Members of the Faculty Senate of Metropolitan State University of Denver met Oct. 16 and heard several first and second reads on proposals as well as an update on Academic Affairs strategic planning.
Provost updates on Academic Affairs strategic planning:
Provost Laura Niesen de Abruña presented an update on the Academic Affairs strategic-planning process, highlighting its alignment with the University’s 2030 Strategic Plan. This process aims to expand specific strategies under Pillar II, Student-Centered Academic Excellence, and will involve gathering input from faculty, staff and community members and students.
Voting outcomes and discussions:
Several second reads and votes took place during the meeting:
- A proposal to change the global diversity waiver for military service was approved.
- A proposal to lower the minimum GPA for the Associate of General Studies degree to 1.7 failed to pass.
- A proposal to adjust the academic-performance requirements at graduation for graduate degrees was withdrawn for further revision.
- A change to the composition of the Grade Review Committee, adding a nonvoting graduate-studies member, was approved.
Two first reads also took place:
- Time limit on degree completion for graduate degrees.
- Elimination of pass/fail-only restriction on Universitywide graduate courses.
Announcements and upcoming events:
Senators were reminded of the Faculty Excellence Awards application deadline and the importance of attending the upcoming strategic-plan stakeholder meeting. Opportunities to volunteer as graduation marshals for the December Commencement ceremony were also emphasized, along with a call to fill committee vacancies.
The meeting underscored ongoing efforts to integrate faculty feedback into strategic initiatives and address critical policy updates affecting students and academic programs.
