Faculty Senate

2008-2009

Faculty Senate Resolutions Status 2001-2002

Aug. 20

Sept. 10

Oct. 8

Nov. 12

Dec. 3

Jan. 14

Feb. 11

Mar. 18

Mar. 25

Apr. 8

May 6

 

AUGUST 20, 2001

Minutes

Motion FS01-02/08-02a - Motion to change the representation of and term of the Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Faculty Handbook Comm	failed

Motion FS0102/08-02b - Motion to add an advisory group to the Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Faculty Handbook Comm	failed

Motion FS0102/08-02c - Motion to add an additional duty for the Faculty Senate standing committees-

In addition to maintaining paper records of committee activity and filing a year-end report (as per the current Faculty Senate Guidelines), committee chairs will also provide a monthly update (at the Faculty senate meeting) on committee business to be posted on the Faculty Senate Web page (agenda, minutes, etc.)
Rationale: Providing this information on-line improves communication with faculty, administration, staff, and students.
Note: To prevent overloading the part-time Faculty senate staff secretary, these monthly updates should be e-mailed as attachments by the agenda deadline date of the Faculty Senate meeting.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Faculty Handbook Comm	passed

Motion FS0102/08-02d - Motion to add an additional duty for some standing committees

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Faculty Handbook Comm	failed

 

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2001

Minutes

Motion FS01-02/09-03 - Resolution regarding improving the attractiveness of Appalachian to new faculty

Therefore, be it resolved, that Appalachian create a small task force, including a few specifically knowledgeable faculty members and administrators, a real estate person, a banker, University Advancement, and maybe someone with other specialized expertise in health care, who will suggest workable options to the Senate and the administration that will keep Appalachian attractive to new and continuing faculty at a time when the legislature and other givens seem to turn less in our favor.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
	passed	Committee formed - report at the January 14, 2002 mtg

Motion FS01-02/09-01 - Motion to change the Faculty Grievance Process

1. Drop the current Mediation Committee.
2. Change the hearing committee as follows:

a. Elect for a two-year term, six faculty members (five members - two professors, two associate professors, one assistant professor, and one alternate rank open ) each year to serve on the Grievance Hearing Committee. Emphasize to nominees that this is a long-term commitment requiring impartiality and objectivity.
b. This group of twelve will annually elect from its membership, a Chair of the Hearing Grievance Committee.
c. The Chair will appoint from the membership five members and one alternate to serve on a hearing committee if a grievance is filed. (The qualifications for selection will be similar to those used in obtaining jurors, accounting for conflicts of interests.)
d. This hearing committee will see its case through to the end, regardless of when their two year terms end.
e. Grievance Hearing Committee members will participate in a training workshop sponsored by the University.

3. The faculty member may initiate a "facilitated discussion" with a mutually agreed upon third party. Possible sources for this third party are Hubbard Center, Counseling Center, Counseling Department, Equity Office, non-campus, etc. The University would pay for a non-campus person.
4. Specify the use of legal counsel:

a. No lawyers for either side will be allowed to be present or participate in the "facilitated discussion," but either side may seek legal counsel.
b. Lawyers for either side will be allowed to be present and participate in the pre-hearing and the hearing.
c. The hearing committee will have access to a UNC system lawyer (not an Appalachian or GA lawyer) suggested by a General Administration lawyer. (In 2001 this was David Parker.) The client in this relationship is the Grievance Hearing Committee, thus protecting communication between the Committee and the attorney under the attorney-client privilege.

5. Require that at the pre-hearing, all available information/files generated by both parties that will be used at the hearing as evidence be provided.
6. After the pre-hearing, any additional information that will be used during the hearing must be shared with both parties prior to being introduced.
7. Educate the ASU community regarding witnesses:

a. No person is required to be a witness or to talk to anyone.
b. Both the grievant and the administrative representative(s) are entitled to talk with any witnesses who wish to talk.
c. Witnesses may not be compelled to speak with any party to the hearing, nor may they be restrained from talking with either party.
d. Interference with witnesses is inappropriate and will not be tolerated.

8. Have the University attorney hire a "court recorder" for the hearing. (The university will pay for this service.)
9. Clarify the hearing committee’s decision:

a. The hearing committee will make its decision within ten working days after receiving the transcript of the hearing.
b. The hearing committee will present a written recommendation to the Chancellor and the grievant (and the Provost in non-disciplinary cases), accompanied with a face-to-face verbal discussion.

10. Clarify the Chancellor’s role in the Faculty grievance process:

a. The Chancellor has 60 days to render his/her decision.
b. If the Chancellor’s decision does not concur with that of the hearing committee’s, he/she must communicate these reasons in writing and in detail to the grievant and the hearing committee.

11. The Grievant has ten working days to file for an appeal of the Chancellor’s decision to the Board of Trustees, who have up to 120 days to render their decision. (The grievant may then appeal this decision to the Board of Governors, as the present system allows.)

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Ad-hoc Committee on Equity Office/Grievance Process	passed

Motion FS01-02/09-02 - Motion to change the Equity Office

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Ad-hoc Committee on Equity Office/Grievance Process	passed	tabled until the October meeting

 

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OCTOBER 8, 2001

Minutes

Motion FS01-02/09-02 - Motion to change the Equity Office - Amendment to reword #2 to read, "Clarify the charge of the Equity Office, restricting it to advocacy and education work and not investigation for administrative needs."

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
	passed

Motion FS01-02/09-02 - Motion to change the Equity Office (Motion to send 09-02 back to Committee for revision regarding the investigatory issue, what to call the office, and who it will report to)

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
	passed

Motion FS01-02/09-01 (addition)- Motion to have two (2) grievance committees called 1) Due Process Committee and, 2) Faculty Grievance Committee

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Ad-hoc Committee on Equity Office/Grievance Process	passed

Motion FS01-02/10-01- Motion on the Use of the Convocation Center

Therefore, be it resolved that the jogging track be made available for the use of Appalachian faculty, staff, and students when it is not in use for athletic purposes.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy Committee	passed

Motion FS01-02/10-02- Motion on Graduate School Certificate Programs

Therefore, be it resolved that all graduate school certificate programs be presented for review and approval by AP&P.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy Committee	passed

Motion FS01-02/10-03- Motion on Student Evaluations

Therefore, be it resolved that the original qualitative and quantitative evaluations and summaries of these evaluations be housed in a secure location within the department office until tenure is granted to non-tenured faculty member. For tenured faculty, such records will be kept for the five-year period preceding a post-tenure review.
Faculty will be provided copies of all materials upon request.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy Committee	passed

Motion FS01-02/10-04a- Motion Regarding name of the faculty/staff lounge

Be it resolved that the Faculty/Staff Lounge be named The Jimmy Smith Faculty/Staff Lounge in his honor.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Welfare & Morale Committee	passed	Named lounge in place

Motion FS01-02/10-04b- Motion Regarding guidelines for faculty/staff lounge use

Motion to take Recommended guidelines to Staff Council for action.
a. hours of operation 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday. 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Friday
b. At this time, the Faculty/Staff Lounge may not be reserved for private use
c. Each person is expected to discard and/or recycle used materials. The cafeteria staff will provide daily cleaning.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Welfare & Morale Committee	passed	in place

Motion FS01-02/10-05- Motion regarding pedestrian safety

Be it resolved that Appalachian create a University task force (with faculty, staff, and student representation) to study and make recommendations for improving pedestrian safety.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Welfare of Students Committee	passed	Per the Chancellor, "There is a University committee, the Traffic Management and Safety Committee, having as areas of responsibility: (1) traffic and parking, (2) safety and security, and (3) appeals board for traffic violations. This committee consists of five faculty, five staff, and five students and reports to Vice Chancellor Helm. This committee presently is considering pedestrian safety. It is charged with the responsibility for making recommendations related to pedestrian safety and in the judgment of the committee there is no need to create yet another group to do this."

Motion FS01-02/10-05- Motion regarding pedestrian safety - part 2:

The Faculty Senate requests continual and rigorous enforcement of traffic laws, specifically, but not limited to, speeding
and jay walking on campus and city/state thoroughfares adjacent to campus.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
	passed	Per the Chancellor, "Chief Gunther Doerr has been informed of the Faculty Senate resolution. I have been assured that the University Security does enforce the traffic laws. It is, of course, physically impossible for any police force to be present at all infractions of the laws. I am certain we all want "continual and rigorous enforcement of traffic laws" and support our police force in doing so. I am confident they will continue to be diligent in enforcing existing laws."

Motion FS01-02/10-06- Motion regarding criteria for promotion

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Faculty Handbook Committee		sent back to committee

Motion regarding Liberty University

Since the President of a university is a public spokesperson for the University. And since President Falwell has made statements in recent days and in the past that are affront to the goals of tolerance and openness for all people, regardless of sexual preference, ethnic identity, or political affiliation, Be it resolved that the Faculty Senate calls on the Chancellor of Appalachian State University not to renew any contracts with Liberty University.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
	passed	not passed by the Chancellor

 

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NOVEMBER 12, 2001

Minutes

Motion regarding collective bargaining

The Faculty Senate supports the right of collective bargaining and SEANCs efforts to attain it.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
	passed

Motion FS01-02/09-02- Motion to change the Equity Office - Motion to table and form a sub-committee

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
	passed	report to be brought by the sub-committee at the December meeting

Motion FS01-02/10-06- Motion regarding criteria for promotion

In the Faculty Handbook the NEW CRITERIA for the ranks of assistant, associate, and full professor will read as follows:
3.4.2.5.2 Minimal criteria for consideration of appointment/promotion to the rank of assistant professor are:
(a) The appropriate earned terminal degree from an accredited institution, unless there are exceptional circumstances;
(b) Demonstrated ability in teaching; and
(c) Evidence of ability in at least one of the following: (i) research or other germane creative activity; (ii) professional service to the University and/or to the public.
(d) Willingness to participate in institutional affairs.
3.4.2.6.2 Minimal criteria for consideration of appointment /promotion to the rank of associate professor are:
(a) The appropriate earned terminal degree from an accredited institution, unless there are exceptional circumstances, and at least five years of appropriate experience;
(b) Recognized skill in teaching; and
(c) Evidence of at least one of the following: (i) recognized accomplishment in research or other germane creative activity; (ii) recognized accomplishment in professional service to the University and/or to the public;
(d) Willingness to participate in institutional affairs.
3.4.2.7.2 Minimal criteria for consideration of appointment/promotion to the rank of professor are:
(a) The appropriate earned terminal degree from an accredited institution, unless there are exceptional circumstances, and at least ten years of appropriate experience;
(b) Recognized skill in teaching;
(c) Evidence of at least one of the following: (i) outstanding accomplishment in research or other germane creative activity; or (ii) outstanding accomplishment in professional service to the University and/or to the public;
(d) Demonstrated ability and participation in institutional affairs.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Faculty Handbook Committee	passed

Motion FS01-02/11-01- Motion regarding UNC system's form on Promotion and Tenure

Whereas, the personnel action form requiring approval by the UNC Board of Governors does not contain a line for faculty's recommendation,
Therefore, the Faculty Senate does recommend that such a line be included under section 4 of the aforesaid form.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy Committee	passed

Motion FS01-02/11-02- Motion on faculty safety

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy Committee	failed

Motion FS01-02/11-03- Motion to form a university ad-hoc committee to examine space utilization

Create an ad-hoc university committee of faculty, department chairs, and deans to:
1) Examine Appalachian's decision-making process in regard to land utilization/acquisition, building renovation/construction/acquisition, and space allocation/utilization, and
2) Make recommendations, if need be, regarding the role faculty should play in this process, given the University's primary mission of the "practice and propagation of scholarship," a mission for which the faculty are uniquely qualified and responsible.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Campus Planning Committee	passed	report on this committee to be made at the January 14, 2002 Faculty Senate meeting

Motion FS01-02/11-04- Motion regarding budget cuts

Whereas the current economic crisis has forced the Provost to cut each Dean's budget 15%,
Whereas the Provost has asked each Dean to confer with their respective Chairs concerning where to make these cuts,
Whereas the Faculty will be affected by these cuts, so naturally they desire input into these decisions,
Therefore be it resolved that each Department Chair discuss with their faculty where to make these cuts, and that these recommendations be taken to their respective Dean.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Budget Committee	passed

 

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DECEMBER 3, 2001

Minutes

Motion FS01-02/09-02- Motion regarding recommendations on Equity Office - amendment to motion to have 2 1/2-time positions

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
	passed

Motion FS01-02/09-02- Motion regarding recommendations on Equity Office - amendment regarding #6 of proposed motion

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
	passed

Motion FS01-02/09-02- Motion regarding recommendations on Equity Office (and the Compliance Office)

Create two offices the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance Programs and the Office of the University Ombudsman.

OFFICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance Programs will consist of a Director and several staff, reporting to the Director of Human Resources. The purpose of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance Programs is:
(1) To promote the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity program;
(2) To educate the Appalachian State University community regarding issues of diversity and workplace harassment, and
(3) To administer the University’s Compliance Program.

OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OMBUDSMAN
A. Structure and Selection
The Office of the University Ombudsman will consist of two Ombudsmen and secretarial staff. To ensure objectivity, the Office of the University Ombudsman would be independent of all existing structures, reporting to the Chancellor only on budget and administrative matters. The Ombudsmen will sit on the Administrative Cabinet.
One Ombudsman will be a faculty member, the other Ombudsman will be a faculty member or a staff member. Both Ombudsmen serve in the position for three consecutive years (staggered terms). No one can serve more than two consecutive terms in the position. The position of Ombudsman will be considered a half-time, 12-month position. Full-time tenured faculty serving as an Ombudsman will receive an additional $6000. stipend for the summer appointment. The position of Ombudsman will be open to all full-time, tenured faculty members and to all full-time vested staff members. Openings in the position will be announced and all interested candidates are invited to present a letter explaining their qualifications. The Ombudsmen will be chosen by the Office of the University Ombudsman Review Committee (OUORC). The Office of the University Ombudsman Review Committee will be comprised of the Provost, the SGA President, The President of the Staff Council, the Chair of the Faculty Senate, the Chair of the Faculty Grievance Hearing Committee, and the Director of Human Resources. In addition to selecting the Ombudsmen, the OUORC will make an annual review of the office and be responsible for addressing any complaints about the office and its functioning. The OUORC also may remove an Ombudsman based on performance criteria. To increase the staff in the Office of the University Ombudsman, an appeal must be made and granted by this committee, who will forward its recommendation to the Chancellor.
B. Role and Responsibilities of the Ombudsman
The primary purpose of the Office of the University Ombudsman is to receive and to investigate complaints made by persons affiliated with the University. This includes administrators, faculty, staff, and students. The goal of the office will be to ensure that every member of the University community receives equitable and fair treatment within the University system. The Ombudsman will consider all sides of a question or complaint in an objective and impartial way, and will seek to resolve problems and concerns raised by members of the Appalachian community. The goal of this office is to provide an independent and confidential means for dispute resolution.
The duties of the Office of the University Ombudsman will be:
1) To receive complaints.
2) To confer with the grievant, and early in the process, inform all parties involved in the grievance that a complaint had been made. The Ombudsman will help all parties involved in the dispute determine their rights and options.
3) To investigate these complaints, the Ombudsman will have the right to access University records, reports, and other documents, but will neither keep identifying records nor assume a custodial role for formal documentation. Any working materials gathered by the Office of the University Ombudsman are to be destroyed when the case is either resolved or the case is moved outside the Office of the University Ombudsman.
Anonymity will be maintained to the greatest extent possible. With very few exceptions, no action would be taken without first asking the grievant. (There are exceptions to the anonymity and confidentiality rule: If a person shares the intent to do harm to him or herself or another, this information may not remain confidential to the extent that there is a credible threat to ones own or another’s well-being.)
4) To negotiate an informal resolution if feasible. In this role the Ombudsman will serve as facilitator. The Ombudsman will neither negotiate for any one party in a dispute nor force a solution on anyone.
5) To assist parties in setting up a mutually agreed upon facilitated discussion to resolve the matter, should either of the parties prefer facilitation. Should that be the case, the Ombudsman will make the initial contact with a mutually agreed upon third party who will facilitate the discussion. (Sources for facilitators could be the Hubbard Center, Counseling Center, members of the Counseling or Psychology Departments, Human Resources, etc. In special circumstances, the University would pay for an off-campus person.) The Ombudsman will not participate in the facilitated discussion.
6) If the efforts at facilitation fail and further action is pursued, the Ombudsman will direct the grievant to the appropriate university grievance process or administrative office. Personnel in the Office of the University Ombudsman are not permitted to testify at any formal proceedings. To carry out these activities the Office of the University Ombudsman will require a modest budget for travel and training.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Sub-committee on Equity Office	passed

Motion FS01-02/12-01- Motion regarding curriculum change process

Therefore, the Faculty Senate proposes that, in all matters of programs, structures, or organization concerning the curriculum, the guidelines of the faculty handbook, the SACS report, and the code of the Board of Governors be followed.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy Committee	passed

Motion FS01-02/12-02- Motion regarding part-time faculty

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy Committee		tabled until a report comes from the Budget Committee

Motion FS01-02/12-03- Motion regarding arhaeology and natural resources concerns

a) Deans and Chairs be informed in advance of any planned, university-sponsored land modification projects which may impact natural or cultural resources; and
b) qualified faculty members be called upon to evaluate the impacts and to express their concerns regarding threats to such resources and to play a role in mitigating the proposed impacts on those resources.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Campus Planning Committee		given to Space Committee

Motion regarding free parking

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
		tabled until a report comes from the Campus Planning Committee at the January 14, 2002 Fac. Sen. meeting

 

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JANUARY 14, 2002

Minutes

Motion regarding free parking

Faculty and staff be provided free parking at Appalachian State University

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Campus Planning Committee	failed

Motion regarding electronic voting

That college and university elections be done electronically.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Agenda Committee	passed	elections will be held in February or March

Motion to endorse the Athletic Position Statement

see January 14 minutes for Athletic Position Statement.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
	passed	copies of Statement sent to Chancellor, Provost, Athletic Director, and Assistant Vice Chancellor of Alumni Affairs

 

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FEBRUARY 11, 2002

Minutes

Motion regarding tuition increase for staff salaries

That the Faculty Senate support the Chancellor's resolution to raise tuition $150 for staff whose salaries are not at the maximum level.

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
	tabled	Chancellor's resolution was not passed by the BOG

Motion FS01-02/02-01a, b, & c- Motion on Academic Freedom

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy Comm	passed

FS01-02/02-01a - Section 3.3.2 Academic Freedom and Responsibility of Faculty
(Current) Appalachian State University will not penalize or discipline members of the faculty because of the exercise of academic freedom in the lawful pursuit of their respective areas of scholarly and professional interest and responsibility.
(Proposed) Appalachian State University will not penalize or discipline members of the faculty because of the exercise of academic freedom in the lawful pursuit of their respective areas of scholarly and professional interest and responsibility. All members of the faculty, whether tenured, untenured, or non-tenure-track, have the protection of academic freedom.
FS01-02/02-01b - Section 3.6.3.a. Appointment, Reappointment, Promotion, and Tenure
(Current) The decision to reappoint, promote or tenure a faculty member may be based on any factor(s) considered relevant to the total institutional interests, but those responsible for making the decision must consider the faculty member’s demonstrated professional competence, potential for further contributions, and institutional needs and resources. These considerations may form, in whole or in part, the basis of the ultimate decision. A decision not to reappoint, promote or tenure may not be based upon (1) the faculty member’s exercise of rights guaranteed by either the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article I of the North Carolina Constitution; (2) discrimination based upon the faculty member’s race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin; or (3) personal malice.
(Proposed) The decision to appoint, reappoint, promote or tenure a faculty member may be based on any factor(s) considered relevant to the total institutional interests, but those responsible for making the decision must consider the faculty member’s demonstrated professional competence, potential for further contributions, and institutional needs and resources. These considerations may form, in whole or in part, the basis of the ultimate decision. A decision not to appoint, reappoint, promote or tenure may not be based upon (1) the faculty member’s exercise of rights guaranteed by either the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article I of the North Carolina Constitution; (2) the faculty member’s exercise of academic freedom; (3) discrimination based upon the faculty member’s race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin; or (4) personal malice.
FS01-02/02-01c - Section 3.6.4.A. Permissible and Impermissible Grounds for Nonreappointment
(Current) The decision whether to reappoint a faculty member when a probationary term of appointment expires may be based on any factor considered relevant to the total institutional interests, but those responsible for making the decision must consider the faculty member’s demonstrated professional competence, potential for further contributions, and institutional needs and resources. These considerations may form, in whole or in part, the basis of the ultimate decision, except that a decision not to reappoint may not be based upon (1) the faculty member’s exercise or rights guaranteed by either the First
Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article I of the North Carolina Constitution, (2) discrimination based upon the faculty member’s race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin, or (3) personal malice.
(Proposed) The decision whether to reappoint a faculty member when a probationary term of appointment expires may be based on any factor considered relevant to the total institutional interests, but those responsible for making the decision must consider the faculty member’s demonstrated professional competence, potential for further contributions, and institutional needs and resources. These considerations may form, in whole or in part, the basis of the ultimate decision, except that a decision not to reappoint may not be based upon (the faculty member’s exercise or rights guaranteed by either the First
Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article I of the North Carolina Constitution, (2) the faculty member’s exercise of academic freedom; (3) discrimination based upon the faculty member’s race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin, or (4) personal malice.

Motion FS01-02/02-02- Recommendation on Grade Appeals

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy Comm	passed	Ward will put Grade Appeals Process and form on the web.

Final Grade Appeal Procedure
Appalachian State University

Any student considering a grade appeal should understand that each faculty member has the right and responsibility to determine grades according to any method chosen by the faculty member which is professionally acceptable, communicated to everyone in the class, and applied to all students equally. Prejudiced, arbitrary, or capricious academic evaluation by a faculty member, however, is a violation of the student’s rights and is a valid ground for a final grade appeal.
Steps to take in final grade appeal
--Any student who contests a course final grade shall first attempt to resolve the matter with the instructor. The student must explain her or his position to the instructor and attempt to understand the instructor’s reasons for assigning the grade. The purpose of the meeting is to reach a mutual understanding of the student’s situation and the instructor’s actions and to resolve differences in an informal and cooperative manner. If the student fails to reach a satisfactory solution in consultation with the instructor, the student must present the appeal in writing, using the appropriate grade appeal form, to the chair
of the department in which the contested grade was awarded. A copy of the necessary form is provided at the end of this document.
--The student must file the written appeal with the department chair within 14 calendar days after consulting with the instructor. The statement must be specific and concise and limit itself to citations of evidence pertaining to valid grounds for the appeal. Through conferring with the student and the instructor, the chair will seek resolution by mutual agreement. The student must provide the chair with a course syllabus and all available tangible materials related to the grade (e.g., exam and term papers) as well a list of any items used in the evaluation for which the student cannot provide documentation (e.g., unreturned exams, grades on class participation, attendance records).
--If there is failure to reach an agreement through consultation with the chair, the student may file the written appeal with the Grade Appeals Committee through the Office of the Dean of the college or school in which the grade was awarded. The student must file this written appeal within 30 calendar days after the beginning of classes in the next semester after the contested grade was awarded. When possible, the form must be signed and dated by both the instructor and the department chair as well as the student. In accordance with the instructions on the form, the student must present with it the documentary evidence furnished to the department chair and any other evidence relevant to the case.
--The dean or her or his designee serves as convener of the Grade Appeals Committee of the college or school. Each full committee consists of the convener (who presides over hearings), the chair of the department in which the contested grade was assigned, three faculty, one undergraduate student, and one graduate student, all from the college or school which the committee serves. The department chair sits in a non-voting capacity, and the convener votes only in the case of a tie. The three faculty members, one alternate faculty member, and the two students are appointed by the dean from among
volunteers for the assignment. A quorum for each committee shall consist of no fewer than one student and two faculty members, along with the convener.
--The Grade Appeals Committee has authority to screen out frivolous or unsubstantiated appeals. The convener will explain any such finding in writing to the student, the faculty member, and the department chair.
--If the committee grants a full hearing, the student will appear before it to present all evidence relevant to her or his case. The convener will also invite the instructor to appear and present any evidence in support of her or his grade decision. The committee may ask questions of either or both and will hold its deliberations in executive session after hearing the case. The dean, the department chair, the faculty member and the student will receive prompt written notification of the committee’s findings. The committee’s decision is binding. If the committee supports the student’s appeal, the instructor will be
required to re-evaluate the student according to a specific method. The method of re-evaluation will depend on the circumstances of the appeal. Re-evaluation will not be used in a punitive manner toward the student. The student has 14 calendar days to inform the instructor, department chair, and convener in writing whether she or he consents to the proposed method of re-evaluation (which must be completed within the semester of the finding). Should the student not consent to the proposed method of re-evaluation, the instructor, chair, and committee will mutually agree on a method of recalculating the appealed grade. In either case, the resulting grade is final and may not be appealed.

Motion FS01-02/02-03- Motion on Student Evaluations

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy Comm	passed

THEREFORE, be it resolved that after final grades have been submitted and as soon as official evaluations are returned to the department, faculty will be notified so that they may examine the evaluations for ideas in revising their courses for the following semester, and
That official quantitative and official qualitative evaluations for the most recent five-year period be housed in a secure location within the department and that older evaluations be returned to the individual faculty member, and
That individual faculty will have access to their own official evaluations within the department office and may obtain copies as desired, and
That any supplemental evaluations used by a faculty member are the personal property of that faculty member.

Motion FS01-02/02-04- Resolution regarding Opening Budgets to Faculty

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Budget Committee	passed

BE IT RESOLVED THEREFORE that budgets (travel, equipment, etc.) of all academic divisions, colleges, school, library, departments, including all subcategories affecting faculty members, be made available to the faculty members in divisions, colleges, school, library, departments each semester.

Motion FS01-02/02-05- Motion regarding Non-tenure Track Faculty Committee

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Committee on Comms	passed

The Committee on Committees recommends that the structure of the Non-Tenure Track Faculty Committee be changed to allow faculty representation from each college and school and to allow the committee, with concurrence of the Faculty Senate, to name alternates to the committee.
A MOTION TO CHANGE THE STRUCTURE OF THE NON-TENURE TRACK FACULTY COMMITTEE:
Membership on the Non-Tenure Track Faculty Committee will consist of one faculty representative from each of the degree-granting colleges and schools and one representative from the Library plus two student members. A member of the Faculty Senate Welfare and Morale Committee will serve as an ex officio member of the Committee. With the concurrence of the Faculty Senate, the Committee may name an alternate member from each college and school.

Motion FS01-02/02-06- Motion regarding Drug and Alcohol Policy

Approved at the March 18 meeting

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Welfare of Students	passed

BE IT RESOLVED that Code of Student Conduct should be amended as follows:
1. Contain Summary of Alcohol Sanctions paralleling its Summary of Drug Sanctions

The second part of the motion failed which recommended bringing the alcohol policy in line with the drug policy

Motion FS01-02/02-07- Motion regarding Committee on Student Conduct

Approved at the March 18 meeting

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Welfare of Students	passed

BE IT RESOLVED that the two members of the teaching faculty who serve on Committee of Student Conduct are to be recommended to the Vice Chancellor for Student Development and the Chancellor by a vote of Faculty Senate on a recommendation of Committee on Committees.

Motion FS01-02/02-08- Motion regarding Academic Integrity Board

Approved at the March 18 meeting

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Welfare of Students	passed

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee on Committees will review annually the membership and responsibilities of Academic Integrity Board.

 

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MARCH 18, 2002

Minutes

Motion FS01-02/03-01 - Motion to Form an Ad-hoc Committee on Distance Education

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy	passed

Move to establish an ad-hoc committee composed of the Dean of the College of Education, two chairs (one from a department with a distance learning program), four faculty members (two from departments with distance learning programs), and a representative from the Office of Extension Instruction (ex officio and non-voting), whose charge will be to examine distance learning programs with regard to how well they parallel on-campus programs and services,
to determine whether similar approval and evaluation procedures are followed, and the positioning of distance education activities within the acaemic structure.

Motion FS01-02/03-02 - Motion to Form an Ad-hoc Committee on Academic Governance

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy	passed

Move to establish an ad-hoc committee composed of a dean, two chairs, four faculty members, and a representative from AP&P (ex officio and non-voting), whose charge is to update the Academic Policies and Procedures Manual, examining the university's academic governance structure, policies and procedures, and recommending changes, if necessary.

Motion FS01-02/03-03 - Motion to Form an Ad-hoc Committee on Promotion and Tenure Guidelines

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy	failed

Motion FS01-02/03-04 - Motion to Streamline Paperwork

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Academic Policy	failed

 

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MARCH 25, 2002

Minutes

Motion FS01-02/03-06a - Motion Regarding Students' Freedom of Speech

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Welfare of Students	passed	Meetings with leaders of the Student Government Association resulted in changes to university policy to emphasize the free exchange of ideas on campus and to include Sanford Mall and Durham Park as unscheduled public speaking areas.  Please see attached changes in facility use, solicitation, distribution of printed materials, unscheduled public speaking areas, and peaceful assembly

Resolved, that Free Speech Area for non-amplified speech include the whole university campus for students, staff, and faculty of Appalachian State University.

See April 8 meeting for these motions:

Motion FS01-02/03-05 - Motion Regarding Electronic Communication

Motion FS01-02/03-06b - Motion Regarding Students' Freedom of Speech

Motion FS01-02/03-07 - Motion Regarding University Web Pages Links

Motion FS01-02/03-08 - Motion to Chance the Name, Structure, and Mission of the Traffic Management and Safety Committee

 

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APRIL 8, 2002

Minutes

Motion FS01-02/03-05 - Motion Regarding Electronic Communication

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Campus Planning	passed

Apr 8, 2002 minutes regarding motion 03-05

Motion FS01-02/03-06b - Motion Regarding Students' Freedom of Speech

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Welfare of Students	passed

Resolved, That restrictions on anonymity, time, place, and manner of distribution of printed materials on campus be removed, excluding residence halls and academic buildings.

Motion FS01-02/03-07 - Motion Regarding University Web Pages Links

 

Motion FS01-02/03-08 - Motion to Change the Name, Structure and Mission of the Traffic Management and Safety Committee

A. Recommendation: Change the process for evaluating the Deans to involve less people and to share the actual data with the Dean and Provost.
The Faculty Senate will take responsibility for providing the faculty in the various college/schools an opportunity to evaluate the job performance of their college/school deans. The evaluations will be conducted in the Fall semester.
Every dean will be evaluated by his/her faculty every year during the academic years 2001/2002 -2003/2004. Beginning with the 2004/2005 academic year, the deans will be evaluated by their respective college/school faculty on a biennial basis following a rotational pattern established by the Faculty Senate. No dean should be evaluated in his/her first year of service. (See Appendix E for the questionnaires for Faculty Evaluation of Deans.)
1. The evaluation will consist of a series of structured questions based upon the duties of deans as described in the Faculty Handbook (see section 6.5.1) as well as some open-ended questions allowing the faculty to provide additional comments.
2. Faculty members who are eligible to vote in department, college, and university elections will be eligible to complete the survey instrument.
3. The Faculty Senate will approve a Reading Committee for each Dean. Each Reading Committee will be composed of one senator and one department chair from outside the college/school, and one faculty member and one chair from within the college/school. The Senator will serve as chair of the committee.
4. The Faculty Senate Chair will work with Academic Computing for statistical analysis of the structured questions. To provide year-to-year continuity, there will be a rotation of membership on the Reading Committee so that half of the Reading Committee serves another year on the Committee for that dean.
5. The responses to the survey will be given to the Faculty Senate Chair who will distribute the results to the specific Reading Committee.
6. Each Reading Committee will examine the responses and then meet with the Provost and the Dean to discuss the evaluation. The results of the survey (both structured and open-ended data) will be shared with the Provost and the Dean.
7. The chair of each Reading Committee will collect all materials and give them to the Faculty Senate Chair when the process is completed.
B. Recommendation: Devise a new questionnaire.
1. The structured questions should have two separate answers ? "know" (with a five point range from strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, to strongly disagree) or "don’t know."
2. The questions should more closely address the duties of the Deans.
3. Similar questions should not be placed next to one another.
4. A separate set of questions should be devised for the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, since those duties vary greatly from those of the other deans.
5. Responses from the same individual should be linked for continuity and clarity.
6. The "submit" button should come with directions to "hit only once or you will destroy your entry."
7. Faculty not in the College of Education working in teacher education programs should be allowed to evaluate the Dean of RCOE.
8. The survey should be more secure, enabling one entry only.

Diversity Recommendations

Faculty Senate Committee:	Action Taken by Senate:	Status:
Ad-hoc Diversity	passed

FS01-02/04-09a:
Add a question to all faculty annual reports regarding diversity. (Something to the effect: Describe any efforts you made in regard to diversity in your
teaching, service, and/or scholarly research/creative activity.)
FS01-02/04-09c:
Have Department Chairs encourage their faculty to participate in Hubbard Center offerings that deal with diversity and multicultural issues and concerns. Have
the Hubbard Center offer workshops to Department Chairs on how to deal with "chilly climate" issues.

Motion FS01-02/05-01 - Budget Cuts Resolution

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