November 23, 1993

CEFO Minutes
(J. Carter, Secretary)

M I N U T E S

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING FACULTY ORGANIZATION Special Meeting to Discuss Sexual Harassment Conflict of Interest, and Conflict of Commitment Tuesday, November 23, 1993 @ 12:30 PM Friday Building, Room 17

Dr. Rafic Makki opened the meeting at 12:34 PM. The following signed the attendance sheet:

COLLEGE OF ENGR: R. Snyder. COMPUTER SCIENCE: G. Revesz, R. Lejk, M. Allen, B. Chu, J. Frazier, M. Hadzikadic, J. Long, Z. Michalewicz, T. Mostafavi, Z. Ras, R. Shaw, K. Subramanian, B. Wilkinson, J. Xiao. ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY: E. Braun, F. Auchey, B. Barry, N. Byars, J. Carter, J. Chaffin, M. Kocak, R. Lollar, T. Owen, J. Patten, R. Priebe, W. Routt, W. Shelnutt, D. Smith, E. Willis. CIVIL ENGINEERING: L. King, J. Evett, J. Graham, D. Hanks, H. Hilger, G. Murgel, I. Runge, J. Wu, D. Young. MECHANICAL ENGR & ENGR SCIENCE: S. Barrister, I. Bodur, R. Dubler, H. Estrada, W. Guice, J. Hill, R. Hocken, R. Kim, W. Milheim, G. Mohanty, S. Patterson, J. Raja, S. Smith, R. Wilhelm. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: F. Tranjan, S. Bobbio, R. Coleman, Y. Kakad, F. Kiamilev, V. Lukic, R. Makki, M. Miri, S. Simanapalli, W. Smith. CAMERON A.R.C.: H. Leamy, T. Rufty. ENGR RES & IND DEVMT: J. Roblin. COMPUTING SVCS & LABS: R. Wolny. GUESTS: Terry Cummings. Total documented attendance: 68.

I. Approval of Sept. 28 Minutes. Passed.

II. Motion to change the agenda, placing the Dean’s comments to follow the discussion on sexual harassment. Passed.

III. Overview of Sexual Harassment. T. Cummings. The following is some of the commentary made by Terry Cummings while describing the handout, “Sexual Harassment, Education and Awareness”.

The campus does not discriminate and sexual harassment is a form of discrimination. The purpose of the discussion is to reaffirm the campus position that sexual harassment will not be tolerated; to promote the prevention of sexual harassment; to examine definitions and behaviors, to determine what you can do as a victim.

Sexual harassment is about power, the desire of one to exert power over another. Sexism and chauvinism are attitudes which translate into behaviors which are a form of unlawful discrimination. There are two laws: Title-7, 1964 Civil Rights Act, prohibits discrimination as it applies to employment. Title-9, 1972 Educational Amendments applies to UNCC as it receives financial assistance from the government.

Harassment takes many forms, including Quid-pro-quo: something for something. In our environment this could include favors in return for grades. Hostile environment. Subtle to outrageous behaviors that are abusive to an individual and are of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is determined by frequency, severity, and impact. It is not based on the intent of the sender, but on the impact of the receiver.

The faculty must take positive steps to sensitize those in their area of management responsibility. Steps must be taken to address instances of sexual harassment. Students can be assisted or referred to another organization. If allegations are against students, referral should be made to the Dean of Students. If a co-worker, the department chair or dean should be contacted. If administration, the Compliance Administrator (Doris McLaughlin) should be contacted. As a recipient of sexual harassment, report to the department chair or dean. The complaint should be addressed by the faculty grievance committee. New rules are being formed which require a report to the Compliance Administrator or the Vice Chancellor.

IV. Dean’s Comments About a half-dozen cases of sexual harassment have been brought wince his term as dean. Usually the professor was not aware of the activity, but not always.

Final exams are required, and are to begin at the time scheduled.

5. Conflict of Interest, Conflict of Commitment. H. Leamy. Academic freedom. Truth and its pursuit, and the knowledge that comes from it takes primary importance in academics. We experience some privileges from academic freedom. We disdain activities which are contrary to academic freedom. Historically educators took an “oath of poverty” in exchange for this freedom. In late years much money has been pumped into education giving an opportunity for a compromise of this oath. Faculty have been known to distort results and show inappropriate behavior now that money is an issue. The result is an impediment to truth. Faculty are expected to devote their primary loyalty to teaching, research, and service within the context of their contracted University responsibilities. External activities must not interfere with the primacy of these interests. The new policy refers to financial conflicts, where income can motivate a compromise on ethics or judgment.

Manage conflict instead of prohibit it. The purpose is to comply with existing guidelines, not to control behavior. There is no effort to impede professional, ethical conduct.

Motion to adjourn at 1:52 PM.