Faculty Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2018
Gannett Auditorium
MINUTES
President Philip A. Glotzbach called the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
President Glotzbach asked if there were any corrections to, or comments regarding, the minutes of the Faculty Meeting held December 1, 2017. Hearing none, he announced the minutes were approved.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
President Glotzbach welcomed everyone back for the new semester. He then introduced
Cathy DeLorenzo, Director of Admissions, who provided the following update on the
Class of 2022:
President Glotzbach also reported that, this week, the approved bonds were placed in the market, and we expect to know the pricing, which is determined by the market, early next week. This is important because it will give us the precise interest rate we will pay, which will facilitate our planning. We are on track to have that debt service covered in the operating budget, several years before we will need to begin repaying the bonds in 2021.
Finally, we now have completed the bid documents for CIS, and these have been issued. Nine construction firms have expressed interest, and bids will be received by April 2. We expect to award the contract for the first phase of the project in early April, and we are on schedule to start construction in May.
Together, these developments represent tremendous progress, thanks to the hard work by Mike West and his colleagues, and great work and coordination by our external partners. President Glotzbach will provide further updates as this project continues to move forward.
As the #MeToo” movement and related campaigns have drawn increased attention to sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace, President Glotzbach stated that we have obligations under federal law to assure that we have done all we can to address that issue at the College. We have programs in place to ensure that everyone who works at Skidmore is fully informed of what is appropriate and what is not appropriate behavior, and we will be renewing these efforts this semester.
Addressing the news stories concerning the Olympic gymnasts who were sexually assaulted by a physician employed by Michigan State University, President Glotzbach stated that those initial reports – and the ongoing coverage of the aftermath – have reminded us of the earlier scandal associated with the football program at Penn State University. He said that it is essential that any organization that deals with young people develop, adopt, and implement a protection of minors policy that establishes safeguards for young people who come on our campus. In that regard, several months ago, we began work on such a policy in President’s Cabinet and IPPC. This semester we will complete this work.
In concluding, he stated that he and Marie recently saw the films, The Darkest Hour about Winston Churchill’s role in England during the early days of World War II and The Post, which is the study of how Publisher Katherine Graham and Editor Ben Bradlee made the decision to report on and publish the “Pentagon Papers” in the Washington Post in 1971. While none of us lived through World War II, some will remember the Vietnam War and the publication of the “Pentagon Papers.” Even so, a few of us were aware of the back story that is foregrounded in this film – primarily the risks – personal, professional, legal, and financial – faced by Graham and Bradlee in making this decision. This film certainly highlights issues relating to the freedom, role, and responsibility of the press in our democracy – certainly timely topics today. But it is also a story of personal courage on the part of the principal players.
Both of these stories remind us of the challenges faced by leaders and professionals in other fields – particularly the stakes and the risks that can attend decision-making in other contexts. President Glotzbach hopes that reflecting on these two historical episodes might inspire each of us to find the courage we sometimes require to carry out our own responsibilities in helping to fulfill the educational mission of the College. We are a mission-driven institution, and the values that attend that mission should be front and center as we do our work and participate in decision-making in the context of shared governance. President Glotzbach believes that educating the next generation of citizens and leaders is itself a sacred responsibility, one that, in principle, elevates everything we do at the College – and that, from time to time, calls upon us to find our own measure of courage.
President Glotzbach opened the floor for questions. While there were no questions raised, one comment was made that it was hoped that the sentiments expressed by President Glotzbach would guide the Trustees as they considered our investments in the future.
DEAN OF THE FACULTY AND VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS' REPORT
- We are aiming for a slightly larger first year class due to the large senior class that will be graduating this spring. This year, our target for the fall is 650 on campus and 36-40 in London. Our target of 690 compares to last year’s target of 660.
- Total applications are up about 7 percent with 10,750 applications received to date.
- While our applications are up, the demand for financial aid has also increased. This year, 76 percent of the applicants are seeking financial aid, compared to 74 percent last year.
- The percentage of applicants self-identifying as domestic students of color and applicants self-identifying as international students have both increased from 29 percent last year to 30 percent this year.
- Our early decision pool is up about 12 percent over last year as well, but the demand for financial aid has increased as well. Last year, we were able to enroll about 50 percent of our class through early decision; however, due to the increase in demand for financial aid, we hope to enroll 45 percent or more of the class through early decision.
- Decision letters for Early Decision Round II will be sent on February 14, and regular decisions letters will be sent mid- to late-March.
- Accepted candidates days will be April 6, April 13 and April 16.
President Glotzbach also reported that, this week, the approved bonds were placed in the market, and we expect to know the pricing, which is determined by the market, early next week. This is important because it will give us the precise interest rate we will pay, which will facilitate our planning. We are on track to have that debt service covered in the operating budget, several years before we will need to begin repaying the bonds in 2021.
Finally, we now have completed the bid documents for CIS, and these have been issued. Nine construction firms have expressed interest, and bids will be received by April 2. We expect to award the contract for the first phase of the project in early April, and we are on schedule to start construction in May.
Together, these developments represent tremendous progress, thanks to the hard work by Mike West and his colleagues, and great work and coordination by our external partners. President Glotzbach will provide further updates as this project continues to move forward.
As the #MeToo” movement and related campaigns have drawn increased attention to sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace, President Glotzbach stated that we have obligations under federal law to assure that we have done all we can to address that issue at the College. We have programs in place to ensure that everyone who works at Skidmore is fully informed of what is appropriate and what is not appropriate behavior, and we will be renewing these efforts this semester.
Addressing the news stories concerning the Olympic gymnasts who were sexually assaulted by a physician employed by Michigan State University, President Glotzbach stated that those initial reports – and the ongoing coverage of the aftermath – have reminded us of the earlier scandal associated with the football program at Penn State University. He said that it is essential that any organization that deals with young people develop, adopt, and implement a protection of minors policy that establishes safeguards for young people who come on our campus. In that regard, several months ago, we began work on such a policy in President’s Cabinet and IPPC. This semester we will complete this work.
In concluding, he stated that he and Marie recently saw the films, The Darkest Hour about Winston Churchill’s role in England during the early days of World War II and The Post, which is the study of how Publisher Katherine Graham and Editor Ben Bradlee made the decision to report on and publish the “Pentagon Papers” in the Washington Post in 1971. While none of us lived through World War II, some will remember the Vietnam War and the publication of the “Pentagon Papers.” Even so, a few of us were aware of the back story that is foregrounded in this film – primarily the risks – personal, professional, legal, and financial – faced by Graham and Bradlee in making this decision. This film certainly highlights issues relating to the freedom, role, and responsibility of the press in our democracy – certainly timely topics today. But it is also a story of personal courage on the part of the principal players.
Both of these stories remind us of the challenges faced by leaders and professionals in other fields – particularly the stakes and the risks that can attend decision-making in other contexts. President Glotzbach hopes that reflecting on these two historical episodes might inspire each of us to find the courage we sometimes require to carry out our own responsibilities in helping to fulfill the educational mission of the College. We are a mission-driven institution, and the values that attend that mission should be front and center as we do our work and participate in decision-making in the context of shared governance. President Glotzbach believes that educating the next generation of citizens and leaders is itself a sacred responsibility, one that, in principle, elevates everything we do at the College – and that, from time to time, calls upon us to find our own measure of courage.
President Glotzbach opened the floor for questions. While there were no questions raised, one comment was made that it was hoped that the sentiments expressed by President Glotzbach would guide the Trustees as they considered our investments in the future.
DEAN OF THE FACULTY AND VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS' REPORT
Crystal Moore, Interim Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs,
welcomed everyone and hoped that the semester was off to a smooth start for everyone.
She indicated that she is very grateful to have the opportunity to serve in this role
and to facilitate a smooth transition for the incoming Dean of the Faculty and Vice
President for Academic Affairs, Michael Orr. Dean Moore thanked the members of the
President’s Cabinet, the faculty and the staff for all their support. She also reported
that she is consulting with Michael Orr on a regular basis in order to collaborate
on decisions that will affect his tenure at Skidmore.
Dean Moore then introduced Professor Pat Fehling, who will be serving as Acting Dean of the Faculty.
Dean Moore indicated that during this transition period, she will be keeping her comments on the faculty floor as brief as possible in order to allow more time for faculty business. In that regard, she will be utilizing Skidmore’s weekly bulletin to provide updates. She thanked Martin Mbugua, Vice President for Communications and Marketing, and his staff for their assistance.
In keeping with tradition, Dean Moore indicated that she wanted to continue the reintroductions of staff members. She then introduced Michelle Duell-Paquette, Director of the Pre-College Program, and thereafter shared a video highlighting Skidmore’s pre-college program that Michelle manages.
In concluding her report, Dean Moore indicated that she has often heard faculty refer to our meetings and this setting as a performance space and how difficult it is for us to have meaningful and inclusive discussions in this setting. In this setting, the power or lack thereof, hierarchy, rank and our positionality in the institution, are made highly salient. Dean Moore said that she has felt this heightened sense of hierarchy for many years in this room. As a pre-tenure faculty member she had deep respect for the very few pre-tenure faculty who spoke during meetings. There were times when she did have something to say but chose to keep quiet and she now regrets that. Dean Moore believes that maybe if she had added her voice to those of her pre-tenure colleagues that had the courage to speak, that collective action may have encouraged a change in how we negotiate this space. Dean Moore believes that every voice has the power to change the norm. With that said, she asked how do we create the conditions in this room where all voices can be heard and valued? How might we be able to employ the principles that we utilize with our students in our classrooms to promote a welcoming and open climate in this space? How can we begin to change that dynamic? Dean Moore believes it starts with us each individually. In closing, Dean Moore offered the following questions for reflection: Can we give each other the benefit of the doubt? Can we try to refrain from second guessing each other’s intentions? Can we become self-aware of the judgments that we routinely make about one another? Can we and how do we make room for the voices that are seldom heard? Can we take a risk and contribute when we feel as though what we have to say would be beneficial? Can we just try to do this a little bit differently? Dean Moore indicated that if we did it wouldn’t preclude us from engaging in the tough debates – in fact, it might just build the trust that we need to do just that.
Dean Moore then introduced Professor Pat Fehling, who will be serving as Acting Dean of the Faculty.
Dean Moore indicated that during this transition period, she will be keeping her comments on the faculty floor as brief as possible in order to allow more time for faculty business. In that regard, she will be utilizing Skidmore’s weekly bulletin to provide updates. She thanked Martin Mbugua, Vice President for Communications and Marketing, and his staff for their assistance.
In keeping with tradition, Dean Moore indicated that she wanted to continue the reintroductions of staff members. She then introduced Michelle Duell-Paquette, Director of the Pre-College Program, and thereafter shared a video highlighting Skidmore’s pre-college program that Michelle manages.
In concluding her report, Dean Moore indicated that she has often heard faculty refer to our meetings and this setting as a performance space and how difficult it is for us to have meaningful and inclusive discussions in this setting. In this setting, the power or lack thereof, hierarchy, rank and our positionality in the institution, are made highly salient. Dean Moore said that she has felt this heightened sense of hierarchy for many years in this room. As a pre-tenure faculty member she had deep respect for the very few pre-tenure faculty who spoke during meetings. There were times when she did have something to say but chose to keep quiet and she now regrets that. Dean Moore believes that maybe if she had added her voice to those of her pre-tenure colleagues that had the courage to speak, that collective action may have encouraged a change in how we negotiate this space. Dean Moore believes that every voice has the power to change the norm. With that said, she asked how do we create the conditions in this room where all voices can be heard and valued? How might we be able to employ the principles that we utilize with our students in our classrooms to promote a welcoming and open climate in this space? How can we begin to change that dynamic? Dean Moore believes it starts with us each individually. In closing, Dean Moore offered the following questions for reflection: Can we give each other the benefit of the doubt? Can we try to refrain from second guessing each other’s intentions? Can we become self-aware of the judgments that we routinely make about one another? Can we and how do we make room for the voices that are seldom heard? Can we take a risk and contribute when we feel as though what we have to say would be beneficial? Can we just try to do this a little bit differently? Dean Moore indicated that if we did it wouldn’t preclude us from engaging in the tough debates – in fact, it might just build the trust that we need to do just that.
OLD BUSINESS
Committee on Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure and Dean of the Faculty and Vice
President for Academic Affairs
Professor Pushi Prasad, as Chair of CAPT, led a discussion on the proposed Motion to reconfigure CAPT and the steps taken to date in an effort to make the CAPT workload more manageable in light of the increased tenure and promotion cases anticipated over the next few years. Given the feedback that CAPT has received since the last Faculty Meeting as well as the results from the straw polls, CAPT has proposed a friendly amendment of the Motion initially introduced (see attached):
Professor Pushi Prasad, as Chair of CAPT, led a discussion on the proposed Motion to reconfigure CAPT and the steps taken to date in an effort to make the CAPT workload more manageable in light of the increased tenure and promotion cases anticipated over the next few years. Given the feedback that CAPT has received since the last Faculty Meeting as well as the results from the straw polls, CAPT has proposed a friendly amendment of the Motion initially introduced (see attached):
MOTION: The Committee on Appointments, Promotions and Tenure, and the Dean of the
Faculty’s Office moves to (1) adopt the proposal to reconfigure the structure of the
Committee on Appointments, Promotion and Tenure (CAPT) and rename CAPT as COT (the
Committee on Appointments and Tenure), (2) to create a separate Committee on Promotions
to Associate and Full Professor (COP), (3) to alter the (proposed) COT calendar,
(4) to create a COP calendar, and (5) to amend the Faculty Handbook to reflect the
approved changes.
Professor Prasad thanked her colleagues on CAPT for their commitment to the CAPT restructure,
to Dean Moore for partnering with CAPT on this issue, and to the various colleagues
for taking the time to provide their input. She then opened the floor for discussion.
Amy Frappier, Associate Professor
Associate Professor Amy Frappier thanked all the faculty and staff who have been involved in the conversations concerning the hiring of faculty spouses and partners. Given the need for many faculty members to leave, she made a motion to postpone the discussion to the next faculty meeting. Associate Professor Frappier was asked whether the Resolution had been presented to IPPC for consideration, to which she replied it had not.
- A lengthy discussion was held on the number of faculty required to begin their governance service next year compared to the number of committee openings.
- Discussion was held on the possibility of reducing the number of proposed CAPT members from 7 to 5.
- Discussion was held regarding the possibility of providing incentives for faculty to serve on CAPT, such as course releases when a threshold is met.
- A comment was made that, while splitting CAPT into two committees reduces the workload for CAPT, increasing the number of committee members required to serve on the two committees places a burden on a governance system that is already facing serious issues of not having enough faculty to serve for the number of positions required.
- Several faculty members indicated they were in support of the revised motion as it represents a better model than previous models; however, one suggestion was made that at least two members of the new Committee on Promotions (COP) be at the rank of full professor.
- A question was posed concerning the four CAPT members that will continue to serve on the COT – perhaps two could serve on the new COP committee.
- A discussion was held on the appeals process given the extended calendar, as it provides less time for a candidate denied tenure to gather their materials than the current system. A Powerpoint slide showing comparable institutions’ dates for notifications of tenure decisions was shared.
Amy Frappier, Associate Professor
Associate Professor Amy Frappier thanked all the faculty and staff who have been involved in the conversations concerning the hiring of faculty spouses and partners. Given the need for many faculty members to leave, she made a motion to postpone the discussion to the next faculty meeting. Associate Professor Frappier was asked whether the Resolution had been presented to IPPC for consideration, to which she replied it had not.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- On behalf of the Curriculum Committee, Associate Professor Xiaoshuo Hou announced that the Department of Mathematics and Statistics has proposed the creation of a minor in statistics. While minors do not require faculty approval, the Faculty Handbook requires faculty discussion. In that regard, a forum has been created in Blackboard called “CCDiscussions” that will remain open through February 21, 2018 for faculty feedback.
- On behalf of the Faculty Development Committee, Associate Professor Joanne Vella announced that nominations for the Ralph A. Ciancio Award for Excellence in Teaching are due by February 16, 2018.
- Associate Professor Beck Krefting introduced Ho’o Hee, as the Idea Lab’s Maker-in-Residence for the spring semester.
- Paul Calhoun, Dean of Special Programs, announced that Ensemble Connect, previously known as ACJW, will be performing at Zankel on February 16, 2018.
- Associate Professor Michael Arnush announced the keynote speaker for the Humanistic Inquiry Symposium on Metamorphosis being held at the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery on March 23-24, 2018 will be Martin Puchner, Byron and Anita Wien Professor of Drama and of English and Comparative Literature at Harvard. Associate Professor Arnush also shared a list of faculty participating in the symposium.
- Sean Campbell, Collyer Vice President for Advancement, invited everyone to a reception immediately following the meeting in Murray Aikins.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra L. Peterson
Executive Administrative Assistant
Executive Administrative Assistant