Minutes of the AAUP Executive Committee Meeting of March 25, 2009
Present: C. Smith (Chapter President), J. Calhoun, M. Crichton, E. Chudacoff, K. Kearfott, J. Lee, J. Lehman, D. Moore, T. Moore
C. Smith called the meeting to order at 12:20 p.m.
Agenda. The proposed agenda was adopted by unanimous consent.
Announcements: T. Moore announced that J. Lehman was elected to SACUA membership.
Minutes. The minutes of the March 11, 2009 were postponed for consideration at the next meeting.
Treasurer's Report. M. Crichton reported that the prior balance at the March 11, 2009 meeting was $1,652.32. There were no new recent receipts or expenditures; therefore the resulting current balance in the Chapter's checking is $1,652.32... The Treasurer's Report was adopted by unanimous consent.
Active Cases. Currently there are 4 active cases. J. Lehman reported that cases 1 and 2 remain in the grievance system; therefore the outcome for each is still pending. The individual concerned in the 3rd case recently met with SACUA, which asked that a specific listing of questions associated with this case be addressed. The responses to this request are currently being prepared. An outside investigation regarding this case has also been requested of the National AAUP. In relation to the 4th case, interviews by appointed University representatives are currently taking place with designated principals. All 4 cases will continue to be followed for updates at upcoming Executive Committee meetings.
A brief discussion ensued regarding the establishment of a legal defense fund for the Chapter. J. Lehman moved that the Chapter establish a charitable fund for aggrieved faculty to apply for legal defense assistance. The motion was seconded by T. Moore and was passed by unanimous consent. T. Smith then established a Sub-Committee to develop proposed rules for distributing these funds. Serving on this Sub-Committee will be T. Moore, J. Lehman, and J. Lee.
Faculty Governance. J. Lehman reported that SACUA has been discussing recent cases that threaten faculty free speech. This topic will serve as the focus for presentation at the Annual Meeting on April 4, 2009 at the Marriott Convention Center in Ypsilanti. Also, a Committee for A Multicultural University is active once again and will be chaired by G. Holland, Professor of Dentistry. In addition, the Committee set up by the Provost to revise the faculty grievance process—Chaired by T. San Antoine---has called for a grievance hearing board comprised of representatives from outside of the candidate's department, versus from within the department as in the past. Both Deans and UM Administrators want to retain within department representation.
Report on the All Campus Labor Council . The President of the Lecture Employees Organization will be invited to the next meeting as a guest.
State Conference Developments. No discussion took place.
National Headquarters Developments. There were no items for discussion.
New Business. The Executive Committee's slate of officers for the Annual Meeting has been completed. One position will be available for the appointment of one At-Large member given that M. Thouless will be leaving the Committee for his newly elected SACUA role.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith G. Calhoun
Chapter Secretary