Hatch addresses Faculty Senate concerns
Erin Piroutek
Associate News Editor
Two weeks ago, the Faculty Senate passed several resolutions proposing du Lac policy changes and forwarded them to the co-chairs of the newly formed Academic and Student Life Advisory Council, (ASLAC) Provost Nathan Hatch and Vice President for Student Affairs Mark Poorman. Yesterday, Hatch addressed the Senate and fielded questions about the mission of the newly formed ASLAC and specific actions that he would undertake as co-chair It was his first visit to the senate since the formation of the ASLAC.
Hatch said they hope to promote activities that encourage students to spend more of their "discretionary" time in intellectual inquiry. He noted one way is to improve the intellectual environment in residence halls, citing the example of presidential candidate Bill Bradley having dinner in Sorin and discussing political issues with hall residents.
Hatch noted the need for more dialogue between rectors, faculty and administrators about students. On Feb. 26, the University plans to bring together all deans, assistant deans and rectors to encourage the sharing of "what rectors wish faculty knew about students" and "what faculty wish rectors knew about students."
Hatch did not give definitive answers to the resolutions regarding du Lac passed by the senate at their Jan. 24 meeting. Specifically, the senate had requested that a committee of elected faculty representatives from the Faculty Senate and the ACASL. The committee would identify du Lac passages which they feel need revised to protect the academic freedoms of students as individuals and as members of student associations.
"I don't see [the proposed committee] supplanting the CLC in this regard," said Hatch, explaining it would be unduly confusing to have another committee.
Another resolution asked for reconciliation of a discrepancy between the academic freedom granted faculty and students in the "Academic Articles" of Notre Dame and academic freedom granted to students in du Lac.
"It's the kind of issue that should be taken up," said Hatch, but said he would not comment on whether he would endorse the proposal to revise du Lac.
"I have to study it," said Hatch.
Following the address, philosophy professor Ed Manier expressed frustration about Hatch's response.
"That answer from my perspective is disappointing," said Manier. "We've got to give student the same right of inquiry in student organizations as they get in the classroom."
Hatch also answered questions regarding benefits to domestic partners, diversity issues and Ex Corde.
"I do not believe the University will be extending benefits for domestic partners, either heterosexual or homosexual," said Hatch.
Hatch cited statistics that illustrate the small gains in faculty diversity. The number of female faculty increased from 17 to 21 percent in the past four years. The percentage of minority professors, excluding non-resident aliens, increased from 12 to 13 percent.
"The progress continues, although not at the rate I wish it was," said Hatch. He said that plans are underway for forming a discrete office to handle issues of affirmative action and diversity.
Hatch also noted that he sees hiring faculty appropriate to the University's Catholic mission as an extremely vital issue.
He was subsequently questioned about the University's response to the expected June approval of Ex Corde, a document originally issued by Pope John Paul II on the role of Catholic Universities.
"I think Notre Dame will continue to do what we currently are doing," said Hatch, noting that the University works very hard internally on fulfilling its mission as a Catholic University. He said Notre Dame has a strong commitment to academic freedom.
"I don't see any change with respect to how we treat theologians or other faculty," he said.
Prior to Hatch's address, the senate approved a memorial resolution honoring Arthur Quigley, emeritus professor of electrical engineering.
All News Stories for Wednesday, February 7, 2001
