Present: Richard Warner, Pamela Kulbok, Cedric Williams, Robert J. Davis, Phillip Gates, David Maloney, Stephen Gladis, Louis Bloomfield, Kenneth Schwartz, Marion Moore, Robert E. Davis

Pamela Kulbok, Co-Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, called the meeting to order.

Discussion of Faculty Role in the Honor System

Pamela Kulbok gave an overview of how the process of addressing the faculty role in the Honor System has evolved. After receiving a report from Louis Bloomfield, Professor of Physics, regarding his experience and frustration with the System, the Academic Affairs Committee was charged with looking at the System and the role of faculty in the System. Ms. Kulbok invited members of the Honor Committee to attend an Academic Affairs Committee meeting to get a dialogue started. It was noted that Carey Mignerey, Chair of the Honor Committee, has been helpful and welcoming of involvement from faculty. The Faculty Advisory Committee was also invite to a meeting to provide input. The Academic Affairs Committee has appointed a small subcommittee, chaired by Kenneth Schwartz, to draft a report on the Committee's conclusions regarding the faculty role in the Honor System. Two members of the subcommittee are Steve Gladis, Continuing and Professional Studies, and Marian Moore, Darden School. A representative from the FAC will also be asked serve on the subcommittee. Robert E. Davis volunteered to serve as an ex officio member of the subcommittee. The report will focus on the role of the FAC in addressing honor/faculty issues. The report will also address suggestions made by Louis Bloomfield in his report, titled "A Unique Perspective on the Honor System." Incorporating some of recommendations made in the "Envisioning Integrity Report" was suggested. The Committee also discussed content and wording of the report. Kenneth Schwartz will have a first draft ready for review by the subcommittee members by Monday, February 23. The Academic Affairs Committee will meet again in late March to review the draft. After the Committee approves the draft, it will go before the Executive Council for approval, and it will be presented to the full Senate at the April 8 meeting.

Discussion of School-Specific "Excused Absence" Policies

At the request of the administration, the Senate was asked to look at creating a uniform policy for excused absence for students that are on job interviews or graduate school interviews. Bob Davis asked the Academic Affairs Committee to look at the issue. Pamela Kulbok commented that many schools already have their own policy. The Committee concluded that excused absence policies are school or department-specific, and a University-wide policy is not needed. Ms. Kulbok will write a short statement regarding the Committee's conclusion. The statement will be sent to Robert Davis for his review and edits before being forwarded to the administration.

The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.