Administration’s Response to May Senate Motions
RE: Response to Motions SM2615, SM2617, SM2618, SM2619, SM2620, SM 2621, SM 2622
On motion SM2615: Bylaws Amendments
No response needed. Amendments provided for awareness.
On motion SM2617: PBAC Charge Resolution
I hereby accept this motion. Vice President Boyden and her team will propose changes to the Charge to the president, and then to senate for the Fall 2026 meeting.
On motion SM2618: Resolution in Support of Out-of-State Enrollment Strategies
91르적’s strategy for the recruitment and retention of students, both in-state and out-of-state, is a recurring theme in discussions between administrators and faculty senators in FIPC. Faculty have played a major role in accepted student days, new student orientation, bridge week, and much else. Faculty have contributed significantly to recruitment and retention efforts at 91르적, including writing letters to admitted students to encourage them to matriculate this past spring.
The Faculty Senate’s interest in out-of-state enrollment is welcome and, in my view, the administration is required only to acknowledge receipt of the resolution, recognize shared interest, and commit to continued conversations about strategies to attract out-of-state students. VPEM Coughlin and his team will offer an “Enrollment Management 101” in September 2026, which will be analogous to the successful “Budget 101” sessions delivered by VPFA Boyden in April 2026. That session will provide all faculty and staff with an opportunity to learn more about enrollment management strategies, including those to boost out-of-state enrollment.
On motion SM2619: Motion to Endorse the Program Elimination Proposal for the Undergraduate Major in Romance Languages
I hereby accept this motion.
On motion SM2620: Resolution to Support the Implementation of a Revised Grade Dispute Policy
The revised policy provides a clearer, more structured, and more consistent process for students, faculty, instructors, chairs, directors, and deans when questions arise regarding final course grades. It appropriately affirms that grading remains the prerogative of the instructor, while also establishing a defined process for addressing allegations of arbitrary grading. The policy strengthens the current process by clarifying the grounds for appeal, emphasizing informal resolution where possible, identifying the roles and responsibilities of each participant, and providing a more meaningful path to resolution when a formal appeal is necessary.
If approved, Academic Affairs will work with the appropriate offices to support implementation of the revised policy, including any necessary updates to catalog language, communication to colleges and departments, and guidance for those responsible for administering the process. The Provost’s Office will also continue to monitor the implementation of the policy, including the number and nature of appeals, to determine whether additional clarification or future revisions are needed. I hereby accept this resolution.
On motion SM 2621: Motion to Expand Student Access in Course Offering Information
If approved, Academic Affairs will support the formation of a task force to explore possible approaches for expanding student access to course offer information. This work should carefully address the structure, responsibilities, governance, maintenance, and security of any proposed resource, as well as the intellectual property of instructors and the need to manage student expectations regarding course changes across sections, instructors, modalities, and terms.
If approved, Academic Affairs will also support the motion’s requirement that the proposal return to the Faculty Senate Academic Affairs Committee for review no later than December 31, 2026, and that any final proposal receive approval from the full Faculty Senate before the establishment of the resource. I hereby approve this motion.
On motion SM2622: Motion to Amend SM2611
I hereby approve this motion.