The Fort Lewis College Faculty Senate discussed Section 17 of the Faculty Handbook, a resolution regarding collegiality and a resolution to approve the affiliated faculty policy at its meeting Feb. 15.
Section 17
A resolution to amend Section 17 of the Faculty Handbook passed unanimously in Faculty Senate but is still waiting on approval from the attorney general and the Board of Trustees.
The changes were sent to Attorney General Lauren Becker and Provost Barbara Morris for approval before the next senate meeting, Faculty Senate president, David Blake said.
The new language adds additional steps to the disciplinary process regarding faculty, Blake said.
If the new changes are approved, a review committee consisting of colleagues would occur before further disciplinary action is taken, he said.
It is an informal review committee and the president of the college is not bound to its decision, Faculty Senate senator, Michael Dichio, said.
This is an important part of the handbook to protect the faculty, Blake said.
The American Association of University Professors sets the guidelines on faculty and academics and have the “best” practices for dismissal procedure, Dichio said.
This would add a faculty voice into the dismissal process, he said.
Resolution Regarding Collegiality
A resolution regarding collegiality was passed unanimously.
A similar resolution was passed back in 2013, Blake said.
This resolution is in response to incidents of intimidation and harassment that allegedly occurred this year, Blake said.
The Independent previously reported on an incident that occurred outside the provost house earlier this year. A window at Fort Lewis College Provost Barbara Morris’ house in Durango was broken on Feb. 13 by a gunshot during an incident that may be motivated by tense budgetary discussions at the college. Morris does not suspect anybody in particular, according to the police report.
“The Senate Executive Committee condemns any action that seeks to intimidate other colleagues on the Fort Lewis College campus,” the resolution said.
Affiliated Faculty Policy
A resolution to approve the affiliated faculty policy was approved unanimously.
“Fort Lewis College may name an individual as an affiliate faculty member if the contributions of the individual will be substantive and sustained in achieving the mission of the department and college,” the resolution reads.
This was the second reading of the language being voted upon, Blake said.
Affiliated faculty are non-faculty who make substantial contributions to achieving the mission of either a department or the college, Blake said.
There are different roles an affiliated faculty member may fill which include participating in joint programs with FLC faculty, serving as a visiting scholar, serving as a principal investigator on research grants, as well as providing guest lectures in classes or assisting in outreach activities, Blake said.