FACULTY SENATE PRÉCIS
November 11 and 13, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Attendance:
|
|
Balco, Cat |
|
Frey,
Mary |
|
Russell,
Ingrid |
|
|
Ball,
Kevin A. |
|
Gray,
Edward |
|
Shepela, Sharon |
|
|
Beaulieu,
Mark |
|
Gray,
John |
|
Siegel,
Paul |
|
|
Blett, George |
|
|
|
Taylor,
Melanie |
|
|
Borucinska, Joanna |
|
Lashgari, Malek |
|
Tetel, Mihai |
|
|
Brown,
Jennifer |
|
Lei,
Yu |
|
Weinholtz,
Donn |
|
|
Canedy, Charles |
|
Machuga, Susan |
|
Westfall,
David |
|
|
Case,
Karen |
|
Mellodge, Patricia |
|
Williamson,
Daniel |
|
|
Comiskey, Anne |
|
Mori,
Akane |
= |
Zimmerman,
Christopher |
|
|
Decker,
Robert |
|
Pedro,
Joan |
|
Present/Absent |
|
|
Fang,
Clara |
|
Petry, Elizabeth |
|
Attendance:
(? out of 32) |
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Chair Weinholtz welcomed the Senators and guests to the 1st Faculty
Senate Meeting of the 2008-2009 Academic Year.
Presenter:
The Senate welcomed H. Frederick Sweitzer as the new Assistant Provost and
Dean of Faculty Development. He
spoke to the Senate about his “paperless” vision. He spoke of the
possibility of using Blackboard as a method of conducting communication
business like the Greenberg Grants, Sabbatical, etc. There may be Technology
grants to support this process. Of concern is passwords and compatibility in
hardware and software.
He
also spoke about his commitment to the Diversity Committee. What he sees
as the first step is to build a diverse candidate pool. Look at which search
strategies are or are not working; Gather information in a database (simple
process of dumping a spreadsheet into an Access Database, for example). This
year he plans to involve Chairs, Deans and the Provost in discipline-based
strategies; develop resources, and strategies to keep secure the hired
individual. Specifically, possible plans: a Human Resource brochure, a website
for adjuncts, and others.
Senate
Goals will be presented to the Regents on ______.
Senators
discussed the Sabbatical Committee and how representation from the Faculty is
sought. It was suggested that the appeal for names be made in the Spring. Create a grid for faculty and distribute to the
entire Senate. This year Anne Comiskey agreed to
serve another year.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Professional
Standards – Chair Shepela told the Senate that the part
time faculty survey is ready? She also explained the previously mentioned gathering
of information on Independent Studies. in the Fall. From
last year, the Committee (Faculty Affairs Committee) will also undertake
discussion on required FPM changes on Sabbatical procedures, whether they are
voted full year vs. half year applications. This last item is in the Provost’s
hand at present.
Orders of the Day. (The Senate
adjourned until September 11.)
Thursday,
September 11, 2008
Attendance:
|
|
Balco, Cat |
|
Frey,
Mary |
|
Russell,
Ingrid |
|
|
Ball,
Kevin A. |
|
Gray,
Edward |
|
Shepela, Sharon |
|
|
Beaulieu,
Mark |
|
Gray,
John |
|
Siegel,
Paul |
|
|
Blett, George |
|
|
|
Taylor,
Melanie |
|
|
Borucinska, Joanna |
|
Lashgari, Malek |
|
Tetel, Mihai |
|
|
Brown,
Jennifer |
|
Lei,
Yu |
|
Weinholtz,
Donn |
|
|
Canedy, Charles |
|
Machuga, Susan |
|
Westfall,
David |
|
|
Case,
Karen |
|
Mellodge, Patricia |
|
Williamson,
Daniel |
|
|
Comiskey, Anne |
|
Mori,
Akane |
= |
Zimmerman,
Christopher |
|
|
Decker,
Robert |
|
Pedro,
Joan |
|
Present/Absent |
|
|
Fang,
Clara |
|
Petry, Elizabeth |
|
Attendance:
(? out of 32) |
Reconvene
Senate held a moment of silence in remembrance of Maria’s husband,
2. Provost’s Report
a. Two
searches are underway for Dean of the
b. The University Strategic Plan Draft will be
presented to the Regent’s later today with the goal of sharing with the entire
University community soon after.
c. Goals of the Senate are line with the Provost’s Office:
1. Faculty Salaries
Data Gathering and Analysis
32 -24 New Faculty Hires
2. Part-time and Hourly Salary Reviewed
3. Provost Office is willing to assist with survey regarding Part-time Faculty
4. Provost Office looks to enhance diversity efforts and will be working with Fred S. in setting goals.
5. Sustainability
Coordination with George Brophy’s office to review concept of using electronic process for tenure and promotion review process.
c. Retirement Incentives will be reviewed.
3. Provost’s Question and Answer Session
a. The Chair asked about the Civil Liberties forum. The Provost agreed to take ownership and would be working with faculty members Paul S. and Marsha M.
b. A
Senator raised concerns regarding the possible privacy issues related to
electronic submission and review of Promotion and Tenure materials.
c. A Senator thanked the Provost for addressing the Senate Goal regarding salaries but raised concerns about the hiring process of the Music Librarian. It was suggested that policies regarding searches be reconsidered.
d. A Senator thanked the Provost for addressing Part-Time faculty concerns, especially related to the proposed survey.
e. A
Senator asked “if salaries are below our peer group?” The Provost mentioned looking at salaries by
discipline. First identifying peers,
collectively not unilaterally.
f. A Senator asked about preparedness of our students? It was noted that often students who decide late are different than those that decide earlier. They tend to struggle more academically. Late registration also creates other concerns based on our current system.
g. A Senator brought up a concern that often faculty leaving the University do so to increase their salary. A 20% increase was mentioned.
h.
Questions were raised regarding diverse faculty goals and access to national
and international searches. Funds for
travel may make goals easier to meet. Another question regarding availability of outside funds to expand
faculty diversity.
i. Handout was available noting “Extended Temporary Contracts: 2008 – 2009”.
j. The
Provost noted that the
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative Liaison: Ed Gray
1. The Chair has a meeting set with Don Rizzo for September 16th.
2. The Chair will serve on the Technology Grants Committee through the Assistant Provost’s Office.
3. The Chair is coordinating with John Carson regarding the University Website.
BLT: Bob Decker
NO REPORT
Curriculum: Ingrid Russell
1. The Committee has been working over the summer on the electronic submission of “Blue Sheets”. There have been challenges but a pilot program with about 40 faculty, staff, and deans is underway. A tracking process has also been implemented. If anyone is interested in piloting the electronic system they are welcome to contact Professor Russell.
Environmental and Sustainability: John Gray
1. The Committee has not yet met this academic year.
2. It was noted that Norm Young, Director of Facilities has agreed to serve on the Senate Committee. SGA will also have representation.
Faculty Diversity:
1. The Committee has not yet met this academic year.
2. The Chair was interested to hear about Assistant Provost Fred S. initiatives at Tuesday’s Senate Meeting.
Grants: Dan
1. The Chair is looking forward to the Committee’s upcoming work.
Student Affairs: Elizabeth Petry
1. The Committee will focus on the Attendance Issue and Academic Honesty Policy this year. The Attendance proposal approved by the Senate last year will be presented to the Council of Deans this fall.
General Comments:
1. Concerns were raised regarding general security issues with electronic information.
2. Concerns were raised with challenges of photocopying at the library. A question was asked if a student could be hired to facilitate the copy process.
3. Questions were raised about the cost and timing of hours at Gengras.
Presentations:
President Harrison addressed the Senate and updated them on the
following:
There being no other business, the meeting
adjourned at 1:40 p.m. The next meeting of the Faculty Senate will be
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Marques, Recorder (9/9/08)
Elizabeth Petry, Secretary (9/11/08)