Faculty Meeting May 9, 2024
Faculty Chairperson Pro Tempore Luedtke welcomed us to the last faculty meeting of the year and asked us to reflect on all we have accomplished this year.
Quorum was established at 146 attendees.
Call to Order
Faculty Chairperson Pro Tempore Luedtke called the meeting to order at 11:33 AM.
Opening Prayer – Matthew Marohl, College Pastor
Pastor Marohl invited us to pray and offered a blessing on behalf of those in distress due to extreme weather, war, hunger, etc.; those engaged in protest on campuses; and St. Olaf students and all of those in our community.
Approval of the April 18, 2024 Faculty Minutes
Minutes voted on and approved, Yes: 158, No: 3, Abstain: 13
Consent Agenda
Proposed New Courses
Proposed New Program
Exceptions to Curriculum Requirements
Consent agenda voted on and approved, Yes: 147, No: 4, Abstain: 5
New Business
Motion to Graduate the Class of 2024 – Marci Sortor
Senior Profile
Provost Sortor noted that the class of 2024 did not have a high school graduation and began their education at St. Olaf masked and often online. She then celebrated faculty parents of 2024 Ole grads and invited them to second the motion to graduate the class.
Motion voted on and approved (with considerable applause!), Yes: 160, No: 0, Abstain: 1
FGC Resolution 23/24-11 – To Clarify Policy Regarding Renewal of Term Appointments
Prof. Groton noted that this resolution was requested by the Associate Deans. There was no further discussion.
Resolution voted on and approved, Yes: 165, No: 2, Abstain: 7
FGC Resolution 23/24-12 – To Change the Date for Submission of Tenure and Promotion Dossiers to Associate Deans
Prof. Groton noted that this resolution is intended merely to clarify, not to change, College policy. There was no further discussion.
Resolution voted on and approved, Yes: 161, No: 2, Abstain: 6
CC Resolution 23/24-16 Modifications to the Natural Science (NTS) OLE Core Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
Prof. Justin Merritt (Music) presented the proposed modifications to the NTS OLE Core ILOs. There was no further discussion.
Resolution voted on and approved, Yes: 161, No: 2, Abstain: 6
CC Resolution 23/24-17 New Major – B.A. in Statistics and Data Science
Prof. Merritt introduced this resolution, which would create a new major in Statistics and Data Science (SDS). There is presently a Concentration in SDS, which, while new, has proven very popular. Prof. Merritt unpacked the distinctions between concentrations, emphases, and majors and noted that this resolution marks the transition of SDS from a concentration to a major. There was no further discussion.
Resolution voted on and approved, Yes: 167, No: 10, Abstain: 6
CC Resolution 24/25-18 Changes to Academic Calendar Planning Guidelines and Revised Academic Calendars for 2026-27 and 2027-28
Prof. Merritt introduced the proposed changes to the academic calendar and noted that these were revised based on feedback collected since our last faculty meeting. Changes made in response to recent feedback include a) a year delay in implementation, b) revision of wording around fall break, and c) removal of the proposed break day during fall semester Quiet Week. Prof. Merritt noted that these changes still will result in fall semester moving one week earlier.
Prof. Pete Gittins (Chemistry) noted that a justification for the calendar was giving faculty Labor Day as a day off. He asked whether this was still the case and whether this would limit the capacity for laboratory-based classes to have a full week at the start of the semester.
Prof. Ariel Strichartz (Romance Languages, Spanish) noted that January Term grades are, in all the proposed calendars, due the last day of J-Term break or on the first day of Spring semester. She observed that this had not been the case in the past and argued that having grades due at these times means that the break is not a true break for faculty. This is particularly the case for faculty teaching abroad, who are functionally working 24 hours a day for seven days a week over January Term. She asked for clarification about this timing of January Term grade submission. Prof. Merritt responded that this might be a tight turnaround for faculty teaching January Term but was not considered in the present proposal.
Prof. Steve Freedberg (Biology) requested a clarification as to whether fall break could perhaps run from a Friday to a Monday. Prof. Merritt responded that it could. Discussion resulted in which Prof. Merritt shared that the resolution was formed under the belief that labs are not offered Fridays. Prof. Freedberg responded that they are, at least in the Biology Department. Prof. Freedberg then confirmed that a Friday-Monday break could happen, disrupting labs over two weeks.
Prof. Jill Dietz (MSCS, Director of CURI) noted that CURI projects are historically 10 weeks long and that the new schedule would give faculty just 1 week of vacation between the end of CURI and the start of fall semester.
Prof. Heather Klopchin (Dance) noted that ending the semester one week earlier will give only a one-week opportunity for performances to take place between Thanksgiving and Christmas. These performances would therefore occur during the week of Christmas Fest. As a result, the new schedule would create the need to squeeze in final dance concerts during the last two days of classes or perform before Thanksgiving, losing practice time.
Prof. Susie Smalling (Associate Dean of Social Sciences, Social Work and Family Studies) thanked those involved in building the proposed calendars and noted that hard work that went into putting them together. She also argued that there is no perfect schedule but noted that she has concerns over faculty wellness for those teaching January Term (especially abroad). She noted that for this reason, she will vote in favor of the new schedule.
Prof. Anne Gothmann (Physics and Environmental Studies) observed that the earlier semester start will put extra burden on faculty with young children. Earlier start times mean that more childcare is necessary for faculty with young kids.
Prof. Kathryn Ananda-Owens (Music) expressed appreciation for Prof. Smalling’s comments, while noting that she would vote against the calendar change out of concern for the health of the 400+ students performing Christmas Fest. She also argued that St. Olaf’s Music program is unparalleled in its inclusivity compared to peer programs nationally. In particular, outstanding students may have chosen or may choose St. Olaf to pursue Music at a high level even if they are not majors. Offering Music in an inclusive way is a high-impact practice at St. Olaf. Prof. Ananda-Owens argued that the proposed calendar does not resolve the problems related to Christmas Fest and that students who participate in Christmas Fest need another week of classes after Christmas Fest to refine and complete coursework and otherwise catch up after this performance.
Prof. Jaimie Bobb (Music and Chapel) spoke in support of Prof. Ananda-Owens’ comments and asked for clarification as to why the calendar was being revised in the first place. Prof. Merritt responded that one main concern was to expand winter break so that students could have more travel flexibility and prepare for January abroad. The earlier start also would make the start of fall semester easier on athletes.
Prof. Sian Christine (Business and Management) asked the faculty to reflect on the process by which we create change. She noted that the first response to these changes was cynicism and skepticism about the process and outcome. She asked us to instead embrace trust in the process and outcome, in particular noting that the calendar was formed by a group including 13 representatives from across the campus. She also noted that the proposed calendar has changed considerably due to input received from across the college and encouraged us to consider student and staff well-being as well as faculty well-being. She returned to the question of “why change the schedule?” She opined that the main goal of this revision is allowing students and their families to travel at the least expensive time. She concluded that we should try to move beyond thinking about this question from our own perspective and engage in a broader cost-benefit analysis, noting that we can change other parts of our practice in response to a new calendar.
Prof. Therees Hibbard (Music) spoke to amplify Prof. Klopchin’s comments and added that, based on her experience, compression of some aspects of the calendar would harm our students, in particular those who perform across artistic modalities (dance, music, theater, etc.). Compressing the schedule might limit this abundance of opportunity and choice. She expressed an openness to change but asked us to be mindful of unintended consequences related to this change and to act in the best interest of our students.
Prof. Mike Fuerstein (Philosophy) asked whether the Fall, January, or Spring changes were independent from each other. This was confirmed by Prof. Merritt. Prof. Feurstein noted that therefore, we could potentially change elements of the calendar independently.
Prof. Tony Becker (Economics) noted that he had not seen in the proposal a consideration of the effects of shrinking the length of the summer break on students who are working over the summer (for instance, to pay for college). He also noted that flexibility in the proposed calendar implied that Christmas Fest could be held during Finals. He asked whether this was possible. Prof. Merritt noted that this is beyond the Curriculum Committee’s purview but confirmed that it was possible. Given this, Prof. Becker noted that the short period of time (perhaps none) between Christmas Fest and Finals might be harmful to students. Prof. Merritt observed that most schools begin earlier in the summer than St. Olaf and Prof. Becker responded that many schools also end later.
Prof. Ananda-Owens responded that an early draft of the revised calendar placed Christmas Fest after exams.
Prof. Brian Borovsky (Physics) issued one clarification regarding scheduling of science labs. In a week in which two days are off, followed by a day off in the next week, those days could be made up in the next week. Prof. Freedberg responded that this doesn’t always work if, for instance, live organisms are involved in the labs and spreading the same lab out over two calendar weeks doesn’t work. Prof. Borovsky then noted that discussion over the implications of this calendar for Christmas Fest had made him less likely than he was previously to vote in favor of this resolution. He requested that we consider whether we could get more input from students before voting. Prof. Merritt responded that since this is the last faculty meeting of the year, we would need to put off our consideration of this motion and bring up a new motion next year.
Prof. Anton Armstrong (Music, Director of Christmas Fest) noted that, for the more than three decades, he has taught at St. Olaf. During this time, Christmas Fest has always taken place the weekend after Thanksgiving. Recently, the number of performances has been reduced from four to three. He also noted that a large part of the St. Olaf community – beyond the more than 500 students who perform – is impacted by Christmas Fest when all is said and done.
Resolution voted on and rejected, Yes: 52, No: 117, Abstain: 18
Prof. Merritt noted that the Curriculum Committee understood that this resolution might fail and thanked all involved for a civil discussion.
CC Resolution 24/25-19 Academic Calendar 2026-27 and 2027-28 According to Original Guidelines
Given the rejection of the previous resolution, Prof. Merritt presented an optional set of calendars based on our existing calendar guidelines.
Resolution voted on and approved, Yes: 123, No: 26, Abstain: 24
Academic Calendars 2026-2027 & 2027-2028
2026-2027 Draft May 29 V2 Calendar
2026-2027 Draft NEW Calendar 5.1.24
2027-2028 Draft Calendar
2027-2028 Draft NEW Calendar 5.1.24
Committee Reports
Faculty Governance Committee – Anne Groton – report
Prof. Groton notified us that we will receive the results of the April faculty elections, a ballot for May faculty elections, and a survey about our experiment with the Faculty Chairperson Pro Tempore. She noted that faculty governance at its best is Mīrābile vīsū (“Wondrous to see”) Mīrābile dictū (“Wondrous to say”).
Assessment Committee – Katie Ziegler-Graham – report
Prof. Ziegler-Graham (MSCS) had no further comments.
Faculty Life Committee – Arthur Cunningham – report
Prof. Cunningham noted that email updates are forthcoming regarding faculty salary increases and the Melby lecture.
Student Life Committee – Chris Chapp – report
Prof. Chapp (Political Science) had no further comments.
Curriculum Committee – Justin Merritt – report
Prof. Merritt had no further comments.
Remarks by the Faculty Representative to the Board of Regents – Doug Casson
Prof. Casson (Political Science) summarized presentations given at the previous Board of Regents meeting. These included a notification that we are on track for a “bumper crop” of new students next year, that our budget is on track to be balanced, and that we are close to meeting 100% of financial need for all admitted students. The idea of reducing the amount of need we meet for admitted students was broached as a form of cost-saving, but this was not well-received due to deviation from our mission and the potential that it would reduce yield. The strategic plan was also discussed. The Regents also voted to confer degrees on the graduating class and a variety of other College personnel issued reports.
Highlights for Prof. Casson included several presentations by students to the Board of Regents. Regents also visited the Teaching and Learning Showcase, had breakfast with students and the FGC, and voted in favor of the approved faculty resolutions on academic freedom. He expressed that it has been a pleasure to serve as the Faculty Representative to the Board of Regents and asked anyone with questions to contact him.
Remarks by the President
President Singer extended gratitude to those present as she approaches 11.5 months in her current role. She noted that it is amazing what we can do together with collegiality and trust and thanked the faculty for extending these to her and engaging in a new form of strategic planning. She expressed pride and gratitude to be part of the faculty at St. Olaf and looks forward to gathering with all of us next year.
Remarks & Report by the Provost
Provost Sortor noted that the Board of Regent voted unanimously to confer endowed chairs and distinguished professorships on the following faculty:
* Jamie Bobb (continuing Stockdahl-Johnson Chair of Organ and Church Music)
* Sian Christie (Husby-Johnson Chair in Business and Economics)
* Kari Lie Dorer (continuing King Olav V Chair in Scandinavian-American Studies)
* Steve Hahn (Marie M. Meyer Distinguished Professor)
* Kim Kandl (Paul and Mildred Hardy Distinguished Professor of Science)
* Gary Muir (Grace Whittier Chair of Science)
* Bill Sonnega (continuing Pat Quade Chair in Theater)
The Board of Regents also voted to confer emeritus or emerita status on the following faculty: Scott Anderson (Music), Karen Cherewatuk (English), Rick Goedde (Economics), Gwen Barnes Karol (Romance Languages), Judy Tegtmeyer (Kinesiology), John Saurer (Art and Art History), Corliss Swain (Philosophy), and Anne Walter (Biology).
Announcements of faculty receiving endowed chairs, distinguished professorships, or emerita/emeritus status were greeted with sustained applause.
Provost Sortor reflected on the arrival of Pres. Singer and Chief Financial Officer Mike Bertelsen, the admission of an another large cohort of students, the implementation of a new advising model and the six to five transition, the ongoing and successful experiment with having a member of the faculty conduct faculty meeting, the ongoing strategic planning process, the hiring of 13 new tenure-track faculty, the granting of tenure to 10 colleagues, and the promotion to rank of Professor of nine colleagues. She thanked all of us for our contributions this year.
Provost Sortor also thanked the chairs of our faculty committees (Profs. Chapp, Cunningham, Groton, Merritt, Ziegler-Graham, and Petok [Psychology]). Finally, she recognized and summarized the accomplishments of our two outgoing Associate Deans, who will return to teaching after sabbaticals: Karil Kucera (IGS Associate Dean, Art and Art History, East Asian Studies) and Colin Wells (Humanities Associate Dean, English).
She wished us all a great summer
Remarks for the Good of the Order
Prof. Vivian Choi (Sociology and Anthropology) delivered a statement by faculty in support of students’ right to protest and dissent. She noted that the right to dissent is essential to fostering an environment of free speech. She argued that it is antithetical to the College’s mission and asked all faculty in favor to stand and add their names to this statement. Pres. Singer responded that absolutely St. Olaf continues to support free speech and observed that it is possible to have both free speech and adherence to our student code of conduct. She expressed that College leadership does not intend to limit student speech.
Adjourn
Faculty Chairperson Pro Tempore Luedtke adjourned the meeting at 12:36 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jake J. Grossman, Secretary to the Faculty