Despite the symphony of Converse construction echoing throughout the Red Room, the faculty met last night for their monthly faculty meeting in what proved to be the shortest meeting of the semester. Finals, it seems, affects both those submitting and those grading.

After Dean of the Faculty Gregory Call offered the abbreviated minutes from Monday night’s Committee of Six meeting, President Martin began her remarks by stating bluntly, “I have no remarks.” She then jumped immediately to questions regarding the Board’s recent decision to ban all fraternity activity. Although certain professors questioned her decision on the basis of freedom of assembly, most faculty seemed to agree with Professor Rosbottom who commended President Martin on the decision.

Next, Dean Call lightened the mood by exclaiming that exactly 13 weeks after Commencement, new students will move into their dorms for the start of Orientation. Despite the faculty’s resounding groans -- presumably for the shortness of summer and not the upcoming class of 2018 -- Dean Call reminded faculty that those who sign up to be orientation advisors will receive a free lunch during Orientation.

“Just think,” Call said. “All summer you’ll be craving turkey wraps from Val!”

After more laughter, Dean Call congratulated Professor of Political Science Andrew Poe on receiving the AAS Distinguished Teaching Award, and then gave the floor to Professors Jan Dizard and Anna Martini to discuss the creation of the new Department of Environmental Studies.

Dizard offered a brief history of the major, explaining that the current 45 majors and the increasing popularity in introductory courses made the decision to move to a full-fledged department crucial. Martini then offered certain foreseeable problems and ideas for the future of the department. After unanimous faculty approval, Biddy asked her colleagues to join her in applauding both Dizard and Martini’s work.

Next, the faculty voted on two issues of faculty governance regarding Provost Peter Uvin’s position on both the Committee on Priorities and Resources and the Committee of Six. Despite some uncertainties, after paper votes were passed in, both motions to place Uvin on these committees passed handedly.

Before leaving, Professor Nicola Courtright updated the faculty on the current search for a new Dean of Students, saying the search has moved into a “really high gear.” Next week, the committee will bring three candidates to campus, though the committee has already been “doing a lot of good interviewing.” Meetings with the candidates will be held Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.