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Faculty Senate revises anti-harassment procedures 5:05 p.m., March 7, 2006--The University Faculty Senate on Monday, March 6, revised procedural issues in the anti-harassment policy that it passed last year. According to Jan Blits, professor of education, the University's harassment and discrimination policy found in the Faculty Handbook gives the impression that only one person, the vice president of administration, is in charge of the proceedings. The revision makes it clear, he said, that the vice president consults with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) contract maintenance officer if faculty members believe they are subjected to unlawful harassment or have been accused of unlawful harassment. An elaboration of the procedures was necessary, Blits said, because under the AAUP contract, faculty can grieve only if there is a violation of procedures. Employees and students who believe they are being subjected to unlawful harassment can lodge a complaint with their supervisor or adviser, if appropriate, or directly contact the Office of Women's Affairs, the Office of Affirmative Action or the Office of Labor Relations. The revised policy also noted that any investigation will proceed in a timely manner and “every effort will be made to conclude the investigation within 30 working days.” Interviews by the vice president for administration will be held in conjunction with the AAUP contract maintenance officer. The University's anti-harassment policy seeks to promote an academic and work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Senators passed the changes without discussion. The senate also passed 18 announcements for challenge, reflecting minor revisions to assorted academic programs. Among the items approved were a new undergraduate minor in sexualities and gender studies, four new concentrations for a major in environmental engineering and a new honors degree in sport management. Before the senate meeting, Provost Dan Rich told the senators that the administration is preparing a Periodic Review Report (PRR) in preparation for its Middle States reaccreditation site review in 2011. “The cycle is 10 years,” he said, noting that the University has been evaluated in this manner since the 1920s and the last review in 2001 was “laudatory.” A draft review of the PRR, which sets out terms for self-study, will be posted on the Provost's web site and the Faculty Senate site in a week or two, and comments and suggestions are invited, Rich said. Bobby Gempesaw, vice provost for academic and international programs, is co-chairing the PRR with Mike Middaugh, assistant vice president for institutional research and planning. Gempesaw told the Faculty Senate that the report will include several sections including an executive summary, the institution's response to the recommendations from the previous accreditation visit, major institutional challenges and/or current opportunities, analysis of enrollment and finance projections, evidence that outcomes assessment processes for institutional effectiveness and student learning are established and evidence that linked institutional planning and budgeting processes are in place. Article by Cornelia Weil |
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