FACULTY SENATE
PRÉCIS
November 9, and 14, 2006
Thursday, November 9
Present: Senators Ball, Beaulieu, Carey, Comiskey, Davis, Decker, Desplaces,
Diehl, Eppes, E.Gray, J.Gray, Katrichis, Larson, Mayer, McMiller,
Mori, Nolan, Oliver, Osama, Petry, Russell, Shepela, Siegel,
Sumukadas, Weinholtz and Williamson. Attendance 90% (28 out of 31)
Absent: Senators Borucinska, Canedy, Fang, Padberg
Call to Order – Chair Katrichis called the third
meeting of the ’06-’07 Senate to order. Announcements
were as follows:
§
Military Commissions Act (ENHP Resolution) (Attachment 1-A). After a lengthy
discussion, Senators agreed to enlist Administration’s help. They would ask
each college for opinion and suggestions on the resolution, and then present a
clear statement from the Faculty Senate. This resolution would be presented to
the University President. It was discussed that the University is in the
forefront in dealing with this issue. (Also see page 2 of this Précis for
further discussion on this topic.)
§
Benefits Task Force
o
Chair Katrichis
announced the establishment of a 3-year term, repeatable twice, and then
requiring a year off from service, for Faculty Senate representation at the
Benefits Task Force. This will keep the BTF
representative and Faculty Senate in a closer relationship.
o
Commitment to
Altering Negotiation Schedule. Discussions will continue with the Vice
President for Finance and Administration.
o
Discussions are
being held and steps are being put into place to improve communication between
the Benefits Task Force and the Faculty Senate, as Senators, representatives,
and Officers change.
§
Independent Studies -- Some colleges
have independent study requirements for students. This could create a burden on
junior faculty. It was discussed that A&S has a
policy in place to give faculty credit for teaching independent studies, and
that HARTT has a totally different system.
§
Spellings Commission Report – Chair
Katrichis added information on the Spellings Commission Report. This topic was
previously discussed at October’s Faculty Senate Meeting.
The following Senate Committees reported:
§
Computer and Technology. Senator John
Gray reported that there is a survey under development to be issued in the near
future to staff and faculty. The Committee is looking for input to improve
teaching and learning. Blackboard. Senator Sumukadas
has made its recommendation to the Provost. Clicker Technology. Senator Desplaces advised
of a presentation on “clicker technology.” (Unfortunately, it was being held at
the same time as the Faculty Senate meeting.)
§
Bent/Larsen/Trachtenberg – Senator
Russell reminded the deadline for applications/nominations for the BLT awards
is February 2,
§
Grants – Senator Nolan reminded
the Senate the call for Vincent Coffin Awards and Summer Stipends has been
issued both electronically and via interoffice mail. UNotes
will also run a reminder in the near future. The deadline is
§
International Studies – Senator Davis
discussed with the Senate inviting Catherine Stevenson to the Faculty Senate
meeting to speak to the Senate. Senators were invited to investigate Eastern Mennonite University’ international
program. According to Senator Shepela they have
experienced outstanding results in their international program.
§
Part-Time & Adjunct Faculty –
Senator Petry thanked those Senators that attended
the previous day’s reception for part-time faculty and adjuncts. She believed
it was well attended and well received.
§
Environmental Task Force –Senator Boracinska made the recommendation to establish an Ad Hoc
Committee, Environmental Task Force, the motion was seconded, and unanimously
approved.
§
Curriculum Committee – Senator J.Gray reviewed the recommendations made by the Curriculum
Committee on materials that came before the Committee for review. The report
was approved by the Senate. Please see
report at http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/facsenate/CC/FacSenCurrNOV-06.htm
§
Professional Standards – Senator
Weinholtz shared that while reviewing the HRD
appendix for the FPM inconsistencies were found on nepotism, gender inequity,
and mechanisms for checking. The Committee will continue to meet.
§
Student Affairs – Senator Desplaces reported on the following:
§
NCAA Update and University 50th Anniversary– John Carson, Vice President of University Relations came before the Senate to present an update
on the status of the NCAA. He outlined the steps
necessary to correct the areas that require improvement and the time-line for
the final review of the University’s Self Study.
Vice President Carson, also introduced Marcy
Cain, Senior Director, Office of Communication, who spoke on the University’s
plan to celebrate the 50th anniversary beginning
Orders of
the Day – meeting was adjourned until Tuesday, November 14.
Tuesday, November 14
Present: Senators Ball, Beaulieu, Borucinska, Canedy, Comiskey, Diehl, Eppes, Fang, E.Gray, J.Gray, Katrichis,
Larson, McMiller, Nolan, Oliver, Osama, Padberg, Petry, Russell, Shepela, Weinholtz. Attendance: 68% (21 out of 31).
Absent: Senators Carey, Davis, Decker, Desplaces, Mayer, Mori, Siegel, Sumukadas,
Westfall, and Williamson
Faculty
Chair Katrichis reconvened the meeting.
Vice
President for Finance and Administration Beverly Maksin
presented a progress report on fiscal year 2007 (audit). She highlighted the
following:
Ms. Maksin discussed the research that was done into using a
consortium to control health care costs. The Connecticut Conference of
Independent Colleges, which includes 16 universities, studied the possibility
of collaboration. Of the sixteen only five or six remained interested. The
model could not validate that the savings was worth the dramatic change.
She
believes that insurance is vital to avoid catastrophic conditions, and the
Benefits TaskForce’s number one goal is to prevent
such a condition. She assures the Senate that all efforts are made not to compromise
the quality and comprehensiveness of the University’s health care plans.
She
reminded the Senate that insurance coverage cost is a national problem. She
believes that people should not have to fear retirement because they cannot
afford health care. She sees health savings accounts as a growing option, as
they have grown since coming on the scene a few years ago.
Ms. Maksin reviewed the HMO verses the Point-of-Service Plan.
She explained that the salary tier plan the University has been using will be
reviewed and re-evaluated in 2007.
A Senator
asked about part-time and adjunct faculty health benefit packages possibly
being dependent on the type of contract. Ms. Maksin
said she and Provost Randall had discussed the concept and even some of the
logistics of implantation and how to keep it affordable. At this point,
subsidized health care for part-time and adjunct faculty is simply not
possible. However, access to unsubsidized health care is a concept she is
pursing.
Conversation with President Harrison -- President Harrison announced that Arosha Jayawickrema will succeed Beverly Maksin
as vice president for finance and administration when vice president Maksin retires next July. Mr. Jayawickrema
has been associate vice president for finance since 2004. A University alumnus,
he has been an employee since 1991. Mr. Jayawickrema
was recommended to the Board of Regents, and the recommendation was well
received, the President said.
International
Affairs.
President Harrison told Senators he was planning a trip to
A Senator
inquired about the standing billboards being displayed daily at the entrance to
our campus. President Harrison explained the billboards were a protest by the
Carpenters Union against Cutler Associates,
the construction company working on the new dorms. They claim that subcontractors
of Cutler Associates employ independent contractors illegally. The President
said that he has received Cutler’s letter denying any wrong-doing, and he feels
comfortable with their approach. Cutler employs both union and non-union trades;
bids are sought and accepted in accordance with the law.
(The following is posted on the Cutler’s website. “Open Shop Philosophy. Part of assembling the right
expertise is having access to a wide range of talent. As an open-shop firm,
Cutler draws from the entire construction marketplace of both union and
non-union subcontractors. Our philosophy of fair and open competition calls for
the selection of trade contractors based on safety record, price, ability to
meet the schedule, and capacity and qualifications to do the work, regardless
of union affiliation.”)
A Senator
asked about helping students vote in
national elections. President Harrison advised that DeLois Traynum Lindsey, Assistant Vice President for Student Development is responsible for
distributing information about voter registration to students.
Military Commissions Act – President Harrison said that he and Thomas Groark,
a regent of the University, will be meeting with a group of faculty who have asked to see him about this Act. Many people seem to be
waiting for Congress or the Courts to act. President Harrison was not aware of
any discussion on this topic by higher education groups in
Violence -- Senator
Shepela spoke of student violence she had recently
witnessed. She brought up the idea of trying to be pro-active to change the
climate. Senator Desplaces said that a set of shared
values has been developed with Associate Provost Chuck Colarulli and Vice
President for Student Affairs, Lee Peters. All agreed that students need to
feel more connected, and need venues for new behaviors. A community garden was
suggested as one way to create a connection.
(Post Meeting:
Blue Hills-Neighborhood goes hi-tech, chosen for pilot
wireless Internet service run by city. Can a cyber cafe be far behind? Still waiting
to break ground on the
The
meeting adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Marques
Recorder
Below is the resolution passed by ENHP for consideration at the Senate Executive Committee:
On
The "Military Commissions Act" signed into law by President Bush
permits foreign students and faculty to be imprisoned as unlawful enemy
combatants and held indefinitely without right of appeal. This provides a
strong incentive for foreign students and faculty to keep their thoughts to
themselves, a condition contrary to the very purpose of a university. The
University's Manual of Academic Policies and Procedures guarantees all
students equal opportunity and freedom of expression, but under this law
American students have the opportunity to express themselves freely without
risk, while foreign students can express themselves freely only at enormous
risk. This University and all universities that value freedom of expression
must take an immediate, official, and public stand against this and all
legislation that does or would infringe freedom of expression.