Members of the faculty senate sat stunned with jaws agape as Senator Robin Groose called the senate for being “impotent.”
“Is this Senate impotent?” Groose said. “Why don’t we have the courage and initiative to take a stance?”
In what Faculty Senate Chair Edward Janak later said was the “academic equivalent of a temper tantrum,” Groose addressed the chamber, asking why the senate had not taken more action in regard to endorsing the Next Generation Science Standards.
“I don’t think we’re making a difference,” Groose said.
Janak said he attributed the lack of action regarding next generation science standards to the Senate having to follow established rules and procedures in order to pass legislation–action Janak said he could not circumvent.
“We have procedures and regulations that we have to follow,” Janak said after the session. “They ensure that there are multiple voices involved in the process.”
Groose said he had been asked by members of the legislature to inquire as to why there was a lack of action by the senate.
“I had been asked about it by legislators that I know,” Groose said after the session.
Janak said he had been asked by other members of the legislature not to pursue the issue in the Faculty Senate.
The majority of the senate remained silent as debate between the two took place until Janak ended discussion on the issue.
Because no vote was held, the resolution will not make it to the state legislature. Groose said he had more concerns relating to the efficacy of faculty and staff senates.
“If you can’t get it to the legislature why bother?” Groose said. “Is the Staff Senate as impotent as the faculty senate?”
Senator Scott Shaw, professor of Entomology, responded to the open ended question by adding some comic relief to the situation.
“The most impotent members of insect colonies are the most productive.” Shaw said sparking laughter from faculty in attendance.
The rest of the meeting took place with less argumentation, with messages from Trustees, an election of a member at large, and the introduction of a resolution concerning expanding the senate, and a bill introducing refinements to joint degrees offered by the College of Law
Groose, who has taught at the university since 1987 and plans to retire at the end of the academic year, said that his outburst was out of a desire to improve the university for students.
“I care about this place and I care about the students,” Groose said, “A university is its faculty and its students are the customers.”
He said he feels the Faculty Senate’s efficacy and ability to take action has declined over the years.
“We used to have some effect,” Groose said, “My view is that the legislature and the trustees are imposing their views upon us.”
Janak said that he feels that the Senate is not in decline, but rather doing well.
“There’s always nostalgists,” Janak said, “People tend to romanticize the past.”
Senator Groose Referred to the Senate as “Impotent” in a Monday Senate Meeting
