This policy indicates that before any steps can be taken, discussion must be held with students before approval by the dean. Another senator said that when this policy was made available to his constituents, they uniformly responded that it would unfairly penalize part-time students. The University has a responsibility to respond to all students, not just those who want to graduate in a timely manner. The incentives being offered for full-time students are excellent, but item 3 concerns students since the possibility still exists to exclude students. The University has a responsibility to the citizens of the state to provide education to everyone who qualifies for education, but this policy excludes some students.
Many students of color feel that they are being recognized and then marginalized.
Vice Provost Swan responded that many people objected to the first draft of this policy. It was then revised to what it is before the Assembly today. Feelings from the first draft might be carrying over to this new draft. For students who disagree with item 3, they should amend the policy to strike the item from the document rather than not vote for the entire policy. It has not, but based on broader feedback, the concern is with graduation rates.