Purdue University Northwest > Faculty Senate > News > Senate Meeting Minutes > Faculty Senate Minutes, March 14, 2025

Faculty Senate Minutes, March 14, 2025

September 15, 2025

Faculty Senate Minutes, March 14, 2025

10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Westville – LSF 002

Minutes

Voting Members Present:
Ali Alavizadeh, Khair Al Shamaileh, Lee Artz, Gokarna Aryal, Shreya Bhandari, Joseph Coates, José Castro-Urioste, John Durocher, Rob Hallock, Wei He, Maria Hughes, Jessica Ivy, Hansung Kim, Tae-Hoon Kim, Kenny Kincaid, Dave Kozel, Roger Kraft, Robert Kramer, Amanda Kratovil-Mailhiot, Yun Liu, Patti Ludwig-Beymer, Laurie Parpart, Sheila Rezak, Pam Saylor, Diane Spoljoric, George Stefanik, Pitparnee Stompor, Nicolae Tarfulea, Kathy Tobin, Cheng Zhang

Voting Members Absent:
Geoffrey Barrow, Frank Colucci, Jim Dolen, Masoud Fathizadeh, Shontrai Irving, Patrick Keegan, Hassan Naji, Sarah White, Donna Whitten

Non-Voting Members Present:
Tony Elmendorf, Alan McCafferty

Others Present:
Chris Holford, Marie Mora, Chloe Belford, Britt Hudson, Collette Morrow, Jen Williams, Tim Winders

  1. Determination of quorum.
    • Quorum determined at 10:02 AM
  2. Call to order.
    • Meeting called to order at 10:03 AM
  3. Approval of the agenda.
    • The Chair motioned to add a discussion on ICE under unfinished business
    • Seconded by R. Hallock
    • So moved
    • Motion for approval by R. Hallock
    • Seconded by P. Ludwig-Beymer
    • Approved by voice vote
  4. Approval of the minutes from February 14, 2025
    • Motion for approval by R. Hallock
    • Seconded by S. Rezak
    • Approved by voice vote
  5. Remarks by the Senate Chair
    • The Chair noted that the meeting was taking place on Pi Day and shared her upcoming plans to lead a service-learning study away group to Puerto Rico during spring break.
    • She mentioned the Faculty Senate Budget Subordinate Committee’s upcoming meeting with the University Budget Committee to investigate faculty salary issues and the current lack of online salary information.
    • Recognizing that several committee terms are expiring, she strongly encouraged senators to return to their respective colleges and actively recruit qualified representatives for committee positions.
    • She emphasized the critical importance of faculty involvement in shared governance, emphasizing her belief that faculty members must be actively engaged in institutional processes.
  6. Remarks by the Chancellor
    • The Chancellor thanked the Senate and briefly mentioned that university activities have been co-occurring with Senate meetings, particularly in January and February. He apologized for his absence from the previous couple of meetings due to these conflicting events. He expressed hope that these scheduling conflicts would not occur as frequently in the future
    • He thanked those who participated in developing the Strategic Plan, which will be launched shortly.
    • He said he is in the process of conducting open dialogue visits with academic colleges and org units and would like to save some of his remarks for after visits with the two remaining colleges.
    • He thanked those who participated in Founders Day. Next year will be ten years of PNW.
    • The plans for a new dormitory on campus have been approved, with construction to begin shortly. The goal is to have the facility open by fall 2026, with 150 beds added, accommodating a total of 900 students.
    • This development reflects a shifting demographic, with increasing enrollment among graduate students.
    • Roberts Impact lab
      1. The university acquired a 44,000-square-foot former Franciscan Hospital building.
      2. The facility will be a mixed-use development in the downtown area, focusing on advanced computing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and training laboratories.
      3. It was funded through state resources and philanthropic gifts.
      4. The location is near public transportation, enhancing accessibility.
    • He proposed creating a new award category for lecturers and part-time instructors.
      1. The goal is to recognize instructional excellence beyond current faculty awards. He suggested the award should be selected by faculty, similar to existing recognition processes.
      2. He asked Senate leadership to develop criteria for this award in time for Founders Day 2026.
    • The men’s ACHA Division I hockey team achieved significant success, reaching the Sweet 16 in the national tournament. Another game is taking place tonight against the number-one team in the nation.
  7. Remarks by the Provost/VCAA
    • Provost Mora thanked the Senate for the opportunity to speak.
    • She echoed the Chancellor’s remarks about Founder’s Day, noting the positive and uplifting atmosphere during the awards ceremony
    • She gave special acknowledgments to faculty award winners.
      1. Meden Isaac-Lam
      2. Omeed Ilchi
      3. Nicky Jackson
      4. Pitparnee Stompor
    • She stated that she is collaborating with deans to develop college-level strategic plans in alignment with the university’s overall strategic plan.
    • The Provost announced the finalization of the CES Dean Search, thanking those who participated. The new dean, Jose Sanchez, will take office on May 1.
    • She said CHESS is in the process of finalizing the search for their dean, with three excellent candidates in mind.
    • She said she is working on the Ed Policy process document for changing academic structures, which is now in draft form. She thanked the committee members for their collaboration.
    • Provost Mora concluded by wishing everyone a happy and safe spring break.
  8. SGA Report (Chloe Belford)
    • Belford said the graphing calculator initiative has been successful.
    • Snack cart is also thriving.
    • The CPR initiative is progressing, albeit with some minor challenges from Blue Cross. Tabled until the fall.
    • The lighting initiative is ongoing. Will meet with Scott Lenson soon.
    • The Chair added that the Chancellor is working on designated areas for ride lift services.
  9. Deputy Chief Information Officer (Tim Winders)
    • Attachment: Purdue IT Updates
    • Deputy CIO Winders introduced himself and stated that, as Deputy Chief Information Officer, he and his team are responsible for all IT initiatives and support across the entire Purdue system. That includes Northwest, Fort Wayne, West Lafayette, Indianapolis, and now Purdue Global. He stated that their mission continues to be providing service excellence, aligning with the President’s motto of “excellence at scale.”
    • He displayed an organizational chart showing how different IT leadership roles support various technological functions and research computing needs across the Purdue system.
    • Microsoft 365Tenant Merge
      1. Winders stated that the Microsoft 365 tenant merge involved a complex and challenging technological integration across Purdue campuses. Winders candidly acknowledged the poor execution of the migration, which involved consolidating separate email environments. The process required multiple postponements to minimize disruption to academic operations, highlighting the intricate balance between technological advancement and institutional functionality.
    • Upcoming Technology Initiatives
      1. He stated that the Windows 11 upgrade represents a critical technological transition for the university. With Windows 10 reaching end-of-life in October 2025, the IT department is systematically replacing computer systems. This process has revealed unexpected challenges, including compatibility issues with recently purchased hardware.
      2. He clarified that if Windows 10 is required for specific applications, equipment, or other purposes, it will be made available. However, it will not be connected to the network or the internet due to security reasons.
      3. He asked faculty members to work with their departments to determine if this will impact them.
    • AI Resources
      1. Purdue is actively expanding its AI technological capabilities by providing multiple AI resources to system users. Tools like Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, and local large language models are now available using a edu account. The IT department is developing comprehensive AI governance guidelines to ensure responsible and secure implementation.
      2. Winders provided a clear and direct warning about the use of non-Purdue artificial intelligence tools, with a specific focus on DeepSeek. He strongly cautioned faculty against using DeepSeek’s web or API services due to significant security concerns.
      3. He expressed serious reservations about the uncertain handling and potential misuse of user data. The lack of transparency about how information is processed and stored makes DeepSeek particularly problematic from a security perspective.
    • Future Projects
      1. The IT department is pursuing several strategic initiatives, including modernizing identity management systems, consolidating Google Workspace services, and exploring Microsoft Teams calling as a potential replacement for the current phone system. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to streamline technological infrastructure and prepare for the integration of Purdue Global.
      2. He noted that the university will renew Zoom for one more year, but there are ongoing discussions about its continued use. He recognized that many faculty members find Zoom valuable, particularly for recording lectures and providing students with accessible course content. However, he questioned the necessity of maintaining Zoom when the university already has Microsoft Teams and other video communication platforms.
    • Q&A
      1. The Vice-Chair said he uses Zoom extensively for various purposes, including meeting with students and recording lectures.
        1. Winders stated that one of the key goals is to have a replacement for Zoom before ceasing its use.
      2. The Vice-Chair noted that graduates lose access to their .edu email after graduation, which makes contacting them difficult. He asked if access could be prolonged.
        1. Decisions behind email access are institutionally standardized. Winders said he would take this back to the administration outside of IT to discuss, especially notification and awareness of when access will be lost.
      3. Kim asked if faculty should now use purdue.edu instead of pnw.edu.
        1. Winders said either can be used. He said that if your email is not displaying in the desired default address, you should contact CSC to make the change.
      4. SSO, DUO, and MS Authenticator are typically purdue.edu due to back-end technical configuration.
      5. Kim said he’s aware of AI courses offered by the Center for Faculty Excellence and asked if IT would do the same.
        1. Winders stated that AI is constantly evolving; he believes the pace and speed of AI are incompatible with the pace of higher education.
      6. Kincaid said after updating his password, the new password was too long, and he was locked out of his account.
        1. Winders stated that the maximum password length is 16 characters.
      7. Kincaid also stated that his students completed an assignment using DeepSeek and requested clarification on its safe use cases.
        1. Winders stated that the DeepSeek model available from Purdue is not shared. He said using free public AI models puts our data at risk.
      8. Cheng Zhang said he’s unable to log into the Gen AI lab.
        1. Winders said he would take a look.
      9. Kramer stated that some students have marginal computers that do not support MS Teams. He urged IT to investigate this matter.
      10. Ludwig-Beymer requested an explanation regarding the junk folder, as she noticed internal documents being sent there.
        1. Winders stated that he’s aware of the issue and noted that internal emails should not be directed to the junk folder. If they do, please report them to CSC. He apologized for not having a better solution.
      11. Alavizadeh thanked Winders and said he receives marketing emails and forwards them to abuse@pnw.edu. He asked if this was still the correct address.
        1. Winders advised reporting suspicious emails through Outlook’s built-in features: mark them as phishing or junk, which alerts Purdue security and Microsoft simultaneously. If you are unable to use this feature, please forward the email as an attachment to abuse@pnw.edu or abuse@purdue.edu.
      12. Kratovil-Mailhiot said she received the same email from different addresses, forwarded it to abuse, and received confirmation. She asked if confirmation could be provided using the report feature.
        1. Winders acknowledged Kratovil-Mailhiot ‘s frustration about not receiving confirmation when reporting spam emails. He admitted that there is a lack of feedback in the reporting process, stating that he has no idea if anyone is acting on it. While he confirmed the reports are being sent behind the scenes, he recognized the user’s desire for some verification that their report has been received and is being addressed. However, he did not provide a specific solution to the lack of confirmation, acknowledging the issue as a pet peeve of his own.
      13. Unfinished Business
        • ICE Discussion
          1. Attachments:
            1. FAQs-ICE-Enforcement-on-Campuses-Feb-2025
            2. Red Cards / Tarjetas Rojas
          2. The Chair stated that, due to scheduling confusion, the intended speaker was unable to attend today’s meeting.
          3. The Vice-Chair Explained the differences between judicial and administrative warrants. He mentioned that administrative warrants do not authorize entry into non-public areas without institutional consent.
          4. The Vice-Chair stated that he contacted the Director of Public Safety this morning, who informed him that they couldn’t discuss all the issues in the email but that they and campus officers are familiar with the distinction between the types of warrants.
          5. Additional guidance:
            1. Do not physically block or interfere with law enforcement agents.
            2. Call Purdue Northwest Police at 219-989-2222 or 219-989-2911 if agents appear.
            3. Verify the type of warrant presented.
            4. Ensure a PNW police officer is present to interpret warrant legitimacy.
          6. Artz said he wasn’t clear on what consulting the Purdue Legal Counsel meant. Provost Mora said she would send the information. Do not attempt to physically block or otherwise impede officers who insist on entering a campus space.
          7. The Parliamentarian said the Hammond campus police phone number is usually 989-2911 and asked for confirmation that this is the correct extension. The Provost confirmed both extensions, 2222 and 2911, are the correct numbers.
          8. Kincaid said students should also be familiar with this protocol. The Chair said another faculty member also addressed this.
          9. Artz stated that the Center for Global Studies is hosting a panel on immigrant rights on the Hammond campus on April 8 at 12:30 PM.
          10. Ludwig-Beymer said clear communication should be shared with students on this situation. The Chair agreed.
          11. Kozel said additional guidance should be provided after further discussion with campus police. He suggested SLT share something.
          12. Chancellor Holford expressed gratitude for the suggestions and stated that these messages would be sent from the Office of the Dean of Students.
          13. Interim DoS Britt Hudson was in attendance and acknowledged the recommendations.
  1. New Business:
    • Curriculum Documents Approval
      1. Motion for approval by L. Artz
      2. Seconded by W. He
      3. Approved by voice vote
    • Ed. Update (K. Tobin)
      1. Attachments:
        1. General Education Comparisons
        2. General Education Faculty Survey
      2. Tobin brought extensive experience in curriculum development to her presentation on General Education requirements. Her long-standing involvement in educational policy, including previous work on statewide transfer committees, provided a comprehensive foundation for examining Purdue Northwest’s Gen Ed structure. Tobin’s background includes serving on multiple educational committees and understanding the complexities of transfer credit and curriculum design.
      3. The existing Purdue Northwest Gen Ed requirements consist of 30 credit hours, closely aligning with the Indiana College Core curriculum standards. Tobin conducted a detailed comparison of General Education requirements across multiple institutions, including Purdue University West Lafayette and Eastern Illinois. Her analysis revealed both similarities and opportunities for improvement in the current curriculum structure.
      4. Tobin and her committee are developing a comprehensive faculty survey designed to gather nuanced feedback on the Gen Ed curriculum. The survey aims to explore faculty perspectives on course categories, transfer credits, and overall curriculum design. Her approach is focused on collaborative input, aiming to create a more flexible and student-centered General Education experience.
      5. The Gen Ed review process has clear strategic objectives, including creating a more seamless transfer credit system and aligning requirements with state standards. Tobin plans to complete the faculty survey by the end of March to develop a preliminary proposal by the fall semester. Her commitment to transparency and ongoing faculty input is a central feature of the review process.
      6. Kim asked if General Education credits from a two-year institution would be transferable.
        1. Tobin explained that while the university maintains articulation agreements with institutions like Ivy Tech, not all credits automatically transfer into specific General Education categories. Many high school dual credit courses already align with requirements, but the transfer process involves careful evaluation by departments and registrars. Some courses, such as U.S. History, transfer automatically, while others require a detailed review. Tobin’s goal is to create a more seamless transfer system, aiming to enhance credit articulation and make the process more transparent for students. The ultimate aim is to balance institutional academic standards with student mobility, recognizing that while 30 credit hours might transfer, they do not guarantee a complete match with Purdue Northwest’s specific General Education curriculum requirements.
      7. The Vice-Chair said a list is available with acceptable transfer courses.
        1. Indiana Core Transfer Library
  • Fall 2025 Grade Submission Deadline
    1. The Chair discussed grade deadlines for Fall 2025. She noted that grades are typically due on a Tuesday, but in Fall 2025, that would be December 23rd, and the campus will be closed on December 24th. To address this, the registrar, Jennifer Williams, suggested moving the grade deadline to 5 PM on Monday, December 22nd. This would allow students to reach out to instructors and advisors about any grade discrepancies before the holiday break. The Senate was asked to discuss this with their departments and provide feedback.
    2. The Vice-Chair suggested that all senators return to their departments to discuss the proposed grade deadline change, ensuring there are no underlying issues or potential problems. He explained the rationale was to allow students to address grade concerns before the holiday break and to allow the registrar time to correct any potential mistakes. He emphasized the importance of thoroughly vetting the proposal with department colleagues before making a final decision.
    3. The Parliamentarian said the Senate specifically exempted itself from the resolution stating that meetings during finals week shouldn’t be held.
    4. Kramer reiterated the Parliamentarian’s suggestion, proposing that if an early grade deadline is implemented, there should be an agreement to avoid scheduling meetings during final exam week. He highlighted the difficulty faculty face when late finals and meetings compress the time available for grading.
    5. Liu asked if changing the due date for final grades would be best shared after the beginning of the fall semester. The Chair said the earlier, the better.
    6. The Vice-Chair said all Senators should return to their departments and seek feedback on why the date should not be moved to the 22nd.
  1. For Action:
    • None
  2. Discussion Items:
    • FSD 24-03 Resolution on Dissemination of Administrator Survey Results
      1. Hallock stated that the Committee is responsible for conducting the periodic evaluation of academic administration.
      2. He presented a resolution to establish a consistent, professional process for evaluating academic administration, focusing on a confidential and constructive approach to survey results. The proposed methodology would distribute survey findings directly to the administrator being reviewed, their supervisor, and the Senate Executive Committee while preventing public disclosure. By limiting the survey’s distribution to key administrative channels, the resolution aims to provide meaningful feedback without unnecessary public criticism. The proposed annual process would apply across university leadership levels, prioritizing institutional improvement through a structured, confidential mechanism of administrative evaluation. Hallock emphasized the importance of creating a systematic approach that promotes constructive dialogue and professional development while maintaining the integrity of the review process.
      3. The Vice-Chair agreed and provided reasoning. It was clarified that this would be internal.
        1. Hallock requested that this be moved to action.
        2. Seconded by J. Ivy
        3. Approved by a two-thirds vote.
        4. Motion for approval by R. Hallock
        5. Seconded by P. Ludwig-Beymer
        6. Approved by voice vote.
  • FSD 24-04 Student Absence Policy
    1. Ivy explained the document, stating that it includes areas covered by PUWL that PNW did not previously cover.
    2. Upon reviewing the document, the Vice-Chair inquired about what would happen if the outlined dates were exceeded. J. Ivy said these are intended to serve as guidelines. The full document provided clarification on limits. Students cannot miss more than 1/3 of the course.
    3. Kincaid asked about approved university activities. Ivy said a previous resolution was approved, which is referenced in the current document’s long form.
    4. Bhandari asked if a category on religious celebrations can be added. Ivy said this is addressed within the document. While It doesn’t come out as its own category, it is addressed under a similar category.
  1. Reports from Senate Standing Committee Chairs
    • Curriculum (Lee Artz)
      1. The committee will review 18 documents this afternoon for approval at the April meeting.
      2. Individual courses are still being accepted.
    • Faculty Affairs (Rob Hallock)
      1. The Committee is working on updating the faculty P&T document and finishing the faculty handbook.
      2. Clinicals will also be explored.
    • Gen Ed & Assessment (Kathy Tobin)
      1. The committee is working on a resolution or two reflecting the visit by experts in first-year experience and their recommendations for revisions. Should have a resolution by the next meeting.
    • Nominations, Elections, & Awards (John Durocher)
      1. Durocher highlighted the ongoing recruitment challenge for the College of Engineering and Sciences, where they currently have only one of the three needed Grievance Committee members, and sought clarification on the appointment procedures. The parliamentarian stated that all actions by subordinate committees are advisory and must be approved by the Senate.
      2. Senate Chair-Elect is still needed.
      3. Founders Day went well overall. Some faculty were not included on the slides, including Roger Kraft and others.
      4. The Nominations process needs polishing. Will meet after spring break.
      5. The Chair noted that the terms of many Senators are expiring and require replacement.
      6. He said his term is renewed year-by-year.
    • Ed Policy (Yun (Tom) Liu)
      1. The committee is still working on the academic reorganization document.
      2. The committee will meet today.
      3. He asked the Provost if revisions could be submitted via email for the sake of time.
    • Student Affairs (Jessica Ivy)
      1. Ivy announced Leanna Steverson as Student of the Month for February.
      2. She recognized Jim Dolan and the subcommittee members for their involvement in the student selection process.
      3. The Academic Integrity Committee is current with proceedings. One grade appeal from Fall 2024 is pending. One academic integrity hearing is scheduled. Five outstanding academic integrity allegations with March deadlines.
      4. Ivy outlined the committee’s current focus on reviewing the academic integrity and honor pledge drafted by the Student Government Association. Recognizing the complexity and importance of this document, the committee planned a brief meeting to facilitate careful review. The approach emphasizes collaborative examination and thoughtful consideration of proposed policy changes.
  1. West Lafayette Report (Joe Coates)
    • Coates stated that there is concern among faculty members regarding the lack of statements from the current administration, which has said it is not willing to comment on hypothetical situations.
    • Decided not to rename their DEI committee.
    • An ad hoc committee conducted a comprehensive review of Purdue Online and Purdue Global programs. The review focused on addressing challenges related to name similarity and developing improved marketing strategies. Recommendations included potential curricular updates for Purdue Global to enhance program distinctiveness and appeal.
    • Admin operations
      1. Significant developments are underway at Purdue, including the construction of an Academic Success Building in Indianapolis, scheduled for occupancy in July 2027. The university is also developing a campus sustainability plan, with its current five-year strategic roadmap nearing completion. These initiatives demonstrate the institution’s commitment to ongoing growth and strategic development.
    • Campus sustainability
  2. IFC Report (Geoffrey Barrow)
    • No report
  3. DEIJB Committee (Pam Saylor)
    • Saylor expressed uncertainty about the committee’s direction in light of the university’s new strategic plan. She highlighted ongoing conversations with leadership, including the Chancellor and Provost, regarding how to proceed with DEI initiatives within the context of the university’s shift toward “merit, excellence, and innovation.”
    • The committee currently operates with a very small membership and lacks clear guidance on its future role. Saylor emphasized the collective uncertainty among committee members about how to move forward with DEI efforts in the changing institutional landscape.
    • Saylor noted the committee is closely watching Purdue’s approach to DEI, seeking guidance on how to continue supporting diversity and inclusion efforts. Despite the uncertainty, she affirmed that faculty members remain committed to teaching courses that promote diversity and inclusive understanding.
    • The Parliamentarian said a statement, “Against Anticipatory Compliance,” is available from the AAUP.
  4. Open discussion (as time permits)
    • ICE on campus (Collette Morrow)
      1. The Chair said different types of warrants were discussed.
  1. Adjournment
    • Meeting adjourned at 12:04 PM