University of Delaware
Office of Public Relations
UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 19, Feb. 13, 1997
Senate approves new majors, changes to 'Handbook'

     Rapidly disposing of its full agenda, the University Faculty
Senate passed all its proposed resolutions Monday, approving two
new majors, two new minors, five new honors degrees, the
disestablishment of one bachelor's degree and several changes to
the Faculty Handbook.
     In addition, the senate approved two departmental name
changes. Effective this fall, the Department of Electrical
Engineering will become the Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering and the Department of Textiles, Design and Consumer
Economics will become the Department of Consumer Studies.
     Plant biology and landscape horticulture were the two
approved majors, both leading to the bachelor of science in
agriculture. Without challenge, a disabilities studies minor
within the College of Human Resources and an engineering
technology minor within the College of Agricultural Sciences also
were approved.
     New B.A. honors degrees will be offered in communication,
women's studies, mathematical sciences education and mathematical
sciences, as well as an honors degree leading to a bachelor of
science in mathematics.
     Senators approved the disestablishment of the bachelor's
degree in coordinated undergraduate dietetics, which now will be
available through a postbaccalaureate dietetic internship offered
by the University's Department of Nutrition and Dietetics in
collaboration with the Delaware Department of Public Health.
     Because the reorganization of the five UD colleges into two
new colleges will reduce the number of non-elected senators, the
senate agreed to add the vice provost for academic affairs and
the vice provost for research to its membership. In a minor
change to the Faculty Handbook, senators also agreed to allow the
minutes of their meetings to contain a "record of relevant items
in the discussion which preceded senate actions."
     Several major amendments were made to the Faculty Handbook
regarding the University Policy Against Sexual Harassment. The
new wording makes it clear that a faculty member accused of
sexual harassment should be strongly encouraged to consult with
the AAUP before any meetings with administrators. As amended, the
paragraph on informal procedures reads: "If the accused is a
faculty member, the AAUP will be notified in time to allow
consultation with the accused prior to the meeting. The Vice
President for Employee Relations will advise the accused that it
is in his/her best interest to seek out the appropriate AAUP
officer for consultation prior to any meetings."
     Regarding the vice president's authority to interview other
individuals to "ascertain the validity of the complaint,"
senators added the requirement that "the investigation will
proceed in a timely manner."
     Under the category of formal redress of sexual harassment
through grievance procedures, the senators added the following:
"For faculty, a complaint may be brought to the Faculty Senate
Committee on Faculty Welfare and Privileges. A faculty
complainant may also appeal the results of the informal
procedures to the same committee. Upon review of a written
appeal, the committee may elect to pursue the matter and make
additional recommendations to the University Provost."
                                           -Cornelia Weil