FACULTY SENATE PRÉCIS

February 8 and 13, 2007

12:15 p.m.-1:50 p.m., Auerbach 426

 

Thursday, February 8, 2007

 

Present: Senators Ball, Borucinska, Canedy, Comiskey, Davis, Decker, Desplaces, Diehl, Eppes, Fang, J.Gray, Katrichis, Larson, Mohamed, Nolan, Oliver, Padberg, Petry, Russell, Shepela, Siegel, Sumukadas, Weinholtz, and Williamson. Attendance: 74% (24 out of 31).

 

Absent: Beaulieu, Carey, E.Gray, Mayer, McMiller, Mori and Westfall.

 

Chair Katrichis called the sixth meeting of the 2006-2007 Faculty Senate to order.

 

The following Faculty Senate Committees reported:

 

  1. International Studies – Senator Davis introduced Catherine Stevenson, Academic Dean, International & Honors Programs, and Sarah Reuter, Study Abroad Administrator. They came to present to the Senators a brief update on international programs throughout the University. They spoke of national trends and compared them to the University. Dean Stevenson remarked how pleased she was with the interest taken by the University’s faculty and the number of proposals she received. The different schools that participated was of interest to the Senate; CETA with Engineers in Abheypur, India, and Architects in Italy; ENHP Nursing in England; A&S and the World Economy in China; A&S Human Rights and Constitutionality in Emerging Democracies in Prague and Krakow, as well as Barney courses in Montreal, Singapore, Greece, Berlin and Dubai. She also reviewed the course development process, as well as faculty compensation. (http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/facsenate/dev-06-RepT.ppt)

 

  1. Curriculum Committee – Senator J.Gray reviewed the material that was presented to the Curriculum Committee for review on February 1. He explained that only the “ENG” courses were approved. Others were tabled due to presenters not being able to make it to the meeting. There being no objection, the report was approved as presented and noted. http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/facsenate/CC/FEB-07-cur.htm

 

  1. Academic Standards – Senator Borucinska said the Committee will be reviewing the “Resolution to Count Attendance in class grades.” She also said the Committee is reviewing policies regarding cheating. A Senator inquired on the status of the Distance Learning Policy.

 

  1. Bent/Larsen/Trachtenberg – Senator Russell reported that the deadline for applications has passed, and the Committee is actively reviewing the submissions.

 

  1. Professional Standards – Senator Weinholtz handed out copies of the FPM 3.4 “Conflict of Interest,” and “Employment of Relatives.” Professional Standards has been reviewing the wording in the FPM and the HRD manual, which becomes an appendix to the FPM. The Senators discussed the wording, and the policies themselves.

 

  1. University Scholars – Senator Eppes announced that on April 10th the students selected to receive the University Scholar Award will present the project chosen for the program to the Faculty Senate.

 

  1. Orders of the Day – meeting was adjourned until Tuesday, February 13.

 

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

 

Present: Senators Borucinska, Carey, Comiskey, Davis, Decker, Desplaces, Diehl, Eppes, Fang, E.Gray, J.Gray, Katrichis, Larson, McMiller, Mohamed, Mori, Oliver, Padberg, Russell, Shepela, Siegel, Sumukadas, Weinholtz and Westfall. Attendance: 74% (24 out of 31).

 

Absent: Ball, Beaulieu, Canedy, Mayer, Nolan, Petry and Williamson

 

  1. Faculty Chair Katrichis reconvened the meeting.

 

  1. Conversation with President Harrison and Provost Randall:

President Harrison addressed the Senate with the following topics:

·         He said the Rising Star Breakfast was held this morning (Tuesday, February 13). This year it was held at the Bushnell, and he was the keynote speaker. He spoke of the University’s 50th anniversary and showed the video “a private University with a Public Purpose.” He felt it was very well attended with 400 people in attendance. He thanked members of the University community for their attendance.

·         The President announced the $4 million bond issue to support the new University of Hartford Performing Arts Center (PAC) was approved. As he had mentioned last month, construction on the first phase of the project is expected to begin this spring.

The President made himself available for Senator’s questions and topics of interest to faculty. The discussion with the Senators included:

·         February 21 will be the official anniversary date and a campus party is planned.

·         In celebrating the 50th, the Honorary degree this year will be presented to Alumni Dionne Warwick

·         There is an article about the Military Act on the New York Times Sunday op-page

·         Magnet Schools:

o        University High School is made up of 65% youngsters from Hartford and 35% from the suburbs

o        Plans for the new high school will include green technology

o        The bid came in at $42M; $3 million in cuts were needed

o        State has requirement; this is a state school; CREC will run and upkeep financially

o        Breaking ground is expected in June

o        The President believes magnet schools being created with the “Sheff vs O'Neil” focus

o        Feels strongly that academic integrity both in the students and faculty is needed

o        well-rounded education being the goal; added to teach math and reading Magnet schools work under the philosophy of small communities

o        In general magnet schools have to sacrifice some things to gain others

o        The High school has limited physical education resources; ultimately, students can make up the missing parts at the University of Hartford, when the High School is located in the same campus through involvement with the Hartt Community Division and Arts education

Provost Randall followed with some updates on issues discussed at last month’s Faculty Senate meeting.

·         To reduce the negative consequences of being classified as a “spammer” the University is asking students to “opt-in” to UNotes.

·          The Technology Strategic Planning Committee will visit Seton Hall University in Pa., before they conclude a multi-year comprehensive plan.

·         100 seniors will be given the Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA) in the spring, and their scores compared to freshman last fall to assess “value added” education based on freshmen scores, of the University; the Provost believed that the University is “a little bit ahead of other freshmen nationwide.”

·         Digital Health update. A specialist is on campus today to determine if there is enough depth of expertise in this area at the University to make this program a success.

·         The Preceptor Program and study abroad program have been very successful. There was an outpouring of interest from both faculty and staff for both programs.

·         The Provost warned that daylight saving time would kick-in during spring break; there will be a possibility of doors, computers, and other timed electronic equipment not functioning properly. The Senators were asked to “get out the word.”

·        A Senator cautioned the administration about adding programs such as study abroad trips that are only available to the “well off;” Scholarship funds should be available for those students who may want to participate, but the price prohibits them. The Provost indicated that Dean Goldenberg has special scholarships to assist those in need and Financial Aid assists many other students who desire to spend a semester or year abroad.

10.   Other Business – New Business. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m. The next Faculty Senate Meeting will be held February 8 and 13, 12:15 p.m. to 1:50 p.m., A426.

Respectfully submitted,

Maria Marques

Recorder