The Board of Trustees passed the faculty dismissal policy last week. The policy, which has been in the works since April, was met with hesitation by trustees, many of whom said this policy is no different than the old one.
“To me, we’re setting up a mechanism that won’t work,” said trustee Bobby Lowder, during the Academic Affairs committee meeting.
Lowder said the policy was too bureaucratic and could cause problems if used.
He opposed the use of a faculty-composed review committee, which will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with the dismissal process. Lowder said such a committee could lead to arguments and an “all-out war” between the faculty and the administration should the review committee decide there is not enough evidence to proceed to a hearing panel.
Lowder’s sentiments were echoed by several other trustees.
“My instincts tell me this process is still complicated and highly bureaucratic and still subject to manipulation and timeliness,” Samuel Ginn said.
John Heilman, provost, Lee Armstrong, general counsel and Richard Penaskovic, immediate past-chair of University Senate, defended the policy and said it was an improvement from the previous one.
“I believe this does differ significantly from what we had,” Heilman said.
The committee agreed to approve the policy with the stipulation that it be re-evaluated in one year to determine its effectiveness.
“I have concerns too, but I really want to give this a chance,” said Paul Spina, member of the Academic Affairs committee. “We have for the first time in my tenure a unanimous vote by the faculty in support of this. When you bring a compromise, it deserves a chance.”
The full board approved the policy Nov. 2, with Lowder being the only dissenting vote.
Other board action included:
- Approval of professional fees in the College of Business.
Beginning in fall 2009, all undergraduates will pay professional fees. Freshmen and sophomores will pay $260 per semester (fall and spring) and $75 per five-week summer term.
Juniors and seniors will pay $560 per semester (fall and spring) and $150 per five-week summer term.
Effective fall 2008, graduates will pay $200 per credit hour.
Paul Bobrowski, dean of the College of Business, said part of the money will create a student center that will help with professional and career development. Also, all graduate students will be required to complete an international experience.
The college also plans to reduce the size of classes, which means an increase in the number of sections offered for each class.
- Approval to move forward with a track and soccer facility.
The property and facilities committee passed a resolution to initiate the selection of a design consultant for a track and soccer building. The new building will be constructed near the track and soccer field. The teams are currently housed in the Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum, which will eventually be demolished. The facility will provide locker rooms and coaches’ offices, among other amenities.
- Mallory Boykin contributed to this report.
