The Iowa State University Faculty Senate discussed free expression and First Amendment rights at ISU, new academic proposals, faculty handbook changes and governance updates.
Michael Norton, general counsel, explained the legal framework for the First Amendment protections at ISU while distinguishing between public and private speech and academic freedom.
“The public has an interest in having an efficient government, and they also have an interest in allowing people to speak freely,” Norton said. “We also do not look at these issues with a political view whatsoever, and we pride ourselves on taking that approach.”
With no old business to be discussed, the senate read new business. Jennifer Schieltz, academic affairs chair, discussed a new undergraduate minor in professional communication. The proposed minor combines written and oral communication expertise from the English and communication studies departments.
“It is designed to help prepare students for the workforce and address the desire for better communication skills,” Schieltz said.
Sarah Bennett-George, an apparel, events and hospitality management professor, proposed questions on behalf of the faculty in her department about handling professional internships for the minor.
“Will internships that students already completed within their majors automatically count toward the new professional communication minor, or will internship coordinators need to review and approve them, case by case, to ensure they meet the requirements?” Bennett-George said.
Schieltz explained that this proposal includes the ability to have a flexible internship requirement and fit into students’ tight schedules.
“We want students to be able to use their existing internships while adding the communication component,” Schieltz said. “The internship coordinators within our English and communication studies department will oversee the communication component and reflection tied to each student’s internship.”
The next senate meeting will have a second reading and a vote on this new minor. Schieltz addressed the addition of a new animal science major, animal enterprise and innovation.
“This new major is intended to prepare students for industry and address stakeholders’ demands for animal professions with experience in systems management, logistics, data and technology,” Schieltz said.
She later explained what potential gains Iowa State may get by adding this major to the already existing program.
“It will be distinct from the current animal science major, and the proposers believe there is no other program like it in the country right now, which can help recruit new students from other states,” Schieltz said. “As well as retain students who do not quite fit the traditional Animal Science major.”
Another item was a new graduate certificate in semiconductor engineering. Schieltz explained what the new certification could give to graduate students.
“This certificate will bring together content from engineering chemistry and physics to serve graduate students in material science, various engineering fields, or those with a background in physics,” Schieltz said. “There are many job opportunities in this field, so having this certificate in semiconductors will help put ISU on the map nationally.”
The next senate meeting is slated for Nov. 18 in the Memorial Union.
