UBUS and FC Resolution on Proposed Changes to Research and Teaching Responsibilities

Whereas, the Marquette University Board of Undergraduate Studies (UBUS) is charged with “participation in long-range academic planning at the undergraduate level”; and,

Whereas, the UBUS understands that long-range academic planning often requires difficult decisions and complex cost-benefit analysis, as well as close collaboration and shared governance between administration, faculty, and staff; and,

Whereas, the Marquette University Faculty Handbook reads, in relevant part:

1. “University faculty are teacher-scholars whose research and publications are expected to continue throughout their active careers. Teaching loads at the University generally reflect the assumption that a significant part of the faculty member’s time will be devoted to research.” (Faculty Rights and Responsibilities)
2. “Teaching and Scholarship, considered as the central tasks of the faculty, are in no sense opposed to each other, even though they may be carried out by different actions. Teaching is kept creative by means of scholarship; scholarship gains impetus and direction from the demands of teaching.” (Chapter 302 – Faculty Appointments and Promotions, Statement of Intent); and,

Whereas, recent proposed changes in the allocation of research and teaching responsibilities will affect the quality of undergraduate education, including – but not limited to – major and minor options, class sizes, course availability, and access to high-impact practices related to faculty research; and,

Whereas, the University Board of Undergraduate Studies has not been consulted regarding its assessment of the impact of any proposed changes in the allocation of research and teaching responsibilities; and,

Whereas, the Faculty Council pursues long-range planning and vision of the academic mission of the University as it transcends individual programs, schools and colleges; and also provides consultation to the Senate regarding overall faculty welfare, and,

Whereas, the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities 2021 publication “Characteristics of Jesuit Higher Education: A Guide for Mission Reflection” advises Universities to “...examine our policies in detail and with honesty, in order that the institution manifests in its dealing with all members of the community the care and respect they deserve”;

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the UBUS and FC urges a moratorium on any implementation of proposed changes to the allocation of research and teaching responsibilities of Marquette University faculty until: (A) UBUS and FC is presented with an analysis of the costs and benefits of these proposed changes, specifically regarding undergraduate education, (B) a process for seeking department chair/unit leader input and approval for this process is delineated and shared, and (C) the members of FC have provided feedback on proposed changes.

Approved by the University Board of Undergraduate Studies on December 4, 2024 and by the Faculty Council on December 6, 2024. Approved with noted modifications by UAS on December 9, 2024.