Meeting of the Faculty Council

Friday, February 24, 2017, from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Kerr Hall, 2001 (Eshelman School of Pharmacy)

Live-stream link to join meeting via telephone or computer: https://zoom.us/j/738517663 (Instructions for accessing Zoom)

Agenda

3:00 p.m. Chair of the Faculty remarks

Professor Bruce Cairns

3:10 p.m. Chancellor’s and Provosts remarks

Chancellor Carol Folt and Provost Jim Dean

3:40 p.m. Diversity syllabus: “Navigating Uncertainty: Today’s Climate and its Impact”

Dr. Gloria Thomas, director of the Carolina Women’s Center
Professor Michael Gerhardt, Samuel Ashe distinguished professor in constitutional law
Dr. Terri Phoenix, director LGBTQ Center
Moderated by Professor Rumay Alexander, chair of the Community and Diversity Committee

4:10 p.m. Open discussion/ Q & A

Moderated by Professor Bruce Cairns

4:25 p.m. Resolution 2017-3. On Authorizing the Titles “Teaching Assistant Professor” and “Teaching Associate Professor” for Fixed-Term Faculty

Submitted by Chair of the Faculty Bruce Cairns and presented by Nancy Fisher, chair of the Fixed-Term Faculty Committee, and Professor Sherry Salyer

4:40 p.m. An overview of the 5-Year Parking Plan

Cheryl Stout, assistant director for parking services
PowerPoint (as a .pdf)

4:55 p.m. Annual committee reports (by titie):

Committee on University Government annual report (Submitted by Professor Connie Eble)
Committee on Research annual report (Submitted by Professor Gary Cuddeback)
Faculty Grievance Committee annual report (Submitted by Professors Anna Beeber and Chris McLaughlin)
Faculty Information Technology Advisory Committee annual report (Submitted by Amanda Henley)
Advisory Committee on Undergraduate Admissions annual report (Submitted by Professor Abigail Panter)

5:00 p.m. Adjournment

Video of Proceedings

Journal of Proceedings of the Faculty Council

The Faculty Council of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill convened on February 24, 2017, at 3:02 p.m. in Kerr Hall, room 2001 at the Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

The following 52 members attended: Ammerman, Anksorus, Arnold, Babb, Baumgartner, Berkowitz, Berman, Cairns, Cuddeback, Daughters, Dobelstein Drake, Estrada, Fisher, Folt, Fry, Furry, Gilland, Halladay, Hastings, Hobbs, Ives, Jones, Joyner, Khan, Kim, Koonce, Larson, Lee, Levine, Malloy, Mauro, Mayer, Metz, Moracco, Nelson, Persky, Pruvost, Renner, Salyer, Savasta-Kennedy, Steponaitis, Sturm, Tepper, Thompson Dorsey, Thorpe, Upshaw, Wallace, Willett, Yaqub and Zvara.

Others in attendance: Dean, Filene, Rubin

The following members were absent with excuse: Aikat, Boettiger Cooney, Brewster, Cox, Coyne-Beasley, Duqum, Estigarribia, Felix, Hannig, Hill, Kang, Kireev, A. Levine, Lithgow, McBride, Mayer-Davis, Melehy, Mizzy, Neta, Parise, Perelmuter, Platts-Mills, Pukkila, Tuggle and Weight.

The following members were absent without excuse: Ansong, Chapman, Edwards, Gilchrist, Hall, Hornstein, Hunter, Joyner, Kris, Lundberg, Meyer, Oehler, Osterweil, Ramaswamy, Scarlett, Song, Welty, Williams and You.

Call to order

Chair of the Faculty Bruce Cairns called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. He announced that the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee had recruited two candidates for Chair of Faculty, Professor Leslie Parise (Biochemistry and Biophysics) and Professor Lloyd Kramer (History). He said that the candidates will have a meet and greet, and the faculty will have a chance to learn more about their positions on various issues.

Professor Cairns reminded the faculty that February is Black History Month. He said that Black History Month was formally recognized in 1976 by President Ford, but the tradition started 50 years earlier in 1926 when C.G. Woodson started a one-off event known as Negro History Week to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. The event grew over time, and 50 years later it was fully recognized by the federal government.

Professor Cairns said that he found it interesting that Woodson reported in his article the Journal of Negro History in 1926 that the states of North Carolina, West Virginia and Delaware supported the celebration. Only four years earlier the Board of Trustees honored William L. Saunders.

The 4th celebration of Negro History Week was held in conjunction with a ceremony honoring the four living African American members of Congress. H.B. Cheatham of North Carolina was honored as the third of only four black congressmen elected in North Carolina prior to the civil rights movement. According to Woodson, he was an important part of encouraging the study of black history.

Professor Cairns said that he recently reflected on the life of George Moses Horton, a deceased slave and poet who sold his work to students at Carolina and became one of the first published African American poets in the South. In September, the Town of Chapel Hill erected a memorial with a quotation from one of Horton’s poems. Professor Cairns noted that Chapel Hill has a long history of mixed responses to memorializing the work and accomplishments of people of color.

Professor Cairns reminded the faculty that the 3^rd Annual Women’s Heart Health Symposium will take place at the Friday Center for Continuing Education. He distributed a flyer about the event.

Chancellor’s remarks

Chancellor Carol Folt thanked Professor Cairns for his remarks on Black History Month. She also thanked the Faculty Council for continuing their diversity syllabus programming, and she said that when she talks to other college presidents about it, they are pleasantly surprised that the faculty initiated this programming at the Faculty Council meetings.

The chancellor acknowledged Provost Jim Dean, Assistant Provost Lynn Williford, Dean Kevin Guskiewicz and Senior Associate Dean Abigail Panter for their work on the SACS reaffirmation report.

The chancellor reported that she and Steve Farmer, executive vice chancellor and provost, traveled to New York for a meeting about the American Talent Initiative (ATI). ATI began as an effort by a few schools to try to bring together institutions that are particularly good at graduating students and increasing the numbers of low-income students who are admitted. Carolina was one of the first schools asked to join. The overall goal of ATI is to graduate 50,000 more low-income students from American colleges and universities by 2025.

Chancellor Folt acknowledged the accomplishments of several students, faculty and alumni. She congratulated 12 students who recently received Fulbright awards and Adriano Bellotti for being named a 2017 Gates Cambridge scholar. She noted the appointment of General H.R. McMaster to the position of National Security Advisor. General McMaster received his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The chancellor commended Dean Martin Brinkley (Law) for receiving the Brent McKnight Renaissance Lawyer Award from the North Carolina Bar Association.

Chancellor Folt said that she attended the 38^th Annual Minority Health Conference sponsored by students at the Gillings School of Global Public Health. She noted that it is the oldest student-led minority health conference in the country. Attendance at this year’s conference increased so much that a backup location had to be secured so participants could stream portions of the event.

This year Chapel Hill will host the 4^th annual Clean Tech Summit. 300 students attended last year’s conference. Governor Roy Cooper will give the keynote address. The chancellor discussed the importance of hosting these events and collaborating with partners outside the University to create innovative research.

Hill Hall renovations have been completed, and the chancellor invited faculty members to stop by the building. She noted that Hill Hall houses a wonderful library and concert hall. The renovations were financed by private donors. She said that if there is a future decline in funding for the National Endowment of the Arts and the National Endowment of the Humanities, we will need to see an increase in philanthropy to keep many programs going forward.

The chancellor said that she has been meeting with concerned students about H.B.2, state legislation that requires individuals to use restrooms that are aligned with the sex on their birth certificate, rather than their gender identity. She has also met with students who are concerned about President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on immigration. She said that UNC Global has been working with international students to make sure they are kept informed about the resources available to them.

Chancellor Folt mentioned that UNC President Margaret Spellings penned an op-ed in The Washington Post that urged President Trump to continue President Obama’s support of students who are protected by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Ms. Kyra Rubin (Undergraduate representative) asked the chancellor about how the University plans to protect and support LGBTQ students during the ongoing discussions about H.B.2.

Chancellor Folt said that the University does not maintain lists of LGBTQ students.

Dr. Terri Phoenix, director of the LGBTQ Center, said he will talk more about resources for LGBTQ students, staff and faculty during his panel remarks.

Ms. Danianne Mizzy (University Libraries) thanked Professor Cairns and the Faculty Executive Committee for their statement on President Trump’s executive order. She asked how the faculty can respond to future actions that impact faculty and students.

Professor Cairns encouraged the faculty to bring their concerns to the Faculty Executive Committee and the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee.

Professor Steponaitis explained that the Faculty Council delegates duties to the Faculty Executive Committee between meetings and during times when swift action is needed.

Diversity syllabus: Navigating Uncertainty

Professor Rumay Alexander (Nursing), chair of the Community and Diversity Committee, introduced the panelists.

Dr. Terri Phoenix, director of the LGBTQ Center, discussed the impacts of H.B.2 and a new compromise bill that is being put forward in the legislature to repeal H.B.2. The compromise bill would not include gender identity as a protected category under the state’s nondiscrimination laws. He said that many trans students, staff and faculty are fearful of using restrooms because of the threat of violence. The LGBTQ Center has compiled a list of gender nonspecific bathrooms on campus.

Dr. Phoenix said that the Department of Education has recently rescinded guidance that protects trans students. These decisions will be left at the state level. There are concerns about draft presidential executive orders that allow discrimination of LGBTQ people based on religious beliefs. He said that LGBTQ students who are currently protected by DACA are under intense stress.

Dr. Gloria Thomas, director of the Carolina Women’s Center, said that fears are palpable on campus and across the nation. She said that must be vigilant about not reversing gains for women. She has observed that the environment in the country right now allows people to act without fear of retribution. We must make sure that people know their rights under Title IX, and we must empower students to be aware of their rights. Safe.unc.edu is a national model for addressing gender-based violence and harassment. April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. The Carolina Women’s Center is a safe space where students, faculty and staff can learn about resources. She said that cases of harassment are not always clear cut, so educating folks about how to address ongoing harassment is critical.

Professor Michael Gerhardt (Law) said that when he grew up in Alabama in the 1960s, he appreciated the influence of law. He said that freedom of speech is incredibly important, but people should realize that being a part of a community means that we should have shared values. As a community, faculty must unite about the importance of speech to push back. There are values we should fight for more vigorously that are central to what we are as a University.

Professor Wendell Gilland (Kenan-Flagler Business School) asked what faculty should do if they witness something that may be harassing behavior.

Professor Gerhardt said that in a situation in which inappropriate touching occurs, it is battery.

Professor Rumay Alexander added that harassment can be psychological and verbal as well.

Ms. Felicia Washington, vice chancellor of workforce strategy, equity and engagement reminded the faculty that they are “responsible employees” and have a duty to report harassment to the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office.

Mr. Wayne Blair, university ombuds, said that creating an environment in which people can disagree in a civil manner has become increasingly important.

Chancellor Folt asked what happens when someone observes harassment.

Professor Alexander said that once an incident is reported the University can take measures to direct the person to resources.

Vice Chancellor Washington said that responsible employees have an obligation to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, violence and assault. Faculty should communicate with their students and colleagues and inform them that the University has a zero tolerance policy. If faculty have questions, they should call EEOC.

Professor Jennifer Larson said that she teaches a first-year writing course that deals with challenging ethical and political topics. She asked what she can do to redirect conversations that become too heated.

Professor Gerhardt said that it is good that students are being challenged. He sometimes has students switch sides and debate to show that they understand the arguments on both sides.

Dr. Phoenix said that it is important to point out fallacies about particular groups that students may accept as the truth. He encouraged the faculty to register for SafeZone training.

Resolution 2017-3. On Authorizing the Titles “Teaching Assistant Professor” and “Teaching Associate Professor” for Fixed-Term Faculty

Professor Nancy Fisher (Microbiology and Immunology), chair of the Fixed-Term Faculty Committee, and Professor Sherry Salyer (Exercise and Sport Science) provided background information about Resolution 2017-3.

Professor Fisher said that in 2014, the Fixed-Term Faculty Committee presented a resolution to the Faculty Council that replaced the title “Master Lecturer” with “Teaching Professor” for fixed-term faculty. Resolution 2017-3 recommends that the Board of Trustees allow departments to use the titles “Teaching Assistant Professor” or “Teaching Associate Professor” in lieu of or in addition to “Lecturer” and “Senior Lecturer” for fixed-term faculty.

Professor Fisher thanked Professor Cairns for supporting the work of the Fixed-Term Faculty Committee and read the resolution aloud.

Professor Salyer said that when she began her career at Carolina in 1992, the only title for fixed-term faculty was “Lecturer.” Her family and friends didn’t understand what her title meant. She said that for her, this resolution is about recognition and professional value. Titles impact motivation and career aspiration. Over the past 25 years, ranks available to fixed-term faculty have increased due to ongoing discussions about titles and recognition for fixed-term faculty.

Professor Salyer said that existing titles no longer reflect the roles fixed-term faculty play at the University, and the “teaching” modifier is consistent with progressive ranks in the clinical and research professor tracks.

Professor Colin Wallace (Physics and Astronomy) asked why the resolution retains the titles “Lecturer” and “Senior Lecturer,” and he asked whether it was necessary to add the modifier “teaching” early in the language and repeat the titles later in the language. He suggested the language might be repetitive.

Professor Cairns said that the language is repetitive, but intentional for clarity.

Professor Erin Malloy (School of Medicine) asked if there is work being done on clarifying titles for faculty who on administrative tracks.

Professor Cairns said that the resolution does not extend to that issue.

Professor Nadia Yaqub (Asian Studies) said that she shared the resolution with her fixed-term colleagues, and they enthusiastically support it.

The resolution passed unanimously.

Overview of the 5-year parking plan

Cheryl Stout, assistant director for parking services, and Brad Ives, associate vice chancellor for campus enterprises, presented an overview of changes to parking and transportation services in the next 5-year parking plan. The Advisory Committee on Transportation (ACT) provided input on the plan and included faculty representative Professor Peter Gilligan. The plan will be presented to the Board of Trustees in March 2017 for final approval.

The proposed 5-year parking plans makes provisions for:

continued funding of the P2P TransLoc mobile app,
the construction of a new patient visitor parking lot,
a fee scale for night parking for those who do not already have daytime permits,
system technology enhancements such as LED lighting technology in parking decks,
and a campus bike share

Professor Christopher Willet (Biology) asked what safety measures will be taken for students who might park off campus to avoid paying the night parking fee.

Ms. Stout responded that the night parking fee will be taken out of a $6 increase to student fees so all students will be eligible to receive the night permit.

Professor Nancy Fisher (Microbiology and Immunology) asked where the bike share will be located on campus.

Ms. Stout said that the first bike share will be located at the Campus Y, but they plan to expand to the School of Medicine. There is a request for proposals (RFP) process underway.

Professor Sherry Salyer (Exercise and Sport Science) asked if faculty and staff with daily permits need to purchase a night permit to park on campus after 5:00 p.m.

Ms. Stout said that their day permits will be accepted at night and they will not have to purchase a night permit in addition to their day permit to park at night.

Professor Wendell Gilland (Kenan-Flagler Business School) asked if non-revenue sports will be negatively impacted by night parking fees.

Ms. Stout said that they have discussed ways to negate the impact on non-revenue sports with the Department of Athletics, and they will have to work closely with athletics to mitigate the impact of night parking.

Professor Cairns asked Ms. Stout if staff and the Employee Forum have been made aware of the proposed changes.

Ms. Stout said that the Employee Forum had representation on ACT, and she has met with the Employee Forum to make them aware of the proposed changes.

Professor Cairns thanked Ms. Stout and Mr. Ives for their presentation.

Annual reports by title

Annual reports from the following committees were submitted by title: Committee on University Government (Professor Connie Eble), Committee on Research (Professor Gary Cuddeback), Faculty Grievance Committee (Professors Anna Beeber and Chris McLaughlin), Faculty Information Technology Advisory Committee (Amanda Henley), and Advisory Committee on Undergraduate Admissions (Professor Abigail Panter). There were no questions about the contents of the annual reports.

Professor Nancy Fisher (Microbiology and Immunology) thanked Katie Turner for her work on the fixed-term titles resolution.

The Faculty Council applauded.

Adjournment

Having completed its business, the Faculty Council adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathryn Turner
Faculty Program Specialist

Vin Steponaitis
Secretary of the Faculty