Issues concerning MyNIU were discussed at Wednesday’s Faculty Senate meeting, mostly that final grades need to be submitted earlier than what was originally decided.

The problems that come up stem from several other problems, two of which being that deans need to process probation and dismissal information no later than the Wednesday following the end of finals week, and that students need financial aid awards posted as soon as possible. To help aid this, it was proposed that grades be submitted earlier, on the Tuesday following finals week, thereby giving enough time for Records and Registration to process all the information.

Mari Valle, assistant professor in nursing and health studies and member of the Faculty Senate, said previously the grades had to be in by 4 p.m., and people in Records and Registration were working late into the evening to process the information.

“The 72-hour rule isn’t going to apply any longer,” Valle said. “All grades will be submitted at the same day and time, regardless of when the final is scheduled. [Records and Registration] can’t start any processing until everything is in.”

Valle also mentioned she is hoping that by next fall they will be able to integrate MyNIU and Blackboard for final grades, so that teachers will be able to enter final grades on one rather than having to enter them on both. No other information was offered on a MyNIU and Blackboard integration.

Valle also talked about the need for an additional meeting to address the fact that teachers must now submit book selections with schedules starting Fall 2010.

“There have been no procedures or policies at all talked about yet for this,” Valle said. “It is still very much in the early stages and, considering how it might impact faculty, the committee really feels that we should be a part of that.”

The meeting also brought forth nominations for the Executive Secretary of University Council and President of Faculty Senate positions and for the Faculty and SPS Advisor. Nominated were associate anthropology professor Kendall Thu and psychology professor Alan Rosenbaum. The University Council will meet March 18.