Minutes of the Joint Meeting
UNIVERSITY ASSEMBLY AND FACULTY SENATE
SEPTEMBER 13, 2005
3 P.M. 222 J. C. PENNEY
The joint meeting of the University Assembly and Faculty Senate was called
to order by Dr. Paul Speck, Chairperson, who welcomed Assembly members
and Faculty Senators and introduced them by their respective categories
of service.
Minutes
Minutes from the last joint meeting (held April 26, 2005) were approved with the correction from Chair Speck that he commented in his April 26 report that things in today’s world fail because of a lack of imagination or a lack of nerve -- not a lack of “reserves.”
Report from the Chancellor -- Chancellor Thomas George
Chancellor George announced that the State of the University address has been posted on his website; therefore, he would not repeat the information contained in it. Instead, he focused on the Athletics Task Force, which was composed of faculty, staff, students, administrators, and supporters in the community. Chaired by Dr. Stephen Moehrle, the Task Force made a number of recommendations, and chief among them was to move Athletics from under the auspices of Administrative Services and place it under Student Affairs. This has now been done. At the Chancellor’s request, Dr. Moehrle reported briefly on the remaining 15 recommendations that were detailed in an attachment to the meeting’s agenda. Chair Speck informed those present that the various recommendations would be channeled through the appropriate standing committees of the Faculty Senate and University Assembly, in accordance with the Chancellor’s wishes.
Turning to the proposed tuition freeze, the Chancellor indicated that a letter of response from the campus was prepared. It suggested that there be some flexibility in how the policy is implemented (i.e., that this campus could set a tuition independent from the other campuses and that, rather than a specific dollar amount, there could be established a cap on tuition).
Express Scripts should be ready to move to the campus in spring of 2007, the Chancellor reported. A task force chaired by Business College Dean Keith Womer will be created in the coming weeks to partner faculty, staff, and students with those at Express Scripts to work on concrete issues such as internships for students, opportunities for faculty development and development for employees at Express Scripts.
At the close of his report, Chancellor George took questions from the floor. Referring to a communication from the President to faculty urging them to cut all but necessary travel, Dr. Michael Harris inquired as to the impetus of this edict. The Chancellor said this issue would be brought up at a forthcoming meeting of the General Officers. The focus, he said, was on the use of state dollars.
Report from the Student Government Association -- Mr. D’Andre Braddix
Mr. Braddix reported that the SGA would continue to work on the Wellness Center but that alternative sources of funding were being sought. Efforts to assist victims of Katrina were continuing, he announced. Homecoming is scheduled for October 8.
Reports from the Chancellor’s Task Forces
In addition to the Task Force on Athletics, which was included as part of the Chancellor’s Report, information was provided by task forces on the Status of Women, on Diversity, and on Equal Opportunity.
Elections -- Dr. Michael Harris
Dr. Jean Bachman was elected to replace Dr. Gail Rea on the Budget and Planning Committee. Dr. Susan Cahan was elected to replace Dr. Alicia Okouchi-Guy on the Committee on Physical Facilities, Space, and General Services. Dr. Peggy Lambing was elected to replace Dr. Alicia Okouchi-Guy on the Committee on Student Affairs. Dr. Beth Huebner was elected to replace Dr. Corey Drake on the Student Publications Committee. Dr. Mark Pope was elected to replace Dr. Van Reidhead on the Steering Committee.
Report from the Budget and Planning Committee -- Dr. E. Terrence Jones
(see reports attached)
Report from the Committee on Information Technology -- Dr. Valerian D’Souza
(see report appended to agenda)
Report from the Committee on Recruitment, Admissions, Retention, and Student Financial Aid -- Dr. Robert Harris submitted a written report but was not present at the meeting.
(see report appended to agenda)
Report on Tsunami Relief Effort -- Dr. Jody Miller
Dr. Miller reported that the campus has raised about $8,000 to date. Dr. Robert Bursik has donated his ponytail to this effort, which has been so successful that our original plans have been expanded to include a second school site.
The Chair reported that Dr. Malaika Horne has suggested (and the Chancellor concurs) that a committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students should be formed to address campus efforts to assist in such disasters as the tsunami and hurricane Katrina.
On that note, the business of the Assembly was brought to a close. After a short break, the Senate portion of the meeting was convened.
Chair Speck invited suggestions for the program portion of the Board of Curators’ breakfast which will be hosted by the Faculty Senate and University Assembly Steering Committee on October 7.
Elections -- Dr. Michael Harris
Dr. Susann Farbermann was elected to replace Dr. Connie Koch on the Academic Advisory Committee. On the Committee on the Assessment of Educational Outcomes, Dr. Donald Kummer was elected to replace Dr. Michael Stevens, Dr. Sandra Lindquist was elected to replace Dr. Teri Murray, and Dr. Vinita Henry was elected to replace Dr. Ivetta Siedliecki. Dr. Francis Grady was elected to replace Dr. Jeanne Morgan Zarucchi on the Committee on Committees. On the Committee on Faculty Teaching and Service Awards, Dr. Tivoli Majors was elected to replace Dr. Jon McGinnis, and Dr.Vicky Becherer was elected to replace Dr. Yakima Shield. All were elected by acclamation.
Report from the Provost -- Provost Glen Cope
Provost Cope reminded everyone that the strong efforts we made last year with the consultant on the issue of student retention and graduation are continuing. Faculty will be involved by means of task forces and committees.
Our accreditation visit will be in 2008. There is much to do in terms of assessment and learning outcomes for all units on campus, both academic and non-academic. Dean Judith Walker de Felix is heading up this effort.
Provost Cope reported that we have admitted and enrolled 76 undergraduate students and 6 graduates who were displaced due to hurricane Katrina. Regarding faculty who were displaced by the hurricane, the Provost said that most of the researchers have gone where they have colleagues, friends, or family. We will consider all faculty requests on a case-by-case basis.
A search is under way for the Dean of Continuing Education and Outreach. One candidate has been here, and another is coming next week. Public meeting times are provided for these candidates, and faculty is encouraged to come and share their evaluations and comments.
Faculty fellow positions are available to assist with accreditation and recruitment. Information is provided on the Academic Affairs web site.
September 16 will be observed as Constitution Day on the campus. Activities are planned to mark this date.
Completing the business at hand, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Peck
Faculty Senate/University Assembly Secretary
(minutes written by Ms. Joan M. Arban,
Executive Assistant to the Senate/Assembly Chairperson)