John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
During its final meeting of the academic year, the Faculty Senate extended the work of an ad hoc committee addressing speech issues on campus and reviewed another committee’s work on undergraduate admissions.
The senate’s Steering Committee also presented a report on faculty composition and demographic changes. Additionally, two joint resolutions from the Associated Students of Stanford University were discussed: one concerning affirmative action's future and another urging Stanford to eliminate legacy and philanthropy preferences in admissions.
President Richard Saller updated the senate on recent protests, noting that nine students, three alumni, and one unaffiliated individual were arrested following their occupation of Building 10. Arrested students will face disciplinary proceedings through the Office of Community Standards.
The Faculty Senate voted to extend the Ad Hoc Committee on University Speech's mandate for two more years. The committee will now work with a faculty leader appointed by the provost to implement policies, provide recommendations, and liaise with the Office of the General Counsel. The motion included amendments to clarify both the committee’s charge and the faculty leader’s role while incorporating students and postdoctoral scholars into the process.
Jeffrey Zwiebel expressed concern about whether ongoing committee work would limit Faculty Senate discussions on speech issues. Debra Satz responded that senators could raise issues even if they are not on the agenda, emphasizing that committees are tasked with providing evidence-based expertise.
The ad hoc committee is expected to deliver an interim report during the 2024-25 academic year and a final report during 2025-26.
Elaine Treharne reported that the Committee on Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid (C-UAFA) continues its review of admissions processes. Beginning next year, C-UAFA faculty members will observe key admissions meetings as part of this effort. Treharne highlighted ongoing investigations into need-blind admissions for international students and clarified extracurricular activities' importance in applications.
Stanford will resume standardized test requirements for undergraduate admissions starting with fall 2025 applicants. Treharne suggested that emphasizing test scores might strengthen class diversity.
Faculty Senate Chair Mary Beth Mudgett thanked senators for their engagement throughout a challenging year. She noted Tom Wasow's last meeting as academic secretary, acknowledging his service. Grant Parker praised Mudgett’s leadership in challenging times through creative prose, also thanking Saller for his presidency amid intense challenges.
Next year’s senate chair will be Marcia Stefanick, with Ross Shachter serving as vice chair. A memorial resolution was read for Joseph Berger, who passed away at age 99 in December 2023.
Mudgett is Susan B. Ford Professor in Humanities and Sciences; Parker is an associate professor of classics; Treharne holds multiple professorships including English; Wasow is emeritus professor in philosophy and linguistics.
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