MG R. Clifton Poole, Vice President for Academic Affairs, opened the meeting and presided. MG Poole introduced the new members present: MG John S. Grinalds, President of The Citadel; COL Bob Baldwin, Acting Head, Department of Biology; COL Michael Barrett, Chair, Faculty Council; COL R. A. Maloney, Head, Department of Naval Science; LTC Bo Moore, Acting Head, Department of History; LTC Colonel Suzanne Ozment, Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Dean of Women; and LTC Colonel Grant Staley, Head, Department of Modern Languages.
In response to a question from LTC LeClercq about the plans for cadets to engage in community service, the President explained that BG Mace has been charged with developing the leadership program. The current plan is for thirdclassmen to undertake community service projects such as serving as mentors in schools and for secondclassmen to fulfill brief internships with local agencies. Care will be taken to ensure that these activities do not interfere with classes.
LTC Staley expressed concern that students must declare their majors so early. MG Poole indicated that that issue was on the agenda for a future meeting.
LTC Klein announced that last year visits were open to all prospective students. This year that will be true for day visits, but overnight visits will only be available for those who have been accepted for AY 1998-1999.
Considerable discussion followed. CPT Boykin pointed out that some classes are filled to capacity, so there may not be room for observers. COL. Folley asked whether the ROTC departments would be included and whether prospective students would have an opportunity to make an informed decision about which ROTC to take. LTC Klein stated that ROTC departments would be involved. COL Askins raised the issue of prospective students being hosted by cadets who are critical of the major they are thinking of pursuing, and LTC Carter noted that prospective education majors often go to the departments of their content area concentrations and never talk with members of the Education Department. LTC Klein said that all these concerns would be addressed.
Department heads will also be responsible for certifying the attendance of their faculty at one of the Saturday sessions on Sexual Harassment to be conducted by Dr. Sandler. MG Poole stated that attendance is essential for compliance with the court order and emphasized that the training is being handled as expeditiously and as meaningfully as possibly. Half of the faculty in each department should attend the morning session, and half should attend the afternoon session. Those on sabbatical are urged to attend but are not required to do so. Lunch will be served between the sessions.
COL Joe Trez discussed the working draft of the Sexual Harassment Policy. He explained that the policy, consistent with Title IX requirements, was developed with the help of Dr. Bernice Sandler and stressed that it is comprehensive, covering all students, faculty, and staff. It includes definitions of sexual harassment, examples, and an explanation of consequences. Each department will be asked to send one person to be trained for service on the fact-finding boards that will investigate charges.
A number of questions were raised. In regard to legal representation for a faculty member accused of sexual harassment, COL Trez explained that there would be none at the complaint stage but that if the decision was made to terminate the faculty member, he or should would have rights under the appeals process. In regard to the applicability of the college policy to active duty personnel, COL Trez stated that these individuals serve at the pleasure of the President and that the institution is liable for their actions just as it is liable for the actions of contracted employees (i.e., food service, cleaning service employees). In regard to questions about due process and the rights of the accused, COL Trez indicated that information pertaining to cases would be handled with strict confidentiality. LTC Ozment will keep files on any faculty member charged in a separate "locked" box in her office. COL Barrett said his only reservation about the policy is that it does not provide an opportunity for the accused to confront the accuser. COL Comer suggested that a description of the processes and procedures for future revisions to the document be added.
After some discussion about whether a vote on the Policy should be postponed, COL Bebensee moved and COL Wilson seconded support of the document with the addition of a paragraph outlining the revision process. The motion passed unanimously. MG Poole thanked COL Trez for his efforts in developing the policy.
Department heads were asked to submit faculty Absence from Campus reports as soon as possible.
NCATE review is scheduled for this fall. The report is due September 1, there will be a preliminary visit on October 3, and the on-site team visit will take place November 8-12.
Those departments that will be reviewed by CHE this year were reminded to be working on their self studies.
Departments were also reminded that if they are engaged in searches for new faculty they were to take an aggressive, proactive approach to recruiting female and minority candidates.
MG Poole announced that this year freshmen will be required to attend two Fine Arts performances each semester and sophomores will be required to attend one each semester. Some opportunities will be available for students to attend off-campus events. Faculty are asked to support this requirement.
Department heads are asked to support and attend the Communication across the Curriculum Conference to be held in October.
Groundbreaking for the new Murray Barracks will be held immediately after the Gold Star parade on Friday, September 5.
Department heads are asked to stop by the COL Ozment's office to pick up copies of the new college catalog for their faculty.
MG Poole announced that a number of steps have been taken to ensure that anyone with a concern can register it. MAJ John Carter has been appointed the ombudsperson for the college this year. He can be reached at his home telephone number, at either of two office telephone numbers or at either of two e-mail addresses (ombud or carterj). COL Trez will also monitor a telephone hotline--the number is 953-6824--and cadet human affairs officers have a cellular phone that rotates among them. The Academic Board was also notified that the Court Order has been put on the web.
LTC Staley expressed appreciation for support for the Fine Arts Program.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1615.
Submitted by
Suzanne Ozment
Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Dean of Women