Faculty Senate Minutes, February 9, 2024

March 25, 2024

Faculty Senate, February 9, 2024

10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Hammond – Alumni Hall

Minutes

Voting Members Present:
Ali Alavizadeh, Lee Artz, Gokarna Aryal, Geoffrey Barrow, Scott Bates, Shreya Bhandari, Karen Bishop Morris, Jose Castro-Urioste, Janet Davis, Mary Didelot, Joan Dorman, Masoud Fathizadeh, Rob Hallock, Wei He, Shontrai Irving, Meden Isaac-Lam, Tae-Hoon Kim, Dave Kozel, Roger Kraft, Bob Kramer, Amanda Kratovil-Mailhiot, Yun Liu, Meghan McGonigal-Kenney, Robert Merkovsky, David Nalbone, Laurie Parpart, Sheila Rezak, Pam Saylor, Michelle Spaulding, Diane Spoljoric, George Stefanek, Pitparnee Stompor, Kathy Tobin, Kelly Vaughan, Donna Whitten, Wubeshet Woldemariam, Cheng Zhang

Voting Members Absent:
Frank Colucci

Non-Voting Members Present:
Tony Elmendorf, Alan McCafferty

Others Present:
Mike Biel, Joy Colwell, Emily Hixon, Niaz Latif, Michael Lynn, Catharine Olsen, Jonathan Swarts, Jen Williams, Tim Winders

  1. Determination of quorum.
    • Quorum determined at 10:00 AM
  2. Call to order.
    • Meeting called to order at 10:00 AM
  3. Approval of the agenda.
    • Motion for approval by R. Hallock
    • Seconded by R. Kramer
    • The Chair made a friendly amendment to the agenda, rotating the order of Standing Committee reports.
    • Approved by voice vote
  4. Approval of the minutes from January 9, 2024
    • Motion for approval by R. Kramer
    • Seconded by R. Hallock
    • Approved by voice vote
  5. Remarks by the Senate Chair
    • Faculty Representation Memo
      1. The Chair mentioned a new policy, supported by the Provost and Chancellor, stipulating that faculty representatives for university-level administrative needs will be chosen through the Faculty Senate, specifically the Nominations and Awards Committee, to ensure genuine representation of faculty interests.
    • Budget Requests
      1. The Chair discussed submitting two budget proposals: a supplemental budget for immediate needs and a regular budget for the upcoming year, emphasizing the aim for a more standardized budgeting process. A significant part of the budget request includes funding for the task of creating a Faculty Handbook, hoping to compensate five faculty members for working on it over the summer.
      2. Other costs include:
        1. Secretary salary and transcription services.
        2. Release for the Chair of Gen Ed & Assessment.
          1. It was noted that the Chairs of Faculty Affairs and Educational Policy have received releases or stipends for their work, which will likely decrease next year.
  • Gen Ed Curriculum Revision
    1. The Chair urged faculty to discuss within their departments the need to revise the General Education (Gen Ed) curriculum, which has not been updated since the university’s unification, emphasizing the importance of faculty-wide input on this matter.
    2. Kozel emphasized the importance of faculty discussions within departments about the Gen Ed curriculum, focusing on the broader objectives and content rather than specific courses. He suggested considering whether the current Gen Ed framework adequately represents essential knowledge and skills, such as potentially including components related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure students have a foundational understanding. He also raised questions about the necessity for basic courses in disciplines like math and science, arguing for the importance of a well-rounded education that enables students to understand and engage with information critically in today’s society. These discussions should aim at evaluating and potentially revising the Gen Ed curriculum to reflect the educational needs and challenges of the modern world, moving beyond the selection of specific courses to address more strategic, big-picture educational goals.
    3. The Chair advocated for a principled approach to revising the Gen Ed curriculum, emphasizing the importance of literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking as foundational goals rather than focusing on potential departmental gains or losses. Acknowledging external critiques of higher education’s effectiveness in teaching critical thinking, the Chair underscored the need for clear documentation and evidence of how these essential skills are developed within the curriculum. This approach aims to ensure that revisions to the Gen Ed curriculum are guided by overarching educational objectives that prepare students for the complexities of the modern world. The Chair encouraged faculty to discuss these broad educational principles within their departments as part of the conversation on Gen Ed revision, seeking input and consensus on the direction of such changes.
  • Faculty Convocation
    1. The Chair announced a Faculty Convocation scheduled for Friday, March 29, from 1 to 3 pm, as an opportunity for faculty to interact with the new Chancellor, marking it as an important event for faculty attendance and engagement.
  • Requests to Interim Provost
    1. The Chair requested from the Interim Provost a market analysis of faculty and staff salaries to assess competitiveness and equity and for data on student accommodations, addressing faculty concerns about the increasing number of accommodations.
  • Legislative Concerns
    1. Lastly, the Chair highlighted legislative actions that could impact faculty governance and autonomy, specifically mentioning SB 202, which proposes post-tenure review and other measures that could constrain faculty rights and influence university governance.
  • The Vice Chair informed Senators that Chancellor Holford is presently in West Lafayette, working on fostering and advocating for a stronger relationship between Purdue Northwest and Purdue West Lafayette. Interim Provost Latif is also unavailable as they attend and present at a conference.
  1. Remarks by the Chancellor
    • Chancellor Holford was not in attendance.
  2. Remarks by the Provost/VCAA
    • Interim Provost Latif was not in attendance.
    • Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Raida Abuizam spoke on behalf of the Provost and Chancellor.
    • Abuizam said there is no report from the Chancellor’s office this morning.
    • On behalf of the Provost Office, R. Abuizam shared the following updates:
      1. Enrollment Data
        1. Total Enrollment Overview
          1. Core students at Hammond: 4,833
          2. Core students at Westville: 771
          3. Total core students: 5,604
        2. Special Programs Enrollment
          1. College of Nursing online program: 534 students
        3. High School Program Enrollment
          1. Hammond: 151
          2. Westville: 1,600
          3. Total high school enrollment: 1,751
          4. Kozel observed a significant difference in high school student enrollment between Westville and Hammond campuses, with Westville having notably more students. He suggested this discrepancy might be due to different outreach efforts and proposed increasing engagement with Hammond area high schools to enhance enrollment.
          5. Abuizam acknowledged the query as a valid concern but indicated not having an immediate answer and committed to investigating the matter further by consulting with the Enrollment Management team.
        4. Total Enrollment by Location
          1. Hammond: 5,518
          2. Westville: 2,371
          3. Grand total enrollment: 7,889
        5. First Aid Mental Health Program
          1. Academic Affairs is collaborating with the Counseling Center to train faculty, staff, and advisors on mental health first aid, aiming to enhance support for distressed students. The training is designed to equip non-clinical staff with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health issues and crises.
        6. Progress Reports
          1. Due Friday, February 16, 2024.
          2. Currently, 27% have completed the progress report.
          3. Reports are crucial for identifying students needing support from tutoring centers and advisors.
        7. Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE) Programs and Services.
          1. Abuizam highlighted various programs and events offered by the CFE, including professional development courses, book clubs, and faculty learning communities. Also mentioned was the ‘Thank an Educator’ program, which celebrates educators recognized by their students.
          2. Other events and opportunities mentioned were:
            1. ACUE Inspiring Inquiry and Advocating Lifelong Learners
              1. Status: Full
              2. Participants: 33
            2. ACUE Fostering a Culture of Belonging
              1. Participants: 32
              2. Availability: Room for one more participant
              3. Contact: Emily Hickson
            3. Research Productivity Program
              1. Participants: 31
            4. Book Clubs
              1. Participants: 62 across three clubs
            5. Faculty Learning Committee: Inclusive Teaching in STEM
              1. Participants: 6
            6. Special Initiatives
              1. Launch of the “Thank an Educator” program
                1. Recognition of educators through student notes of gratitude
                2. Total recognitions so far: 43 (42 for educators, 1 for the Office of Financial Aid)
                3. Distribution: Monthly from the Center
              2. Upcoming Opportunities and Events
                1. P&T Information Session
                  1. Date: April 26
                  2. Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
                  3. Location: Hammond
                2. Collaboration with EMSA for First Gen Pride Grants
                  1. Announcement of a call for proposals coming soon
                3. Report from the Office of International Programs and Partnerships
                  1. International and National Trips
                    1. International Trips
                      1. Total planned trips: 8
                        1. Spring: 1 trip
                        2. Summer: 7 trips
                      2. National Trips
                        1. Total planned trips: 3
                          1. 1 trip each for spring, summer, and fall.
                        2. Study Away and Passport Fair at Hammond Campus
                          1. Date: February 6 and 7
                          2. Participants:
                            1. Students: 9
                            2. Faculty and Staff: 5
                            3. Community Members: 9
                          3. Collaboration with the U.S. Postal Service:
                            1. Staff from Hammond and Munster Post Offices: 5
                            2. Services offered: Passport renewal, photo taking, and document processing
                            3. Total people served: 23
                          4. Upcoming Event
                            1. Study Away Information Table at Westville
                              1. Date: Next Wednesday, February 14
                              2. Duration: 2 hours during Power Hour
                              3. Purpose: To provide information about study-away opportunities
                              4. Attendees: 45 students expressed interest
                            2. Unfinished Business
                              • None
                            3. New Business:
                              • Guest Speakers
                                1. Director of the Office of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives (Iris Sanchez)
                                  1. Sanchez provided a presentation
                                  2. Report from the Office of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives at Purdue Northwest
                                    1. Introduction
                                      1. Purpose: Improve student lives and success
                                    2. Enrollment Statistics:
                                      1. Fall enrollment has been stable at 25% for the past two years
                                      2. Hispanic student applications up 182%
                                      3. Hispanic student admits up 82%
                                      4. Projection: 50% Hispanic student institution by 2030
                                      5. Noteworthy: 67% of Latino students are first-generation college students
                                    3. Designations and Recognition
                                      1. Current status: Designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) through the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)
                                      2. Upcoming: Official HSI designation from the Department of Education
                                      3. Benefits: Access to federal and research grants
                                      4. Excellence in Education Ranking: #5 in awarding degrees to Hispanic students among Indiana schools
                                    4. Office Functions and Initiatives
                                      1. Provides intentional HSI programming (e.g., Hispanic Heritage Month events)
                                      2. Supports Hispanic student organizations and the Council of Hispanic Student Organizations
                                      3. Facilitates the HSI Employee Council for collaboration on Hispanic student success
                                      4. Offers translation services for academic and administrative materials
                                      5. Leads the Latinos Honors College Advisory Board
                                      6. Connects students to resources (e.g., writing center, tutoring)
                                      7. Advocates for students’ needs and resolves issues
                                      8. Facilitates opportunities for conference attendance and celebrates Latino student graduations
                                      9. Provides college student success coaches for enhanced support
                                    5. Community Engagement and Achievements
                                      1. Participation in community festivals and collaborations with local organizations
                                      2. Close equity gaps for DACA and undocumented students
                                      3. Dual Admission Program with Ivy Tech Community College
                                      4. Awarded eight Somos PNW scholarships this year
                                      5. Expanded STEM outreach to local schools
                                      6. Translation of website, viewbooks, and Brightspace
                                      7. Creation of Somos PNW logo and Alebrije mascot design
                                    6. HSI Employee Advisory Board
                                      1. Members include state representatives, attorneys, and local community leaders
                                      2. Focus on supporting students and enhancing community partnerships.
                                    7. Student Profiles and Barriers
                                      1. Examples of students from different academic disciplines facing challenges related to finances, resources, identity, and advocacy.
                                      2. The office’s role is to support students through these challenges.
                                    8. Conclusion
                                      1. Summary of the Office’s commitment to supporting Hispanic students and enhancing their academic and personal success at Purdue Northwest
                                    9. Artz expressed gratitude towards I. Sanchez for her contribution to the success of the Center for Global Studies conference on immigration, which attracted over 350 students. L. Artz noted that while the students were not categorized by ethnicity, it’s anticipated that at least half of the attendees were Hispanic students from PNW. The event’s success was highlighted by comparing its attendance to that of most basketball games, indicating a significant interest and engagement from the student body.
                                    10. Spaulding inquired about the process for accessing translation services, questioning whether these services are initiated by student requests or if faculty can also request translations. Specifically, M. Spaulding expressed interest in being informed if course syllabi are being translated, clarifying that while not seeking to translate materials personally, they would appreciate knowing if a student in their class requires such assistance.
                                    11. IS confirmed that when a student requests syllabus translation, she will notify the respective professor or faculty member about the translation request to ensure transparency and facilitate communication.
                                    12. Upon question, I. Sanchez clarified that “Somos PNW translates” to “We Are PNW.”
                                    13. The Chair inquired about the anticipated increase in the Hispanic student population by 2030 and whether there were parallel efforts to diversify the faculty and staff composition accordingly. I. Sanchez acknowledged the importance of representation, noting the current lack of Hispanic faculty members on campus, with fewer than ten at present. She mentioned her involvement with the Pride Committee and HR in initiatives aimed at enhancing faculty diversity. I. Sanchez emphasized the impact of having faculty who reflect the student demographic, highlighting the positive influence on students when they see themselves represented among faculty and staff. While noting that the staff diversity is relatively strong, with over 40 members in the HSI group actively supporting students across various departments, I. Sanchez advocated for the recruitment of more Hispanic professors to better mirror the student body’s diversity.
                                  3. DEIJB Committee (Pam Saylor)
                                    1. Saylor provided a presentation on behalf of the DEIJB Committee
                                      1. Introduction
                                        1. Acknowledgment of committee members, including student representatives.
                                        2. Special mention of Alfredo Estrada for his collaboration.
                                      2. Committee Composition
                                        1. Highlight of Alfredo Estrada’s involvement as a key collaborator.
                                        2. Current search for two additional committee members.
                                      3. Spring Initiatives
                                        1. Recognition of Lorrell Kilpatrick for contributions to PNW and the community.
                                        2. Discussion on First Nations land acknowledgment for PNW.
                                        3. Focus on Senate Bill 202:
                                          1. Status update and legislative process.
                                          2. Efforts to mitigate potential impacts.
                                          3. Encouragement for community involvement in legislative discussions.
                                          4. A meeting scheduled by the Faculty Senate at West Lafayette to discuss the bill.
                                        4. Strategic Focus Areas
                                          1. Market analysis for faculty and staff equity.
                                          2. Examination of the representation of faculty of color and leadership positions.
                                          3. Emphasis on collective healing among faculty, staff, and students.
                                        5. Upcoming Events
                                          1. Planning an event focused on collective healing before spring break.
                                          2. Coordination with student government and organizations.
                                        6. Engagement with the new Chancellor
                                          1. Scheduled meetings to discuss committee activities and student concerns.
                                        7. Visibility and Voice
                                          1. Efforts to address issues of visibility and voice within the PNW community.
                                          2. Collaboration with the Pride Committee on relevant initiatives.
                                        8. Future Goals
                                          1. Setting goals for the next year and beyond.
                                          2. Emphasis on starting conversations and gathering the PNW community for collaborative efforts.
                                        9. Conclusion
                                          1. Reflection on the committee’s role in connecting community members, faculty, staff, and students.
                                          2. Commitment to sharing diverse voices within the PNW community.
                                        10. Artz noted PUWL’s intention to discuss Senate Bill 202 in their February agenda and expressed concerns about the bill’s potential impact on academic freedom. He mentioned participating in efforts for a special meeting to address the bill, which resembles Florida’s legislation limiting classroom discussions that could make students uncomfortable, and advocated for the PNW Senate to adopt a resolution opposing Senate Bill 202 due to its infringement on academic freedom.
                                        11. The Chair inquired if L. Artz was proposing a formal motion. Artz expressed willingness to propose a motion against Senate Bill 202.
                                        12. Saylor informed us that the hearing for the bill is scheduled in the Education Committee for next Wednesday, mentioning the possibility of individuals providing testimony. Saylor suggested considering whether, in conjunction with passing a resolution, there should be participation in the hearing to record their stance officially.
                                        13. Spaulding highlighted the potential impact of the discussed bill on faculty diversity, explicitly connecting the adoption of such resolutions to the challenge of achieving a diverse faculty body. M. Spaulding raised concerns that the bill, if passed, could deter minority faculty from seeking or maintaining employment in the state, thereby exacerbating the discrepancy between a diverse student population and a less diverse faculty. MS stressed the importance of opposing such bills to support and enhance faculty diversity.
                                        14. Tobin urged Senators to read the bill and contact legislators.
                                        15. The Chair said there is a Zoom meeting led by A. Pawley in PUWL to discuss the bill. He said he would share the link with those interested.
                                        16. Isaac-Lam thanked P. Saylor for their work on the committee. She also thanked Attorney Estrada.
                                        17. Lee Artz motioned: PNW opposes Senate Bill 202 due to its intent to restrict academic freedom and undermine tenure and promotion policies.
                                          1. Seconded by K. Tobin
                                          2. Approved by voice vote.
                                        18. Collective Healing
                                          1. Talks with students representing Nursing and SGA about collective efforts to support students.
                                        19. Strategic Goals for 2024-2025
  • Curriculum Documents Approval

The following proposals can be accessed at pnw.curriculog.com

  1. BIOL – 21000 – Field Biology
  2. BIOL – 32400 – Natural History of the Smoky Mountains
  3. BS in Multidisciplinary Studies
  4. CE – 27101 – Basic Mechanics I (Statics)
  5. CE – 27301 – Mech Of Matls Lab
  6. CE – 42900 – Senior Engr Design I
  7. CEMT – 11200 – Surveying Fundamentals
  8. CEMT – 16001 – Statics
  9. CEMT – 34101 – Construction Operations
  10. CEMT – 44500 – Construction Management
  11. CEMT – 48900 – Senior Project Survey
  12. CES 23-08 REV COURSE MASS COURSE CODE CHANGE HST
  13. CS – 27500 – Data Structures
  14. CS – 46800 – Human Robot Interaction
  15. CS – 46900 – Machine Learning and Data Mining
  16. CS – 47000 – Introduction to Deep Learning
  17. Communication, BA, Concentration: Public Advocacy and Media Studies
  18. Communication, BA, Concentration: Visual Communication Design
  19. Computer Engineering, BSCMPE
  20. Computer Science Minor
  21. Computer Science, BS, Concentration: Artificial Intelligence
  22. ECE – 19400 – Emerging Areas in Electrical and Computer Engineering Seminar
  23. ECE – 37100 – Comptr Organiz & Design
  24. ECE – 46300 – Intro Comp Comm Netwrk
  25. ECE – 47301 – Machine Learning
  26. ENGL – 41100 – Studies in Major Authors
  27. ENGL – 41200 – Studies In Genre
  28. ENGL – 41300 – Std Literature & Hist
  29. ENGL – 41400 – Std Literature&Culture
  30. Electrical Engineering, BSEE
  31. Government Minor
  32. HIST – 20100 – Introduction to Public History and Archives
  33. HIST – 49900 – History Internship
  34. Hospitality and Tourism Management, BS
  35. MA – 47800 – Computational Mathematics II
  36. ME – 27100 – Basic Mechanics I (Statics)
  37. ME – 42900 – Senior Engr Design I
  38. MET – 11800 – Appl Mechanics Statics
  39. MET – 32300 – App Thermodyn & Heat Transfer
  40. POL – 30900 – The Middle East
  41. POL – 33400 – Women and Gender in U.S. Politics
  42. SWRK – 37400 – Trauma & Crisis Intervention
    1. Motion for approval by L. Artz
    2. Seconded by Wei He
    3. Approved by voice vote
  • Business Information Analytics Curriculum Document
    1. The Chair said because the Parliamentarian has an interest in this matter, G. Barrow will act as Parliamentarian during the discussion.
    2. The College of Business (COB) proposed removing calculus from the Business Information Analytics (BIA) curriculum, citing alignment with peer institutions, industry feedback, and AACSB accreditation standards. They argued that calculus is not essential for the program based on consultations with industry partners and an analysis of peer institutions.
    3. BIA program coordinator Dr. Serdar Turedi presented detailed reasons for the curriculum change, emphasizing industry relevance, skill relevance, and flexibility in the plan of study.
    4. Concerns were raised regarding the alignment with Purdue West Lafayette’s curriculum, with the COB noting that PNW has a different mission and serves a different student population.
    5. The Math Department opposed the removal of calculus, arguing that understanding mathematical principles is crucial for Business Information Analytics students. They provided examples of peer institutions that require calculus or a math-intensive course.
    6. Artz called the question
      1. Voice vote did not pass the 2/3 requirement.
      2. Discussion continues
    7. Kozel asked for the course number
      1. MA 15910 – Introduction to Calculus
    8. A discussion took place on the necessity of calculus for understanding the underlying principles of business analytics, the alignment with industry standards, and the impact on graduate school prospects.
    9. Merkovsky called the question
      1. Approved by voice vote
      2. The Chair clarified that the motion is to remove MA 15910, Introduction to Calculus, as a required course in the BIA plan of study and replace it with an elective.
        1. Motion failed by a show of hands, 5 to 22
  • Psychology Dept. Curriculum Document, Math Prerequisite.
    1. During the discussion, R. Hallock and G. Casanova from the Psychology Department presented their case for removing Math 153 as a prerequisite for their department’s statistics course, Psych 201. They argued that the introduction of Math 153 had not improved student performance on a standardized psychology test and had unintended consequences, such as delaying students’ progress in their degree programs. They proposed reverting to the previous requirement, aligning with Behavioral Sciences, which does not require Math 153 for their statistics course. Gokarna Aryal, representing the Math Department, countered by stating the benefits of keeping Math 153 as a prerequisite, noting that it better prepares students for the content in Psych 201.
    2. The discussion also touched on the alignment with other departments and the impact of prerequisites on student progress. D. Kozel suggested developing a math course specifically tailored for psychology majors to provide them with the necessary mathematical background without the challenges associated with Math 153.
    3. The Chair clarified that the issue at hand was the requirement of Math 153, and any alternative solutions would be a separate matter.
    4. Scott Bates called the question
      1. Approved, moved to action
      2. The Chair clarified the motion is to remove Math 153 as a requirement for Psych 201
      3. Motion passes 12 to 9
      4. Approved by show of hands
    5. For Action:
      • FSD 23-09 Policy on Credit for Military Experience
        1. Motion for approval by D. Kozel
        2. Seconded by
        3. Approved by voice vote
  1. Discussion Items:
    • FSD 23-10 Resolution on Curriculum Process
      1. The Curriculum Committee, recognizing the need to clarify its authority and streamline the process for curriculum changes, proposed adjustments to the Curriculog system to improve communication between departments and ensure all affected parties agree on proposed changes. Key points include mandatory notifications to and agreements from impacted departments, with exceptions for changes mandated by accrediting bodies or confined to a single college. This aims to resolve disputes before they escalate to the Faculty Senate, thereby making the curriculum change process more efficient and less contentious. The committee and the Chair emphasized the importance of clear consultation processes and encouraged departmental discussions on the proposed changes, aiming for a resolution the following month.
  1. Reports from Senate Standing Committee Chairs
    • Faculty Affairs (Rob Hallock)
      1. FAC is finalizing questions for the administrator and Senate leadership survey that will go out next month.
    • Gen Ed & Assessment (Ali Alavizadeh)
      1. Ed. & Assessment Committee Report
        1. Alavizadeh said the Gen Ed Committee made several decisions regarding General Education courses after reviewing the assessment data in Taskstream. Firstly, they approved courses conditionally listed for the upcoming academic year under FSD 18-18, including oral communication courses like COM 114, making them unconditionally approved for General Education. Secondly, courses listed in part B received conditional approval pending required documentation submission by department heads and faculty, with a full review scheduled for the next academic year. Lastly, the committee decided to remove three courses from the General Education designation, as unanimously agreed upon by committee members. The committee expressed gratitude towards its members, department heads, faculty, and staff for their cooperation and efforts in the review process.
          1. Motion for approval by R. Merkovsky
          2. Seconded by R. Hallock
          3. Approved by voice vote
  • Nominations, Elections, & Awards (Meden Isaac-Lam)
    1. Isaac-Lam reported two key items:
      1. Kozel has accepted the nomination for Vice-Chair, and unless there are additional nominations by April, D. Kozel will assume the role.
      2. There have been issues with the Faculty Awards process as nominees are unaware of their nominations, leading to confusion about subsequent steps. Plans are underway to modify the Qualtrics survey for the next cycle to include an option for nominators to input nominees’ email addresses, ensuring nominees are informed and know how to proceed.
  • Student Affairs (Michelle Spaulding)
    1. Spaulding announced that the FAC has selected a Student of the Month from the Biology department, with further details to be provided soon. The committee was commended for its efforts.
  • Curriculum (Lee Artz)
    1. Artz reported that the Curriculum Committee has 13 proposals for discussion.
    2. The Interim Provost has supplied a list of departments granting excessive course exceptions or exemptions. The committee will request explanations from the department chairs regarding these exceptions and report their findings to the Senate, with reports to be submitted every semester.
    3. Ed Policy (Dave Kozel)
      1. Continuing discussions from the previous month.
    4. West Lafayette Report (Lee Artz)
      • PUWL retention rate is 66%
      • Discussion on AI, proposal to be voted on next month RE appropriate use in the classroom
      • The EDI Committee will address how to deal with Supreme Court rulings that make it illegal to show preferential treatment.
      • Graduate student compensation
      • SB 202
    5. IFC Report (Geoffrey Barrow)
      • Barrow said an urgent meeting regarding SB 202 was convened by the PUWL Senate, and a document for discussion has been circulated. A legislative summary of SB 202 was sent on Wednesday and forwarded to the Secretary for potential inclusion in the Senate’s considerations. G. Barrow committed to sharing the minutes, resolution, and outcomes of the PUWL Senate’s discussion on SB 202 with the committee as soon as they become available, noting that the committee will not convene until the following week.
    6. SGA Report (David Bolton)
      • Bolton updated the Senate on current SGA activities, highlighting ongoing reforms to improve Senate operations, actions, and functions. He announced the commencement of the election season, with the first call-out meeting scheduled for 1:00 PM in CLO 192. Additionally, D. Bolton shared the success of a recent speed dating event organized by SGA, expressing optimism for a smooth transition between the outgoing and incoming administrations and a strong foundation for student government.
    7. Open discussion (as time permits).
      • The Vice-Chair reminded Senators that FAR documents are due February 16.
      • Abuizam said nine additional training sessions have been added to assist with FAR.
    8. Adjournment
      • Meeting adjourned at 12:20 PM