Iowa State President Martin Jischke was given the microphone by William Woodman, the Faculty Senate president, during Tuesday night’s Faculty Senate meeting. He assured the faculty that they have done an excellent job educating Iowa State students.

“I believe the academic year is going well,” Jischke said.

Jischke told the Senate of three main review issues they need to be aware of as faculty members. The issues were the review of the academic core, the review of faculty promotion and the tenure track and the review of the climate surveys of faculty members completed by students.

Jischke said the academic core review had some generous comments about the university as a whole. He said the comments may be of interest to the faculty members.

“These are general interest to the Board of Regents,” Jischke said.

Jischke informed the Senate that the review of the current promotion and tenure track policy is being approached by the university.

“I believe the way we are approaching this is wise,” he said. “We are well ahead of the other universities.”

Jischke informed the faculty that surveys on the university’s performance completed by students at Iowa State last year proved the faculty plays an important role in providing a welcoming and supportive climate for students at the university.

After Jischke finished speaking to the senate members, an open discussion was held.

Many of the senate members brought up questions about the Deantrious Mitchell issue on campus. Jischke told the senate that the university is providing support and counseling for Mitchell. He also made it clear that the issue was far from over.

“This is an extraordinarily sad issue,” Jischke said.

Questions were also asked about the September 29th Movement’s protest in Beardshear Hall on Monday. Jischke said he has offered to speak with the students. He said that he is not prepared to have a mediator placed between the students and himself.

“They seem more interested in protest than progress,” he said.

Bryan Cain, a mathematics professor, asked Jischke to dissolve the NCAA committee.

Jischke opposed Cain’s proposal. “I think it would be unfortunate to stop this committee now,” Jischke said.

Jischke informed the Senate that the NCAA athletic guidelines have always dealt with the university presidents. He said there will be plenty of time for faculty to become involved with the issue.

“It is a presidential issue, not a faculty issue,” Jischke said.

The next Faculty Senate meeting will be held on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 260 in the Scheman building.