April 9^th, 2007

Present: Judith Anderson (Chair), Simon Brassell, Tom Busey, Sandra Dolby, Hal Evans, Roger Levesque (Recorder), Rosemary Lloyd, Patrick McNaughton and Pamela Walters

Our meeting was convened at 3:59.

We read and approved the minutes of our April 2nd meeting.

We learned that program budget planning meetings with Dean Bertenthal had started to be scheduled. We assigned CPC members to attend meetings. We then briefly discussed policy issues emerging from departmental policy meetings.

Dean Bertenthal joined the meeting at 4:32. He reported that the College still is polling some departments to get a better sense of various policies and practices regarding make-up exams. He agreed that we should wait for the results of that survey before continuing our deliberations concerning the potential need and nature of a policy about the times at which faculty offer exams. We informed Dean Bertenthal that the department that had come to our attention had agreed to approach its scheduling of exams carefully for students who have special needs. We expressed our appreciation for the department’s flexibility in addressing immediate needs as the College gathers more information on the scheduling of exams.

We discussed minor changes in our policies relating to the evaluation of teaching for tenure and promotion. We also discussed issues that may arise when soliciting external letters in support of tenure and promotion. We particularly focused on whether letters should be obtained from advisors and mentors and whether the College should increase the number of solicited letters.

We briefly discussed the FLASH Report on the International Studies in Bloomington. The report was compiled by an ad hoc group on Foreign Language and Area Studies Heads (FLASH). The report presents a survey of the ways in which several peer campuses organize programs related to international studies. It concludes that IU has a leading national profile in foreign language and area studies, that these strengths may not be receiving appropriate recognition, and that there may be a need to restructure the overall administration of programs relating to international studies. Several members of the CPC expressed strong objections to the proposals, especially as they would affect the languages departments. Dean Bertenthal noted that he looked forward to receiving a copy of the proposal and to considering its suggestions. He explained that he will seek comments and input from associate deans and other interested parties. This could include convening a much broader group that would represent all areas concerned. He expects no immediate changes but is open to those that would be consistent with the goals of the college and university. Dean Bertenthal left our meeting at 5:12.

We returned to our discussion of the solicitation of letters in support of tenure and promotion dossiers. We concluded that it would be inadvisable for us to make changes this year, given that some departments already have initiated the process for those going up for tenure and promotion next year.

Some CPC members sought clarification about the nature of the FLASH group and whether the document actually was a document for public consumption. It was noted that the document had been circulated to relevant departments in hopes of obtaining feedback. It further was clarified that the report’s authors were not appointed by the Dean. Several CPC members again forcefully disputed the report’s contents. It was noted that international programs at IU are far from undervalued. Several members of the CPC again vigorously objected to the proposals. However, the CPC anticipates further consideration of the proposal after Dean Bertenthal has had an opportunity to fully review the document and hear from affected parties.

We adjourned our meeting at 6:04.

Roger Levesque, Recorder

Questions or comments regarding the minutes and actions of the College Policy Committee may be addressed to its Chair, Judith Anderson (anders@indiana.edu – 855-3845). Past minutes and College Policy Statements can be found at the CPC web page: www.indiana.edu/~college/faculty/policy/policies.shtml.