SOS Steering Committee Meeting 1-23-2004

 

Minutes


Members Attending: J. Luke (Mathematics), D. Rao (Physics), A. Barth (Geology), P.Fastenau (Psychology), D. Crowell (Biology), J. Kuczkowski (Dean’s Office), K. Wilson (Dean’s Office), D. Malik (Chemistry), K. Johnson (Secretary), R. Allen (Chair)


1. Nominations for Faculty President and Secretary were solicited. Nominations should be sent to Jyoti Sarkar (Chair, Nominations and Awards committee). Jyoti also will be asked to solicit additional nominations from the faculty.

2. Report from subcommittee considering proposed changes to Bylaws concerning administrative reviews: J. Luke distributed two alternative revisions of Section III of the SOS Bylaws that he prepared in advance of this meeting, and solicited feedback on the revisions. (The second version differed on in terms of it more clearly stipulating that the timing of the reviews was linked to the hiring date of the individual being reviewed.)

Comments:
- R. Allen suggested that it be clearly stipulated that the review data will be archived (e.g., in the Dean’s Office, in a locked file cabinet).
- D. Malik raised a question regarding the timing (if the individual is reviewed in the third year following appointment, when in the third year would this occur?). Much discussion ensued concerning how to avoid ambiguities in the language referring to the timing of the review cycles. Proposed simplification of language regarding timing: “Individuals should be reviewed at least once every three years, but not in consecutive years.”
- There was strong faculty sentiment that there should be an annual (brief) quantitative assessment of chairs and deans. Rather heated discussion ensued concerning whether such an assessment could be web-based or not. R. Allen agreed to look further into this issue (e.g., whether the Oncourse Test/Survey component could be used for this purpose). R. Allen also suggested adding a reviewee-supplied item (or items) to the annual quantitative assessment. That is, reviewees would be asked whether there are specific issues that they would like addressed in the review (parallel to instructor-designated items associated with student satisfaction evaluations).
- Additional suggestions were made to P. Fastenau and J. Luke concerning the wording of specific revisions to the Bylaws.
- R. Allen distributed PDF files via email with sample administrative reviews and reports generated by the IDEA Center (www.idea.ksu.edu). Members were encouraged to review the materials and share them with colleagues to help this committee with decisions regarding the SOS review instrument(s).
- D. Malik suggested clarifying in the bylaws how data from the review will be reported (what the reporting structures should be).


Other business: R. Allen circulated the idea of introducing a president-elect position to ensure more continuity in the SOS Steering Committee. Discussion ensued concerning the length of the position, potential changes in the bylaws to accommodate this position, and whether or not the Secretary could function in this role.

D. Malik solicited nominations for IUPUI Faculty Council President.


Submitted, K. Johnson
January 23, 2004