October 7, 2022
Meeting of the Faculty Council
Friday, October 7, 2022
3:00 p.m.
111 Carroll Hall (Hussman School of Journalism and Media) **Please note: the location is different than last month**
The meeting will be streamed live at this link.
Agenda
3:00 p.m. Chair’s welcome and remarks
Chair of the Faculty Mimi Chapman (Social Work)
3:10 p.m. 2022 Hettleman Prize recipients
Announced by Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz
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- Seth A. Berkowitz, Medicine
- Danielle Christmas, English and Comparative Literature
- Frank Leibfarth, Chemistry
- Yuliya Pylayeva-Gupta, Genetics
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3:20 p.m. Chancellor’s remarks and Q&A
Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz
3:35 p.m. Provost’s remarks and Q&A
Provost Christopher Clemens
3:50 p.m. Introduction to and remarks by the new Chief of Police
Chief Brian James
4:05 p.m. Lead in campus water fixtures
Executive Director Cathy Brennan (Environment, Health and Safety)
Prof. Rebecca Fry (Environmental Sciences and Engineering)
Director Darrell Jeter, Emergency Management and Planning
Associate Vice Chancellor Anna Wu, Facilities Services
4:20 p.m. Presentation on proposed changes to the Faculty Code [PDF]
Committee on University Government report on proposed changes [PDF]
Prof. Joy Renner (Radiologic Science), Chair of the Committee on University Government
4:30 p.m. Resolution on amending the Faculty Code as it pertains to the Chair and Secretary of the Faculty [PDF]
Submitted by the Committee on University Government
4:45 p.m. Updates from the UNC Faculty Assembly [PDF]
Prof. Jan Hannig (Statistics and Operations Research), Chair of the UNC-CH Faculty Assembly Delegation
4:55 p.m. Open discussion
5:00 p.m. Adjournment
Video of Proceedings
Watch the full video [Streaming]
Journal of Proceedings of the Faculty Council
The Faculty Council of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill convened on October 7, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. in 111 Carroll Hall and via Zoom. Other faculty and members of the public were able to observe the meeting on a livestream.
The following 73 Faculty Council members attended: Aikat, Alderman, Alexander, Ansong, Balasubramanian, Becker, Berkoff, Binz, Boyd, Brownley, Burch, Campbell, Chapman (Chair of the Faculty), Clement, Cook, De Fays, DeHart-Davis, Dillman Carpentier, Divaris, Donahue, Estroff, Frederick, Goralski, Guskiewicz (Chancellor), Hackney, Halpern, Hannig, Hodges, Jackson, Krause, La Serna, Lain, Lensing, Lopez, Ma, McLaughlin, McNeilly, Menard, Mendez, Metcalfe, Meyer, Moore (Secretary of the Faculty), Moracco, Muller, Neal, Nichols, Penton, Pettifor, Plenge, Reissner, Renner, Reyes, Roberts, Rose, Sathy, Sena-Soberano, J. Smith, K. Smith, Thornburg, Thorp, Triumph, Turi, Vernon-Feagans, Vines, Wahl, Watson, Weiler, Winget, Wolfe, Yaghoobi, Young, Zeeman and Zomorodi.
The following 13 members received excused absences: Cai, Colford, Drummond, Entwisle, Gates-Foster, Gold, Johnson, Lin, Mehrotra, Mohanty, Oliveira, Schlobohm and Wiltshire.
The following 5 members were absent without excuse: Charles, Freeman, Haggis, Mayer-Davis and McEntee.
Others in attendance: Clemens (Provost), Samantha Golden (Graduate Observer) and Margaux Sherwin (Undergraduate Observer).
Call to Order
The Chair of the Faculty called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Chair of the Faculty remarks
Chair of the Faculty Mimi Chapman welcomed everyone to the October meeting of the Faculty Council and gave remarks [PDF].
Recognition of the 2022 Phillip and Ruth Hettleman Prizes for Artistic and Scholarly Achievement by Young Faculty
The Hettleman Prizes recognize achievements of outstanding junior faculty. Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz acknowledged this year’s Hettleman Prize winners one-by-one: Professor Seth A. Berkowitz (Medicine), Professor Danielle Christmas (English and Comparative Literature), Professor Frank Leibfarth (Chemistry) and Professor Yuliya Pylayeva-Gupta (Genetics).
Chancellor’s remarks
Chancellor Guskiewicz updated the Faculty Council on campus events and initiatives.
This semester incredible speakers have visited the campus to address faculty, staff and students. The groundbreaking ceremony for the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School’s new Steven D. Bell Hall was on September 29. Steven D. Bell ’67, the building’s namesake, and Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase & Co. chairman and chief executive officer, were featured speakers. UNC Global also celebrated the 15th anniversary of the FedEx Global Education Center on September 29 with Frederick W. Smith, founder, and executive chairman of FedEx Corporation delivering the keynote address. On October 5, Olympic medalist Laurie Hernandez gave the keynote for Carolina’s celebration of Latinx Heritage Month. During the 2022 Thomas Wolfe Lecture on October 6, prize recipient and award winning-author Percival Everett, read from his book The Trees, which has been short-listed for the Booker Prize.
Chancellor Guskiewicz tasked Professor Beth Posner (Law) with leading a comprehensive process to re-envision the purpose and scope of the Carolina Women’s Center. She will meet with campus groups and stakeholders to gain input on the needs of the center. Joseph Jordan, vice provost for academic and community engagement, is working to develop programming over the next several months. After this process is complete, a search for a center director will be initiated.
Over the past month, Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) has been testing water fixtures across campus for lead levels. Results received to date show detectable lead in 35 fixtures (21 water fountains and 14 sinks) in eight buildings: Fordham Hall, Hamilton Hall, Manning Hall, Phillips Hall, South Building, Wilson Library, Carrington Hall and Isaac M. Taylor Hall. EHS continues to test drinking fixtures on campus. Health testing for lead is available for UNC-Chapel Hill faculty, staff and students who work or study in the affected buildings.
On October 31, the Students for Fair Admissions case will be brought before the U.S. Supreme Court. Representatives of the University will have the opportunity to defend its holistic admissions process. The outcome of the case most likely will not be known until late spring or early summer.
The 2022 University Day celebration is on Wednesday, October 12 at 3:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall. This occasion commemorates the laying of the cornerstone of Old East, the institution’s first building, on October 12, 1793.
The 2022 Tar Heel Bus Tour will launch on October 19. Over fall break, nearly 100 faculty members and senior administrators will journey across North Carolina to learn more about the state they serve. They will travel over 1,000 miles and visit 21 counties.
Provost’s remarks
Provost Christopher Clemens’ remarks focused on campus events, the work of the Provost’s Office and the new School of Data Science and Society.
On October 6, the UNC Program for Public Discourse in conjunction with the General Alumni Association hosted an Abbey Speaker Series event exploring intellectual diversity on campus moderated by Professor William Sturkey (History). Such events foment intellectual discussion and showcase the talents of faculty.
Provost Clemens stated support for the principle that we will serve our students and state best when outstanding faculty shape the university. Since becoming provost, he has recruited several faculty leaders to serve in his office as assistant, associate and vice provosts, with a goal of expanding the role of faculty and making faculty leadership roles more available and accessible.
The University received funding from the N.C. Legislature for the School of Data Science and Society. In June, Professor Stanley C. Ahalt (Computer Science) was named inaugural dean of the school. Dean Ahalt and Professor Jay Aikat (Computer Science and RENCI) and their team are making progress on the curriculum, which will be sent to the Educational Policy Committee and Faculty Council in the future. Next fall, an online Master of Data Science program will launch in collaboration with 2U.
The administration is working to create a building dedicated to translational research on campus, which will provide a needed expansion space for research in infectious diseases, neuroscience and other areas.
The first meeting of the Salary Equity Committee occurred this month. They began their work by reviewing some updated guidance from the Department of Labor and engaging outside experts to review their methodology to ensure it meets Federal standards.
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations Nate Knuffman has made changes to Concur, the University’s travel software, after receiving input from faculty and staff. Deans will be able to opt into an alternative process that will give more latitude on how travel is booked. When booking travel, faculty will be able to exit Concur and re-enter when claiming reimbursement. Training will be provided on the Concur system.
The Keohane Professorship brings prominent faculty to serve as visiting professors at UNC and Duke for a one-year period, during which they deliver a lecture series and engage students and faculty around areas of shared interest to both institutions. Pawan Dhingra of Amherst College will serve as Keohane Distinguished Visiting Professor for 2022-2023. He is a leading scholar of Asian American culture and history. His first public lecture is on October 27 at the Carolina Inn.
Provost Clemens encouraged faculty to wear their regalia and join the processional at University Day.
Professor Jan Hannig (Statistics and Operations Research) asked if clearance by the provost is still required for international travel.
Provost Clemens said the travel ban implemented by the UNC System Office is still in place and provost approval continues to be required for international travel. Provost Clemens has delegated this authority to the deans. Undergraduate student international travel is still limited to University-approved study abroad programs.
Professor Hannig asked if there will be an increase in graduate student stipends.
Provost Clemens said that graduate student stipends would be increased. The administration is reviewing the budget to ensure graduate students will receive the largest increase possible.
Professor Misha Becker (Linguistics) asked if there will be in-person components to the School of Data Science and Society programs.
Provost Clemens said 2U has provided funding for the Master of Data Science online program, which will be launched first. The undergraduate programs, a joint effort with the College of Arts and Sciences and some professional schools, will begin in fall 2024. The residential masters and PhD programs will begin fall 2025. These programs are expensive because they require a critical mass of faculty to start admitting graduate students.
Introduction to and remarks by the new campus Police Chief
Chair Chapman introduced Brian James, who became UNC’s new chief of police on July 1, and invited him to make remarks.
Chief James served the Greensboro Police Department and the city for 26 years, working his way up the ranks. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Pfeiffer University and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He is proud to be a part of the University community. His philosophy of policing is that law enforcement can’t do a great job unless it has great relationships, so he strives to build good relationships and trust between the department and the community it serves. One way of doing this is by participating in community outreach. For example, recently the UNC Police Department assisted with the Zombie Preparedness Festival hosted by Emergency Management, giving officers an opportunity to interact with students.
The department has vacancies, which the chief views as an opportunity to increase diversity of thought. Chief James has conducted individual meetings with UNC officers, many of whom have wonderful ideas for the campus. He prioritizes training and wants to ensure that UNC officers have the best training possible to ensure the safety of our community.
His main goal is to continue bridging and developing relationships between UNC Police and the community. He recognizes that safety is a perception; if someone does not feel safe on campus, they can make the case that the campus is not safe. Feeling safe requires communication and trust between the police department and the community.
Professor Mark McNeilly (Business) asked what the police department needs from faculty and students to be successful.
Chief James said faculty and students can engage in the community outreach events the department organizes and engage in conversations with officers.
Professor Miguel La Serna (History) mentioned the long history of policing on campus and asked Chief James how he plans to rebuild trust among some members of the community.
Chief James said communication is vital and relationships cannot be formed in the middle of a crisis. There must be a bridge between the police and the community. The UNC Police are open to having conversations and welcome feedback.
Professor Eric Muller (Law) asked Chief James about his views on the appropriateness of using artificial intelligence programs, like Social Sentinel, to monitor the social media activity of students.
Chief James said the University has a contract with Social Sentinel that will end this year. In the past, UNC Police used the software to monitor student social media activity, not to view their emails. They would search various keywords and phrases to monitor any potential threats to campus. This service has not been used in a few years.
Lead in campus water fixtures
Emergency Management and Planning Director Darrell Jeter gave an overview of their efforts to address the issue of lead in campus water fixtures. His group is focused on conducting water sample testing, providing lead testing to members of the community and ensuring timely communication.
Addressing the lead issue is a multi-functional coordination effort. While Institutional Integrity and Risk Management is leading this coordination, they reply on several campus partners to assist them.
Water testing is proceeding in a phased approach that is expected to last several weeks. Alternate drinking water sources will be provided for the buildings with fountains that are offline during the testing period.
Executive Director of Environment, Health and Safety Cathy Brennan gave an update on the status of campus drinking water. The presentation [PDF] included information on the lead action level, the phased water testing approach, the scale and staffing for testing, and how to receive updates.
Professor Rebecca Fry (Environmental Sciences and Engineering) gave a presentation [PDF] on the toxic effects of lead on the human body.
Report on proposed changes to The Faculty Code [PDF]
Professor Joy Renner (Radiologic Science), chair of the Committee on University Government (COUG), gave a presentation [PDF] on a committee resolution proposing changes to the Faculty Code of University Government. The changes would reduce the term of the chair of the faculty from three years to two years. A new role of chair-elect would be created, with the person elected as chair serving a one-year term as chair-elect before assuming the role of chair. The chair-elect would serve as a non-voting ex officio member of the Faculty Executive Committee [which is chaired by the chair of the faculty]. The role of immediate past chair would be created with that person serving as a non-voting ex officio member of the Advisory Committee for one year.
The proposed changes would also reduce the term of the secretary of the faculty from five years to four years, and would prohibit an individual from serving more than two consecutive terms as secretary.
Professor Hannig commented that the proposed changes seem to increase the chair’s term of service from three years to four years . He asked if this would hinder recruitment for the role. He also noted that the changes would allow the chair-elect to serve as a temporary substitute for the chair, and asked whether a past chair could potentially serve as a temporary substitute as well.
Professor Renner replied that at other institutions, it’s common for the faculty member elected as chair to serve one year in each role: chair-elect, chair and past chair for a total engagement of three years. Due to the complexity of this University, COUG felt the chair of the faculty should serve for two years. The past chair’s role is minimal unless the current chair wants her or him to be more involved. She added that the past chair could serve as a temporary substitute for the chair at the chair’s request.
Professor Lloyd Kramer (History), member of COUG and past chair of the faculty, explained why he supports these changes to the Code. He believes they are a way to get more candidates from all demographics and ranks of the University more engaged. Former chairs have many relationships and insights that could be useful to the Advisory Committee.
Another COUG member, Professor Andy Hessick (Law) remarked that after talking with past UNC CH chairs of the faculty as well as representatives from other universities, there seemed to be problems between the workload, the learning curve and the way elections would work between the chair and the secretary. The proposed changes would remedy most of these issues.
Professor Christina Burch (Biology) asked if the chair and secretary receive any salary supplement or other compensation for their service and, if so, how this proposal would affect this compensation.
Secretary of the Faculty Jill Moore said this proposal does not address salary supplements, which are not addressed anywhere in The Code. Compensation is negotiated between the Provost’s Office, the potential chair or secretary and their dean. Course buy-outs are also a part of the negotiation.Provost Clemens said he would be happy to consider a change that would allow both the chair-elect and chair to receive a course release or stipend for their work, commensurate with the size of the work.
Professor McNeilly asked if the chair-elect and past chair would serve on the Faculty Executive Committee, and if so whether they would get a vote.
Professor Renner responded that the chair-elect would be on the Faculty Executive Committee and the past chair would be on the Advisory Committee, both as non-voting ex officio members.
Professor Audrey Pettifor (Epidemiology) asked if the availability of a salary supplement or course buyout for the chair or secretary is in writing or is it an unspoken rule. From an equity perspective, it is important to make sure that something in writing makes clear this is available and it is not dependent upon individuals’ ability to navigate unspoken rules.
Chair Chapman acknowledged the importance of the questions but reiterated that the proposal from COUG is to make a change to The Code, which is not able to address these issues. She suggested that the Provost’s office could adopt written guidelines but that is not something the Faculty Council can do.
Provost Clemens said there is a customary amount so this is not an unbounded conversation, but it is a very good point. Similar issues have come up in the Salary Equity Committee because the same is true for almost any service position—different people negotiate different things. He agrees that there must be transparency about the process and outcomes .
Professor Renner stated that it is important also to look at how the University recognizes service in promotion and tenure decisions.
Professor Sue Estroff (Social Medicine) believes it is important to require prior faculty governance experience for anybody who wants to run for chair. She asked how these changes would increase the accessibility of the chair position and she requested the data that was gathered from other universities.
Professor Renner said COUG spoke with representatives from other universities who said requiring significant past faculty governance experience limits the pool. Many faculty have leadership experiences that would make them a good faculty leader even if they have not been a part of faculty governance in the past. This model was the predominant model in the other institutions that the committee studied.
Professor Kramer said these proposed changes make a successful system of transition. At UNC-CH, there is chair training and leadership programs, but there is not a seamless way to transition into and out of the position of chair.
Professor Hessick said he believes having a year of transition makes the position more attractive to people because they have time to learn and prepare.
Professor Renner said the extra year allows faculty to get their work and personal life in order before they serve as chair. Chairs and deans would also have extra time to make needed arrangements such as finding adjunct faculty to teach courses.
Professor Muller asked the COUG members present to address the concern that the change will notably decrease the power and influence of the chair by shortening their term and placing others alongside them.
Professor Renner said none of the representatives felt having a chair-elect, chair and past chair did any damage to the chair position.
Noting that time was short, Professor Renner requested that the vote on the resolution be removed from the October agenda and placed on the agenda for the November Faculty Council meeting. Secretary Moore asked if there was an objection. There was no objection and the vote on the resolution was rescheduled for November.
Updates from the UNC Faculty Assembly
Professor Hannig, chair of the UNC-CH Faculty Assembly Delegation, gave a brief update on the current work of the System-wide Faculty Assembly [PDF].
Adjournment
Its business having concluded, the Faculty Council adjourned at 5:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kadejah Murray
University Program Associate
Jill Moore
Secretary of the Faculty
