Call to Order and Announcements

The University Senate was called to order at 3:30 p.m., via WebEx, on Monday, March 16, 2020. Members absent: Cecelia Comerford, Yildirim Dilek, Mandy Euen, Dawn Fahner, Shelby Frye, Lei Kerr, Julia Koenig, Jennifer Patrick-Gaines, and Dante Rossi.

1. Announcements and Remarks by the Chair of Senate Executive Committee, Dana Cox.

   1. There were no announcements

Approval of University Senate Minutes

2. A motion was received, seconded, and carried to approve the March 9, 2020, minutes of University Senate.

Consent Calendar

3. There were no items to receive on the consent calendar.

New Business

4. COVID-19 Update – Jason Osborne, Provost

   1. Provost Osborne indicated that plans are in place to clear the campus out as much as possible. Non-essential staff can work from home.  Faculty should be working remotely as well; however, they are still able to come to campus to work and do research.  Any research questions or issues regarding essential research should be directed to V.P. Jim Oris. Academic buildings will be locked and will be accessible by swipe only. University libraries will be remote only, and dining halls will be carry-out only.

   2. Students are resistant to leave. There are approximately 1,800 students still in the residence halls. Students will need to be packed up by March 20 in order for dorms to be consolidated. Provost Osborne emphasized that students should not be on campus for instruction. He is hearing that some are being told they need to be, but they cannot and should not.

   3. Miami has instituted a hiring freeze. There is concern over the budget, so there will only be essential hires considered.

   4. The State of Ohio is going to be lenient regarding clinical/internship hours. There will also be leniency regarding mid-term grades.  There cannot be a switch to pass/fail. Faculty need to consider how their finals are going to be delivered; e.g. a paper, a final administered via Canvas, asynchronous, or synchronous.

   5. The Provost has been impressed regarding the University’s response to this situation.

   6. Senators had the following questions and comments:

      1. Are students going to be homeless?   No student is going to be told they have to leave.  Kimberly Moore, Dean of Students, is concerned about approximately 300 students.

      2. At this time, May graduation is questionable.

      3. A question was asked regarding getting lab supplies. Questions should be directed to Jim Oris.

      4. End of semester course evaluations are still on track.

      5. Do hiring freezes pertain to VAPs? Yes, everything is stopped at this point.  The Deans will be getting more guidance.  Additionally, offers to grad students will be frozen.

      6. Is there a contingency plan for local students’ salaries? This is something that Kimberly Moore’s office will be working on. We cannot pay people when they are not working, and students cannot work remotely. Graduate Assistants can continue at this point.

      7. Can faculty who need internet still come to campus to deliver their classes. Yes, it’s permissible unless we’re on lockdown.  The other exceptions to be on campus are working in research labs and dissertation/thesis work.

      8. Study abroad for this summer is questionable. This may be a good opportunity to offer courses. We must continue to think about the strategic priorities during the outbreak.

5. Global Miami Plan Revisions – Proposed Plans – Shelly Jarrett Bromberg, Leighton Peterson, and John-Charles Duffy  

   1. A senator asked if the three models should be compared to one another. Director Bromberg stated that the proposed models are not meant to be compared; rather, they serve as directions that can be taken. Ideas can be taken out of each of the three models if needed.

   2. There was a request that the three proposed models be explained. Model 1 is the most radical approach and eliminates the Global Miami Plan. It envisions integration of shared visions and competencies.  It maximizes student freedom.  Models 2 and 3 repackage the existing Global Miami Plan. Both will reorganize the Miami Plan and Thematic Sequence.  The difference between Models 2 and 3 is that Model 3 incorporates UNV101 and a newly proposed UNV201.

   3. A question was asked as to what is wrong with the current GMP. Nothing is wrong with it. Restructuring of the GMP was identified as one of the strategic priorities. The hope is that a new plan can leverage what is currently working and hopefully allow double-counting of thematic sequence courses with GMP courses.

   4. The challenge with Model 1 is that there is heavy reliance on the student and faculty advisors to help the student develop the plan. Another liability is if the Division sets parameters which prevent students from wanting to transfer in (change majors), such as the CAS Divisional requirement. Model 1 also relies heavily on advisors. The main challenge with Model 2 is that both curricula would exist simultaneously and there would be a ‘change’ challenge. Both Models 2 and 3 are designed to ‘reign in’ the thematic sequence. There would be thematic sequence themes.

   5. A concern was expressed regarding having enough instructors to teach UNV101 and the newly created UNV201.

   6. Courses wouldn’t be eliminated and a minimal amount of reshifting would be done. A problem was noted that there is a rush of people who say they want to develop and teach GMP courses.  How can this be prevented?  ODHE is asking for competencies and key saturation elements.  We want to encourage multidisciplinarity, but have the very best courses.

   7. What would be the content/purpose of the new UNV201 course? It would be an opportunity to think about the future. It will be used to keep track of students after UNV101.

   8. The powerpoint will be shared with senators. A feedback survey will be sent out.  Additionally, there will be more listening sessions.

6. Academic Program Evaluation, Improvement & Prioritization – Discussion - Stacey Lowery Bretz, University Distinguished Professor

   1. Senator Bretz has provided very detailed question and answer slides that address the discussion during Senate.(Attachment A-I)

Adjournment

7. The regular meeting of University Senate was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.