Minutes, Truman State University Chapter of AAUP
November 8, 8:00 a.m.
Washington St. Java Co.

Meetings are open to all University faculty members.

Members present: Talie Alexander, Marc Becker, Chett Breed, Stephanie Fore, Jan Grow, David Gruber, James Harmon, Judi Misale, Peter Rolnick, Jan Saffir

We had an extended discussion about issues of shared faculty governance. Peter Rolnick began with a report on Faculty Senate Randy Smith’s report to the UGC about the absentee policy. There is a question of whether it is a curricular issue and needs to go there. It hasn’t gone to a vote yet, and remains in limbo.

Other members noted that we have just an illusion of faculty control and governance, but that cover is being blown. The administration changes policies for students, and forces the faculty to adjust around it. They are disregarding and disrespectful of faculty. It is important for AAUP to give faculty leadership on governance and academic freedom issues.

We need to be more proactive and decided to do the following:

• David Gruber will publish a newsletter on the topic, possibly through email.
• We will encourage Faculty Development to sponsor a forum on this issue.
• Should we organize an AAUP town meeting?
• Peter Rolnick will attend Faculty Senate next semester as an AAUP representative; Judi Misale will try to attend this semester.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

Respectfully submitted by Marc Becker, Secretary