Charges
Committee 1999-00 Annual Report
To The Academic Senate,
The Charges Committee’s task is to review charges of alleged
violations of the Faculty Code of Conduct brought against members of the
Academic Senate or faculty in other series who have teaching responsibilities
similar to that of members of the Academic Senate. The responsibility of the
Committee is to make the initial review of the complaint and consider first,
whether the behavior, if it actually occurred, would be in violation of the
Faculty Code of Conduct. Once it is accepted as a charge, the Committee holds
an informal hearing to judge whether or not there is “probable cause” that the
violation took place. The Committee prepares a report and communicates its findings
to the Vice Chancellor of Academic Personnel. If the Committee finds “probable
cause” it submits recommendations for proposed sanctions and the case is
forwarded to the Committee on Privilege and Tenure.
The Committee received seven new cases during the 1999-00
academic year. Four additional cases were carried over due to late submission
during the 1998-99 academic year. Of the eleven cases, the Committee declined
to review five of the cases, three because the case described was not a
violation of the Faculty Code of Conduct, one because it felt the issues
surrounding the case were not within the purview of the Committee’s
responsibility, and one because the Committee felt there was insufficient
evidence to proceed with the case. One additional case was put on hold at the
request of the complainant pending an investigation by the Department. One case was held over for the 00-01 academic
year because it was submitted too late to be examined in the 99-00 academic year.
The Committee accepted four cases during the 99-00 academic
year. In one case, the complainee resigned from the
University before the case was heard; thus the complainant withdrew the
charge. One case concerned charges of
misuse of funds or resources or misrepresentation of the University. “Probable cause” was found in this case. Another case concerned violations of
intellectual honesty, and misappropriations of the use of authorship and
writings. “Probable cause” was found in
this case against one of the three complainants. The final case concerned a
faculty complaint that evaluation of competence was conducted using criteria
not reflective of performance, and discrimination for arbitrary or personal
reasons. “No probable cause” was found
in this case. When probable cause was found, the cases were forwarded to the
Vice Chancellor with a recommendation that they be referred to the Committee on
Privilege and Tenure.
In addition, the Chair and members of the Committee were
included in discussions for developing guidelines and procedures to implement
the revised Appendix XII procedures for charges of scientific misconduct and
sexual harassment. Under these new guidelines, the Charges Committee has a
major role in overseeing the administration of complaints in these areas. During the 99-00 academic year, the Chair
reviewed 1 case concerning sexual harassment, and its settlement.
Again, the Chair wishes to take this opportunity to thank
all the members of the Committee for their patient and careful deliberations
and their dedication of time and effort to this process. Appreciation is also
extended to Vice Chancellor Abrams for his assistance in answering questions
and interpreting regulations. Finally, the Committee expresses special thanks
to Ms. Judy Nawa for her outstanding assistance and
efficiency.
Larry Butcher, Psychology
Nina Hyams, Linguistics
Jill Klessig, Medicine
Michael Levine, Psychiatry
Albert Moore, Law
Debora Shuger, English
CONNIE KASARI, CHAIR, Education
October 10,
2000