From: Craig Turner <craig.turner@gcsu.edu>
To: Sandra Jordan <sandra.jordan@gcsu.edu>
CC: "fapc@list.gcsu.edu" <fapc@list.gcsu.edu>
Sender: "fapc@list.gcsu.edu" <fapc@list.gcsu.edu>
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:15:58 -0500
Subject: FAPC: Advisory to Provost on Student Opinion Surveys

Provost Jordan,

1.  Issue
     a.  At the 4 February 2011 FAPC meeting, the committee deliberation of "Student Opinion Surveys (Participation Rates)" continued.
     b.  In particular, consideration of the following motion continued. 
FAPC Motion 1 (3 Dec 2010): To recommend that Student Opinion Surveys be administered to all classes with ten or more students.

2.  History   As you likely recall, a brief history of this motion is
a. 3 Dec 2010 FAPC meeting:  made, seconded and approved directing FAPC Chair to take to ECUS for steering
b. 21 Jan 2011 joint meeting of ECUS and Standing Committee Chairs: FAPC Chair requests that ECUS steer motion
c. 21 Jan 2011 joint meeting of ECUS and Standing Committee Chairs: ECUS steers motion back to FAPC
d. 4 Feb 2011 FAPC meeting: FAPC deliberation continues.
e. A more detailed history of this matter is available as item 5 of the 31 Jan 2011 FAPC report to the University Senate.
  http://info.gcsu.edu/intranet/univ_senate/SCs2010-2011/FAPC/FAPCReport_2011-01-31.pdf

3. Committee action at 4 Feb 2011 FAPC meeting:
Exercising its advisory function, the committee charged me (as committee chair) to forward the motion [FAPC Motion 1 (3 Dec 2010): To recommend that Student Opinion Surveys be administered to all classes with ten or more students.] to you for consideration. 

4. Contextual observations:
a.  My impression is that this motion is being sent to you with the understanding that you may choose to inform your consideration to implement this motion with further guidance from those you deem appropriate including seeking further guidance from FAPC. 
b.  The Faculty Affairs Policy Committee is considering separately the matter of the use of student opinion surveys for faculty evaluation.  A motion regarding the use of all student opinion surveys for faculty evaluation (rather than the current practice of selecting two per semester with one selected by the faculty member and one selected by the chair) was made at the 4 Feb 2011 committee meeting but its consideration was postponed to the 4 Mar 2011 FAPC meeting to allow FAPC members to inform committee deliberation with consultation with their constituencies.  Motion 1 (4 Feb 2011) with committee consideration postponed to 4 March 2011 meeting To recommend to the Provost that all student opinion survey results be used for faculty performance evaluation purposes.

5. Let me know if you require additional information or clarification of this matter.

Craig