Minutes of the University Committee
for January 22, 2002

The Committee met at 2:05 in D135 WYLL. Members present were Walter Feldt, Susan Haller, Peggy James, James Kinchen, Don Kummings, and Greg Mayer. Also present was Larry Duetsch

The Committee authorized the Secretary of the Faculty to solicit nominations for an election to fill two seats on the University Committee for three-year terms that will begin in August 2002.

The Committee discussed ways in which a useful discussion of faculty workloads could be stimulated in the Faculty Senate on February 19. Professor Kummings said that better information is needed about the causes of the (apparent) decline in average teaching loads on the campus. He went on to express skepticism that the report of a "light" average load is accurate. Professor James said she found it plausible that "special" course releases continue to be granted without a common standard for
determining whether they are warranted. She believes such a standard may be needed.

Professor James proposed that the Committee appoint an ad hoc Working Group on the Implementation of PSF11/95-96, which can be found at <http://uwp.edu/staff/gov/senate/psf9596/psf11.cfm>. The ad hoc group will be asked to examine the evidence pertaining to teaching loads in recent semesters and report to the Senate on February 19. Thereafter, the group may be asked to propose suitable guidelines.

The Committee identified a slate of nominees for appointment to the ad hoc Working Group and agreed to invite the nominees to next week's University Committee meeting (Tuesday, January 29 at 2:00).

The meeting adjourned at 3:30.