Memorandum:

To: Professor Gary Pickett, Chair, Faculty Senate

From: Dr. Philip E. Mancha, Vice President, Teaching & Learning

Subject: Request to comment on workload proposal

Date: October 8, 1998

Attached is a draft of a workload proposal for which I am seeking the Senate's input and comment.

I am submitting this proposal at this time for several reasons.

First, the present workload policy does not meet the current needs. We have new delivery systems that don't really fit into the present workload policy. For example, teaching in the Evening/Weekend College is not really consistent with the first sentence of the current policy. I have attempted to build my draft proposal around the current policy while attempting to adapt to contemporary needs.

Second, the present workload policy permits inequalities of workload to exist among faculty. I believe that there should be demonstrated equity on this matter and I have attempted to correct this problem in this proposal.

Third, I believe that Northern must make a more focused commitment to academic advising. Furthermore, I believe that academic advising is an essential responsibility of the full-time faculty and that advising should be a planned part of a faculty member's workload. I have attempted to retain some options, however.

Fourth, I have placed some limits on the maximum workload for full-time faculty. I did so largely because I felt that I had to draw a line somewhere. I drew it at 36 credit hours. There is no magic to that figure. However, I felt that something had to be said about maximum workload for a year. Last year 9 faculty (or 13% of the total number of full-time faculty) had a workload in excess of 36 credit hours for the year. Four faculty had a workload in excess of 40 credit hours. Summer teaching is not part of that figure. It seems to me that there is a line which, when crossed, compromises the quality of result. If such a line does not exist, then the present load of 30 credit hours has little meaning. But, as you can see, I do believe that such a line does exist and that the 30 credit hour figure is meaningfully related to quality.

Fifth, I have attempted to provide more definition to the whole question of released time.

I look forward to your input and comments on this proposal. I am available to meet with you and/or a designee and/or a group of individuals whom you designate to discuss this proposal.

CC: Dr. Linda S. Dunn, President