Board meetings, strategic plans, and buyer signals from Shaun B. Spencer’s organization
Nov 10, 2025·BoardMeeting
Board
Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes
The meeting commenced with a call to order and subsequent discussions on several academic and administrative matters. Key topics included the review of revised learning modalities guidelines, recommendations concerning the improper use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the revision of the research misconduct policy. The Senate also addressed issues related to outstanding book orders, overdue notices, and access problems with Spruce and Balsam systems due to a CITS reader update. Business was also conducted regarding upcoming administrator reviews for the Deans of SMAST, Law School, and Library. The By-Laws Committee presented amendments that were passed by vote, setting the next step to amend the Constitution. Invited guests provided updates on 1E initiatives, highlighting inconsistencies in course scope and objectives, and proposing five learning outcomes for the General Education Committee. New business included a motion to establish a process for selecting representatives for the Provost's Resource Advisory Working Group, updates from the Provost on AI-Integrated courses and resource allocation, and reporting on student success initiatives such as the live Schedule Builder and the OER designation in COIN.
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The meeting addressed several significant items, including a proposal to change the meeting format to hybrid for the upcoming year and welcoming new senators. Committee reports involved several motions related to by-laws, such as renaming the Student Activities Committee to the Campus Engagement Committee, making the Facilities Committee a standing committee, updating nomenclature regarding the College of Nursing, redefining the title from Full-Time Lecturer to Teaching Professor, codifying the election of the Associate Representative to the Board of Trustees, and modifying the Secretary's role. The Facilities Committee is working to establish sub-committees focused on teaching space, research, infrastructure, and safety, with listening sessions planned. Unfinished business involved the second reading and eventual approval of changes related to the Fresh Start Policy (formerly Grade Amnesty Policy). New business included discussion of upcoming commencement, a joint statement with the Faculty Federation, the establishment of an ad hoc Committee on First Year Grading, and the awarding of Professor Emeriti status. The Provost provided an update on current undergraduate and graduate enrollment numbers.
Apr 22, 2025·BoardMeeting
Board
Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes
The Faculty Senate meeting addressed several significant agenda items. Key discussions involved the President's report, noting the upcoming location for the May meeting and the failure of a by-laws vote regarding the No Confidence Process, prompting an invitation for further input to the committee. Under unfinished business, the Academic Integrity Process policy was heavily debated and subsequently recommended for approval after amendments concerning grade authority and the inclusion of legal representation language. Another discussion focused on revisions to the Academic Freedom Statement, resulting in a motion to reject certain changes suggested by the Chancellor. New business included proposed changes to the Fresh Start Policy (formerly Grade Amnesty Policy), where amendments regarding the time period for invocation were passed. The Senate also moved to adopt a joint statement with the Faculty Federation on academic freedom and passed a motion to support UMass Amherst's efforts regarding Academic Defense Compacts. The Provost provided updates on enrollment numbers, budget status (level funding for FY25 with potential future adjustments), international faculty/student outreach, faculty leadership opportunities, and a pilot summer bridge program aimed at acclimating first-generation college students.
Mar 27, 2024·BoardMeeting
Board
Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes
The meeting commenced with a call to order. Key agenda items included the President's Report noting an issue with the Faculty Senate mailing list. Committee reports covered technology updates, specifically the Canvas transition and emerging issues like Generative AI, and academic affairs, where a new Academic Integrity Process involving the creation of a Faculty Academic Board (FAB) was discussed extensively. Unfinished business included a vote on amendments to the Vote of No Confidence Process and adopting a new arrangement for seat reapportionment from the By-Laws Committee. New business focused on the CVPA restructuring, where the Senate voted to recommend Proposal A to the Provost. The Provost's Report addressed March Accepted Student Day attendance, retention efforts supported by the Davis Education Foundation grant, and updates on the AmeriCorps Vista Peer Mentor program.
Extracted from official board minutes, strategic plans, and video transcripts.
