Purdue University Northwest > Faculty Senate > News > Senate Meeting Minutes > Faculty Senate Minutes, October 10, 2025

Faculty Senate Minutes, October 10, 2025

January 6, 2026

Faculty Senate, October 10, 2025

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

Minutes

Voting Members Present:
Ali Alavizadeh, Khair Al Shamaileh, Lee Artz, Gokarna Aryal, Geoffrey Barrow, Matthew Bauman, Shreya Bhandari, José Castro-Urioste, Frank Colucci, Jim Dolen, John Durocher, Masoud Fathizadeh, Rob Hallock, Wei He, Maria Hughes, Shontrai Irving, Jessica Ivy, Patrick Keegan, Hansung Kim, Tae-Hoon Kim, Kenny Kincaid, Dave Kozel, Roger Kraft, Robert Kramer, Yun Liu, Patti Ludwig-Beymer, Claudia Mich, Hassan Naji, Laurie Parpart, Sheila Rezak, Pam Saylor, Diane Spoljoric, George Stefanik, Nicolae Tarfulea, Kathy Tobin, Melanie Walski, Sarah White, Donna Whitten, Cheng Zhang, Hairong Zhao

Voting Members Absent:
None

Non-Voting Members Present:
Tony Elmendorf, Alan McCafferty

Others Present:
Chris Holford, Marie Mora, Raida Abuizam, Mike Biel, Heather Bowers, Molly Bowler, Mita Choudhury, Joy Colwell, Colin Fewer, Jen Gregory, Emily Hixon, Britt Hudson, Joseph Loftis, Michael Lynn, Brian Miller, Adele Minix, Amber Mosley, Catharine Olsen, Jose Sanchez, Prashant Sarswat, Rebecca Stankowski, Feng-Song Wang, Jen Williams

  1. Determination of quorum.
    • Quorum determined at 10:00 AM
  2. Call to order.
    • Meeting called to order at 10:03 AM
  3. Approval of the agenda.
    • Motion for approval by P. Ludwig-Beymer
    • Seconded by R. Hallock
    • Approved by voice vote
  4. Approval of the minutes from September 12, 2025
    • Motion for approval by R. Hallock
    • Seconded by P. Ludwig-Beymer
    • Approved by voice vote
  5. Remarks by the Senate Chair
    • The Chair emphasized the importance of the post-tenure review process, emphasizing its potential impact on faculty development, morale, recruitment, and university productivity. He stressed that the procedural document is on a tight timeline implemented by the state of Indiana, due at the end of the semester, and requires careful faculty and committee review before final Senate discussion and approval.
      1. Provost Mora clarified that the post-tenure review process is designed to align closely with each department’s and college’s specific annual review practices. She emphasized that, especially for full professors, post-tenure reviews at Purdue (S-4) are conducted every 3 years and align with existing standards and state requirements. For tenured associate professors, reviews take place annually. The Provost explained that the detailed criteria evaluated in the post-tenure review are determined at the department and college level, ensuring relevance to each faculty member’s discipline and responsibilities. She added that, in a very early draft of this document, West Lafayette asked to see what both Purdue Fort Wayne and our campus were working on, to make sure we weren’t going down an extraordinary path. They were fine with the information that we had drafted so far. So we are talking with them, and we will get additional feedback as we further develop the document.
      2. The Chair and Provost Mora confirmed that a draft of the post-tenure review document could be shared with all faculty while the Faculty Affairs Committee is reviewing it.
      3. Morrow asked Provost Mora what the consequences of a post-tenure review would be for faculty. Specifically, she inquired whether there are rewards for positive findings and what actions or sanctions might follow a negative finding during the review process. Provost Mora responded that positive post-tenure review findings would be tied to merit rewards for faculty. For negative findings, she explained that the process involves implementing a three-year performance improvement plan. If a faculty member does not demonstrate satisfactory progress, the possible sanctions and consequences are detailed in the governing state legislation.
    • The Chair announced the formation of a task force to evaluate the university’s academic structure. He clarified that this initiative is for planning and exploring potential options—it does not signal an imminent reorganization of the university. The task force will review different academic structures and gather information for possible future consideration. Kozel emphasized transparency, stating that any significant changes would be carefully planned and discussed before being brought to the Faculty Senate.
  6. Remarks by the Chancellor
    • Chancellor Holford began by announcing the upcoming 10th anniversary of the merger forming Purdue Northwest and the creation of a celebration committee for this milestone, which will include events, departmental activities, and a scholarship gala. He said an RFP will be shared for celebration activities.
    • He noted visits from representatives of the University of Graz (Austria) and University College Cork (Ireland).
    • He provided updates on the quantum space initiative, including the renovation of the Roberts Impact Lab in downtown Hammond (focusing on advanced and quantum computing, cybersecurity, and campus connectivity to Chicago’s quantum network), with completion expected in about six months.
    • The Chancellor also addressed an executive order related to H-1B sponsorship and permanent residency, mentioning that the university is monitoring its potential effects on hiring practices and international faculty but awaits further clarification. He pledged to keep the Faculty Senate updated as more information becomes available.
    • Chancellor Holford closed his remarks with praise for PNW athletic teams, highlighting the strong performances of women’s softball, women’s volleyball, and women’s soccer. He noted that the women’s soccer team was playing that day at noon, and he also mentioned the hockey team’s recent exciting win over the University of Illinois. The Chancellor encouraged faculty and students to attend athletic events, emphasizing that student-athletes appreciate when members of the university community come out to support them.
  7. Remarks by the Provost/VCAA
    • Post-Tenure Review Process:
      1. Provost Mora clarified that the goal is not for tenured faculty to “go up for promotion again,” but to ensure ongoing professional expectations are met.
      2. She emphasized that the draft document includes direct references to state legislation and Purdue standards and that transparency will be maintained by circulating supporting documentation.
      3. She stressed this process is mandated by state law, and requirements must be met this semester, with broad faculty input encouraged.
    • Syllabi and Compliance:
      1. The Provost commended the university for achieving 100% compliance in posting syllabi online, noting rapid and successful faculty cooperation.
      2. She has reviewed efforts to improve the syllabus submission process, including plans for a university-wide solution, and invited faculty input as new vendors are considered.
    • International Engagement and Study Away:
      1. Provost Mora echoed Chancellor Holford’s remarks about visits from international universities.
      2. She reported on successful recent study away/passport events, with dozens of passport applications processed thanks to collaboration with local post offices and staff.
    • Leadership Searches and Task Forces:
      1. The Provost provided updates on ongoing searches for Dean of the College of Business and Dean of Students, recognizing committee and faculty involvement.
      2. She announced task forces forming on digital accessibility – in response to federal mandates – and academic structure, both with Faculty Senate representation.
    • Strategic Planning:
      1. The Provost gave a brief update on the continuing implementation of the university’s strategic plan, noting active working groups and new engagement initiatives such as the RISE logo contest.
      2. She pledged ongoing communication as further strategic plan milestones occur.
    • Provost Mora concluded with condolences to Maria Watson for the recent passing of her husband.
  8. SGA Report (Molly Bowler)
    • Bowler provided updates on several student initiatives and projects.
    • She announced the approval of an official location for the butterfly pollinator garden, to be placed on the south wall of Porter.
    • She reported on ongoing efforts to expand recycling and composting on campus, mentioning scheduled meetings with K. Sullivan and D. Ellis to further this initiative.
    • Bowler shared that Honors College Senator Tapia would meet with A. Pilota to discuss the creation of veteran parking spaces on campus.
    • She noted that SGA Vice President Torres is collaborating with Z. Jones from the Career Center to offer monthly graduate school preparation sessions for students.
    • She announced that SGA continues to seek candidates for open roles: graduate senator, College of Technology senator, and HSI senator.
    • In response to a faculty inquiry, she confirmed that increasing recycling bins in locations such as campus dining areas is part of upcoming discussions with campus partners.
  9. Brian Miller, Director of Public Safety
    • Public Safety Updates
    • Attachment: PNW Faculty Senate Public Safety Presentation
      1. Director Brian Miller provided an overview of the campus Public Safety Department, which includes 10 police officers at Hammond, four at Westville, and six part-time officers.
      2. He noted that Purdue Northwest police are state-certified, receive ongoing training in key areas (use of force, de-escalation, diversity, mental health), and have the same arrest authority as other state and local police.
      3. Director Miller reported that in ten years, the department has never used force to make an arrest, emphasizing a commitment to community policing and a very low crime rate on campus, as shown in annual statistics.
      4. He highlighted emergency alert and response systems, including:
        1. “Alert Me” for instant campus notifications.
        2. “Alertus,” a screen-takeover alert system for classroom computers.
        3. An emergency notification system with PA in every building.
      5. Miller described campus readiness for severe weather, noting “storm ready” status and a partnership with the National Weather Service for up-to-date forecasts.
      6. He outlined active shooter preparedness:
        1. Use of “Shot Spotter” and an in-house gunshot detection system developed at Purdue Northwest to quickly detect gunfire inside and outside campus buildings.
        2. Routine active shooter lockdown drills, classroom safety upgrades, and regular training for students and faculty.
        3. Retrofitted deadbolt locks on classroom doors.
      7. Director Miller discussed additional community safety initiatives, such as “Stop the Bleed” training, alcohol awareness programs, self-defense training, and security escort services.
      8. He provided information on police patrols in areas with high off-campus student populations, availability of security escorts, and the non-emergency police contact numbers.
      9. Miller answered questions on topics including ICE protocols, emergency medical kit placement, parking enforcement, and campus surveillance cameras.
      10. Explanation of ICE Protocols:
        1. Director Brian Miller explained that, in his ten years at Purdue Northwest, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has never visited the campus, and he hopes that remains the case. Nonetheless, he emphasized the importance of preparation.
        2. He advised that, if ICE agents were to come to campus, they would most likely first report to the campus police department—as has been the standard for law enforcement entities in prior incidents.
        3. Miller shared that he has directly communicated with ICE supervisors in the past to clarify protocols and dispel rumors that ICE was on campus.
        4. He stressed that, should ICE agents approach faculty directly (for example, at a classroom door) without campus police present, faculty should immediately call campus police for support and verification.
      11. Miller clarified the legal context:
        1. If ICE agents possess a judge-signed search or arrest warrant, the university must comply.
        2. Campus police can help ensure all procedures are properly followed and that the rights of students and employees are protected during such events.
        3. He provided faculty and staff with the key campus police phone numbers.
          • 2222 for urgent daytime help
          • 2140 for general/non-emergency
        4. During the discussion, faculty participants reinforced the importance of informing students of their rights if approached by ICE—such as not being required to answer questions, and understanding protected versus public spaces on campus.
        5. Miller supported ongoing educational efforts regarding legal rights and processes and welcomed further questions on this subject.
      12. He concluded by encouraging faculty and students to contact campus police with any safety concerns and thanked the Senate for its support.
  1. Unfinished Business
    • General Education
      1. Tobin provided updates on the approval and removal of Gen Ed courses, noting the committee’s ongoing review and the importance of feedback from departments and programs.
      2. She discussed the process for designating courses as Experiential Learning (EXL), the approval of new EXL courses, and the rationale for removing outdated or unused courses.
      3. Kathy shared data collection efforts on retention rates for students who complete First Year Experience (FYE) courses, emphasizing the committee’s focus on improving the FYE experience for different student types.
      4. She addressed ongoing discussions about whether to include experiential learning as a Gen Ed requirement, highlighting complexities such as state and transfer requirements that may make this difficult.
      5. Kathy explained the flexibility being considered for Gen Ed categories, considering accredited programs with specific curricular needs.
      6. She acknowledged departmental feedback on keeping FYE and discipline-specific courses, and on the challenges related to credit hours and course categorization (e.g., chemistry courses and the “choose one” category).
      7. Kathy encouraged departments to review proposed changes closely and to submit feedback before the committee finalizes recommendations for Senate votes.
      8. She also noted that Gen Ed reform is an ongoing process and that additional committee meetings and data reviews would take place before a final decision.
    • Experiential Learning
      1. Tobin motioned to approve the presented courses for addition to EXL.
        1. Approved by voice vote.
      2. Tobin motioned to approve the presented courses for removal from EXL.
        1. Approved by voice vote.
  • First-Year Experience
    1. Tobin described the process for reviewing and approving FYE courses, as well as the rationale for removing or retaining certain FYE offerings based on departmental feedback and course relevance.
    2. She reported that data collection is underway—specifically looking at student retention rates for those completing discipline-specific versus general FYE courses.
    3. Tobin discussed comparisons to FYE requirements at peer and Indiana universities, noting that most do not include FYE as a required Gen Ed component, though some require it for incoming freshmen or as part of certain programs.
    4. She highlighted the diversity of Purdue Northwest’s student body, emphasizing that a universal FYE requirement may not fit all students, particularly transfers and upper-level entrants.
    5. Tobin reassured departments that they may still require FYE courses for their majors even if FYE is removed from Gen Ed university requirements.
    6. She encouraged ongoing communication with faculty committees and welcomed feedback, promising further discussion and data evaluation before final recommendations are made regarding FYE policy.
  1. New Business:
    • Curriculum Documents Approval (Curriculog login)
      1. Artz said….
        1. Motion for approval by L. Artz
        2. Seconded by D. Spoljoric
        3. Approved by voice vote
      2. For Action:
        • Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Committee Senate Representatives
          1. Sheila Rezak
          2. Jim Dolen
          3. Jessica Ivy
            1. Motion to approve by J. Durocher
            2. Seconded by R. Hallock
          4. Discussion Items:
            • FSD 25-02 General Education Course Removal
              1. The document was presented to the Senate
  1. Reports from Senate Standing Committee Chairs
    • Curriculum (Lee Artz)
      1. Artz said there are six or seven proposals to review today.
    • Faculty Affairs (Rob Hallock)
      1. Hallock reported that read rates for student accommodations have increased to 86%.
      2. The Provost will email the latest draft of the tenure review process. Hallock encouraged senators to provide feedback as soon as they can.
    • Gen Ed & Assessment (Kathy Tobin)
      1. Tobin said nothing more to report. She encouraged Senators to contact the committee regarding Gen Ed, EXL, and FYE courses.
    • Nominations, Elections, & Awards (John Durocher)
      1. Durocher said a draft has been completed for the non-tenure track faculty award and will be shared today with the committee.
      2. The Interfolio committee needs to be populated. Would like to receive their charge from FAC to solicit appointments more efficiently.
      3. Founders Day awards applications.
    • Ed Policy (Pam Saylor)
      1. Saylor said the AI guidance resolution will be reviewed in comparison to the guidelines provided by CFE to confirm alignment.
    • Student Affairs (Tae-Hoon Him)
      1. Kim reported two currently open grade appeals, one being handled through administrative channels and another through standard procedures.
      2. He announced that nominations for October Student of the Month awards are being accepted until the upcoming Friday and briefly described the criteria for recognition.
      3. Kim informed the Senate that the updated Student Absence Policy has been posted on the university website, encouraging everyone to review it and provide feedback.
      4. He noted that the committee is actively reviewing policies related to grade appeals and academic integrity, aiming to resolve discrepancies and conflicts between existing policies.
  1. West Lafayette Report (Joe Coates)
    • Not in attendance. No report.
  2. IFC Report (Geoffrey Barrow)
    • Barrow said the first meeting of the IFC was last month and was primarily a meeting and greet with new members. There were some longer reports from recent appointees. He said PNW stood out due to strong connections between faculty and administration, a relationship not as strongly shared at other campuses.
  3. Open discussion (as time permits)
    • none
  4. Adjournment
    • Meeting adjourned at 11:50 AM.