Attendees:

Deborah Aaron, Elizabeth Baranger, Chao-Lin Chiu, Jack Daniel, David Crossman, Tom Metzger, Susan Sereika, Tony Silvestre, Bruce Steele, E. Talbott.

1) Approval of Minutes

2) Business

A) Discussion of Campus Climate with Dr. Jack Daniel

It was stated by Dr. Silvestre that his impression was that the students were comfortable with the level of support in the administration.

Students may not be taking advantage of services provided.

Students went to Rainbow Alliance when they were afraid of persecution when returning home to their country or even lack of communication.

Jack Daniel said the people from the Counseling Center have met with Rainbow Alliance.

Marycelia Radakovich, Head of Student Health Service is also available.

Many proactive steps have been taken by Student Affairs with the Health Center, Counseling Center, etc. and now with alcohol. There will be face-to-face talks with student and parents.

Dr. Silvestre believes that there are some instructors that actively discouraged bisexual and transgender students.

Jack Daniel believes that we should not be localized in our approach but the whole campus should handle these problems. Student Affairs can do and must do what can be done. SAC and other committees and the community should all join.

Dr. Baranger stated that students are responsible to get name changes on record whether it's transgender, marriage, or any other kind of name change. They should go to the Registrar's Office

There are many excellent help groups such as the Pitt Path Finder, peer Mentors at the School of Engineering.

There are certain issues that need the help of Professionals. Faculty members are being trained. When the Rainbow Alliance receives requests they should re-direct to the proper people at the University whether it be the Health Center of the Chief Academic Offices in the Vice Provost's Office. Student Services are proactive with requests and grievances or maybe talk to the Student Advisor. Some student helpers may be misinformed and then pass on the wrong information.

This could be a communication problem.

For safety issues, Tim Delaney will personally come and talk to different groups.

B) Elizabeth Baranger was thanked for her involvement in the committee and for playing such an active part of the Senate Educational Policies Committee.

C) Election of Officers

Evelyn Talbott nominated Tom Metzger as the new Chair of the SEPC. David Crossman seconded. All agreed.

Dr. Talbott also thanked Deborah Aaron for her time on the Committee.

D) PITT News Articles concerning the Communications Department

The news articles from the April 15 Pitt News and the Pittsburgh Post Gazette were addressed. Dr. Metzger voiced concern over the Confidential Report that became public regarding consensual relationships between advisors and advisees. In the Policy and Procedures Manual there is an Ethical Policy which indicates that in any position within the University (professor and or advisor) this is prohibited. The matter has been sent to the University's lawyers and is being investigated