More Faculty Handbook changes were debated at the Jan. 22 Faculty Senate meeting, focusing on annual performance evaluation policies (section 5.1.1.2). The faculty development and administrative relations (FDAR) council introduced language that detailed the evaluation process.
"The reason these changes are being made is to have a more consistent review process across the university," FDAR chair Ann Smiley-Oyen said. "The current version has minimal guidance."
The changes include links to post-tenure review policies and "action plan" guidance for faculty who receive unsatisfactory evaluations.
Senators discussed the changes at length, including a proposed amendment that penalizes department chairs who fail to meet review deadlines. The amendment failed (14-41), but senate concerns about the added language sent the proposed changes back to the FDAR council for more work.
"It seems to me it's worth further discussion," senate president Suzanne Hendrich said.
Other business
- Senators also will vote on bylaw changes that exempt the secretary's term from senate term eligibility limits. President and president-elect positions already are exempted.
- Senators voted in favor of a name change for the committee on women in minorities, to the committee on equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Kevin Schalinske, professor in food science and human nutrition, was voted the senate’s next president-elect, running unopposed.
