2. The Academic Senate Executive Board should request that the Administration explain in writing the reasons for these proposed changes. It is important that the Administration clearly communicate in writing to the Faculty the intent underlying the proposed changes.
 

3. Before the Academic Senate responds to the proposal from the Administration, the Senate should reaffirm that the 1987 Faculty Handbook remains the Handbook in force until it is changed according to due process. The Senate should also clearly state the process to be used to change the Handbook. One approach would be to revise the entire Handbook all at once. Another approach would be to propose changes to parts of the Handbook, and when agreed to by both the Senate and the Administration, the amended Handbook would be posted on the Web and not necessarily be published and distributed after each and every change. However, each iteration would be deposited in writing according to Academic Senate Resolution 97/98-05: "Archiving Documents Relating to the Governance and Administration." Of those members of the MFAEB present at the August 11 meeting, all favored this second approach. The Senate should also clearly state whether proxies are allowed or not allowed in votes related to Senate approval of amendments to the Handbook.

 
4. Revision of the Faculty Handbook could help the University fulfill its purpose, but the Senate should take appropriate steps to be certain that revisions enhance and protect academic freedom, tenure, academic due process, and promote democratic consultative and collegial governance.