[Approved March 24, 2006]

Minutes of the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate

March 14, 2006

St. Joseph Hall 325; 1:00 PM

Present: D. Biers (presiding), P. Johnson, J. O’Gorman, R. Penno

Guest: D. Bickford

In accordance with the decision at the meeting of the Academic Senate on March 10, 2006, a special meeting of the Executive Committee was called to discuss the scheduling of Convocation for Fall 2006. Because of the urgency to resolve this issue, the meeting was called during Spring Break, and there was not a quorum present. Those present agreed that they could review the possible choices with D. Bickford and make a recommendation on behalf of the Executive Committee.

The group reviewed three possibilities that D. Bickford had proposed for scheduling Convocation: 1:00 PM Saturday, August 19; 8:00 AM Monday, August 21; or 9:00 AM Monday, August 21. In addition, a suggestion had been put forward to have 8:00 and 9:00 classes meet on August 21, but shorten each and hold Convocation from 8:30 to 9:30. The group discussed the merits and problems with all of the suggestions and again reviewed the orientation schedule. It was decided that Sunday morning, August 20, at 10:00 AM was the best time. This does not entail the canceling or shortening of any classes. It is at the least warm time of day for the facility. Faculty are accustomed to coming to graduation on a Sunday morning and will, in all likelihood, be willing to do the same for Convocation. Students and faculty wishing to attend mass on campus can do so at either noon or 6:00 PM. D. Bickford agreed and will take this to the sub-team of the First Year Team that is working on orientation for confirmation.

Those present agreed that it was important that this be confirmed soon and that information be promulgated to the faculty by the Provost prior to the end of the current academic term.

Respectfully Submitted,

Patricia A. Johnson

Secretary