Nov. 10, 2011

Senate approves new professorship

by Erin Rosacker

A third career achievement designation, intended to honor faculty who excel at teaching and learning, was approved at the Nov. 8 Faculty Senate meeting.

A maximum of five faculty could be selected as Morrill Professors annually. Like the Distinguished and University professors, Morrill Professors receive an increase in their base pay and carry the title during their Iowa State career.

"This is to establish a career achievement designation similar to the Distinguished Professor -- to value the educational and learning aspects of our faculty," said Steve Freeman, senate president.

Morrill Professorships recognize faculty who demonstrate excellence in:

  • scholarship of teaching and learning
  • effective facilitation of learning
  • involvement (activities, recognition)
  • innovations
  • service
  • implementation of teaching philosophy, goals

Faculty honored as Morrill Professors become members of the new Morrill Academy for Teaching and Learning. The academy will partner with the colleges, CELT (Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching) and other on- and off-campus constituencies interested in educational initiatives.

Other business

Senators also approved:

  • A new bachelor of science degree in athletic training, housed in the kinesiology department
  • Discontinuation of the undergraduate major in insect science

A proposed minor in U.S. Latino/a studies was introduced and will be voted on at the December meeting. Suzanne Hendrich, chair of the academic affairs council, said it would be a stand-alone degree program, not associated with a major.

"We hope that this minor is timely and adds to the liberal arts education of our students and their ability to be culturally competent in all their different professions," said Loreto Prieto, director of Latino/a studies.

Changes to language in section 2.6 of the Faculty Handbook -- and a proposed amendment to the changes -- also are being considered for a possible vote in December. Freeman said the changes would clarify current practices and policies dealing with governance documents for different faculty groups.