I very much appreciate the report's concerns with excellence--among the faculty and students and in the curriculum. However, I am concerned about some of the detail that was included. I was involved with the development of the new general education program for eight years. And the faculty efforts in that process created what I consider a wonderful program. So, I was sorry to see the statement quoting a faculty member saying that the program has "whiffs of political correctness." I can assure you these concerns were noted and debated in the development process and will continue to be addressed as we implement and evaluate the program. Making an issue of "political correctness," however, seems to reflect a negative attitude toward diversity issues in general. As this campus continues to pursue its commitment to diversity, I hope we won't be encumbered with such notions.
I need to say something about governance, also. As I have observed before, it is difficult to speak (as I must) not merely as a member of the Academic Senate, but as its chair. I could both support and take issue with the comments and recommendations that the report offers. The two campus committees looking into governance will be able to address the recommendations from both a philosophical and a practical basis. I will, however, enthusiastically support that "the Board initiate a process that will address these issues." And I am eager to work with you and others on campus to deal with the issues. I offer my services and those of the Senate to that end.
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