Thursday
October 2, 2003
2:00 p.m.
MA 211K

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

PRESENT 
Tony Allred, Michelle Heward, Sue Harley, Becky Johns, Diane Kawamura, Wade Kotter, Diane Krantz, Kathleen Lukken, Laura MacLeod, Molly Smith, Kay Brown - Secretary

EXCUSED 
Ann Millner

COMPLAINT 
The Executive Committee met to discuss a complaint filed by three faculty members. The complaint was sent to Michelle Heward.

The complaint concerned a faculty member who is alleged to have obtained a degree from an improper source.

PPM 9-11 was reviewed. Excerpts from PPM 9-11 are listed below.

A. Initial Action Following Receipt of Complaint

On many occasions individuals or groups present informal complaints to responsible administrator(s) of the University. Responsible administrators, upon hearing such complaint(s), shall in their administrative positions determine whether the complaint merits further action or investigation. In order to obtain additional information concerning the complaint, the responsible administrator may take such actions as the following:

1. Discussion with the respondent to obtain additional information

2. Informal fact finding by the responsible administrator

3. The appointment of a task force (panel, investigative team)

B. Preliminary Investigation

1. Most matters are routinely handled between administrators, accusers and respondents. Occasionally, however, there is need for investigation of charges of failure of an individual to exercise reasonable care in compliance with standards of professional behavior (see PPMs 9-3 through 9-8). The purpose of the preliminary investigation discussed herein is to determine whether a complaint merits further action . . .

C. Informal Conciliatory Meeting

1. As soon as the responsible administrator has determined that sufficient information is available, a meeting shall be held with the respondent. The attendance of the administrative officer and the accuser are optional, but either or both should be in attendance if requested by anyone involved. An agreement or settlement at this level may preclude the filing of a formal charge. If a formal charge is not filed, the issue is deemed to be settled. The proceedings of this investigation may result in one of the following dispositions:

2. Dismissal of the complaint, if acceptable to both the respondent and the accuser.

3. Determination that the complaint is valid and a formulation of an administrative disposition which is acceptable to the responsible administrator, the respondent and the accuser. The administrative disposition shall be limited to those disciplinary actions contained in PPM 9-14, Disciplinary Actions, Section A.

4. Determination that the complaint warrants the filing of a formal charge.

Concern regarding the integrity and reputation of the faculty and university was expressed, should the allegations be found to be true. Executive Committee members were in agreement, however, that the specific relief requested in the complaint fell beyond their purview. As the Executive Committee discussed the allegations and appropriate action, concern over preservation of the due process rights of the accused were expressed. Action to investigate this matter should lead to resolution of the immediate complaint, but policy review will be discussed as this case continues.

Michelle Heward will respond to the three faculty members issuing the complaint regarding appropriate procedure, and forward materials to the accused. The complaint and accompanying materials will also be sent to Jim Jacobs, Chair of the Faculty Board of Review, Dean Warren Hill, Keith Allred, Department Chair, Kathleen Lukken, and President Millner.

ADJOURN 
The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.