ISU Faculty Holds Emergency Meeting On Constitution

The constitution controversy continues at Idaho State University.

Faculty members met in an emergency meeting Friday to share their concerns with recent steps taken by the administration.

At the end of November, the faculty senate sent a proposed constitution to the administration.

Now, the administration has released its revamped version, which contains some significant changes.

Faculty members at the emergency meeting said they feel like the administration just isn’t listening.

“President (Arthur) Vailas hasn’t spoken to us. He hasn’t met with us, not last spring, not over the summer, not in the fall. He hasn’t addressed the faculty in this matter at all,? ISU Provisional Faculty Senate Vice President Dave Delahanty said.

Interim Provost Barbara Adamcik said the administration is happy to get input.

She’s asked the faculty to send her their views and feedback on the constitution over the next few weeks.

“They certainly can say, ‘Hey, I like this part’ or, “I don’t agree with this,’? Adamcik said.

In the administration’s revised constitution, the majority of the preamble, dealing with some views on academic freedom, has been cut entirely. And the requirements for faculty votes have been increased.

Adamcik said the administration wants to take the time to address any concerns and make sure the constitution is right for the university.

“I think we need to keep working on it until we find a version that is acceptable to the faculty body and to the administration,? Adamcik said.

Go to http://www.isu.edu/fsen/Unapproved%20Page/2012-02-06%20Agenda%20Items/ISUConstitutionCOMPARE_AdminChanges.pdf to see the revised constitution draft.