Approval of Minutes

Professor Stephen Strand requested the following amendment be made to the Council minutes of January 12, 1999, on the third page, at the end of the first paragraph in the Section entitled Reaccreditation Report: Professor Strand requested that the process used this year in preparing for the site visit be re-examined, and suggested beginning with a comparison of the process used this year with the one used ten years ago.

The minutes were then approved in a voice vote without dissent.

Presidents Report

Dean Elizabeth McKinsey began by inviting Dean Mark Govoni to address the appearance of hate speech aimed against students of color on the morning of Sunday, February 7. The graffiti on fifth Watson was the third reported incident, demonstrating a chronic pattern of hate speech aimed towards different groups. Although residence halls are locked, all students, prospective students, visitors, as well as those who wait by the doors, have access to the buildings; therefore conclusions as to the perpetrators can not be drawn. A note to students explaining the incident had been distributed via campus mail. Student Kelly Knutsen informed the Council that the senate would also be distributing a letter. Dean McKinsey stated she would open the Wednesday all-school forum on hate speech, as well as distribute a follow-up letter. Professor Deborah Appleman suggested the letter should not be a final note to ease the incident, but should encourage continued dialogue. Dean McKinsey noted the current review of the Recognition and Affirmation of Difference graduation requirement by the ECC might be one channel of continuing dialogue.

Dean McKinsey informed the Council that Howard Kushlan was elected president of the Carleton Student Association for 1999-2000. He had previously served as vice president.

Dean McKinsey conveyed her thanks to all those who made the Board of Trustee meeting a success. The Trustees discussed two major issues: financial aid and the reaccreditation report. AFAC delivered a status report on changes in aid policies nationwide as compared to Carletons policies, and on options being considered by the College. The discussion of the reaccreditation report raised questions concerning governance, new faculty orientation, student opportunities for leadership, as well as the Colleges ability to deal with contentious issues. Although the trustee discussion was constructive, the Board was disappointed in the report. The Board also approved the recommendations for tenured faculty appointments to: Sharon Atsuko Akimoto, Dept. of Psychology; David G. Alberg, Dept. of Chemistry; Adeeb Khalid, Dept. of History; David McCallum, Dept. of Philosophy.

In closing, Dean McKinsey noted that the Campus Planning meeting originally slotted for February 16 has been postponed until February 23. It will take place in Olin 149 at 7:30 p.m.

Academic Calendar Change for 1999-2000

Dean McKinsey informed the Council that the Academic calendar for 1999-2000 has been changed to allow for the beginning of Winter Term classes on January 5 rather than January 3. This change will allow students to avoid travelling on the days immediately following the turn of the millennium and any problems caused by the millennium bug. To accommodate the change, Spring Break will be shortened by two days.

Budget Update

Dean Stephen Kelly reviewed the current budget model with the Council. (Attached please find Budget Overview.) He noted a $254,000 projected surplus for the current year, some of which is already committed to various needs (e.g. Y2K contingencies for computers in academic departments, wages for the increased hours at the Library, admissions initiatives). Dean Kelly noted there are currently 1724 students on campus and thus a change was in the student-count budget base from 1710 students to 1715. A budget for 1710 students would hamstring department budgets since the financial aid budget is calculated on the actual numbe rof stucdents enrolled. Increasing the student count by five students for the next year would allow the money to go directly to the operating budget rather than accumulating as a surplus next year. After 1999-2000, the budget plan would return to 1710 students.

Dean Kelly highlighted other budget items and issues. The Alumni Annual Fund is approaching its 10% goal. The College has full student employment, meaning currently there are student work positions available for every student who wants one. The cost of the meal plans will increase with the planned implementation of the fourteen-meal plan, the addition of a snack bar option, and the option of students carrying over or sharing meals. The new dining hall will be more expensive to build than originally planned. Another project under consideration is the Lake Project: dredging of Lyman Lakes and renovation of bridges and areas upstream. Dean Kelly invited the Council members to approach the Budget Committee members with questions at any time.

Professor Stephen Strand suggested the Council engage in broader discussions as decisions are made on meal plans, housing, parking, etc., as these issues impact student life as well as Carletons values.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:42 p.m.