Minutes of the Educational Policy Committee March 7, 2007

Present: Katie Best, Ashley Brown, Gloria Brush, Jannifer David, Richard Davis, Bill Fleischman, Steve Hedman, Jill Jenson, Rod Lievano, Vince Magnuson, Mary Ann Marchel, Robert McFarland, Mary Jean Menzel, Elizabeth Nelson, Rudy Perrault, Arlen Severson, Richard Seybolt, Terrie Shannon
Excused: Robert Carlson, John Hiller

The minutes of the 2-7-07 meeting were approved.

Follow up on EPC subcommittees
The Academic Integrity subcommittee was formed as a task-based committee, charged with drafting an Academic Integrity policy, which was completed and implemented in 2005. This subcommittee has remained in existence since that time to review the implementation and effectiveness of the policy. This subcommittee was recently asked to evaluate if there was a continuing need for the Academic Integrity subcommittee, and they were in agreement there was not. A motion was made and seconded to dissolve the Academic Integrity subcommittee. A vote was taken and the motion was approved. This Academic Integrity committee will be asked to submit a final report to EPC of their work to date.

Faculty ratio
Earlier this year EPC was asked to review the ratio of tenured/tenure-track faculty, specifically the extent to which the ratio of full professors and associate professors compared to assistant professors is appropriate to satisfy our mission. At the last discussion, additional data was requested regarding years in rank (from associate to full, and full to retirement) and faculty retention. Data on years of service was presented and discussed. The average number of years of service at UMD for faculty who were promoted from associate professor to full (36) from 1999 to 2006 was 17. The average number of years of service at UMD for full professors (49) who retired in the time period 1995 to 2006 was 27. The average number of years of service at UMD for associate professors who retired (36) in the time period 1995 to 2006 was 21. Eighty-four (84) faculty were hired as tenure track assistant professors from 1995 to 2000. Although the number of faculty at the assistant professor rank has increased markedly in the past few years, the resulting increase in the number of associate professors is not as dramatic. There are a number of factors that contribute to this. Not all assistant professors pass probation or are tenured and promoted at the end of their probationary period. Also a number of assistant professors elect to take employment at other institutions. The end result is that approximately 50% of new hires at the assistant professor level now remain at UMD. Strategies to help increase faculty retention rate might include implementing a stronger mentorship program for faculty who chose to stay as well as implementing a systematic exit interview at the collegiate level with faculty who chose to leave. It was also noted that increased mentorship at the associate level might be particularly beneficial. The committee was asked to review this data and consider both short and long term solutions to this issue.

Inappropriate use of electronic devices in class
This issue was initiated through CLA and complaints from faculty regarding the inappropriate use of laptops in class and its disruptive effect on both the instructor and other students. Although the University of Minnesota Board of Regents Student Conduct Code has a section specifically addressing the issue of disruptive classroom behavior, the use of electronic devices is so pervasive and accepted that the Twin Cities has adopted a separate policy specifically addressing this issue. The Faculty Senate Policy is titled “The Use of Personal Electronic Devices in the Classroom” and reads as follows:
Every instructor at the University of Minnesota has the authority to restrict or prohibit the use of personal electronic devices in his or her classroom, lab, or any other instructional setting. It is expected that faculty will make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities in working with the Office for Disability Services.

Is a separate policy necessary for our campus? Should EPC move to adopt this policy? It was suggested that instructors already have the purview to deal with this in their individual syllabi. In light of the fact that students in some colleges are required to purchase a laptop, a policy that allows faculty to prohibit its use may appear questionable. Committee members were asked to take this issue back to their constituents for discussion and feedback. This item will be presented for action at our next meeting.

Meeting adjourned 4:00 p.m.