultra. UAS will formally recognize Education Technology by endorsing a statement that will be shared on September 29.

Student Senate President's Report

No report.

New Business

  1. Reviewed UAS bylaws and affirmation of use of Robert’s Rules.
  1. UAS meetings are open to attend (SG 1.01.6.2), but only invited guests and voting members may speak.
  1. Finalized Standing Committee Charges for the 2023-24 Academic Year.
  2. Discussed the Test Optional and Holistic Admission Task Force Recommendations. More information and more context are needed to act on the recommendations. Only one member of the taskforce attended ECS. ECS voted to table this discussion and to invite the committee members again for further discussion.
  3. ECS voted to return the report of the Ownership of Instructional Materials Task Force to consider the additional document that was provided, “Navigating Copyright Issues in Expanded Online Education and Events”, in framing new recommendations. There were no concerns about the philosophy of the document, but a desire to ensure that there is consistency with the document that was shared.
  4. The Faculty Representation in Senate (FARES) I Task Force Recommendations: ECS voted to support with recommendation to UAS and disseminate to full faculty immediately. You can view the full memo by going here.
  5. There was a recommendation to change the reporting of the International Education Committee (IEC) to ECS/UAS rather than UCC. ECS voted to support with recommendation to UAS.
  6. ECS confirmed the provost appointments to OEMC.
  7. ECS selected the following faculty to serve a 3-year term in LIFT-MC: Wei Gu (CECI); Sarah Nechuta (CHP); and Christopher Shaffer (CLAS).

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

Preview of ECS Meeting of September 8, 2022

  1. Review and Discussion of the 2023 Equity and Inclusion Committee (EIC) Memo on Annual Diversity Report.
  2. Review and Discussion of the Faculty Personnel Policy Committee (FPPC) Memo on Equity in Personnel Processes.
  3. Review and Discussion of the Online Education and Microcredential Council (OEMC) Memo on Instructional Modality Definitions.
  4. Review and Discussion of the Laker Impression of Faculty Teaching Management Committee (LIFT-MC) Memo on LIFT Student Perception Data Report.
  5. Review and Discussion of Faculty Salary and Budget Committee (FSBC) Memo on Updating Faculty Governance Committee Structure.
  6. Review and Discussion of Memo from the Workload and Significant Focus Task Force.
  7. Review and Discussion of Proposed Changes to the University Conduct Pool, SG 1.03.C.4.

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

 

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