In that the FSU Faculty Senate does not meet between April and September, there is very little to report. The Senate Steering Committee does continue to meet, at least during the first six weeks of Summer, and as often there have been some developments.
The new Academic Honor Code Policy has finally passed into rule and will be implemented from this Fall. The new policy is much more explicit about violations, procedures, and penalties, and if all instructors cooperate it should be a marked improvement. In particular, it will no longer be possible for miscreants to claim ‘first offence’ multiple times.
A new grade appeals process has been approved by the steering committee and should also be implemented this Fall. It streamlines the process somewhat, cutting out one layer of unnecessary administrative review.
For the first time in common memory, the University held a convocation for new students the Sunday before orientation week. It was surprisingly well attended, and has received generally positive reviews from many of those present. It included among other things the new students all reciting aloud the academic honor pledge!
The urgency and priority the administration felt warranted in responding to the NCAA’s proposed ban on the Seminole nickname and symbols has generated some unhappiness and unease among faculty, and this may become an issue this Fall.
The UFF and the University have agreed contract terms; assuming the new contract is ratified in a few weeks’ time, the University will then resume work on revision of the Faculty Handbook, which the Senate has been closely involved in and which is long overdue.
The administration’s ‘rebranding’ initiative, which has involved some revision to details of things like the University’s seal, continues to be somewhat controversial.