Minutes from the meeting of December 8 were approved, with correction noting that Chris Rasche was present.

The Committee has received two nominations for honorary degrees, one from the College of Health for Dr. Edith A. Perez, noted breast cancer researcher, and one from the College of Education and Human Resources, Dr. Colville N. Young, Governor General of Belize. The resumes of both candidates were available for consultation. After discussion both candidates were approved unanimously by the committee. Judy Solano will pass on the committee’s action to President Delaney.

There was agreement that the Faculty Association should be involved with the annual New Faculty Orientation. The committee discussed various ways in which to get involved. Chip Klostermeyer and Chris Rasche volunteered to work together to gather ideas; Pat Plumlee will contact Marianne Jaffee in Academic Affairs to notify her of our interest and to make sure Faculty Association has a representative on this year’s planning committee.

Pat passed out the university’s proposed new policy “Consensual
Amorous Sexual Relationships,” which will be a part of the general Sexual Harassment Policy. Chris Rasche strongly objected to the use of the word consensual when used with unequal power relationships. Research indicates that in unequal power relationships (teacher/student, supervisor/employee), consensuality is impossible. Judy will send a letter to attorney Mark Snow indicating that the word consensual must be removed from the policy’s text.