Present: C. Trovato, A. Blair, T. Boone, I. Nikolova, D. Crossman, N. Majumdar, K. Kelly (co-chair), G. Pike, J. Baker, S. Sereika, A. Silvestre, J. Rajgopal, and J. Erlen (co-chair)

Topic Discussion/Action

Call to order The meeting was called to order at 12:05 pm by J. Erlen.

Welcome and introductions Those present introduced themselves.

Minutes of October 30, 2007 meeting Minutes were approved.

Policy/procedure regarding financial benefit when faculty assign their books for use in their courses The discussion from the previous meeting was continued. The current practice is that faculty should not benefit from sales to students. The department has been given a donation by faculty equivalent to the amount of their royalties if one of their works was used by students. The issue for faculty is that this is taxable income which is then donated. The other issue is that there is an indirect benefit to students rather than a direct benefit to the individual student who purchases the work. The benefit seems too remote. Thus, the Provost decided to review the current practice so that students would benefit directly. This is not a policy issue but rather more of a "housekeeping" concern to more directly benefit students and to make it obvious that there is no conflict of interest. The revised practice as set forth at the previous meeting by R. Pack was reviewed. There is no assurance that all faculty will comply; the University is looking for a "good faith" effort. This new procedure will apply to self-published works also.

The Committee discussed whether faculty actually makes money when writing books because of the outlay of funds to get the book written and to the publisher. There was an intense discussion in the Law School; some of the faculty felt that their book may be the best available for students to use. These faculty also reiterated that they funded the "up front" costs when preparing the book. Another concern was the question of what happens if faculty suggests that students buy the book on-line rather than through the Pitt bookstore. Is there any way that the pre-existing practice would be expected?

The Committee will contact the Pitt bookstore later in the Spring term to ascertain their perspective on this new procedure. A suggestion was made regarding whether the Committee should suggest guidelines for departments. Additionally, how might the Committee obtain feedback from faculty who implement the new procedure regarding the use of their books in the classroom? Quite possibly this procedure needs to be included in new faculty orientation, as well as letter from Provost. Discussion of the new procedure will occur at the Faculty Assembly meeting this afternoon.

Contradictory policies regarding Thanksgiving break N. Majumdar raised a question regarding the issue for faculty who teach late afternoon and evening classes on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the fact that the buses leave in the afternoon. This creates a difficult decision for students and for faculty. It was noted that because there are so many resident students, the University provides this service.

Next meeting The next meeting is to be held Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 12 noon in 826 Cathedral of Learning. One item for the agenda will be Policy 09-04-06: Acceptance of Transfer Credits.

Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 1:05 PM.

Submitted by,

Judith A. Erlen, Co-Chair and Recorder