Attending: Jeffrey Johnson, Cathy Bullock, Ronda Callister, Richard Sherlock, Kurt Becker, Rob Morrison, Betty Dance, Richard Roberts.

After brief introductions, the committee considered several business items:

1. Richard Sherlock initiated discussion of a perceived discrepancy between codified policy and actual practice in tenure and promotion decisions. Committee members will investigate policies in their own departments and colleges, and forward their findings to Richard Sherlock at ruffie@cc.usu.edu. The committee may end up encouraging the faculty senate to resolve that: either central administration employ criteria consistent with the code or the code be revised to reflect actual practice.

2. The proposal to require the presence of an ombudsperson in promotion and tenure meetings was discussed. This proposal was sent to faculty senate about four years ago, but was returned to the PRPC. Nobody remembers why it was sent back. Probably full professors objected to the additional work it would require of them. The committee voted to forward the original proposal to the senate again.

3. A proposal to include the words “and lecturers” to Section 360.1 regarding special leave with pay for developmental purposes was discussed. The new sentence would read: Professional and classified staff, and lecturers may request a special leave with pay for developmental purposes. The proposal was approved by the committee.

4. A proposal to add the words “patents, and patent applications” to the list of documented evidence that may be considered in promotion and tenure decisions was discussed and approved by the committee.

5. A proposal to clarify policy concerning termination of temporary employees was discussed. The consensus of the committee is that the university does not have an obligation to retain for one year those employees whose positions are paid by soft money contracts and grants when those contracts/grants expire. Richard Roberts will work with the faculty senate president to develop appropriate wording for the code.

6. The need for a central list of university ad hoc committees was discussed. This list should be maintained by the provost’s office. Jeff Johnson will work with the faculty senate president to develop wording for a proposal.

7. The need for a standardized interpretation of workload assignments (at least within each academic unit) was discussed. Committee members will investigate their own departments/colleges. Jennifer MacAdam has begun work on a proposal. Committee members may contact her at jenmac@cc.usu.edu.

8. The need to clarify inconsistencies in the code was briefly discussed, Jeff Johnson will provide documentation in time for the next meeting.

9. A proposal to require a promotion advisory committee meeting for tenured faculty in their third year after being granted tenure was discussed. After a few small revisions the proposal was approved.

Next Meeting:
November 15, 4:00pm Room 709 Business Bldg.

Thanks to all committee members for your contributions.
Jeff