October 2nd, 2006

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

The meeting was convened at 4:18 pm.

We approved, without amendments, the minutes of our September 25th meeting.

We heard from Judith about another recent conference focusing on the digitization of library materials pertaining to the Humanities. Many issues regarding the relation of methods to the nature and purpose of study in the Humanities remain outstanding. Notably, a recent IU Library study revealed that Humanities faculty are the most frequent users both of the collection and of digital resources.

Dean Zaret joined the meeting at 4:32. He had two brief preliminary announcements. First, he reported on progress toward determining the composition of the General Education Committee, the one that would be charged with implementing the proposed General Education Requirements for the Bloomington Campus. He noted that those involved in drafting the proposal recognize the need for the College to have approximately 60% voting rights. Second, he informed us about delays in the construction of the new building on Third Street, a building that will house teaching labs for the life sciences and the Department of Communications and Culture (CMCL). He highlighted the College’s efforts to help move the construction project forward as quickly as possible given the pressing need for labs and for CMCL space.

We returned to matters briefly raised the last time we met with David. David clarified prevailing assumptions made by the College and home departments in dealing with voids left by faculty members who take a temporary leave or an administrative appointment. Concern tends to be placed on addressing teaching needs. Although there is no simple rule of thumb regarding College assistance to help fill teaching needs, the College's response often depends on the department's size. Departments take on the responsibility for filling service needs; it is assumed that colleagues will take on extra duties. Although the College does not help departments address service needs, it was noted that there are policies in place, such as the CPC policy against banking of courses in order to take time away from campus, that help departments ensure faculty availability.

We also returned to a discussion of faculty governance within departments. David provided the College's position on this matter, something we will be addressing quite soon as we revisit the CPC policy on faculty governance. David highlighted that the College takes a minimalist approach as it seeks to respect the diverse ways departments help select Chair candidates. Departments should at least have the functional equivalent of ballots and comments as they nominate (not elect) Chair candidates. It was emphasized that Chairs are nominated by departments, appointed by the Dean, and serve at the pleasure of the Dean.

CPC members inquired about progress regarding the digitization report to be made by the Digital Futures Study Group. The report has yet to be released, and it was left unclear whether it would be made widely available. David noted that the most effective point of influence in the near future most likely would be in the search for the Dean of University Libraries at IU.

David informed us of emerging changes involving Centers and Institutes. The Provost has embarked on an initiative to determine which centers should report to the university (OVPR) and which should report to their respective schools or college. Financial and staffing issues may arise; the CPC may need to address this matter directly and perhaps formulate a College policy on centers.

We briefly returned to changes being prompted by the Integrated Image Initiative. CPC members inquired about who initiated the changes and the initiative's costs. David noted that the specific costs will soon be released and that higher level administrators had called for the initiative.

David left the meeting at 5:10.

We returned to our discussion of “tenure clocks” and LWOPs (leaves without pay). Our interest in this area emerged from concern about discrepancies between different policy documents and discrepancies between practice and policies. We found the relevant, newly updated language in the academic guide quite clear and sufficient. We consider the matter closed.

We revisited our efforts to describe more effectively and specifically the value of the Humanities. We have reached agreement and will send our statement and “talking points” to College and university administrators.

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.