Academic Senate
Minutes from March 19, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 2:45 p.m. by Senate President, Erwin Chemerinsky.
Agenda Item #1. Announcements and Approval of Minutes.
There were two announcements. First, President Sample asked to address the Academic Senate today. Second, the Administration has informed the Academic Senate that it no longer plans to continue a dialogue regarding the revisions of the Faculty Handbook. A brief synopsis: a number of Senators, on two committees, have been working to update the 1987 Faculty Handbook, and they have been coordinating efforts with Barbara Solomon. Recently, Lloyd Armstrong communicated the following concerns: the new Handbook did not reflect a move toward "excellence" at USC, the new Handbook is too preoccupied with Faculty rights, and there are components of the changes which Provost Armstrong felt were unacceptable. President Chemerinsky reported mixed feelings about this turn of events. On one hand, the 1987 Handbook is a solid document, and continuing to live with those protections is a plus. On the other hand, it is a dated document, and many committee members worked on the revisions. Questions concerning the Handbook may be addressed to Provost Armstrong when he speaks.
The minutes were approved as presented.
Agenda Item #2. Discussion/Voting Faculty Grievance Process
A. 96/97-09 Adoption of Revised Grievance Process
President Chemerinsky recounted the inclusion of a friendly amendment and changes made in the Grievance Process document. The Provost’s office requested that the phrase "except if there has been a hearing where cause for termination was determined" be added to point (3) of second paragraph, first page. President Chemerinsky stated that feedback from Senators has been incorporated in the document circulated at today’s meeting.
A friendly amendment was incorporated: To change the sentence on Page 5, first paragraph from "...was not a faculty member at the time of the grievance arose or is not currently a faculty member and thus..." to "...was not a faculty member at the time of the grievance arose and is not currently a faculty member and thus...." A friendly amendment was incorporated: To change main paragraph on page 1, 2.5 (a), from one paragraph to three paragraphs.
Resolution 96/97-09 passed with one abstention and no negative votes.
B. 96/97-10 Annual Report to Senate
Resolution 96/97-10 passed as presented with no abstentions and two negative votes.
Agenda Item #4. Remarks from Provost Armstrong
Agenda Item #3 was skipped so that Provost Armstrong can speak first, since he is present; the Nominating Committee will report later.
Provost Armstrong talked about changes that the University is attempting to make at USC; creating different configurations of units together, called "Management Groups," whose task it is to achieve certain identifiable goals. Four groups were made: The Arts, the Health Sciences, Urban Affairs, and, Communication. Each group has been charged with a set of goals. The groups are looking to work together, increase excellence, study trimming classes, if there are overlapping courses, and to assess efficiency in all areas (teaching, administration). The deans are charged to work as a group (in each area). Provost Armstrong said that the administration has not yet met with the groups; but some money will be made available for joint efforts, a set of goals will be articulated, and it is expected that certain work coalitions will be formed.
Provost Armstrong addressed the issue of the ISSM matter; the displaced faculty. Provost Armstrong said the administration is committed to finding a home for all ISSM faculty, noting the sensitivity of the issue of relocation. A discussion was held between the Provost and Senators regarding how well the relocation process was progressing, and how many of the ISSM faculty have yet to be relocated.
Provost Armstrong, when answering questions regarding the lack of progress on crafting a new Faculty Handbook, claimed that the current Faculty Handbook is a "curios document." It is a curious document in that it treats faculty rights as ends unto themselves, an approach the Provost found problematic. The Faculty Handbook should focus clearly and directly on the mission of the University. "The University is a different institution today," said Provost Armstrong; the old Handbook was drafted at a time when the University did not have an articulated mission. Provost Armstrong did not want his name associated with a document which did not address larger issues of the University’s mission, and the Faculty’s role in fulfilling that mission, as well as Faculty rights and protections. Provost Armstrong conceded that we have one book, plus a number of updated section areas of the Handbook. It is hoped that the Handbook and the updated sections will be updated on-line, maybe on a Website.
Agenda Item #3. Report of the Nominating Committee
President Chemerinsky provided a list of names of Senators nominated for elected roles in the Academic Senate, and provided a brief description of the nominating process. There was no discussion of the Report on the Nominating Committee.
Agenda Item #5. Report: Implementation Committee
A vote was taken to table Agenda Items 5 and 6, in light of Provost Armstrong’s comments regarding relocation of ISSM faculty.
The vote failed.
The Report of the Implementation Committee was provided to the Faculty Senate. The Provost appointed a Task Force in September of 1995 which was given the following charge: Assist the University in the relocation of ISSM Faculty. There were 13 ISSM Faculty with tenure when the Task Force began. Seven of the ISSM Faculty have been placed, or have accepted a settlement. Three Faculty have been offered generous buy-out packages. The placement of 1 other ISSM Faculty member is now imminent. There are efforts to re-locate two other ISSM Faculty, and the Task Force is optimistic that they will also be place in new units soon. A written report about the accomplishments of the Task Force will be made available later, after all Faculty are placed.
Agenda Item #6. Resolution 96/97-08. Reassignment of the Tenured ISSM Faculty Members.
This resolution has been forwarded from previous meetings, it has been both moved and seconded; a discussion on the motion continues. A friendly amendment was added, which changed a number of the sentences of the motion. The motion carries 12 to 7, with 3 abstentions.
Agenda Item #7. Report: Task Force on the Future of Health Sciences
This resolution will be placed in the April or May agenda.
Agenda Item #8. New Business
The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
Submitted by: Michael Cody