Faculty Council Minutes

(1) Minutes (Feb. 26): The minutes were approved
as written.

(2) Proposal for Maternity and Parental Leaves Policy
Changes, Faculty Policy No. 204-97 (Braam): Council
discussed the proposal for maternity and parental leaves
policy changes, presented by Braam. The following motion
was made:

“The Council should forward their proposed recommendations
for Policy 204-97 (In cases of childbirth, 12 weeks of paid
leave for the mother and 3 weeks of paid leave for the nonprimary
care giver. In cases of adoption, 6 weeks of paid leave
for the primary care giver and 3 weeks of paid leave for
the nonprimary care giver) to the Benefits Committee for
their comments.” (vote, 11 yeas and 1 abstention)

(3) New Business:
(A) The Rice Thresher article, Friday, March 15, 2002,
issue (Patten): Council discussed the items in the “Misclass”
section of the Rice Thresher’s March 15, 2002, issue,
and a draft of a “Letter to the Editors” from
the members. The following motion was made:

“The Council should sign the letter and send it to
the editors of the Rice Thresher.” (vote, unanimous)

(B) Commencement Program: Council considered student
graduation concerns and the necessity of having the General
Counsel present in the next faculty meeting, March 27, to
provide guidance regarding the legal issues involved in
those matters. The following motion was made:

“The Council should present those issues at the Faculty
Meeting on March 27.” (vote, 10 yeas and 2 abstentions)