Grundy Reporter

University of Illinois Senate Committee on University Statutes and Senate Procedures met Oct. 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Present: Chair Shawn Gilmore, H. George Friedman, Matthew Goodman, Samantha Lenoch, William Maher, Jeffrey Stein, Kelli Trei, Brent West

Ex officio: Jessica Mette, Sharon Reynolds, Jenny Roether

Absent: Michael Grossman Guest: Sarah Zehr

A regular meeting of the Senate Committee on University Statutes and Senate Procedures (SP) was called to order at 9:00 am with Chair Gilmore presiding.

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of the September 25 meeting were approved as distributed.

II. PUBLIC COMMENT

No requests received.

III. CHAIR’S REMARKS

Chair Gilmore noted that SP will receive suggested revisions to the Bylaws as each Senate committee reviews its duties and membership as requested by the Senate Executive Committee.

Chair Gilmore reported that Roether has reviewed the Bylaws for consistency of committee names and noted that the Office of Continuing Education no longer exists, although the Director of the Office of Continuing Education is listed as an ex officio member on the Senate Committee on Educational Policy. Currently, the Director of the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) is attending in that ex officio role. Chair Gilmore questioned if this is an editorial revision to the Bylaws that can be made by Roether or if a proposal should be sent to the Senate for approval. After discussion, SP determined that since the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning is not a replacement for the Office of Continuing Education, then a proposal should be sent to the Senate. This item will be added to the next agenda (SP.20.13, Revision to the Bylaws, Part D.8 – Committee on Educational Policy).

IV. OLD BUSINESS

SP.17.12, Revisions to the Statutes, Article II, Section 3 – Faculty Role in Governance and Article X, Section 2 – Academic Freedom

Chair Gilmore shared copies of an email from Matt Finkin, Chair of the Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure, which expressed Finkin’s concern with the proposal. Chair Gilmore noted that the proposal was supported by the Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure last year. The proposal will be presented for approval at the October Senate meeting.

SP.18.05, Revisions to the Bylaws, Part E.2 – Faculty Advisory Committee (pending approval of SP.15.13)

No new discussion.

SP.18.15, Senate Handbook

Copies of the documentation related to being a senator, Senate Executive Committee policies and procedures, and the previous Senate pamphlet were distributed. Chair Gilmore asked SP to review the materials to determine what information should be included in a Senate handbook. Chair Gilmore and Goodman will draft a document for review by SP.

SP.19.01, Proposed Revisions to the Statutes (USC ST-77)

The proposal will be presented for approval at the October Senate meeting.

SP.19.14, Proposed Revisions to the Statutes, Article III, Section3 – The Dean No new discussion.

SP.19.15, Proposed Revisions to the Statutes, Article IV, Section 2 – Department Organized with a Chair, Section 3 – Department Organized with a Head, and Section 4 – Change of Departmental Organization

No new discussion.

SP.20.02, Revision to the Standing Rules 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 16

Copies of the updated draft proposal were distributed. SP reviewed and revised the draft. Chair Gilmore will draft additional background wording for review at the next meeting.

SP.20.03, Revision to the Bylaws, Part D.1 – Senate Executive Committee and Standing Rule 11 – Election of a Senate Executive Committee Member from the Committee on the University Senates Conference

Copies of the updated draft proposal which now includes revisions to the Bylaws, Part D.1 and Standing Rule 11 were distributed. SP reviewed the draft and noted that additional language is needed in the Background section. Chair Gilmore will draft additional background language for review at the next meeting.

SP.20.04, Revision to the Standing Rules – Setting Time Limits for Introduction and Discussion of Senate Items

Copies of the updated draft proposal were distributed. SP reviewed the draft and discussed additional wording in the Recommendation section specifying that adoption of this rule, which would limit debate, requires a two-thirds vote of the Senate. The draft proposal will be updated for further discussion at the next meeting.

SP.20.05, Revision to the Bylaws, Part D.8 – Senate Committee on Educational Policy and Standing Rule 13 – Formation, Termination, Separation, Transfer, Merger, Change in Status, and Renaming of Units

No new discussion.

SP.20.06, Revision to the Bylaws, Part D.1 – Senate Executive Committee (eligibility/duties of Chair and Vice-Chair)

Copies of the updated draft proposal were distributed. Goodman noted concern with the requirement for the Chair of the Senate Executive Committee (SEC) to have served at least one year on the SEC. It was noted that this requirement was requested by SEC. Chair Gilmore will discuss the concern with SEC.

Chair Gilmore reported that SEC is currently reviewing its Bylaws and have considered the addition of the Chair of the Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure and reducing the at-large committee chair seats from three to two. Chair Gilmore noted that concern was also raised about the release time attached to certain positions: Chair of the SEC – one-half time release from academic duties and Chair of the Senate Committee on Educational Policy – one-half time release from academic duties.

SP.20.07, Revision to the Bylaws, Part E (Governing and Advisory Bodies) and Part F (Senate Representatives to Other Bodies)

No new discussion.

SP.20.08, Revision to the Bylaws, Part D.19 – University Statutes and Senate Procedures

No new discussion.

SP.20.09, Proposed Revision to the Constitution, Article II, Section 1.b; Article III, Section 1; and Article IV, Section 1

No new discussion.

SP.20.10, Revision to the Bylaws, Part C - Elections No new discussion.

V. NEW BUSINESS

SP.20.11, Revision to the Bylaws, Part D.9 – Committee on Elections and Credentials

Copies of the draft proposal were distributed. SP will discuss this item at the next meeting.

VI. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am.

https://uofi.app.box.com/v/USSP/file/581375474721