Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes

9:30-11:00 December 7, 2020, via Zoom

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by President Miriam Gilbert.

Attendance: Anderson, Berman, Cobb, Fleckenstein, Gardinier, Gilbert, Hauserman, Hines, Lenth, Mitros, Shirazi, Stoner, Valde, Vlastos, Wanat.

Absence:  Atchison

Guest: Don Letendre, Dean, College of Pharmacy

Rememberances: Thomas Kent (Medicine), John (Jack) Grant (Department of English), Ellis Hawley (History)

Minutes for November ECF Meeting Fleckenstein, were approved

Report on EFC committee assignments:

• Elections: Gilbert (Chair), Mitros, Hauserman: No pending elections
• Program: Stoner (Chair), Wanat, Anderson, Fleckenstein: We have Dean Letendre (College of Pharmacy) today; Emil Rinderspacher (UIRA) for February, and Peter Damiano (Public Policy Center) for March
• Lecture Series: Gilbert (Chair), Gardinier, Gussin (Consultant): Lectures scheduled:

Wednesday, December 9, 2020:   Carol Scott-Conner, Professor and Chair Emerita of Surgery
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.   Narrative Medicine: What Is It?
(and why on earth did I go back to grad school after retiring?)

Thursday, January 21, 2021:  Allyn Mark, Professor Emeritus of Internal Medicine, Director of the Cardiology Division, Carver College of Medicine, 1976-1995.  A Rough Diamond: F. Mason Sones and the Discovery of Selective Coronary Arteriography.

• Communications/Website: Fleckenstein, Lenth: Suggestions for improvements to the EFC website from Council members are welcome.

Report on Liaisons with University committees/organizations: 

• Campus planning: Hines, Anderson: A new soccer complex facility will be build to serve the UI women’s soccer team.  The new facility will be located on the west side of the existing soccer field.  Facility will include locker rooms, meeting room and associated facilities. Continuation of the campus master plan with illustrative pans for the North Side of the Main Campus were discussed.
• FRIC: Shirazi, Valde: An overview of UIHC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was discussed. A side-by-side comparison of data from both plans (UI CHOICE and UI SELECT) was reviewed. UIHC North Liberty project was placed on hold due to COVID.
• UIRA: Vlastos, Cobb: There was a discussion about listserv policy. Non-UI agencies have asked to have their announcements included, but there have been complaints about excessive UIRA emails. The consensus is that the listserv, and the Gray Hawk, should continue to publish notices and links to UI-connected activities.
• Research Council: Berman: No report yet, meeting is next week.
• Library: Hauserman, Lenth: (report attached) The University of Iowa Libraries collaborates with partners from the Big Ten Academic Alliance to develop a platform that allows library users direct, hands-on access to bibliometric, patent, and other large databases. The Big Ten Academic Alliance was discussed. It houses a collection of 25% of the total library collections in the US.
• Faculty Senate/Council: Gardinier, Wanat: Investment in international farm land by TIAA was discussed. Diversity, equity, and inclusion recommendations from recent task force discussed. COVID-19 ppdate on surveillance testing  given by Daniel Diekema, Clinical Professor, Internal Medicine and Director, Division of Infectious Diseases.
• Hancher: Valde, Shirazi: Hancher budget challenges were discussed at the meeting including cancellations of live performances and reductions in University funding.
• Recreation Services: Atchison: No report.
• Senior College:  Mitros, Wanat:  Meeting next week to plan Spring semester.
• Parking and Transportation: Stoner, Mitros: (report attached): There has been no increase in parking rates since 2016. Current proposal suggests an increase of two dollars per year, every other year, starting in 2023. License plate recognition currently in use in Hospital ramps and will be extended to other University lots in the future, eventually replacing hang tags. Parking meters and Cambus also discussed.
• President’s Committee on Athletics:  Hines (report attached). Composition of the Presidents Committee on athletics was discussed. Head rowing coach Andrew Carter was introduced at the meeting.  He discussed rowing athlete recruitment and the impact of the COVID pandemic on the womans rowing program. Marissa Mueller, track athelete and biomedical engineering student named UI’s 22nd Rhodes Scholar.

Old Business:

Speaker for May meeting to be handled by email

New Business:  Letter of thanks to faculty for teaching and student activities to be discussed by email.

Meeting adjourned for speaker at 10:30 AM.

Speaker: 

            Donald E. Letendre, Dean, College of Pharmacy: Showed a short video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHQO80VChbo ) with an interior and exterior fly-through of the new College of Pharmacy Building. Among the features are: Twenty-three learning spaces, including classrooms, lecture halls, and conference and seminar rooms-10 more than in the former building; Sixteen laboratory-science research spaces, five more than in the former building; A Pharmacy Practice Learning Center that includes a mock hospital pharmacy and a mock community pharmacy; A 128-seat, team-based learning lecture hall with projection screens and space to allow students to collaborate in teams; Academic community rooms (known as PODS) for student studying and gathering; and UI Pharmaceuticals (UIP) sterile-product manufacturing unit.

Next Meeting: February 1, 2020, via Zoom

Respectfully submitted,

Larry Fleckenstein

Library Committee Meeting

12/1/2020

Nancy Hauserman for EFC (advance apologies for some points of confusion)

FOCUS ON COLLECTIONS GOING FORWARD, SPECIFICALLY ELECTRONIC  COLLECTION THOUGHTS, CURRENT STRATEGIES AND PLANS AND ISSUES

John Culshaw, chair.

1. Self-study: academic program review this year. No accreditation studies otherwise available for accreditation. The first stage will be done by 1/31/21 and will be shared with this committee.

The Internal Review will be done 3/29-3/31/2021.  There is a campus committee for this. It will include faculty and staff. There will be one external reviewer - someone connected with the library from a peer institution Members of UIa Library Committee will be invited to a meeting. Lois Geist is in charge for the Office of the Provost.

2. What is the Effect of COVID on Library?  John is not sure the review will cover everything since things change over time.

3. Current Time- Line:   self-study (January), internal review (March), expected end (June)

4. This is a review of the past 7 years not just the past year for self-study. It offers a trajectory of the next seven years.

5. Strategic plans may need changing to address COVID issues.

BIG 10 (formerly CIC) COLLABORATION: (John C) There are actually 15 libraries involved in this. This reflects a 60-year partnership. There is also an alliance with the Big 10 and the University of Chicago.

This involves consideration of a BIG collection including current, conceptual and projected in all of Big 10. Looking 5-20 years out.

We pay $50,000 per year in dues to support Library Initiatives Office. It is housed at the University of Illinois Champagne/Urbana. It includes Geo-Spatial (maps), Big Data Project (NASA?), shared licensing, electronic resources.  **It is a $50million collection.

There is a $200,000/year large scale acquisitions pool. Mostly this is used for one-time purchases bought for the entire consortium.  Similar programs in the Ivy League and UC system and the Greater Western Library alliance (from Big 12).

The Big 10 Library Directors are doing studies of their collections and looking at or towards collective collections.  There is a long tail of information use – a lot of use initially but fades over time.

Thinking about the Big Collection concept, i.e. center of gravity among University libraries.  Various considerations include:

• Joint purchasing going forward
• How to build collective collection? $500,000 to build framework over next year.
• E.g., Deal with Oxford University Press: all Big 10 libraries will receive e-access to full collection. Buy one print copy for all which will be kept at one school.
• How is the foregoing philosophy relevant to everything the libraries do?

Expect a video presentation about the foregoing to be forthcoming.

(from Linda) Re: Foreign Materials: 3 or 4 other libraries did collective buying on this with a South American vendor. They are now looking at similar purchasing strategy of Chinese materials.

Cataloging is a big challenge and really important that libraries can share this responsibility.

Question: How will publishers be affected? John commented that University presses, .e.g, Cambridge and Big Ten,  will likely be most at risk from a monetary perspective. The publishers are not very happy about electronic move but….(so it goes….NRH words not John’s).

How connected are we to Open Access? The Big 10 is working with larger publishers and will need to watch how this plays out over next decade. HUGE cost/fees being charged now for open access.  NOTE:  We do not have an Open Access mandate on campus at this point.

California’s approach has had mixed results according to their review at end of first year.  The dropped El Severe (sp?). People buy articles on “black market”

Questions: Should we unite with another program, e.g., CA? Big 10 contracted with CA to use their data analysis.

Right now there are few “interlibrary loans” – trying to figure out how to do this in best manner with electronic materials.

While we look at how things are currently working IT IS CRITICAL  to look 5-10 years out. So far discipline-specific  in getting used to electronic resources (sciences now appear to be adjusting well but less so with the humanists).

Currently there is not an existing secondary market but it appears to be starting.

Going forward:  Got thru fall, consistent “gate” counts of 300-350. Expect spring to be like fall but with minor changes in library hours.

Also note the Hoddy Trust will go away. (sorry I don’t know what this is.)

Spring; Move away  from ER (?) service. Will open stacks for limited browsing.  If positivity rate is down the 4^th floor will reopen and carrels will be available for student use on an hourly basis.

Parking and Transportation Committee Meeting

13 Nov 2020

Parking rates: There has been no increase since 2016. The parking master plan suggested regular incremental rate increases. Current proposal suggests an increase of two dollars per year, every other year, starting in 2023.

It was noted that several capital expenditures are coming soon (replace IMU Ramp and Hospital Ramp 1; new ramp to be constructed likely within Ramp 43). It was assumed that all new capital expenditures would be financed through bond issuance.

License Plate Recognition (LPR): LPR currently in use in Hospital ramps – done by vehicle (vendor EFC from Ames). They hope to have 3 LPR vehicles by Spring, and install stationary devices at entrances, starting with hospital ramps. LPR would eventually replace hang tags.

Parking Meters: Currently there are 812 on campus, average 17 years old (outdated). They have started being replaced by Passport (pay by phone) starting in July 2017. In the future expect this to take over (no hardware, no coins). This increase revenue. Some standard meters will be kept in “public facing” areas (IMU, Carver, Hardin Library).

Winter Weather budget: Hard to predict. Based on average of last 3 years contractor is biggest cost ($500,000 per year). Special salt needed for ramps (protects from corrosion). Contractor stores salt supply near Riverside, Iowa.

Cambus: Recent ridership on student routes down 75%. Remote lots (example 85) difficult to manage. Access difficult when icy. Many hospital personnel heavily dependent on this lot. Bus capacity is 80 riders (plan does include people standing). Because of Covid want to keep this at 40 or less, which means number of busses need to be increased at peak times (requires efficient communication)

There will be no December meeting.

Submitted by Frank Mitros

President’s Committee on Athletics

Report to the Emeritus Faculty Council on Meeting of the PCA

I joined the December 3, 2020 meeting of the President’s Committee on Athletics via Zoom when it convened at 4:00 p. m.

By way of background, the PCA replaced the Board in Control of Athletics about 20 years ago. It is the only university committee that was created in response to a regulation issued by the Board of Regents. The PCA membership includes ten faculty members appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Faculty Senate, two staff members appointed by the Staff Council, two student members appointed by the Iowa Student Athlete Council, and one alumni member. The Athletic Director and the Faculty Athletic Representative to the Big Ten are ex officio members of the Committee. The Committee meets monthly during the academic year. All committee members are assigned membership on one of three Standing Subcommittees: Student Academic Achievement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Student Athlete Well- Being.

The first order of business was public congratulation to PCA student member Marrissa Mueller, who was just announced as the winner of a Rhodes Scholarship. Marrissa, a member of the Iowa Women’s Track Team, will continue her study of the intersection between engineering and medicine at Oxford next year.

The next order of business was a report from the Women’s Rowing Coach, Andrew Carter. Rowing competition was suspended along with other spring sports last March, and Coach Carter reported that he was proud of the way the team was “Winning the Pandemic” by training hard and improving bonding within the team. The coach responded to questions about recruiting by noting that 50% of the rowing team was recruited from the Iowa campus after students arrived as 1^st-year students. The typical rower recruited in this fashion was a successful high school competitor in a different sport, who responded positively to an invitation to consider rowing as a college sport. Coach Carter described the “talent transfer pathway” followed by these young women who wanted to become competitive rowers.

The PCA then received reports from the Chairs of the three standing subcommittees.  The Student Academic Achievement Chair reported that Iowa’s overall Graduation Success Rate of 89 % was 6^th best in the Big Ten. (The overall graduation rate for all U of I students is 73%.) The Chair also reported that the Committee is faced with several likely violations of the PCA policy forbidding student athletes to miss or reschedule final exams to engage in scheduled competitions. The pandemic has wrought many last- minute changes in the scheduling of competitions that could not have been anticipated. This caused a small number of student athletes to request waivers from the PCA rule. On behalf of the Committee, the Chair proposed a motion that the SAA subcommittee be authorized to grant such waivers this year when dramatic changes in the scheduling of competitions results from the Covid-19 pandemic. The PCA unanimously approved this waiver authorization.

The Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion subcommittee reported on the handling of Covid-19 testing. Every member of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Team and the Football team is tested for Covid-19 daily. Other student athletes are test once a week. The Big Ten prescribes a protocol for member schools to follow when a student athlete test positive. Iowa student athletes had done a better job of remaining virus free than student athletes at most other Big Ten schools.

The Chair of the Student Athlete Well-Being subcommittee reported that the committee had not met since the last PCA meeting, so he had nothing new to report.

The PCA then heard brief reports from the Faculty Athletic Representative to the Big Ten and the Athletic Director. A major issue facing Iowa is how to implement the NCAA’s grant of an additional year of eligibility to student athletes who are now seniors. This extension of eligibility causes both financial problems and team size issues. Barta also commented that making decisions about going forward with games or other athletic competitions is made more difficulty because, unlike most other conferences, the Big Ten does not allow schools to rely on local health officials for guidance, but rather has a uniform one-size-fits-all policy at the conference level.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Submitted by N. William Hines

Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes

9:30-11:00 November 2, 2020, via Zoom

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM by President Miriam Gilbert.

Attendance: Anderson, Atchison, Berman, Cobb, Gardinier, Gilbert, Lenth, Mitros, Shirazi, Valde, Vlastos, Wanat

Absence: Fleckenstein, Hauserman, Hines, Stoner

Guest: Michael Pentella, State Hygienic Lab

Minutes of October 5, 2020 meeting, Fleckenstein, were approved (subject to some corrections).

Report on EFC committee assignments:

• Elections: Gilbert (Chair), Mitros, Hauserman: No report
• Program: Stoner (Chair), Wanat, Anderson, Fleckenstein: We have Mike Pentella today; Next time, Dean Letendre (College of Pharmacy)
• Lecture Series: Gilbert (Chair), Gardinier, Gussin (Consultant): We had about 45 attending Frank Salomon’s lecture. Next EFC Lecture is Marvin Bell on November 5. No speaker for December, but we have speakers set up for February and March, 2021.
• Communications/Website: Fleckenstein, Lenth: The “News” tab on the website shows the date posted no matter what – confusing when an item is for an upcoming event. EFC members are positive about the idea of adding our events to the University Calendar and embedding a query on that calendar on our site. Lenth will investigate.

Report on Liaisons with University committees/organizations: 

• Campus planning: Hines, Anderson: No report; still unable to establish a connection.

• FRIC: Shirazi, Valde: No report
• UIRA: Vlastos, Cobb: Discussion about improving connections between EFC and UIRA for publicizing events. Currently UIRA Gray Hawk publicizes EFC lectures, but EFC website does not show UIRA events. (They do not like publicizing any Zoom meeting that requires a password, but ours do not.) Lenth and Wanat will discuss with Emil Rindersbacher and get back to EFC. (Program Committee: Consider inviting somebody from UIRA to one of our meetings.)
• Research Council: Berman: No report yet, meeting is upcoming.
• Library: Hauserman, Lenth: Report is attached. Upcoming meetings will have discussion of collections, may have more impact on EFC interests. EFC members are satisfied with efforts to obtain materials via pickup at entrance or even US Mail (Report attached).
• Faculty Senate/Council: Gardinier, Wanat: Report is attached. Highlights are government relations, diversity issues, faculty conduct, summer salaries, presidential search, COVID-19, and others. On the Presidential search, Gilbert noted that we don’t need to be sanctioned again by AAUP so need to monitor that closely.
• Hancher: Valde, Shirazi: No report yet, meeting is coming up.
• Recreation Services: Atchison: Damage from the August derecho has made some facilities unavailable, e.g. the Raptor Center. Services are re-opening as they are able to recover.
• Senior College:  Mitros, Wanat: There are seven courses this fall, and they are going fairly well over Zoom. There are likely fewer courses in the spring (five so far) due to some instructors’ reluctance to use online format. Challenges include interactions with the instructor, managing breakout rooms, handling questions (suggesting one or even more coordinators concentrate on monitoring Chat), and attendees having a sufficiently updated Zoom version. Mitros and Wanat emphasized the importance of advance planning between coordinators and instructors.
• Parking and Transportation: Stoner, Mitros: There is a 190-page report on parking recommendations. The report mentions (p.145) charging emeriti for parking (here we go again, maybe). Hospital ramp 1 and IMU ramp may be going away soon, and a ramp in Lot 43 may be added.

Adjourned for speaker at 10:15.

Speaker:  Mike Pentella, Director, State Hygienic Laboratory:  informal overview of epidemiologic aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic as it relates to the University of Iowa and challenges to the State Hygienic Laboratory. Dr. Pentella summarized the background on Covid-19 and various other respiratory viruses.  His talk covered symptoms of Covid-19 and the current situation in the US and Iowa.  He talked about the importance of surveillance, testing and public health interventions for controlling the disease. He spoke of various testing methods and capacity of the State Hygienics Laboratory and coordination with other agencies in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Next Meeting: December 7, 2020, via Zoom

Respectfully submitted,

Submitted by Larry Fleckenstein, with notes and recording from Russell Lenth.

Report on Library Committee meeting (Oct 23, 2020)

Nancy Hauserman and Russ Lenth, EFC reps

Agenda

1. Updates from University Librarian
   1. Budget
   2. New governance structure
   3. Student employment at the Libraries
   4. Student usage this fall  

Notes

We heard reports from Librarian John Culshaw. The total library budget is down some due to COVID. Personnel costs are up, so it is collections and operational expenses that are down. Some of the personnel expenses are kept down by traditional means: freezes for P&S staff (about 2/3 of staff) while merit staff receive increases per UI negotiations; and some positions left vacant. Spending on collections is down about $200K (out of $15.1M).

We received a flyer on a new governance structure. It includes three teams (executive, leadership, operations/management) for specific areas. Overseeing these is a staff advisory council and over that, a diversity, equitability, accessibility, and inclusion council. The AC is now in place, and the DEAI council is being constituted and will be in place soon (by the next meeting?). The flyer provides details and a timeline for various goals.

Student employees counts are down quite a bit (from 160-170 to 108) due to fewer operating hours. They are paid from the operating budget, not the personnel budget. These employees are viewed as valuable and they value their experience. They make it possible to keep the library open late. Most of them are not Work-Study as federal funding for these programs is largely gone.

Student usage of the library is generally down, but now increasing. Gate counts are down 85-95% from last year; but indications are that this is better than what has been experienced at many peer institutions.

Future agenda items include discussing collections spending, and the charge of the committee.

Submitted by Russ Lenth

Faculty Council and Faculty Senate Meetings

October 2020

            Faculty Council met on October 13 from 3:30-5:15 pm via Zoom. Twenty council members and visitors were present. The agenda focused on the following new business items:

            Jerry Anthony, chair of Governmental Relations Committee, reported on the proposed recommendations for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. A special committee suggested changes that could be implemented quickly. Input was sought from the Government Relations Committee; Iowa City manager and assistant manager; Dean of Students; Student Life; COGS; Interim Vice Provost for DEI among others. Recommendations focused on the University at large, faculty and staff, and students. Suggestions included DEI content in all classes, having a DEI week in the fall, and not holding class on election day. For faculty and staff, yearly self-assessments of bias and DEI training once every five years were suggested. For students, six or seven possible activities included race relations courses, community internships, a social justice certificate, a self-assessment the first and last semesters on campus, and a process to report faculty and staff on DEI violations. Students reported feeling threatened by the existing reporting process. Councilors raised issues about validity of potential bias in instruments, opportunities for reflection about inequalities in medical treatment, and community internships with depth and rigor. The report will be refined and presented to Faculty Senate.

            Jennifer Modestou, Director of EOD, reported on the Trump administration’s executive order on diversity training. The order was in effect immediately (9/22/20). DEI training was paused for two weeks to determine modifications. Main issues were the ban on race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating and eight divisive concepts that are banned from diversity training. Modestou expressed concerns about lack of details on education. The end of the pause in training is scheduled for October 19. The review committee includes representatives from HR, DEI, Medicine, Purchasing, and peer institutions. Implementation regulations are not available yet, and Modestou noted that there may be legal challenges to this order after the election. There is concern for loss of funding for thousands across campus if this order is not followed.

            Monique DiCarlo, Sexual Misconduct Response Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, outlined the policy being developed to meet the regulations that went into effect August 14. One policy for sexual harassment and sexual misconduct will apply to all UI members. The new formal grievance process requires a hearing; parties must be able to see and hear each other. DiCarlo is concerned that ground will be lost in victims coming forward.

            Lois Geist, Associate Provost for Faculty, reported on lack of a good process for dealing with unprofessional conduct by faculty. Bad behavior cannot be the only reason to deny reappointment and satisfactory post tenure reviews. Geist acknowledged that it will take time to get people to have difficult conversations about lack of professionalism. She noted that Physical Therapy does 360 reviews with all professionals who work with PT. The College of Education conducts reviews with faculty, DEOs, and Associate Deans.

            Geist also reported on summer salaries. The operations manual states that summer salary is 1/9^th of annual salary. CLAS, specifically one department chair, raised the issue of trying to use a less expensive method. Geist’s office is looking at a change to let colleges determine their own policies.

Yockey gave a COVID-19 update and announced that Hawk the Vote, a Student Life program, will give a power point presentation at classes.

All councilors went into Executive Session to discuss the Presidential search at 5:00 pm.

Faculty Senate met on Tuesday, October 27 from 3:30-5:15 pm via Zoom. The meeting focused on five items: FRIC update, Presidential search, Governmental Relations Committee update, COVID-19 update, and President Yockey’s report.

Joni Troister and John Garfinkel gave a FRIC update. They summarized premium rate structures for UI Choice and UI Select for 2020. UI Select, which has a lower premium, was chosen by younger, healthier employees. The pandemic has made 2020 a difficult year to determine utilization of either option. In the first nine months of the year, health care providers met time goals and greatly expanded telehealth. A new retirement plan, a 457(b), was available on a volunteer basis for 2020. There are no employer contributions. The employee may contribute an additional $19,000 per year. 

Yockey announced the timeline for the Presidential search. Co-chairs had been announced. Input from constituencies will be sought in the search process. Co-chairs and the Regents are working on categories of representation. Iowa Now will announce who will be represented. Board of Regents will announce the search committee on November 18. Regents will follow best practices guidelines in response to the sanction removal. Senators who have recommendations for the search committee should send them to Yockey.

Yockey gave a COVID update. Of note was a revised mask policy and all virtual classes after Thanksgiving. Students have the option of staying through finals and remaining on campus until J term. The University has a much higher testing capacity than at the start of the year.

Yockey announced the dates of campus visits for finalists for the Dean of the Tippie College of Busines: October 28-29, November 2-3, and November 4-5. There will be open virtual forums.

Search for director of DEI is postponed following the President’s announcement to retire. Liz Tovar will continue in the position for now.

Nearly all DEI training programs are back after the two-week pause. Faculty should reach out to the Faculty Senate with any concerns.

Rick Dobyns, clinical professor of family medicine, is in his first year as chair of Governmental Relations Committee. He described his experience working with elected officials. His goal is to get away from a sense of lobbying with the state legislature. He stated that, “We’re not held in high regard by legislators.” He wants to get away from areas of tensions and problems with the legislature and has asked each member of the committee not to lobby. Dobyns has asked members to do something more natural and genuine by sending relevant, non-coercive information to legislators and to form relationships with member of both parties. Committee members are asked to send information to legislators in their areas of expertise. He emphasized that it is not the role of the Governmental Relations Committee to participate as private citizens (.e.g., personal opinions are not to be expressed on university email). The Committee will reach out to other areas of the state.

Faculty Senate went into executive session to discuss the presidential search at 4:45.

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn Wanat

Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes

9:30-11:00 October 5, 2020, via Zoom

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by President Miriam Gilbert, who welcomed our new member, Chris Atchison, representing the College of Public Health.  EFC members briefly introduced themselves to Chris.

Attendance: Atchison, Anderson, Fleckenstein, Gardinier, Gilbert, Hauserman, Hines, Lenth, Mitros, Shirazi, Stoner, Valde, Vlastos, Wanat.

Absence:  Berman, Cobb

Minutes for September 8 EFC meeting, Fleckenstein, were approved.

New Business:  [Permissive conferral request moved up from the end of the agenda]

The Council considered two requests for permissive conferral of emeritus status.   In the first request, from the Carver College of Medicine, the faculty member had an outstanding record of scholarship and service, as well as a continuing connection to the University, although the faculty member had not met the normal time in service requirement.   The Council voted unanimously to recommend that emeritus status be conferred.   In the second request, from the College of Public Health, the faculty member had an excellent record of teaching, scholarship, and administrative leadership, along with continuing connections to the College; in this case, the faculty member retired before reaching the statutory age for receiving retirement benefits.   The Council voted unanimously to recommend that emeritus status be conferred.

Report on EFC committee assignments:

• Elections: Gilbert (Chair), Mitros, Hauserman. No current elections pending.
• Program: Stoner (Chair), Wanat, Anderson, Fleckenstein. The committee will meet later today to identify programs for the next few months. Potential speakers include: Dr. Pentella, (Director, State Hygienic Laboratory); Hancher Executive Director Chuck Swanson; UI President Bruce Harreld; and Dean Letendre of the College of Pharmacy.
• Lecture Series: Gilbert (Chair), Gardinier, Gussin (Consultant). Frank Salomon scheduled for October 24^th, committee looking for Fall and Spring speakers.
• Communications/Website: Fleckenstein, Lenth. Russell Lenth received training on EFC website editing and maintenance, now has responsibility for maintaining the news section.

Report on Liaisons with University committees/organizations: 

• Campus planning: Hines, Anderson Nothing to report this month.

• FRIC: Shirazi, Valde. UI Retiree Annual Benefits Open Enrollment in October and and changes handled online. UIHC North Liberty project making progress, to be discussed at next FRIC meeting.
• UIRA: Vlastos, Cobb. Cost of UI retirees health insurance and Medicare supplement insurance anticipated to increase for coming year.  UIRA has difficulty identifying UI staff and faculty who are retiring.
• Research Council: Berman. No report.
• Library: Hauserman, Lenth. No meeting, next meeting scheduled for October 23^rd.
• Faculty Senate/Council special meeting: Gardinier, Wanat. Wanat-Gardinier report is attached.
• Hancher: Valde, Shirazi. No meeting this month.
• Recreation Services: Atchison. Meeting will be held tomorrow, October 6^th.
• Senior College: Donham, Mitros, Wanat. Seven courses are being offered this semester, all via Zoom. Two courses for the Fall semester have been completed.  Zoom is working well and will be used for all courses next semester.
• Parking and Transportation: Stoner, Mitros. The new bike share program will start in the Spring.  Parking is converting to license plate readers.  Parking permits will go with license plates, not individuals. Cambus restructured to reduce number of passengers on bus and eliminate short-run routes to deal with Covid situation.  Real time loading of passengers has been implemented. Red and Blue Cambus routes eliminated for now.

Old Business:

Potential speaker for May meeting discussed. Some possible speakers were offered (Acting Dean of the College of Business, Hancher Executive Director Chuck Swanson, UI President Bruce Harreld), but no decision was made.  Will try to identify other potential speakers and discuss at next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 11:00 AM.

Next Meeting: November 2, 2020, via Zoom

Respectfully submitted,

Larry Fleckenstein

Faculty Senate Special Session

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

4:00-5:30 pm via Zoom

(Note: Sources for this report include Faculty Senate minutes of the meeting and notes recorded during the meeting. Please see the Faculty Senate website for more detailed information.)

The purpose of the special session was to present and discuss data of the COVID-19 pandemic. UI medical and public health experts led the discussion and responded to questions posed in the Zoom chat box. Fifty-eight Senators, three Senate officers, and 75 guests attended the meeting.

Guests

Forty-seven guests represented the following university colleges, offices, centers and committees: Business, Center for Teaching, Dentistry, Emeritus Faculty Council, Equal Opportunity and Diversity, Faculty Senate Office, Family Medicine, Finance and Operations, Governmental Relations Committee, Graduate and Professional Student Government, Human Resources, Internal Medicine, Iowa House, Libraries, Medicine, Management and Organizations, Nursing, Ombuds Office, Pharmacy, President Harreld, President’s Office, Provost’s Office, Psychiatry, Strategic Communications, Staff Council, Student Health, and UIHC.

Other guests represented the cities of Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and Tiffin; Iowa City School District; Johnson County; Johnson County Department of Public Health; Mercy Hospital; University of Northern Iowa; Iowa State Senate (Joe Bolkcom); and the local media.

Presentations

After a call to order and approval of the meeting agenda, President Yockey explained the hope was that the meeting was to mitigate some community concerns through direct interaction with key content experts about the current health situation. Presenters included Jorge Salinas, UIHC epidemiologist; Edith Parker, Dean of Public Health; Brooks Jackson, VP for Medical Affairs and Dean of Medicine; Dan Fick, Campus Health Officer. Dr. Rick Dobyns, chair of Faculty Senate Governmental Relations Committee and Clinical Professor of Family Medicine, moderated. Dobyns explained the focus would be on epidemiological science, not policies or policy formation. Summaries of the presenters’ comments follow:

Salinas: Salinas’ role is to elaborate policies to prevent infection in UIHC. His presentation focused on the Covid-19 situation in Iowa and Johnson County on September 9. Data reported were available on Covidactnow.org. Describing Iowa as first in the nation with cases per capita, Salinas noted that there were multiple hotspots in Iowa related to students returning to college towns and prisons and other congregate settings in rural areas. Johnson County was listed at the highest threat level with 53.4 new cases per 100,000. Johnson County’s test positivity rate was 24% with an ideal rate less than 10%. The state had established a 15% positivity rate for schools to move totally online. Salinas described three spikes over the last several months associated with meat processing plants, reopening of bars and restaurants, and reopening of the university. Positivity rates at UIHC from August 19 to September 2 were clustered around the 18-25 age group. There had not been significant transmission to other age groups which led Salinas to conclude that mask mandates and other safety measures were effectively slowing down the spread.

Salinas focused on Covid’s impact on young people. Thinking that they have milder cases is, in his view, overly simplistic. He cited as evidence research in Italy, the United States, Germany, and China. These studies collectively show evidence that patients may still show symptoms two months after discharge from the hospital or 2-3 weeks after testing positive. Some patients have lingering symptoms weeks after recovery. One study in Germany showed that after two months of contacting Covid patients were experiencing cardiac inflammation who had both severe and mild cases. Attention internationally has turned to “long haulers,” who still experience physical and mental health-related symptoms long after recovery. Acknowledging that case fatality rates can vary, Salinas concluded that it is clear that people over 50 and individuals with chronic medical conditions have a much greater risk of dying from Covid.

Parker: Parker reported national and state data of reported cases and deaths. She pointed out that the number of deaths from Covid in Iowa in six months had far exceeded the number of deaths from seasonal influenza from 2015-2020. She cited New York Times data from state public health departments and hospitals. Her report supports Salinas’s report. She shared date from Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center showing state outlooks for flattening the curve. This report indicated that Iowa was on a downward trend. She concluded that Iowa currently had uncontrolled spread and that no state had met original White House criteria for full reopening.

Jackson: Jackson described the huge challenges that Covid has presented in research, teaching, and patient care. The first Covid case was admitted on March 8. Safety measures were implemented following recommendations of epidemiologists. With a staff of 17,000, UIHC provides patient care and conducts a $200M+ research mission. UIHC has one of the nation’s best testing turnaround times of 5-8 hours. Daily testing capacity was 1500 with tests available at several locations. Jackson described the monitoring procedure used by treatment teams treating high risk patients. Only one of 640 patients had died at the time of this meeting. Jackson stated this was one of the best survival rates in the nation. Of the UIHC health care workers who had become infected, 90% had become infected through community spread. Jackson thought that UIHC had done quite well during the pandemic, continuing to follow guidelines while maintaining research activities and patient care. He concluded that UIHC will be participating in the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine trial. Early results indicated the vaccine is efficacious with mild side effects. He ended by stating that no students who had become infected required hospitalization.

Fick: Fick’s presentation focused on opening main campus. Plans were made in consultation with campus medical and public health experts with mitigation being the main focus. Strategies included behavior modification which supports that trends are declining. Another strategy is operations modification. Fick noted that over 70% of class were being held online. Some classes are difficult to hold virtually (e.g., performing arts, laboratory health sciences). Fick stated that 100% online instruction is not likely to significantly change infection rates. He thinks that the campus plan has worked with the exception of some issues in student housing. Educating students about the importance of isolation and quarantine has helped the decline. Fick noted that the CDC recommends that students remain on campus, even if all instruction is virtual.

UI is following recommendations of the CDC, Iowa Department of Public Health, and Johnson County Public Health (JCPH) regarding testing. None of these organizations recommend asymptomatic testing. Fick emphasized a great partnership with JCPH and noted their great efforts on contact tracing. JCPH informs the university of individuals who test positive but do not self-report. JCPH encourages anyone who tests positive to self-report to the university. Specifically, Fick stated that extensive testing conducted by the University of Illinois does not show significant benefit at this time. He concluded that no one knows what is the best way to test at the current time.

Scheckel: The medical director of Mercy Hospital reports that Mercy’s experience is similar to UIHC. Trends have followed those at UI with students returning to the area. Testing has remained a challenge with a turnaround time of 48-72 hours. All admitted patients are tested. Mercy has relied on the State Hygienic Lab and Quest Diagnostics for testing.

Questions from Chat

Dobyns asked questions that had been posed in the Zoom chat. There were many questions during the presentation, probably 70 or more. It was noted that unanswered questions would be forwarded to the presenters for additional follow-up.

Testing: There were many questions about types of tests. Salinas stated that we need more accurate tests for active infections. PCR tests are effective but have shortcomings. Antigen tests might be a better choice. Saliva tests sound like a good option, but laboratory experts think they may not be as accurate as nasal tests. Jackson added that PCR tests have the best sensitivity and specificity, but that new antigen tests have very high accuracy rates. Jackson shared that UIHC uses multiple types of PCR test kits. Jackson stated that UIHC testing is adequate for CDC guidelines but not for testing all people every day. Fick added that he thought antigen tests will become available before saliva tests. Since saliva is not part of the respiratory tract, it is still necessary to get respiratory secretions.

Lack of Increase in Diagnoses in Over-50 Age Group: Lack of increased diagnoses in older populations suggests that students returning has not caused transmission of students’ infections to the community. Possibly, increases will occur in the students’ hometowns when they return home at the end of the semester (or during the semester).

Asymptomatic Testing: Fick stated that testing of asymptomatic individuals who are quarantined have been tested after 10 days. UIHC is working to shorten the time to 3-4 days followed by a second test 10 days later. This change would allow students to move from quarantine to isolation sooner, but it would not shorten the quarantine time. Fick noted that asymptomatic testing can also lead to false positives. Universities that have done widespread testing have not shown increased virus numbers. UIHC will continue to follow guidelines of national/state medical and public health agencies.

Policy-Related Questions: A number of policy questions appeared in the Zoom chat. Dobyns reminded attendees that the meeting would focus on epidemiological issues.

Optimal Safety Procedures for Classrooms: Salinas cautioned that the possibility of transmission exists through traditional lecture format and performance activities (e.g., singing, playing musical instruments). Safety procedures include limiting the number of people in a room, maintaining distance between desks, improving air exchangers. Fick added that extensive improvements have been made to ventilation in campus buildings. Edmond added that physical distancing continues to be very important. Everyone needs to be at least six feet apart.

Possible Corruption of Public Health Data: Salinas stated that it is important to look at trends, since we do not have a perfectly accurate count of the number of cases. Multiple data sources should be consulted. Data management by the state has been impaired by technological issues. Iowa Department of Public Health software records only one test per person; a second test deletes the first test. Self-reported data may have incentives or disincentives that do not lead to accurate numbers. Data for out-of-state students may be reported to the students’ home state, not Iowa. Finally, Salinas stated that a high positivity rate may mean that there are many more cases in the environment than have been counted. He concluded that the data give us a good sense of trends, though specific numbers may not be accurate.

Maintaining Safe Behavior for K-12 and UI Students: Keeping students age 18-25 socially distanced from each other is important and extremely difficult. Salinas suggested keeping venues closed, especially indoor venues. Everyone needs to wear a face covering to reduce community spread. According to Salinas, managing outbreaks requires partnership among society and local leaders, local businesses, and public health and healthcare leaders. Michael Edmond (UIHC Chief Quality Officer; Associate Chief Medical Officer; Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases) added that given current numbers, he did not think there should be any in-person instruction at any level.

K-12 Reporting: School districts do not report positive cases to the state, according to David Koch, Johnson County Public Health Director. Testing laboratories report that data to the state.

After President Yockey expressed appreciation to all presenters and healthcare workers, the meeting was adjourned.

consulting experts on campus. There is a lack of transparency and effective communication with the campus at large, killing trust and setting up an antagonistic relationship between the administration and teaching corps. Social media is ‘on fire’ with lack of preparation for opening the fall semester. Faculty Council leadership is in communication with Univ leadership, noting that the Univ Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT) meets regularly to discuss the pandemic situation and is trying to take a ‘surgical’ approach with changes with the goal of giving faculty a 5-7 day window to transition if we go fully online. It was noted that ‘shared governance’ is lacking on CIMT, as it lacks formal representation from the various governance entities (Faculty, Staff, Students), which would be consistent with the Ops Manual. A motion was passed to have Faculty Council pursue this recommendation to discuss inclusion of ‘shared governance’ groups. One final question was asked – What is the autonomy of UI (and other Regents schools) from the BOR, relative to controlling when/if we go fully online? Authority to make this change? The universities should control the ‘manner of instruction.’

C.    Discussion: Parental Leave (Joe Yockey)

In response to FC retreat conversation. Define the “asks.” Extend invitation to HR chief Reardon and Charter Committee on Family Issues. State law prevents biological mother from taking more than 1 week of sick leave to family leave. Some situations beyond birth/adoption – e.g., illness, quarantine – need to be considered. Policy needs to be modernized. Consider reviewing other peer institutions. Should we create a new policy rather than get “in the weeds” of interpreting existing policy (e.g., converting sick leave to family leave). Relative to Big 10 peers, Iowa’s current policy is “laughable.”

Discussion: Strategic Plan/Path Forward/P3 (Joe Yockey)

Scholtz (VPR) and Kregel (Provost) are are asking how we move forward into the P3 phase. Steering Committee + 4 Committees (1. Student Success; 2. Research & Discovery; 3. Engagement; 4. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Collaboration). Because of a lack of funding to support the ideas, identified projects default to revenue neutral, rather than make investments. Energy/utility plan is an example where P3 funds might accrue to pick up projects that require funding. Univ suspended the P3 funding plan with COVID. Time to re-open and allow proposals to come forward? Harreld has stated that P3 funds can’t go to expenses and must go to investing in the future.

Requesting input and ideas.

E. Faculty CV19 Survey: Review of Qualitative Feedback (Teresa Marshall)Faculty initially favorable. Concerns: online teaching is not especially effective, as compared to in-person experience; faculty burden; effects on children; university solvency

https://faculty-senate.uiowa.edu/news/2020/08/collegiate-reports-covid-19-faculty-survey-now-available

F.    President’s Report (Joe Yockey)

How do we convey faculty professionalism to Provost’s office during tenure and promotion process? Two themes for this year – 1) develop process for more frequent evaluations of faculty; 2) faculty advancement to boost morale and improve recruitment and retention

From the Floor

Announcements

The next Faculty Senate meeting will be Tuesday, September 15, 3:30 – 5:15 pm, Zoom.

The next Faculty Council meeting will be Tuesday, October 13, 3:30-5:15 pm, Zoom.

Adjournment – 5:15 pm

Permissive conferral of Emeritus Status- Report of Meeting - Gilbert

Dear EFC Colleagues,

On Wednesday morning, August 12, 2020, Frank Mitros and I met, via Zoom, with Lois Geist, Associate Provost for Faculty, to talk about “permissive conferral of emeritus status.”   This meeting followed up on the letter I had sent, on behalf of EFC, to Provost Kevin Kregel, and I think we were able to cover all the main points in that letter and to get a good deal of clarity on this issue.

I started by asking Associate Provost Geist to walk us through the process by which the Provost’s Office deals with the requests for “permissive conferral,” and her description was helpful.   She explained that her office essentially works with the request made by the college in question, passing through that request to EFC.   If there were a serious “red flag” issue, the request for Emeritus status would not be sent on to us and the individual would not have Emeritus status conferred.

Moreover, she indicated that the request comes to EFC as the deciding body, and she added that normally she would not expect to overrule EFC’s opinion.   Obviously, if a difference of opinion did exist, further conversation would take place.   Geist’s comments were the clearest statement we’ve ever received about the weight placed on our deliberations and the seriousness with which the Provost’s Office takes them.   EFC is not just rubberstamping an already-made decision.

Given the importance of our decision, I then suggested that it would be helpful if we had some more consistent guidelines about how we should work together.   I asked that EFC should receive the necessary materials at least 2 weeks before our upcoming meeting, and Associate Provost Geist agreed that the time frame seemed reasonable; as she put it, there is normally not such a great urgency that would forestall waiting a little longer.   I then pointed out that it was very important for EFC to have a clear sense not only of the faculty member’s research but of that person’s contributions to teaching and service.   Associate Provost Geist expressed her willingness to create a short list outlining her expectations about the materials submitted, a list that that could be sent to the Associate Deans (normally the people who write the request letters.

In fact, she has already created that list, which I am attaching to this letter and I ask that you get back to me with any comments you might have.   This is essentially a procedural matter, not a policy one, but it would be helpful to have the expectations be as clear as possible.

We also talked about why the emeritus status was being requested, and Associate Provost Geist spoke of the status as indicating a wish for connection to the University, as well as the importance of library privileges; I did mention the parking permit, but I think we all agreed that was not the main motivation.   In a few cases, an impending gift to the University might be involved, but again, we should make our decision based on the work done here by the faculty member.   We also brought up the question of whether there is any downside to conferring emeritus status on someone, but Geist suggested that was likely only in a case where everyone had missed something seriously wrong that then later came out publicly.   We raised the question because several of you have asked about the benefits of emeritus status, and we all agreed that, in addition to the library privileges and the parking permit (and the thrill of belonging to the Association of Emeritus Faculty), it’s really a question of perception, and the wish to assert and maintain a close connection with the University.

We also touched briefly on a specific question that got raised last spring, namely the meaning of the rank “lecturer.”   As Associate Provost Geist defined it, a lecturer is essentially a pre-instructional track position; it normally comes with a contract for a given term, and can be renewed over and over again.

I look forward to hearing from you with any comments you might wish to make, including your sense as to whether we now have a clear picture of how to operate, or whether we need to talk further with the Provost’s Office once the semester begins.   My own sense is that we’re now on the same page in terms of understanding how the process should work.   I’m grateful for all the comments that individuals have made over the last few months regarding this issue, and I think we’ve made some real progress.

All the best, Miriam

******************************

Summary of FRIC meeting -  Submitted by Jill Valde

September 4, 2020

Update on Covid-19

Health Care Expansion continues as long as Public Health Emergency exists

-0 cost share for Covid testing and related services

-0 cost for vaccine when available

No cost virtual visits no longer covered- back to standard plan

Discussion held on Rate Setting for 2021 benefits and proposed increases

Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes

9:30-11:00, May 4, 2020, via Zoom

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 am by Wanat who thanked Boe for hosting the meeting.

[In compliance with University of Iowa’s closure of buildings due to the coronavirus pandemic, the council met using Zoom technology. University policy may be found at https://coronavirus.uiowa.edu. On March 23, the policy stated: “Buildings are closed to the public….  Those entering buildings should do so only to complete a specific activity or task, such as record a lecture or pick up a book, and then leave.”]

Attendance: Berman, Boe, Cobb, Fleckenstein, Gilbert, Hines, Johnson, Menninger, Mitros, Shirazi, Stoner Valde, Vlastos, Wanat.

Absent: Donham.

Approval of March Minutes: Berman

Report on EFC committee assignments:

Elections: Gilbert (Chair), Mitros, Vlastos, Boe (consultant): Gilbert reported that the ballot was ready to go and that Boe will send it out with a two-week window for responding. Various details were worked out.  Thanks given.

Program: Stoner (Chair), Johnson, Wanat, Berman, Fleckenstein: discussion of rescheduling Pharmacy visit

Lecture Series: Gilbert (Chair), Gussin (Consultant): four lectures are scheduled for fall.

Communications/Website: Boe (Chair), Fleckenstein; there will be some upgrading after elections.

Reports from Liaisons with University committees/organizations:

Campus planning: Hines, Donham: none

FRIC: Shirazi, Valde: Valde's report is attached.

UIRA: Vlastos, Cobb: Greyhawk newsletter was cited, as was site for photo winners.

Research Council: Berman: none

Library: Gilbert, Johnson: none

Faculty Senate/Council: Mitros: Mitros's report is attached.

Hancher: Valde: none

Recreation Services: Donham: none

Senior College: Boe, Donham, Johnson, Mitros, Wanat: cancelled classes will be reoffered for spring; instructors were paid $500; refunds were being made.

Parking and Transportation: Stoner, Boe: Stoner report is attached.

Old Business:

Status of election process and length of terms was taken up above.

Letter of Support to President and Provost has been sent. Thanks to Menninger on this effort.

New Business:

Questions for Provost’s office regarding emeritus reviews and the weight they give our advice. Need to have information on different appointment practices in different colleges and their evolution.

Our regret that we did not have an annual luncheon and  Provost's lecture and look forward to hearing from her in the future

Transition to next year: Fleckenstein will take up role as secretary.  Gilbert asked for information on preferences for committee assignments.

Thank you to Boe, Donham, Johnson, Menninger, Stoner

Very large thank you to Wanat with much applause, emojis and other noise-making.

Next Meeting:   September 8, 2020

Respectfully submitted: Constance Berman

Valde report on FRIC meeting May 2, 2020

Summary

1.Two meetings will be scheduled in September to set new rates.

2.UIHC Specialty Pharmacy gave a presentation. Stated that surveys regarding satisfaction with services were positive. Discussed trends that more specialty drugs will be coming and that they will continue to be more expensive. They will provide an annual report to FRIC.

3. Covid-19 response. New employees will now have online orientation. All plans will cover Telehealth calls with no co-pay during this crisis. Covid-19 testing will be free and so will the vaccine if and when available, and no co-pay for treatment.

Retirement plans: If you or family have Covid-19 and need to take some distribution from Retirement plan or have other issues contact TIAA directly. No employees to date have been furloughed due to Covil-19.

4. As of January 1, 2020 and until December 31, 2020 over the counter drugs and menstrual products are reimbursable without a Dr. prescription. An announcement will be coming.

5. A review of Active Employee death benefits was given.

*  * *

Stoner' report on Parking and Transportation:

            "Due to the major impacts the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on the community, and specifically the University Parking and Transportation Department, we have decided to cancel our Parking and Transportation Charter Committee Meeting scheduled for Friday, April 10^th.  I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope everyone is finding ways to stay safe and well during this uncertain time." 

            "Here is an update from Erin about what their office has been doing the past few weeks:

 

Modified parking assignments for UIHC faculty / staff during this time

Modified CAMBUS routes in response to campus and UIHC needs, with a focus on maintaining social distances on all routes

Removed cash handling from all parking facilities and relying on pay stations

Construction projects continue for the time being

Vanpool continues

I-380 continues and has added peak hours buses to promote social distancing

 * * *

Mitros' report on Faculty Senate Meeting 28 April 2020

Note: Zoom meeting; audio was garbled at times, which interfered with my ability to take notes. There were three major presentations:

1. Next iteration of Campus Climate Survey for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Bria Marcelo): The next survey will be this Fall (September 21 –October 2). The usual timing for the survey (Spring) will return in 2021. Twenty items from the previous survey are kept, with new items added (e.g., dealing with possible bias in hospital treatment)

2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion “Teaser” presentation: Topic –Practicing Pronouns. The presenter, Steven Edwards, spent a fairly long time detailing the reasons why this is important, and giving examples of such pronouns (e.g., Ze, Hir, Hire and they, them, their). He pointed out that use of these pronouns trumps rules of grammar. In large groups, default is to use student names; in one on one, ask student for preference. He said that a handout would be e-mailed to us; it has not yet been received.

3. New Approach to Evaluating Faculty Teaching: Annette Beck and Ken Brown –there is a task force to revise ACE (Assessing the Classroom Environment). The plan is to increase the voice of the students with a caveat as to the necessity of guarding against possible bias in the student's evaluation of TA’s and women who are instructing them.

Note: The winners of the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence and for the Michael J. Brody Awards were announced. There were multiple recipients for each award, but poor audio did not allow me to write down an accurate list.

Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes

 

9:30-11:30, April 6, 2020, Meeting on Zoom

 

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 am by Wanat who thanked Boe for hosting the meeting.

[In compliance with University of Iowa’s closure of buildings due to the coronavirus pandemic, the council met using Zoom technology. University policy may be found at https://coronavirus.uiowa.edu. On March 23, the policy stated: “Buildings are closed to the public….  Those entering buildings should do so only to complete a specific activity or task, such as record a lecture or pick up a book, and then leave.”]

 

Attendance: Berman, Boe, Cobb, Donham, Hines, Fleckenstein, Gilbert, Johnson, Menninger, Mitros, Shirazi, Valde, Vlastos, Wanat.

 

Absent: Stoner.

 

Remembrances:

 

Gilbert Banker, Pharmacy, 2/16/2020

Laura Hart, Nursing, 4/1/2020

 

New Emeritus Faculty:

 

            Stephen Arndt, 7/1/2020, Medicine/Psychiatry

            Wallace Alward, 7/1/2020, Medicine/ Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

            James Amos, 7/1/2020, Medicine/Psychiatry

            Alan Christensen, 7/1/2020, CLAS/Psychological Brain Sciences

            Russell Ciochon, 7/1/2020, CLAS/Anthropology

            Sukumar Ghosh, 7/1/2020, CLAS/Computer Science

            Jan Gratama, 5/15/2020, CLAS/Art and Art History

            Lynne Himmelreich, 3/31/2020, Medicine/Obstetrics/Gynecology

            Surjit Khurana, 2/14/2020, CLAS/Mathematics

            Walter Lawrence, 7/1/2020, Medicine/Surgery

            Linda McCarter, 6/1/2020, Medicine/Microbiology & Immunology

            Patricia Meredith, 12/31/2019, Dentistry/Operative Dentistry

            Jerald Moon, 6/30/2020, CLAS/Communication Sciences & Disorders

            Farlye Nothwehr, 11/2/2020, Public Health/Community Behavioral Health

            Jane Paulsen, 2/29/2020, Medicine/Psychiatry

            Larry Robertson, 3/31/2020 Public Health/Occupational & Environmental Health

            Thomas Schmidt, 7/2/2020, Medicine/Molecular Physiology & Biophysics

            Erwin Shibata, 2/5/2020, Medicine/Internal Medicine

            Frederick Smith, 6/20/2020, CLAS/Religious Studies

            Victoria Steelman, 6/20/2020, Nursing

            John-Mark Stensvaag, 5/15/2020, Law

            Scott Temple, 7/1/2020, Medicine/Psychiatry

            Jon Winet, 6/30/2020, CLAS/Art and Art History

           

March minutes were approved.

 

Report on EFC committee assignments:

 

Elections: Gilbert (Chair), Mitros, Vlastos, Boe (consultant)

Gilbert reported and led discussion on status of candidate selection and timeline for ballots.

Program: Stoner (Chair), Johnson, Wanat, Berman, Fleckenstein

Fleckenstein assured the council that a future meeting and tour of the College of Pharmacy can be arranged in the 2020-2021 academic year when pandemic restrictions are lifted.

Lecture Series: Gilbert (Chair), Gussin (Consultant)

Gilbert reported that two lectures have been postponed for spring semester in compliance with pandemic restrictions. Two lectures remain on the schedule for fall semester.

Communications/Website: Boe (Chair), Fleckenstein

Boe and Fleckenstein presented the newly formatted website. Fleckenstein is assuming duties of chair when Boe’s term on EFC ends.

 

Reports from Liaisons with University committees/organizations:

 

[Most committees have not met, in compliance with University and State of Iowa Covid-19  policies limiting gatherings to 10 people.]

 

Campus planning: Hines, Donham

 

FRIC: Shirazi, Valde

Johnson reported on March 6 meeting. The rollout of UI Select , a low cost program for healthy participants, had limited participation, primarily by young beneficiaries.

 

UIRA: Vlastos, Cobb

UIRA events for spring and summer have been cancelled. Election of officers and fall activities were discussed using the Gray Hawk newsletter as a source of information.

 

Library: Gilbert, Johnson

 

Research Council: Bermann

 

Faculty Senate/Council: Mitros

 

Hancher: Valde

 

Recreation Services: Donham 

Donham gave an overview of this Presidential Committee (see Appendix A).

 

 

Senior College: Boe, Donham, Johnson, Mitros, Wanat

 Boe explained that two courses for spring were cancelled. Future offering of cancelled courses is not known. Fall course schedule is complete.

 

Parking and Transportation: Stoner, Boe

 

Old Business:

Status of election process and length of terms: see Elections committee report.

 

New Business:

Letter of Support to President and Provost: Council approved letter (drafted by Menninger) commending University support of students, faculty, and staff during period of on-line learning and working from home while campus is closed (See Appendix B.)

Emeritus Status Review: Provost request for review of emeritus case was approved. Council will make plans for formal discussion with Associate Provost regarding guidelines to review exceptional emeritus cases.

Transition to next year: Gilbert mentioned searching for secretary.

 

Next Meeting: May 4, 2020 (via Zoom if campus remains closed) 

 

 

Appendix A:

Recreational Services Charter Committee Meeting

Friday, March 6, 2020

11:30am – 12:30pm

 

In attendance:

Charter Committee Members – Isabella Blackman, Kelley Donham, Paul Hanley, Melinda Licht, Gary Pierce, Mallory Stolt, Kelsie Tingle

Recreational Services Staff – Brian Baxter, David Conrads, Michelle Harder, Zane Hugo, Vicki Jaeger, CJ Jason, Mark Johnson, Pat Kutcher, Shea McMurray, Matt Schaefer, Shelley Squier, Erin Sullivan, Chuck Thomas, JT Timmons, Shannon Tumelty, Mallory Valentine, Mike Valentine, Mili Veselinovic

Welcome and Introductions: Kelsie Tingle and Michelle Harder, Senior Associate Director, Recreational Services

AGENDA AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Tennis Program Presentation: Mili Veselinovic, Assistant Tennis ProfessionalTennis Team:

4 Senior/Full Time Staff: Michele Conlon, Fred Pedersen, Calvin Song, Mili Veselinovic

29 Part Time Instructors

26 Front Desk Employees

Tennis Facts:8 indoor courts

6 of our 8 indoor courts are smart courts, which allow video recording

12 outdoor courts

6 tournaments (including smashers)

1 professional tournament

Partnership with Sports and Rec Management to operate the event

Iowa Tennis Association tournament

Over 5000 kids in camps and clinics last summer

85 adult league players each week

25 USTA Adult League meets

20-25 UI Varsity meets

2,000 tennis balls

Tennis Programs:Junior Programs

4 Hawkeye Tennis Academy levels

Group classes

Adult Programs

Cardio tennis

Beginner and Intermediate group instruction

Private Lessons

100+ weekly lessons

Club and Leagues

UI Tennis Club

Diversity and Inclusion:

International Tennis League (ITC)

18 USTA Women’s Tennis Teams

Men’s League

Junior Tennis League

Senior Tennis League 75+

Tennis Programs for youth with special needs

Wheelchair tennis

Outreach and Recruitment:

Junior Tennis: 200 athletes around Iowa

Girls State High School Tournament

High School practices

High School district meets

Youth at Risk summer program

Downtown Block Party

School visits

Challenges:

More indoor court space needed

Pickleball space

Air-conditioning

Question – Do you oversee any other courts on campus?

Mili Veselinovic – No we don’t.

Discussion on COVID-19: JT Timmons, Director, Recreational Services

Coronavirus.uiowa.edu – University is directing all questions to the website

What have we done?

Upcoming travel: LLS courses – spring break

There is no travel ban within US. Recreational Services does not have any bans/restrictions. We will have a liberal cancellation/refund policy.

Sports Clubs Travel

Staff Travel

 National conference- spent time on the phone with NIRSA HQ. Conference is still in plans. They now have a website up with information about travel.

Facilities – digital signage through DSL. Posters, table tents, etc.

Revolution Antibacterial Wipes – demonstrated effective against COVID-19

Discussion with staff- brainstorming session to try to think everything through.

We are taking as many precautions as we can and trying to be proactive and gauge what other campuses are doing. Illinois has been given the okay to reduce hours or shut down if needed. We’ll be having those discussions too.

Question – Can we have more tissues located in the Rec?

Shea McMurray – We’ll walk through our facilities to find locations to add tissues.

Question – Gym wipes are used for hard, non-porous equipment, does it work for mats, seats, etc.?

Brian Baxter – Yes, for their classification, all those items are counted as hard and non-porous.

Question – Could you add more signs around the mats, so people are reminded to clean mats?

JT Timmons – We already have signs out but will work with the staff to remind people to clean the mats.

Question – What about student IDs? Do you have anything to wipe off the student IDs?

JT Timmons – We will encourage the use of our mobile app. We do have hand sanitizer located at all our desk locations.

Question – Sometimes when I workout I notice that the wipe stations are out. Can you be more vigilant about changing wipes?

JT Timmons – Yes we can. Could you also please notify the front desk if wipes are empty.

Men’s Anti-Violence Council (MAC): JT Timmons, Director, Recreational Services

We’ve heard some of our users being uncomfortable in the buildings

People have felt like they have been watched

Design of Field House vs. CRWC - Not an open concept at FH. Open sight lines at CRWC.

We’re going to do a program in April to address some of this.

Weeklong opportunity to educate on what’s appropriate and acceptable.

They will share some of the educational goals of their group. This fits in with our ideas of changing the culture.

We need to consider this when going through the design process.

Question – Mallory, can you talk about the survey regarding inclusivity.

Mallory Valentine – We’ve had 1500 responses. The results show that the 1^st floor of the CRWC does come across as intimidating and can make people uncomfortable.

Update on P & S Searches: Michelle Harder, Senior Associate Director, Recreational Services

Assistant Director, Fitness & Wellness – Drew Ferderer

Assistant Director, Iowa Raptor Project – Ryan Anthony

Assistant Director, Sport Programs – Offer has been made, waiting for response

Assistant Director, Facility Operations – Currently conducting on-campus interviews

Assistant Director, Aquatics – Position has been posted and will close March 13

New Business:

Over 500 students attended Rec After Dark

Rowing Comp and Swim Meets in February

Pow Wow at Field House in April

Discussion with staff on upcoming election – supporting people- patrons, staff, and ourselves

Closing Remarks: Michelle Harder, Senior Associate Director, Recreational Services

Will try to set next meeting for April

 

Appendix B: Letter to President Harreld and Provost Fuentes (sent April 7, 2020)

 

Dear President Harreld and Provost Fuentes:

The Emeritus Faculty Council, on behalf of the University of Iowa Association of Emeritus Faculty, commends the support that the University of Iowa is giving our students, faculty, and staff in these troubling times. Especially, we applaud the flexibility shown in regard to instruction and grading of students, to extension of probationary and tenure clocks of faculty, and to continuation of payments to faculty, staff, and student hourly employees.

Tough times test everyone’s flexibility and generosity. Emeritus faculty are pleased and proud

that our University demonstrates both.

 

 

Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes
9:30-11:30
March 2, 2020, 2520B, UCC

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 am by Wanat.

Attendance: Berman, Boe, Cobb, Donham, Fleckenstein, Gilbert, Johnson, Menninger, Stoner, Wanat, Vlastos

Absent: Hines, Mitros, Shirazi, Valde

Approval of February Minutes: Berman

Motion to turn to New Business first was made and unanimously approved:

New Business:Request for Emeritus Status Review by Provost's Office was discussed and approved. This was followed by discussion of issue more widely.

• Elections: Mitros, Vlastos and Deadlines for EFC elections
• Program: Stoner (Chair), Johnson, Wanat, Berman, Fleckenstein
• Lecture Series: Gilbert (Chair), Gussin (Consultant); March 10 talk by Zebrow
• Communications/Website: Boe (Chair), Fleckenstein (website will be run by Fleckenstein

Reports from Liaisons with University committees/organizations:

• Campus planning: Hines, Donham
• FRIC: Shirazi, Valde
• UIRA: Vlastos, Cobb; UIRA luncheon will be on April 15
• Research Council: Berman
• Library: Gilbert, Johnson, Boe commended special collections. Gilbert report is attached.
• Faculty Senate/Council: Mitros report is attached.
• ancher: Valde
• Recreation Services: Donham
• Senior College: Boe, Donham, Johnson, Mitros, Wanat/li>
• Parking and Transportation: Stoner, Boe

Speaker:

• Joe Bilotta, Director, Campus Master Planning,described Campus Planning as taking information from President, Provost, Student Live, Athletics, and UIHC and bringing them into a common, coordinated plan. He gave us the example of plans for an Iowa River Corridor: Access to that discussion of the plan will be linked on our website

Next Meeting: April 6, 2020 at new Pharmacy building:Instructions have been forwarded to the committee.

Final Meeting of Council:  May 4, 2020

Annual meeting of Emeritus Faculty: Monday May 18, 2010:  10 am to 1 pm.

Appendix A: Mitros's Summary of Faculty Senate Meeting (11 Feb 20)

The meeting started with a moment of silence in memory of Jeff Cox (past Senate president) who had recently died.

The next item was a discussion of the Path Forward Student Success Group by Cornelia Lang, Co-chair of the group. The main purpose of the group is to implement the strategic plan provided by the Provost’s office. The current main thrust is to look at those classes with a large class size, because in such classes there is a high rate of poor student grades (D, F, or W). These range from 10% to 40% of students in these courses, and are closely related to poor retention and graduation rates. Most such classes of this size are in CLAS, and so that has been the center of attention. The students at risk are often minorities and first generation college students. Results are being compared with peer Universities.

The next report was from the HR Retirement Fund Investment Review Update and Catastrophic Review Committee (Jon Garfinkel and Joni Troester).  Catastrophic leave has now been expanded to include 9-month appointees, but some problems remain to be solved (how to generate days since these individuals don’t accumulate vacation time; issues of anonymity).

The next discussion concerned the Blue Light phones and the RAVE app. There are 23 such phones across campus, and they cost $25,00 per year to maintain. Often 2 or 3 are out of service. They were best technology when first installed in the 90s, but concerns have been raised (a person being threatened should not stay at the phone; there are not enough phones to cover the whole campus). A new app (RAVE) was described, and is available to students, faculty, and staff (who have a uiowa e-mail address). Since most individuals have cell phones this allows for easy access to Security anywhere on campus (and allows Security to locate the individual using GPS). Many students have not yet downloaded the app and linked with Security. There is no plan to remove the Blue Light phones currently.

There was a short presentation by a student of a plan to encourage students and their mentors to meet together for meals.

The final presentation was by Brianna Marcelo, the Director of Diversity Resources. She gave a short presentation of how to train faculty to deal with uncomfortable situations. This involved Senators pairing up and going through a role-playing exercise.

Appendix B: Gilbert on Library Committee Meeting, February 6, 2020.

Report on Strategic Planning

Essentially, the Library staff had already started on their own Diversity, Engagement, Inclusivity plan, and then folded that work into the required University Strategic Plan.  Sara Scheib reported on the process that began in September 2019, with weekly meetings, two different listening posts (Main Library and Hardin Library), and a student survey.  The draft strategic plan has been submitted to the Provost’s office, will get feedback, and will then be shared with the library staff for another round of discussions and listening posts.   The final version should be done in early May.

Library recognition of CLAS promotion and tenure.

For some time, the Library has recognized CLAS faculty on promotion and tenure by giving the faculty member a chance to recommend a book for the library which is then added to the collection and which contains a special bookplate.   John Culshaw raised several problems, namely that this process is limited to one college and the question of costs (a faculty member can ask for a book that costs up to $400, and then there are costs associated with cataloging).   After some discussion, the committee agreed that perhaps this recognition should be extended to all colleges, but in a less expensive form.   Culshaw will consult with Acquisitions and Cataloging to see whether something like a digital bookplate, recognizing the achievement, but not actually buying more books, might be possible.

The committee then moved to the Exhibition Gallery to see the latest exhibition, “The Pull of Horses.”

Submitted by Miriam Gilbert

Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes
9:30 - 11:00 AM, 
February 3, 2020, 2530B UCC.

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM by Wanat.

Attendance: Berman, Boe, Cobb, Donham, Fleckenstein, Gilbert, Johnson, Menninger, Stoner, Wanat , Vlastos

Absent: Hines, Mitros, Shirazi, Valde

Remembrances: Chong Lim Kim, CLAS, 6/25/2019; Jonathan Cryer, CLAS, 12/11/2019; Gerhard Loewenberg, CLAS, 12/28/2019

New Emeritus Faculty:

Timothy Brennan, Medicine, 6/1/2109
Susan Birrell, CLAS, 12/20/2019
Jill Cawiezell, Nursing, 1/1/2020
Robert Cook, CLAS, 1/1/2020
William Eichinger, Engineering, 12/20/2019
Lawrence Fritts, CLAS, 7/1/2019
Lauren Rabinovitz, CLAS, 12/31/2019
Alvin Snider, CLAS, 6/30/2019
Jinhu Xiong, Engineering, 6/30/2019
Bernd Fritzsch, CLAS, Biology, 1/1/2020
Michel Laronde, CLAS, French & Italian, 1/1/2020
Nicole Peterson, Nursing, 1/1/2020
Erwin Shibata, Medicine, 2/4/2020
Leslie Schrier, Education, 12/21/2019

December Minutes approved.

Speaker: Erin Shane, Associate Director, Parking and Transportation.
          She presented from power-point in Appendix A.  We were impressed by her excellent work in running this division.

Report on EFC committee assignments:

· Elections: Mitros, Vlastos

· Program: Stoner (Chair), Johnson, Wanat, Berman, Fleckenstein

· Lecture Series: Gilbert (Chair), Gussin (Consultant)

· Communications/Website: Boe (Chair), Fleckenstein

Reports from Liaisons with University committees/organizations:

· Campus planning: Hines, Donham

· FRIC: Shirazi, Valde

· UIRA: Vlastos, Cobb. Cobb reported that UIRA seeks officers for President Elect, Secretary and Treasurer.   

· Research Council: Berman. Berman reported considerable discussion at Research Council December meeting on changes in Operations manual regarding research and at January meeting on Strategic Planning.

· Library: Gilbert, Johnson:  Gilbert's report is attached as Appendix B.

· Faculty Senate/Council: Mitros

· Hancher: Valde

· Recreation Services: Donham.  Donham's report is attached as Appendix C.

· Senior College: Boe, Donham, Johnson, Mitros, Wanat

· Parking and Transportation: Stoner, Boe

New Business:

We were informed of the upcoming retirement of Evalyn Van Allen-Shalash (our administrative assistant in the Provost's office).

We were informed of publication of a book on Dr. Ignatio Ponseti, by Thomas M. Cook entitled Clubfoot; The Quest for a Better Life for Millions of Children. We congratulate Dr. Cook.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am.

Next Meeting: March 2, 2020

Respectfully submitted,

 

Constance Berman, Secretary

 

 

Appendix A:  Outline of Report on Parking and Transportation by Erin Shane, Associate Director of Parking and Transportation  (from her power-point slide.

Current Projects:

Lot 2 changes will result in considerably fewer places.

Parking Master Plan: includes consideration of E-vehicles and charging places.

Transit Study in coordination with city administration:

          •https://transportation.uiowa.edu/transit-study-2019-2020

UIHC Free Patient Parking at UIHC has been instituted and seems to be doing well:

          •https://transportation.uiowa.edu/news-patients-and patient-visitors-parking-ui-hospitals clinics

          •https://transportation.uiowa.edu/university-hospitals-and-clinics-parking

 

Questions from the Council focused on Emeritus Faulty Parking, problems about Library and Museum Parking.

 

Appendix B. Report on Library Committee Meeting, December 6, 2019

The meeting focused primarily on two issues.

 

Questions raised by Shelby Strommer,  co-chair of the Library’s  planning group,

for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA), in accordance with the University’s strategic planning process.   Ms. Strommer asked the committee to function, in effect, as a focus group, dealing with the following issues:

 

 Strengths:  What are the current strengths of the library, the campus, and community that could help advance the institution’s agenda in DEIA?  (Where are there opportunities to build out existing strengths?)

Challenges:   What are the major threats to success in the libraries in advancing DEIA?   (Again these could be internal to the library, at a campus-level, or community-wide).   Where are there opportunities to change those threats into opportunities?

Opportunities:   Where is there the most need and the best opportunities for the libraries to advance campus-level DEIA efforts?   On what specific actions/programs should the library focus in the next 3-5 years?   How will the libraries know they are succeeding?

 

Clearly these are large questions, and the answers ranged from very specific to quite general.   Strengths cited included the library’s outreach programs, the responsiveness to particular issues, the diverse collections, and the next exhibit space.   Challenges almost always took the conversation back to funding!  

 

Paul Soderdahl, Associate University Librarian, presented a Powerpoint on Esploro, a computer program (from Ex Libris) which aims “to create a comprehensive catalog of all publications emanating from The University of Iowa.”   This work is particularly relevant to faculty preparation of the annual Academic Performance Report (APR), a task that many faculty members find difficult.  The idea is to use the technology already available to create a database that will pull together information more clearly and allow faculty to more easily input information (and to then get that information for the APR).  The project is underway and Paul Soderdahl indicated that he hopes it will be released in 2020; faculty researchers will be able to self-deposit information, opt-in to enable a public-facing profile, and to opt-in for two-way ORCID integration. The ORCID initiative focuses on solving the name ambiguity problem by creating persistent unique identifiers and linking mechanisms between different ID schemes and research objects; the acronym means Open Researcher and Contributor ID.

 

There was brief mention of the ongoing negotiations with Elsevier Publishing (or the Elsevier dance) as the library gets proposals, makes a counter-proposal, and, in general, is trying to get the best deal possible for the journal subscriptions.

Submitted by Miriam Gilbert

 

Appendix C. Report on Recreational Services Committee- January 31, 2020

 

The Recreational Services Committee (REC) is one of several “Presidential Charter Committees” listed in the operations manual.  REC provides for mutual governance, communication, and advice to the UI president and staff.

 

Staff reported on activities, which included participants in various programs – e.g.

Group Fitness 8,100

Various classes 4,300

Recreational Services includes the following facilities:

CRWC

Field House

McBride outdoor facility and the Raptor Center

Outdoor equipment rental center

All workout facilities in the various dorms

U.I. Rec Services has most active use following only Ohio State in the Big Ten Conference

Two apps were presented to connect to recreational services:

 https://recserv.uiowa.edu/member-services/plyo-app,

 https://recserv.uiowa.edu/RecServApp

Fees

Student fees = circa $300 per year

U.I. affiliates = circa $400 per year

Fees run, maintain, and pay interest on bonds for the buildings

 

Submitted by Kelley Donham