In my previous article in the Press, I outlined the functions and purposes of the University Senate, the principal body for academic governance on the campus. Since that article appeared, I am pleased to report that we have received from Polity the appointments of nine undergraduate students to positions as University Senators for the 1998-9 academic year. These undergraduate student Senators are Anthony Cavaco, Cindy Ceglowski, Nicole Daniel, Tajia Haynes, Matt Johnston, Eric Mariuma, Lisa Rodriguez, Frank Santangelo and Heather Schmitt. We have also been able to appoint undergraduate student members to many Senate committees, especially the Student Life Committee.
Vacancies remain unfilled on several committees, however.
The Senate, at its November meeting, with student Senators actively participating, debated and passed some important legislation which will impact many students' academic careers. This regulation replaces the rather complicated current system, which depends on both semester GPA and number of credits completed, with a sliding scale allowing lower grades for freshmen and sophomores. The Senate also adopted a graduated policy for dealing with students who do not come up to the standard, with some students being urged to consult an advisor, some being required to obtain an advisor's approval of their subsequent registrations, some being placed on probation, some suspended, and some dismissed. The process for petitioning a waiver of suspension or dismissal will be streamlined, and tight deadlines for appeals will be maintained. The intent here is to assure that students in academic trouble confront the reality of their situations, and take steps to remedy them.