Faculty Senate approves changes in drop policy
Students could be facing a permanent mark on their transcript for dropping classes after 60 percent of the semester is over. The policy change was approved by the Faculty Senate in a meeting on Sept. 10.
This policy would require a “W” to be placed on the transcript with the letter grade the student was getting at the time. It will not affect students’ GPA’s, but will be visible.
The policy was brought up last year, and was rejected by President Kermit L. Hall at 50 percent. He suggested the Faculty Senate place the date at 60 percent into the semester, which the senate has approved. It will take effect in the 2002 school year.
Other changes this year were discussed in the meeting including the Speech and Advocacy Policy.
The policy was made to re-affirm the university’s commitment to the First Amendment, not to deny or restrict it, said Craig Simper, university council member.
The policy was prompted by the student protests over the removal of trees on campus during the summer. It was modeled after similar policies at liberal colleges such as Berkeley and North Carolina, Simper said.
“Let them chain themselves to trees,” Simper said. “They’re not hurting anybody.”
The purpose of the policy is to provide guidelines to protesters about how, when and where it is appropriate to protest. There is nothing in the policy on limiting protest content.
There are several restrictions listed such as: Limitations on amplifications, the groups can’t create involuntary audiences, the protesters can’t be a public nuisance, fighting words are restricted, they can’t impede traffic, and non-student protesters need to reserve protest areas in advance.
“It doesn’t give the administration any new power above what’s applied to private properties,” Simper said. “These are not laws, they’re guidelines. No one will be arrested or removed based on this policy.”
Another main issue being addressed by the Faculty Senate and the provost’s office is student retention. Representatives from both offices feel too many students are dropping out of college or don’t graduate in a timely manner.
An ad-hoc committee was approved by the Faculty Senate to work with the provost’s office in determining the reasons for retention problem and formulate strategies to improve the numbers.
A big change addressed by Executive Vice President and Provost Stan Albrecht was the increase in the fall enrollment. The head count has gone up by 4 to 6 percent. The numbers have gone from 19,321 to 21,131.
This increase is a concern, and many students have had difficulty getting into classes.
Albrecht said approval has been given for 12 new faculty searches. Searches continue for a College of Science Dean and professors to support improved education in engineering and computer science. The Vice President for Research search has been completed.
A state budget pull-back has cut several building projects. The Merrill Library renovation needs funding, and with this development, it will be behind those projects cut.
The provost office has been restructured to include many student services including enrollment, academic advising and SOAR, said Joyce Kinkead, vice provost for undergraduate studies and research.
“The new system creates more time to address more issues,” Kinkead said.
The Parking and Transportation Services is undergoing many changes, the biggest is its move and combination with the USU Campus Police into the Public Safety Building near Romney Stadium.
“It’s a positive move,” said Lisa Leishman, parking director.
The campus parking master plan has been completed by a consulting firm, and is now being evaluated, Leishman said. A new parking terrace is being considered at the base of Old Main Hill where the old heating plant currently stands.
A fourth route to the Aggie Shuttle on 800 East is planned so “students don’t have to dodge traffic,” Leishman said. Additional funding is being pursued for the increasingly popular shuttle.