September 4, 2006

Note: At the end of these minutes is a revised version of a CPC Policy that we are sending to the faculty for comment.

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

The meeting was convened at 4:16 pm.
Minutes from the August 21st Chairs’ Retreat were distributed. It was noted that we would discuss the General Education Requirements initiative when we meet with Interim Dean Zaret and Associate Dean Larson. Recall that, last year, we had initiated a review of all existing College Policy Committee policies. We returned to policies that have yet to be revisited enough for us to feel comfortable with their final version. We identified six policies that will need our close attention this year.
Several CPC members expressed the need to describe more effectively and specifically the value of a broad liberal arts education at IU. This seems particularly important given expected changes in IU administrators. We struggled with ways to describe the value of different groups of disciplines (such as the humanities and arts, the social and behavioral sciences, and the biological, mathematical and physical sciences – the three major groups constituting the CPC). We anticipate a return to this discussion. We approved, with minor editing for clarity, the Policy on Expectations of Faculty When on Release Time from Teaching (2003; revised 2006). Note that the document already was sent to the faculty for comment during the last academic year. The final version soon will be posted on the web.
We completed our prolonged discussion and proposed revision of the Policy on Leaves without Pay. Please see our latest draft below and do send us comments that you would like to have us consider before we adopt a final version. Faculty have noted the potential need for greater clarity in university policies regarding faculty options in stopping the "tenure clock." There appear to be discrepancies between different documents; past practices also appear at odds with some policy statements. We are investigating the matter to determine what action, if any, we should take to help clarify the College’s position on stopping the tenure clock.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:52.
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.

Policy on Leaves without Pay (1997; Revised 2006)

1. The College recognizes that leaves without pay (LWOP) often foster the continuing scholarly activities of the faculty. The College also recognizes that planning and securing outside funding for a LWOP takes time and includes many uncertainties. However, the financial management of the College requires a set date on which a scheduled LWOP becomes fixed and may not be canceled. Accordingly, funds made available by LWOPs will be budgeted for other purposes, as of the May 15 preceding the academic year in which the LWOPs are to occur. From that date the presumption will normally be that the faculty member will be expected to honor the scheduled LWOP.
2. As a rule, the College discourages the use of a LWOP to accept a non-visiting position at another academic institution. Because such LWOPs tie up lines and compromise the ability of the College to fulfill obligations in teaching, service, and research, a LWOP for this purpose will be granted by the Dean only under highly exceptional circumstances.