Meeting opened at 2pm.

In light of the fact that the Fall schedule is slated to end on Monday, December 16, with Finals beginning the next day and continuing through December 23, 2002, members discussed the reasonableness of this arrangement and alternative possibilities. Mayer presented extensive research and calculations, demonstrating that there are no consistent lengths for the semester, only that it be possible to allow for a full week and a Saturday for finals, without going past December 23. It was decided that since this Fall's arrangement only occurred once every seven years (the equivalent of Pon Far), it was not worth hurrying to make any last minute changes to the schedule.

Most of the meeting was then dedicated to a valuable discussion on values and the way we state them.(or not state them). All members noted the discussion that continues to this day on the issue of whether or not Parkside should have a values statement in addition to the Vision and the Mission statement of the University. While some noted that a value statement might be possible, with the inclusion of examples as 'the questioning of the status quo' and 'academic freedom', others noted that the entire process (and its intended product) was fraught with dangers, pitfalls, and exclusionary potential. Similes abounded, including references to loyalty oaths, choosing between preferred methods of torture, etc.

The discussion ended with a unanimous opinion from the committee that creating a value statement for the University was a long and complicated task, not likely to be completed in the near future, and that the committee would recommend the faculty not participate in its creation, on the grounds that it might incriminate us.

The meeting adjourned at 3:00

Peggy James, Secretary de jour