VSU Faculty Senate will discuss changes to the final exam policy, among other topics, today at 3:30 p.m., in the University Center Magnolia Room.

Changes to the final exam policy were brought up by Jim Muncy, professor of marketing, after he noticed that students were complaining about having to come to the class’ final exam day, despite giving their final early.

“I just wanted the Faculty Senate to be aware of several issues I had considered,” Muncy said.

The final exam policy in the 2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalogue is different than the policy posted on the final exam schedule.

The Undergraduate Catalogue policy states that all final exam dates are permanent and changes will not be granted.

The Langdale College of Business’ policy mandates that there must be a final exam or a “final learning experience,” in the allotted time given for the exam.

The policy goes on to state, “You cannot give finals at other times including dead day unless pre-approved by either the associate dean or dean.”

The conflicting policies have caused concern for teachers and students.

“I believe strongly that each professor should be granted a good bit of autonomy to design exams and other assignments that best accomplish that professor’s learning objectives,” Barney Rickman, history professor, said.

Sarah Bartholomew, associate professor of political science, said that individual instructors should be able to determine the amount of time allocated for their exam.

“I also think that if student exams are close together, the student should be able to appeal to the Dean for relief,” Bartholomew said.

The Faculty Senate will also discuss the implementation of a university committee on the status of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender students, faculty and staff.

The issue of the LGBT committee is going to be remanded to the Minority and Special Student Needs Committee.

The committee was proposed by Mandi Bailey, assistant political science professor.

“Since teaching my minority politics class and participating in a related roundtable, I think a committee that discusses and champions the needs of the gay/lesbian students at VSU would be a worthwhile endeavor,” she said.

Ryan Blalock, sophomore economics major, supports the committee being proposed.

“Personally, I think it’s a great idea for their voices to be heard,” he said.