2005-2006
Senate Meeting PRÉCIS
(Most recent Précis appears on top)
PRÉCIS
May 9 and 11, 2006
Present: Senators: Banzhaf, Borucinska, Bugl, Carey, Desplaces,
Eppes, E.Gray, Jones, Katrichis, Larson, Mayer, McMiller, Milanovic, Morison,
Nolan, Oliver, Siegel, Sumukadas, Thomson, Watson, Weinholtz and
Wetherbee-McDevitt. Attendance was 0.76%
(31 of 41). Also present Gordon Ramsey and Maria Marques (recorder).
Student
Affairs. In Senator Adrezin’s absence, Chair Katrichis
updated the Senate on information presented at the April meeting. He said
academic misconduct was indeed in the forefront, unfortunately it would not be
possible to use blackboard AS IT has had been hoped, due to liability issues.
Further development is needed by the Student Affairs Committee in the coming
year.
1.
Curriculum Committee – Senator Bugl reported on the
materials reviewed by the Curriculum Committee. Although a lengthy summary was
presented, he explained the intricacies of the programs and the course changes,
and the report was approved as presented with the exception of CPS 725, which
had been tabled at the Curriculum meeting due to no departmental representation.
2. Academic Standards Committee – Senator Weinholtz reported that the Curriculum Committee
had retracted its concerns regarding the IIT program specializations reported
in the Undergraduate Bulletin, so no Senate action would be necessary.
3. Computer and Technology Committee – Senator Sumukadas reported to the Senate the results of
costs for use in detecting plagiarism in student work. With a minimum cost of
$6,240 for one program, and $11,000 for another, he suggested that faculty use
a free tool, such as “Google.” Chair Katrichis suggested that this may be
addressed through a grant proposal for TREC.
4. Professional Standards –
Senator Banzhaf updated the Senate on the Committee's recommendations on 13 Faculty
Policy Manual (FPM) issues that were brought to the Senate by a concerned
faculty member. A number of these will be discussed and addressed by the
2006-2007 Professional Standards Committee. Senator Banzhaf offered to help
with the transition.
5.
University Scholar – Senator Milanovic reported to the Senate the final
outcome of The University Scholars. Jesse Berube and Michelle
Jarzyniecki from CETA presented their study on ‘Low Profile Breathing Device
for Improved Prebreathe Procedures’ to the University Scholar Committee on the
6.
Committee on Part-Time and Adjunct Faculty – Senator Jones
introduced Katherine Black and Jay Stewart, with Assistant Provost Black
initiating a discussion on part-time/adjunct benefits.
Assistant Provost Katherine Black
began by explaining that the President appointed an Advisory Committee on
Adjunct and Part-Time Faculty last spring. The Committee’s first charge
was to examine adjunct faculty compensation. The Committee identified its
competitors, based on feedback from the department chairs, and collected
benchmark data on adjunct faculty salaries at these institutions. Based
on the benchmark data, the Committee made recommendations for a three-year plan
to increase adjunct faculty salaries at the
Next, Assistant Provost Black
addressed some discrepancies in the data presented to the Faculty Senate.
The actual average adjunct compensation rate for a three-credit course is
higher than the rate cited in the handout distributed by Professor Stewart
(which was based on the average rate in a few A&S departments and the
minimum rate of $2,700 for the spring). The handout also did not take
into account the additional allocations beyond the funds to raise the minimum
that will be distributed to each college.
Significant funds are being
allocated to implement the Plan, demonstrating the University’s commitment to
adjunct faculty. In 2006-07, the University will invest an additional
$243,000 in adjunct compensation compared to what was invested before the Plan
began. By 2007-08, that number rises to $422,000. This is clearly a
step in the right direction, and it’s a step done in a fiscally responsible
manner. Going forward, the Advisory Committee on Adjunct and Part-time
Faculty will investigate the feasibility of a tiered compensation system.
Moving to the next tier would be based on merit but eligibility to apply could
be based on number of credits taught. In addition, the Adjunct
Compensation Plan calls for a re-examination of where the University stands in
relation to its competitors in 2007-08.
Professor Jay
Stewart, Associate Professor, A&S Sociology came before the Senate.
He highlighted the following concerns:
§
Except for UCONN, adjunct pay at competing schools does not vary by subject
area.
§
This is not meant as an attack on the work by faculty members of the taskforce.
§
Nationally:
o
1971: 23% 1981: 35%
o
1991: 35% 2003: 46%
§
Nationally, by sex:
o
1976: 38% females were adjuncts
29% males were adjuncts
o
2003: 51% females were adjuncts
42% males were adjuncts
§
UHA: 47% of courses taught by adjuncts.
o
o
o
o
o
All have union contracts, even Quinnipiac
o
Comparing basic adjuncts, no contracts.
o
Adjunct pay is publicly available:
http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/uhacappa/adjunctpaydata.htm
§
Pay Summary for 2005-2006 -- Differences
o
UHA adjunct pay for MOST adjuncts teaching a 3-credit course is:
o
$1290 below lowest UCONN rate
o
$960 below lowest terminal degree CCSU rate
o
$651 below lowest non-terminal degree CCSU rate
o
$725 below
o
$644 below lowest CC rates
o
67-80% of what others are paying.
o
Does not catch up with inflation
§
Benefit Differences
A graph outlining the University’s
pay scale vs. other schools based on three (3) credit courses; and a graph
showing pay adjusted for inflation were included in this presentation.
§
The Consequences for UHA
o
Alienating adjunct faculty who teach nearly 50% of our courses because:
o
Pay is low
o
Benefits are minimal
o
No formal recognition of differences in training or experience
o
We are losing some of our best adjunct teachers.
§
The letter to President
o
Presents the same data as here.
o
Suggests that we are losing good teachers.
o
Requests a further increase in adjunct pay for the 2006-2007 year
*[Qunnipiac confirmed Professor
Stewart’s figures were correct for their pay and their pay for next year will
be boosted by 6.7% to $3,600 for a 3-credit course.] Further requests have been
made to Assistant Provost Black to clarify how she calculated the average, e.g.,
did she include G3 salaries and correct the higher pay for 4-credit course to
the 3-credit level to make the data comparable to Professor Stewart.]*
Senators pointed out that the
Provost’s Part-Time/Adjunct Committee did not use HAS or Hartt in the study.
A Senator indicated that the Deans
are the ones who make the compensation decisions. The suggestion was made to
copy the deans on the letter distribution.
Senator McMiller updated the
Senate on the Ramsey Award for Part-Time and Adjunct Faculty. With 11
very impressive nominations/applications, two were chosen. A $250 monetary award is given to each along with recognition at
the Fall Faculty/Staff Kick-Off (August 23, at
7.
Election of Faculty Senate Officers for 2006-2007--A motion was
made to direct the secretary to cast one ballot for the unopposed slate: Jerry
Katrichis, Chair; Donn Weinholtz, Vice Chair, and Joanna Borucinska as
Secretary. Motion was seconded and unanimously passed. Chair
Katrichis once again thanked all the Senators for their dedication on his
behalf and on behalf of their colleagues for serving on Senate (service ranged
from one semester to six years). A mini-reception followed.
8.
Confirmation of Chair and Vice Chair as
Faculty Regents. The meeting continued
with Chair Katrichis, Vice Chair Weinholtz and Secretary Joanna Borucinska and
the 2006-2007 Faculty Senate members. Confirmation was also made that
Senate Chair and Vice Chair be nominated as Faculty Regents. They will
serve on key committees of the Board of Regents, presenting the faculty’s
viewpoint. This year a third Faculty Regent has been added. *[
9. Authorizing Executive
Committee to act for Senate until September Senate Meeting. A motion was
made to authorize the Executive Committee to act for the Senate during June,
July and August. This traditional Senate action was seconded, and
unanimously approved.
10. Orders of
the Day
Thursday, May 11
Present: Senators: Ball, Beaulieu, Borucinska, Canedy, Carey,
Decker, Diehl, Larson, Mohamed, Oliver, Petry, Segal, Shepela, Siegel,
Stevinson-Nollet, Weinholtz and Williamson. Attendance was 0.53% (17 of 31). Also present
Gordon Ramsey and Maria Marques (recorder).
Not Present: Senators Adsit, Comiskey, Eppes, E.Gray, J.Gray,
Desplaces, Katrichis, Mayer, McMiller, Nolan, Padberg, Russell and Sumukadas.
11. Reconvene.
Due to the Chair’s unexpected illness, Vice Chair Weinholtz reconvened the
Faculty Senate to its May meeting.
12. Election of a Budget
Advisory Team member. Ballots were distributed and tallied. Professor
denOuden was elected to serve a three year term on the
Budget Advisory Team.
13. Election of Provost’s Committee. The election of Faculty members to the Provost’s Committee on
P&T. Election slate included two candidates to be presented to
the Provost, one more than required (as per the FPM). Senate voted and
Professors Frey of HAS, and Shertukde of CETA received an equal number of
votes, both are full professors. *[The Provost has chosen Professor Mary
Frey of Art Photography, HAS.]
He summarized the 05-06 year as one
with great highs and great lows. The highs, the President said, were the
opening of the ISET building and the continued privilege to work in the
University Community. The prospects of seeing the third year of
The lows were the fires the
University has experienced. He shared that in his university career he had no
incidents of fires. Yet in a short time this past year there were three.
The topic then moved to academic
and general misconduct. Senators suggested that a lack of faculty connection
with students could be part of the culture of violence and the frightening
acceptance of such. The standard response “remove the
student from housing” as a sole punishment is not adequate or allowable. We
have the resources to plant the seed of what is acceptable behavior and what is
not tolerated. Among the suggestions, the use of the student newspaper The
Informer to carry useful communication on developing conflict resolution
skills and etiquette; conflict resolution skills should be embedded in every
school’s curriculum; all would benefit. Three senators volunteered to head a
committee that would look at this issue: Senators Carey of HAS, Shepela of
Hillyer, and Oliver of ENHP.
Although it was agreed that the
rise in aggressiveness and violent behavior is a national trend, President
Harrison affirmed that the community is too violent for his taste.
Conversation with Provost
Randall--Provost Randall said that the last month of the spring semester is
always one of her favorites, since it includes such events as the Regents’
Honor Awards Banquet; the Graduate Research and Creativity Symposium, including
the new Regents Honor Awards for Graduate Students; the Student Leadership
Awards Ceremony and Brunch; and the Annual Senior and All-Sport Awards
Banquet. She noted that at the Senior/All-Sport Banquet, about 300
students gave President Harrison a standing ovation: “You couldn’t help
but feel the warmth from the students.”
The Provost said she is looking
forward to the 2006-2007 academic year with great anticipation:
·
A Technology Strategic Planning Committee comprised of representatives from a
variety of academic and non-academic units directly involved with student
teaching and learning will begin its work this summer. George Brophy,
Chief Information Officer and Executive Director, ITS, and Katherine Black,
Assistant Provost and Dean of Faculty Development, will serve as vice chairs of
the Committee. The Technology Strategic Planning Committee has been
charged with the creation of a vision for educational technology at the
·
Peter Diffley, the new Dean of Graduate Studies, will arrive on campus in
July. Provost Randall suggested that the Faculty Senate invite Dean
Diffley to a future meeting to meet the Senators.
·
As part of the collegiate strategic planning process, three academic
initiatives will be launched or enhanced to help improve academic quality:
·
Preceptor Program: The Preceptor Program is a mentoring program to
engage first-semester freshmen and improve first-year undergraduate
retention. Preceptors are advanced undergraduates (in some instances
graduate students) who display academic skills and capacities for
leadership. They will assist full-time faculty in introductory-level
courses in a variety of roles, among them peer tutor, writing coach, and
conveyor of improved study skills.
·
Digital Health Initiative: The interdisciplinary Digital Health
Initiative is a collaboration among engineers, technologists,
physical therapists, psychiatrists, computer scientists, and mathematicians,
bringing together the sciences for the monitoring and treatment of chronic and
acute medical conditions. New low-cost wireless technologies will
passively monitor health metrics in the home.
·
Study Abroad: The University desires to provide more students with
international experiences and to engage more faculty
in these experiences. Three types of programs will be proposed:
year- or semester-abroad programs, short-term international study (perhaps over
WinterTerm), and international components “imbedded” into the course (a week
overseas during Spring Break).
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Marques
Recorder
PRÉCIS
April 11 and 13,
2006
Present: Senators: Adrezin, Banzhaf, Borucinska, Bugl, Canedy, Decker, Eppes, E.Gray, J.Gray, Katrichis, Mayer, McMiller, Milanovic, Morison, Oliver, Siegel, Stevinson-Nollet, Sumukadas, Watson and Weinholtz. Attendance was 67% (20 of 30). Also present Gordon Ramsey and Maria Marques (recorder).
Not Present: Senators Adsit, Carey, Dello Iacono, Desplaces, Jones, Larson, Levy, Nolan, Thomson and Wetherbee-McDevitt
Call to Order − Senate Chair Katrichis welcomed the Senators to the 8th meeting of the 2005-2006 Senate. The Chair reminded all Senators of the importance of representing their colleges by attending Faculty Senate meetings, and of the option to give a voting proxy to a Senator from their college. This ensures that votes taken are representative of their college's faculty. He also brought attention to the attachment in the meeting package listing Faculty Senate meetings up through the year 2010. It is highly recommended that this scheduled be used to eliminate conflicts with school and department meetings. This long-range schedule can be found on the Faculty Senate web site: uhaweb.hartford.edu/facsenate
An invitation from the Board of Regents to a reception and dinner on May 4th was extended to all the Senators. Senators were encouraged to attend and take advantage of the opportunity to meet and converse with the Regents.
Progress and Planning Reports from Committees
1. Curriculum Committee – Senator Bugl reported on the materials reviewed by the Curriculum Committee. He added explanation to the Barney MIS minor Program Review. The Senate approved the report as presented.
An e-mail containing excerpts from the Curriculum Committee concerning changes in MIS minor that did not go to the Curriculum Committee dealing with specializations, concentrations, emphases, etc. was debated by the Senate. Senator John Gray, Chair of the IIT major, made additional points. The topic was referred to the Academic Standards Committee for recommendations.
2. Bent/Larsen/Trachtenberg – Senator Wetherbee announced the committee completed the review process. She announced the results:
a. James E. and Frances W. Bent Award—Warren Goldstein, A&S, History
b. Roy E. Larsen Award—Laura E. Pence, A&S, Chemistry
c. Oscar & Shoshana Trachtenberg Award—Walter Banzhaf, CETA, Engineering
3. Grants – Senator Nolan announced that his committee submitted their rankings of applications to Faculty Senate and to the Provost. Seven faculty were chosen for the Coffin Grant, and seven for Summer Stipends.
4. Professional Standards – Senator Banzhaf gave an interim report of the Committee's recommendations about 13 FPM issues that were brought to the Senate by a concerned faculty member. A number of these were thought to be worth pursuing, and some were judged to be impractical to implement. Final wording will be forthcoming.
5. Student Affairs – Chair Katrichis reported for Senator Adrezin on Student Affairs. He said of the many issues, Academic Misconduct by students is in the forefront. The Committee is hoping to create a Blackboard “discussion board” open to the entire campus community to promote discussion on this issue.
6. University Scholar – Senator Milanovic reported that the two students doing USP projects were making good progress, and that their interim report to the USP Committee was very impressive and well received.
7.
http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/facsenate/actionitems.htm
8. Orders of the Day
Thursday, April 13
Present: Senators: Banzhaf, Borucinska, Bugl, Canedy, Carey, Eppes, E.Gray, J.Gray, Jones, Katrichis, McMiller, Milanovic, Morison, Nolan, Oliver, Siegel, Thomson, Watson and Weinholtz. Attendance was 67% (20 of 30). Also present Gordon Ramsey and Maria Marques (recorder).
Not Present: Senators: Adrezin, Adsit, Dello Iacono, Desplaces, Larson, Levy, Mayer, Stevinson-Nollet, Sumukadas and Wetherbee-McDevitt
9. Reconvene – Chair Katrichis called the second part of the Senate Faculty meeting to order.
Ms. Maksin said that out of discussions on optimal sizing grew discussions about quality. Many of the Regents became convinced that bigger was not necessarily better. She said that at the last Strategic Planning Committee the new five year model was unveiled. The model includes priority with sub parts; improving quality of students’ experiences inside and outside the classroom to include investing in academic programs, facilities and service to students.
She said the question of how the University is going to invest when costs are going up faster than income comes down to re-allocating resources. Working through the Budget Advisory Team (BAT) categories were devised and a model was developed to assess functional areas across the University based on the following criteria:
a. Contribution to mission b. Functional necessity c. Economic contribution
According to Ms. Maksin there are adverse effects: to reallocate resources, some will gain while others will lose. Additionally, a budget “holdback” will be put into place. The budget is based on 4,600 full-time students (a number she felt was conservative) and this holdback will be released in October if the budget is met or exceeded.
She also said that FY 2007 is a year where $1.7 million of debt service for the residence halls (both new construction and renovation of the complexes) must be paid without new income to support it.
Ms. Maksin explained that next year sets the stage for longer-term planning and investing. She (and BAT) will be working through the summer to make sure that there is an operational plan to support the five-year model.
In answer to Senators questions, she explained that $5 million are set aside for “weathering a storm,” and $2 million were saved from the variable rate bond. “The combination is enough of a reserve to help absorb shocks along the way.”
She clarified the distribution, “not all reallocations will go to academics; facilities and services for students will see additional investments. Re-allocation does not necessarily mean program elimination. Academic Affairs assesses programs through a regular review process.
President Harrison brought the Senate up to date on the new residence halls. The fast-track development of additional new residence hall was approved by the Regents' Physical Plant Committee. It is aimed at first-year students to better their campus life experience. The expected cost is $13.5 million and will provide approximately 208 beds.
On the
President Harrison said Dean
Morrison will be coordinating a memorial service for Jackie McLean, world
famous jazz saxophonist, Hartt faculty member and supporter of the arts in
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Marques
Recorder
PRÉCIS of the March 2006 FACULTY SENATE MEETING
March 9 & 14, 2006
Thursday, March 9
Present: Senators: Adrezin, Adsit, Banzhaf, Borucinska, Bugl, Carey, Decker,
Dello Iacono, Desplaces, Eppes, E.Gray, J. Gray, Jones, Katrichis, Larson,
Mayer, Milanovic, Oliver, Siegel, Stevinson-Nollet, Sumukadas, Weinholtz, and
Wetherbee-McDevitt. Attendance was 77% (23 of 30). Also present Gordon
Ramsey and Maria Marques (recorder).
Not Present: Senators Canedy, Levy, McMiller, Morison, Nolan, Thomson and
Watson
Call to Order − Senate Chair Katrichis welcomed the Senators to the 7th
meeting of the 2005-2006 Senate.
Progress and Planning Reports from Committees
1. Curriculum Committee – Senator Bugl reported on the curriculum
materials reviewed by the Curriculum Committee. The Senate approved the report
as presented.
2. Bent/Larsen/Trachtenberg – Senator Wetherbee said the BLT Committee is
interviewing the nominators and is proceeding with the review process.
3. Student Affairs – Senator Adrezin brought up the subject of academic conduct
for the Senators to discuss. Along with other, he believed that cheating
should have outlined consequences that both students and faculty agree on.
Conversation with President Harrison and Provost Randall – Provost Randall said
plagiarism is one of the issues of concern to the deans. There are software
programs that help detect plagiarism and Lorelle Paul Wilson, director of the
FCLD, will conduct a seminar this fall on how to detect plagiarism.
Provost Randall asked Senators to let her know of any thoughts on the subject,
or send ideas to Senator Sumukadas, chair of the Senate Technology Committee.
Search for Graduate Dean – Provost Randall listed the four candidates that have
been interviewed at the University. She thanked the faculty who played a part
in those visits. The candidates were:
Norma Burgess, Professor, Department of Child and Family Studies,
Syracuse University
Peter Diffley, Associate Dean, The Graduate School, Notre Dame University
Patrick Pellicane, Professor, Department of Forest Sciences, Colorado
State University
Jeffrey Potteiger, Professor and Chair, Department of Physical Education,
Health and Sports Studies, Miami University
President Harrison – A few Senators shared conversations they had with students
about the fires with President Harrison and other Senators. The consensus was
students are thinking that fires were set. Results are not final. In response
to a Senator’s comment on a student who complained about not getting insurance
issues resolved, it was emphasized how much detail is involved and assured the
proper people are working on getting things resolved. A point made in
earlier meetings, it was agreed that communication to the students and the
faculty was still wanting.
To address a request for more information by the Senate on the physical plant
projects on campus, President Harrison presented the following information. He
has since sent out the following memo to the University Community via e-mail,
which includes material he shared with the Faculty Senate.
"March 27, 2006, Faculty, Staff, and Students: I am absolutely delighted
to announce that the Board of Regents has approved plans to build a new
residence hall for first-year students, to be located northeast of the
University Commons. Construction is scheduled to begin in late spring or early
summer, with the goal of opening the new facility in the fall of 2007. As part
of this project, the area between the Commons and the new residence hall will
become a plaza that will serve as a vibrant new center of student life.
The new residence hall is expected to have between 200 and 225 beds; it
represents the largest residence hall construction project since the completion
of the
We will also begin major renovations this summer of our oldest residence halls,
the complexes. These renovations will include the addition of new bathrooms,
heating systems, and bedrooms, and a general facelift. The work will be
performed over the next three summers, but the complexes will remain open to
student residents during the academic year. B-Complex and D-Complex will be the
first to undergo renovations.
Together, the construction of the new residence hall and the renovation of the
six complexes will result in the addition of approximately 300 beds on campus.
Most importantly, these projects will significantly enhance the experiences of
our first-year students, and they will bring new life to the residential side
of campus. The total estimated cost of the projects is $23.5 million, which
will be financed through the sale of
I am thrilled to be able to share this news with you, and I look forward to
breaking ground on the new residence hall in a few months.
Walter Harrison, President”
5. Orders of the
Day
Tuesday, March 14
Present: Senators: Adrezin, Banzhaf, Borucinska, Bugl, Dello Iacono, Desplaces,
Eppes, J.Gray, Katrichis, Mayer, McMiller, Milanovic, Morison, Nolan, Oliver,
Siegel, Sumukadas, Stevinson-Nollet, Thomson, Watson, Weinholtz, and
Wetherbee-McDevitt. Attendance was 77% (23 of 30). Also present Gordon
Ramsey and Maria Marques (recorder).
Not Present: Senators: Adsit, Canedy, Carey, E.Gray, Jones, Larson and Levy.
6. Reconvene – Chair Katrichis called the second part of the Senate Faculty
meeting to order.
7. Grants – Senator Nolan’s update included the news that the recipients have
been chosen to receive Summer Stipends and the Coffin Grants. The names have
been submitted to the Provost.
8. Part Time & Adjunct Faculty – For Senator Jones, Chair Katrichis
reported on the Ramsey Award. Deadline for submission is March 27, and an
instructional video/DVD on the award and how to apply is available from the
library.
9. Professional Standards – Senator Banzhaf spoke of the memo with
recommendations for changes to the FPM. It is being reviewed by Professional
Standards Committee and they will be making recommendations to the Senate.
International Studies – Senator Watson introduced Catherine Stevenson and Sarah
Reuter who presented information to the Senators on how faculty can get
involved in the Study Abroad program and how to get students to participate.
Senators were encouraged to look into “embedded courses,” which are held
usually during Spring break, and are related to the faculty member’s regular
syllabus, or a faculty can create a new course. This does not need to go
through the curriculum change process. Senators were informed about Federal
scholar-ships available on-line, and were encouraged to investigate. Also, the
Senators were asked to complete a 3-page survey on their perception of the
University’s study abroad program. Proposal for Short Term Study Abroad Course
forms are available by calling x5101.
10. Student Government Survey Presentation –
Student Regents Aymsley Brien and Jason Meiser spoke with the Faculty Senate
about a survey the Student Regents (along with the Student Government
Association) at the
University specific:
Why did you apply to the
Why did you choose to attend the
Why have you stayed at the
What do you like best about the
What do you like least about the
College specific:
What do you like best about college?
What do you like least? How would you change it?
The results of this survey were presented to the Board of Regents at their
February 16th meeting and caused concern to the Board and administrators.
Although the data was not random or objective, comments were “colorful” and
disturbing. The Board of Regents members asked for further research in order to
more specifically define the problems that were uncovered as well as to develop
possible solutions to some of the outstanding issues on the campus.
The SGA Executive Board decided to address what they saw as eight of the
re-occurring issues from the responses.
1) Lack of meeting space (for student groups)
2) Facilities
3) Residential Life
4) Parking
5) Trash
6) Academic Advising
7) Interdepartmental Communication (sending people to the right department)
8) Customer Service (front line employees; how students are treated)
Each SA Executive Board member was assigned one of the above topics, and
committees were formed to research and develop suggestions for each of the
above eight issues.
Ms. Brien and Mr. Meiser shared with the Senate some of the positive responses
on the University’s community/team spirit. A suggestion was made on Academic
Advising that there be an “Advisor Evaluation” similar to the teaching
evaluations that are done each semester. Senator Adrezan complimented SASC for
one of the big changes on campus related to positive customer service.
The agreement between the Senate and the Student Senators was that of mutual
responsibility between students, faculty, staff, and administration. A
relationship between faculty and RAs is also useful. “The faculty in Residence
Program” will be ending this year due to the need for dorms for students. The
more people who are aware, the better the possibility of a positive outcome,”
Ms. Brien commented.
Chair Katrichis invited the faculty to visit the residential side and if
possible a student residence hall for visual familiarity. Mr. Meiser seemed happy
to be the “open house” student. Ms. Aymsley also commended the University for
their initiative in building a new residence hall.
11. Senator Deplaces informed that Senate of a drive for used books to benefit
Books for
12. With no other business the meeting adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Marques
Recorder
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 9 & 14,
2006
Thursday, February 9
Present: Senators: Adrezin, Adsit, Banzhaf, Borucinska, Bugl, Decker,
Desplaces, Dello Iacono Eppes, J.Gray, E.Gray, Jones, Katrichis, Larson,
McMiller, Milanovic, Morison, Nolan, Oliver, Siegel, Sumukadas, Watson,
Weinholtz, and Wetherbee-McDevitt. Attendance was 80% (24 of 30). Also
present Gordon Ramsey and Maria Marques (recorder).
Not Present: Senators Canedy, Carey, Levy, Mayer, Stevinson-Nollet, and Thomson
Call to Order − Senate Chair Katrichis welcomed the Senators to the 6th
meeting of the 2005-2006 Senate and congratulated Ivana Milanovic on her
promotion to associate professor. He also encouraged Faculty to submit their
nominations for Greenberg Grants Committee to Katherine Black, Provost's
Office. The award recipients are provided with up to $6,000 to be applied to award
course releases during the academic year and up to $2,500 for
scholarship-related expenses, for a total award of $8,500.
Progress and Planning Reports from Committees
1. Curriculum Committee – Senator Bugl reported on the curriculum
materials reviewed by the Curriculum Committee. Two courses on Law and the
Learning Innovation and Performance Certificate Concentration (LIP) Program
that were tabled last month by the Curriculum Committee were approved by the
Senate.
2. Bent/Larsen/Trachtenberg – Senator Wetherbee reported that nominations were
being reviewed by the Committee and meetings were scheduled. There were three
Bent; four Larsen, and two Trachtenberg nominations.
3. Computer and Technology – Senator Sumukadas announced that 19 one-hour
workshops have been conducted on encrypting. ITS said
that announcements are going out soon for the university community at large. It
was suggested that all faculty attend. The different configuration of each
faculty member’s computer, however, will require computer support and resources
that probably are not readily available.
4. Grants – Senator Nolan reported that the Committee is reviewing applications
for 13 Summer Stipends and 22 Coffin Grants. He believed that rating should be
completed by March 2.
5. Professional Standards – Senator Banzhaf presented a memo that was received
from a faculty member with recommendations for Faculty Policy Manual (FPM)
revisions. Discussion ensued on how to handle such “laundry lists.” It was
agreed that the Professional Standards Committee should review the memo and
decide which issues to tackle. Consensus was that not all items in the
memo required changes to the FPM.
6.
7. Orders of the Day
Tuesday, February 14
Present: Senators: Adrezin, Adsit, Banzhaf, Borucinska, Canedy, Decker, Dello
Iacono, Desplaces, Eppes, E.Gray, J.Gray, Jones, Katrichis, Mayer, McMiller,
Milanovic, Morison, Nolan, Oliver, Sumukadas, Thomson, Watson, Weinholtz, and
Wetherbee-McDevitt. Attendance was 80% (24 of 30). Also present Gordon Ramsey
and Maria Marques (recorder).
Not Present: Senators: Bugl, Carey, Larson, Levy, Siegel, and Stevinson-Nollet.
8. Reconvene – Chair Katrichis called the second part of the Senate Faculty
meeting to order.
Conversation with Provost Randall – Provost Randall addressed the topic
on everyone’s mind; the fires. She expressed the concern with the view from
outside the University in hearing and seeing the news coverage of the third
fire on campus in a short span of time. She said there would be a discussion at
the Board of Regents on steps we are taking, including the identification of
“best practices,” to reduce the chances of reoccurrences.
A senator inquired about the daily cleaning of the ISET building. He shared
concern of whiteboards not being cleaned, dirt tracked in accumulated by week’s
end, and asked if it was more noticeable because of the “brightness” of the
area, or had there been a change in cleaning protocol.
Senators asked the Provost where the University stands on admissions. She
replied that Spring number as of February 20 were
“comfortable.” It was too early to predict Fall
numbers at this time. She did say that campus visits are slightly down, but
reception attendance outside the
In the aftermath of a winter blizzard that left more than two feet of snow on
campus over the previous weekend, senators voiced their concerns with areas
that were not ready for the school to be “open.” The Provost promised to bring
the issues raised to Physical Plant. Also of concern was the timing of
decisions to close or not to close. It was felt that many people who live
farthest from the University are at a real disadvantage in driving and we as
the University are putting their safety in jeopardy. Provost Randall suggested
that the Senate speak to Chuck Colarulli and Norm Young on the protocol of
deciding when it’s safe to open school.
The problem of excessive drinking on campus was also discussed. She told
the Senate of an excellent presentation on the generation of students coming to
college that was presented to the Regents by Lisa Wyatt, which that may be of
interest to the Senate.
Senators expressed concern about the lead time requested to submit grant
proposals. Provost Randall explained to the Senate that the preliminary grant
proposals are taken seriously because of the University’s commitment and use of
resources. Some Senators expressed that it discourages faculty from preparing
preliminary grant applications.
11. Athletics NCAA Certification – John Carson – Vice
President Carson presented to the Senators the steps necessary for NCAA
Certification.
The objective of the certification process is intended to help the institution
identity issues and determine corrective actions, and to assist in identifying
mechanisms to ensure intercollegiate athletics programs are operating to their
fullest potential. It also meant to open up affairs of athletics to the
University community and the public and establish sanctions for failure to
comply.
Mr. Carson said a 19 member Steering Committee; in addition there are three
committee chairs responsible for reviewing the three major operating
principles.
1) Academic Integrity, chaired by Jacob Harney, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor/Director, Neuroscience Program. This committee will look at
academic standards and policies applicable to student-athletes consistent with
those adopted by the institution for the general student body. It will also
look at academic support programs for athletics designed to protect and enhance
the educational welfare of the students to assure proper educational
objectives.
2) Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance, chaired by
Catherine Certo, Ph.D., Chair, Physical Therapy Department will be looking at
institutional control and rules compliance.
3) Equity and Student-Athlete Welfare chaired by Betsey
Smith, Ph.D., Associate Dean, ENHP. This committee will assess if student
athletes are treated in a fair and equitable manner, if there is respect for
and sensitivity to the dignity of every person and lack of discrimination, and
does the Department of Athletics protect the physical and educational welfare
of student-athletes.
Possible outcomes as a result of the completion of the self-study are:
1) Certified as being in compliance
2) Certified with conditions
3) Not certified; restricted from participating
Mr. Carson said that representatives from the NCAA will be speaking to people
on campus. A final report is due for submission by
Mr. Carson said the accreditation process occurs every 10 years or so. It is
important that the process be inclusive, and Mr. Carson has been charged with
getting the word out.
Senators were interested in knowing how various sports were funded. Mr. Carson
said that sports are underfunded; however scholarships play a major role in
funding. The Senators inquired about the guidelines for scholarships.
12. Other Business – Chair Katrichis reminded the Senators of
the Faculty Art Exhibit in process at Joseloff Gallery.
13. With no other business the meeting adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Marques
Recorder
PRÉCIS of the January 2006 FACULTY SENATE MEETING
January 24 & 26, 2006
Thursday, January 24
Present: Senators Adrezin, Banzhaf, Borucinska, Bugl, Canedy, Carey, Dello
Iacono, Desplaces, Eppes, J.Gray, Jones, Katrichis, Mayer, McMiller, Milanovic,
Morison, Nolan, Oliver, Sumukadas, Thomson, Watson, Weinholtz, and
Wetherbee-McDevitt. Attendance was 77% (23 of 30). Also present Gordon
Ramsey and Maria Marques (recorder).
Not Present: Senators Adsit, Decker, E.Gray, Larson,
Levy, Siegel, and Stevinson-Nollet.
Call to Order − Senate Chair Katrichis welcomed
the Senators to the 5th meeting of the 2005-2006 Senate.
Progress and Planning Reports from Committees
Section XVII.D.3, Hillyer College Associate Degree Honors
Award changes, and Section V.A.7.a and Deletion of Section V.A.7.c., a proposal
to change the exception to high school transcript; the Senate voted to approve
both.
Present: Senators: Adrezin, Banzhaf, Borucinska,
Bugl, Carey, Dello Iacono, Desplaces, Eppes, E.Gray, J.Gray, Katrichis,
Milanovic, Morison, Nolan, Oliver, Siegel, Stevinson-Nollet, Sumukadas,
Thomson, Weinholtz, and Wetherbee-McDevitt. Attendance was 70% (21 of
30). Also present Gordon Ramsey and Maria Marques (recorder).
Not Present: Senators, Adsit, Canedy, Decker, Jones,
Larson, Levy, Mayer, McMiller, and Watson.
Cutler Associates is also expected to bid on the renovation
of the complexes project. The Committee chaired by Judge Killian is also
in charge of this project. Decisions are expected by April.
He reminded the Senate that these projects will be funded by
the issuance of Bonds. With the new residence hall and renovated complexes, it
is expected that the University can “de-triple” 180 beds, and create 300 total
new beds. It is also expected that room fees will fund construction costs. The
bond issues are progressing.
A committee is raising $5.0 million for an Arts and
Technology Center (CATC) between the HAS and the parking lot. The architects,
SLAM Collaborative of Glastonbury, are working to design a building with a
committee chaired by Herman Fontaine. Approval is conditional on raising funds.
If successful, they will break ground in May.
As mentioned previously, the Archdiocese will only be making
available 39 rooms to the University. President Harrison feels it is not worth
keeping only 39 students there at that campus. We will absorb all 78 students.
A Senator inquired to the naming of the Arts and
The status of the Downtown housing.
The President described this as more an opportunity for students who already
live off campus. He said if the building is not ready by beginning of class in fall, it does not matter if it is ready a week later. “A
miss by an inch is as good as a miss by a mile.”
It was suggested that a presentation be made to Faculty
Senate on the Art/Athletic field projects. Also an invitation to wander around
ISET was extended to all Senators.
The
Conversations with the Provost – Provost Randall
spoke of the Graduate Dean Search initial interview, which is conducted at the
airport. She pointed out that this position needs to bring in new monies to support
graduate education. It is also not a position where the person would lead by
authority. Rather, the person would need to be highly collaborative with
faculty and collegiate deans. She assured the Senators that she would keep them
posted on developments.
In reviewing space use, she noted the opportunity to reunite
Psychology Faculty in East Hall. She explained that to accomplish this, a
series of domino moves were necessary. She also noted the shared office space
being set up in ISET for Part Time Faculty and Adjuncts. Forty part time-faculty have already been assigned, and there are
others in the planning stage. United Technologies Hall was also updated.
Senators asked about the Signage, specifically Wilde
Auditorium and the
Senators also commented on usability of various classrooms:
white board and screen cannot be used at same time; markers/erasers not
there. The Provost asked that the faculty let Chuck Colarulli know the
room numbers so that he may be able to assist.
The Provost is forming a committee to develop a
comprehensive strategic plan for educational technology that includes
libraries, ITS, Media Services, FCLD, Faculty from all schools and colleges,
and Faculty Senate representation. Assistant Provost Black is surveying the
needs of the faculty, and the feasibility of using T-REC funds.
She announced that the University has moved to Internet II,
and in the process captured 60% more bandwidth in one month, and at a lower
cost than previous. This bandwidth is used by students, staff, and faculty. The
new company is CEN.
Discussed were faculty dating. Mr.
Condon said there are no statutory prohibitions, rather maxims of prudence, the
wisdom of which can become particularly evident in the event of a soured
relationship. The scenario of students and professors traveling together to
conferences, one on one teaching such as physical therapy and music lessons was
discussed. A Senator suggested a “Contract of Accountability” between
student/parents/faculty. A complaint, if filed, goes into the individual’s
personnel record. Final disposition then also becomes part of the permanent
file, hopefully exoneration.
The process for filing complaint was discussed. Basically,
if someone comes to a professor with an issue of harassment, it is advisable to
send them to Human Resources for specific direction when employees are involved
and to the Deans of Students in student-to-student situations.
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Mr. Condon was asked about the University history for such
suits; he said there were just a handful of cases in the years he has been
here, and within the last ten years there have only been five or six, and he
said that he has never had a case actually go to trial, when the University’s
liability insurance would come into play. Senators recommended that
administrators be knowledgeable on the subject.
Respectfully,
Maria Marques
Recorder
PRÉCIS of the December 2005 FACULTY SENATE MEETING
December 8 and 13, 2005
Thursday, December 8
Present: Senators Adrezin, Banzhaf, Borucinska, Bugl, Canedy, Decker,
Desplaces, Epps, J.Gray, Jones, Katrichis, Larson, Mayer, McMiller, Milanovic,
Nolan, Siegel, Stevinson-Nollet, Thomson, Watson, Weinholtz, and
Wetherbee-McDevitt. Attendance was 73% (22 of 30). Also present Gordon Ramsey
and Maria Marques (recorder).
Not Present: Senators Adsit, Carey, Dello Iacono, E.Gray, Levy, Morison, Oliver
and Sumukadas
Call to Order − Senate Chair Katrichis welcomed the Senators to the 4th
meeting of the 2005-2006 Senate.
Progress and Planning Reports from Committees
1. Curriculum Committee – Senator Bugl reported on the
Curriculum materials reviewed by the Curriculum Committee. The Director
of Respiratory Care Peter Kennedy and Chair of Architecture Kendra Schank Smith
were present to answer questions from the Senate on their respective programs.
One correction was noted on the summary, ENHP HS courses should be numbered HS
100 to HS 500 consecutively. The Senate voted to approve the Curriculum
Committee’s report.
2. Academic Standards – Senator Weinholtz presented the following for
first reading:
a. Section XVII.D.3—Hillyer College Associate Degree Honors Award change from
one to two awards. Number of Regents’ awards from
b. Section V.A.7.a and Deletion of Section V.A.7.c. – proposal to change the
exception to high school transcript for transfer admission from merely 30
semester hours of transfer credit to successful completion of at least a
two-year program that is acceptable for full credit towards a bachelor’s
degree. (This is necessary to meet Federal Regulations.)
3. Bent/Larsen/Trachtenberg Awards –Senator
Wetherbee – Reminded the Senate of the deadline of
4. Constitution Bylaws – Senator McMiller – Updated Senate on the result
of the request to have Emeriti representation at the Faculty Senate Executive
Committee. The request has been dropped due to Constitution stating “Article
III.
Faculty Senators must be members of the full-time faculty of
the University…”
5. Grants – Senator Nolan – Update – Reminder of deadline
of
6. Part Time & Adjunct Faculty (PT&AF) –Senator Jones described
and detailed the letter sent to faculty announcing a minimum compensation for
part-time faculty of $900 per credit hour starting in the Spring of 2006, $950
for academic year 2006-07, and $1,000 per credit hour during the 2007-08
academic year. He further described the 2/3 of allocation for pay raises and
1/3 for special circumstances. It was discussed that communication
between department chairs and deans will be vital to disperse the 1/3
allocation. A discussion by the Senators followed. There was interest in seeing
data from other colleges and it was agreed to have the PT&AF Committee
request information from Assistant Provost Katherine Black by the second part
of the Faculty Senate Meeting, which would be the following Tuesday. (Assistant
Provost Black was out of town and this was not possible.) For other remarks
concerning Part time & adjunct Faculty, also see Conversation with
President Harrison and Provost Randall below.
A motion was made by the Senators to thank ex-Senator and ’04-’05 Chair of the
Part Time & Adjunct Faculty Committee Cynthia Ritvo for her groundwork
which lead to this improvement in adjunct compensation.
7. Professional Standards – Senator Banzhaf presented proposed changes
to Section 12.2 of the Faculty Policy Manual on Sabbatical Leaves as a first
reading. The deadline for sabbatical applications is moved up by about 2
weeks, and in the case of two equally ranked applications preference will be
given to the faculty member with the longest time since a prior
sabbatical. The earlier deadline should allow successful applicants to be
notified in November, instead of January, giving them more time to prepare for
their upcoming sabbatical activities.
8. Orders of the Day
Tuesday, December 13
Present: Senators: Adrezin, Adsit, Banzhaf, Borucinska, Bugl, Canedy,
Carey, Decker, Epps, E.Gray, J.Gray, Jones, Katrichis, Larson, Levy, McMiller,
Milanovic, Morison, Nolan, Thomson, Watson, Weinholtz, and Wetherbee-McDevitt.
Attendance was 80% (24 of 30). Also present Gordon Ramsey and Maria
Marques (recorder).
Not Present: Senators, Dello Iacono, Desplaces, Mayer, Siegel,
Stevinson-Nollet, and Sumukadas
9. Reconvene – Chair Katrichis called the second part of the Senate Faculty meeting
to order.
10. Student Affairs – Senator Adrezin told the Senate that Student
Affairs Committee is working with Susan Fitzgerald, Assistant Vice President
for Student Health and Wellness to recruit a representative for the Student
Affairs Committee. Student Government Association (SGA) representation on the
Student Affairs Committee is expected to be in place by Spring Semester.
11. He also addressed concerns regarding the sexual harassment prevention
training programs. After having completed his session, he had legal questions
about which he felt the Senate and faculty in general may need further
clarification. It was agreed to ask Charles Condon, Secretary of the
University to come to Senate and address issues of concern after all faculty have
gone through the training.
13. Conversations with President Harrison and Provost Randall –
Conversation focused on the recent announcement of the Part-Time and Adjunct
salary changes. A request for details by the PT&AF Committee to Assistant
Provost Katherine Black could not be answered because of issues of
confidentiality. Provost Randall assured the Senate that the Provost’s office
would provide the information that can made public.
A suggestion was made by a Senator to better integrate the work of the
PT&AF and the Part-Time Faculty and Adjunct Committees in order to ensure
that this important initiative continues beyond the tenure of the current
administration.
Of note, Provost Randall pointed out that her policy is to have a national
search for all tenure-track faculty positions. In response to a Senator’s
question about possible administration changes,
President Harrison announced that he has signed a five-year contract
with the University to continue as President.
Distance Learning – it was asked of the Provost and the President what are the
University’s plans for distance learning. Provost Randall spoke of a
pilot program that will be put into place during the summer. She sees the
University as having “hybrid” courses which are not entirely on-line. She
anticipates that we will be moving slowly in adopting courses which are
entirely on-line, as we do not have the expertise, experience, or the interest
of the faculty or students.
President Harrison commented that plans for the construction projects mentioned
at the last Faculty Senate meeting were progressing; i.e., University High
School, new building for the Art School, new residence hall, athletic fields,
renovation of complexes, the movement of GIPP, etc. Provost Randall
remarked on the faculty moves that are taking place. Abrahams Hall is presently
vacant and moves are proposed to give faculty better office space.
Academic Program Enhancement—The deans are presenting
their strategic plans for each of the schools so that we can set goals and
measure our progress with respect to quality. He has heard from six out
of the eight deans. Their strategic plans are expected to be a multi-year plans
starting in the Fall of 2006.
Provost Randall said there are roughly 400 adjuncts, and 325 full-time faculty,
with full-time faculty providing more instructional hours than adjunct and
part-time faculty.
Discussion ensued about the sexual harassment prevention training for
full-time, part-time faculty, and graduate students with instructional
responsibilities. The Provost announced that adjuncts would be given the
information via the web and may possibly be required to submit to a test at the
end of the training. The Senators felt strongly that “testing” adjuncts would
be unfair if not done for full time professors. The Provost felt that
this was a valid concern. The Provost had announced last month that she
hopes to make the training part of the “new hires orientation.” For more
information see www.hartford.edu/provost.
With no other business the December 2005 meeting adjourned at
PRÉCIS of the November 2005 FACULTY SENATE MEETING
November 8 and 10, 2005
12N - 1:40 P.M., Auerbach 426
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Present: Senators Banzhaf, Borucinska, Bugl, Carey, Decker, Dello Iacono,
Desplaces, Eppes, Gray,J., Katrichis, Mayer, McMiller, Milanovic, Morison,
Nolan, Oliver, Siegel, Stevinson-Nollet, Sumukadas, Thomson, Watson,
Weinholtz and Wetherbee-McDevitt. Also present were Maria Marques (recorder)
and Gordon Ramsey (Emeriti Association). Attendance was 77% (23/30).
Not in attendance: Senators Adrezin, Adsit, Canedy, E.Gray, Jones, Larson, and
Levy.
Call to Order Senate Chair Katrichis
welcomed the Senators to the 3rd
meeting of the 2005-2006 Senate.
Progress and Planning Reports from Committees
1. Academic Standards
- Senator Weinholtz brought to the table the alternate course grid for the
second reading and vote. After some discussion
and questions with Associate Provost Chuck Colarulli, and a suggestion of
standardizing the time between all classes to 10 minutes, a vote was taken
and the motion passed, approving the new course grid.
2. Development - Senator Morison
introduced Vice President Don Rizzo to the Senators. He presented a brief
overview of the division's staffing
and areas of responsibility. Mr. Rizzo handed out an organizational chart, and
he had previously provided a memo with recent financial figures, as well
as biographies on Development staff, which was included in the Senators'
meeting package. He said Stephen Auger, had just been hired as Director
of
Major and Leadership Gifts and he will be working with the Hartt School Board.
Mr. Rizzo also addressed the following topics:
ISET is still short on gifts.
There is an expected major gift. $7.5 million are still needed.
With the addition to the
First-ever Anchor Awards.
These new awards honor exceptional alumni from each of the university's schools
and colleges, who are making
their marks in a variety of fields. Mr. Rizzo said "the faculty should be
proud."
Faculty and Staff gifts
equaled $139,383.00
Faculty
Senate Chair will acknowledge gifts of $1,000 or more to the University with a
"personal" note
Hope to raise $12 million in
gifts and pledges in the Annual Fund Campaign
Senator suggests that
graduates keep their e-mail address (this has been addressed by the Provost at
an earlier Senate meeting and it was
explained that the e-mail addresses are tied into many other components at the
University)
In response to a comment that
graduates are solicited as soon as they graduate, Mr. Rizzo said that
information packages are sent in the
Fall, but solicitation is not done until the following Spring. He
explained that this is done by the specific college, and that the funds raised
go
directly to the college.
Senators questioned the needed
funding for the
on Tuesday that Development was involved, Mr. Rizzo was not aware of the extent
or specifics. Mr. Rizzo pointed out that there is $34 million
allocated for the High School.
3. Curriculum Committee - Senator
Bugl reported on the November Curriculum Committee's review of programs and
course changes. Mr. Tom
Bradley spoke briefly on the Art School Low Residency MFA Program, and Senator
Epps represented CETA's Electrical Engineering Technology and
Computer Engineering Technology's revision of existing programs. The Senate
voted to approve the report presented. (It was noted the report included
seven course codes as ETC which should be ECT).
The full report may be seen at http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/facsenate/05-06CurricSummary.htm
4.
Bent/Larsen/Trachtenberg - Senator Wetherbee-McDevitt announced that the
call for nominations has gone out. Nominations are due at Faculty
Senate by
5. Constitution Bylaws - Senator
McMiller reported the request from the Emeriti Association is being reviewed by
the committee and a report is
forthcoming with a recommendation to the Senate.
6. Grants - Senator Nolan reminded
the Senate the deadline for applications for Summer Stipend and Coffin Grants
is
7. International
Studies - Senator Watson shared a brochure used by International Studies.
He announced that Sarah Reuter has been hired as
Study Abroad Administrator to work with Catherine Stevenson, Academic Dean,
International and Honors Program. He emphasized that the faculty
could
create their own opportunities. Also, there are seven grants that faculty
could apply for; including research and presenting a paper. Financial Aid
is also available. He added that only 2.6% of the University's students
take advantage of the program at present. The national average is 5.8.
8. Part Time & Adjunct Faculty -
Chair Katrichis for Senator Jones reported that the committee is reviewing the
Gordon Ramsey Award call for
nominations. This will be the second year for this award.
(For other remarks concerning Part time & adjunct Faculty, also see #12
(Conversation with President Harrison)
9. Professional Standards - Senator
Banzhaf brought to the table the proposal to change the 2006-2007 Faculty
Policy Manual, Section 7.3;
Extending the Probationary Period. After discussion on the floor, a vote
was held and the motion passed.
10. Orders of the Day (
Thursday, November 10
Present: Senators Banzhaf, Bugl, Carey, Decker, Dello Iacono, Desplaces, Eppes,
Gray,E., Gray,J., Jones, Katrichis, Mayer, Milanovic, Morison, Nolan,
Siegel, Sumukadas, Thomson, Watson, Weinholtz and Wetherbee-McDevitt. Also
present were Maria Marques (recorder) and Gordon Ramsey (Emeriti
Association).
Not in attendance: Senators Adrezin, Adsit, Borucinska, Canedy, Larson, Levy,
McMiller, Oliver and Stevinson-Nollet. Attendance was 67% (20 of 30).
11. Reconvene - The Faculty Senate reconvened for the second
part of the meeting. Chair Katrichis announced that the Grievance Committee had
elected
Professor Don Ellis of A&S as its chair.
12. Conversations with President Harrison and Provost Randall:
President
Harrison, Provost Randall and Senator Jones brought the Senate up to date on
the Part-Time Committee's proposed salary increase.
Senator Jones announced the three (3)-year-plan to increase adjunct facultys'
salary. The plan includes the following formula: 2/3 to be used
to raise the floor on adjunct salaries; and 1/3 to respond to market forces. He
explained the goal is to bring the University's faculty salaries in line
with our peers (i.e., colleges with which we compete for adjunct faculty,
including Quinnipiac, CCSU, UConn). Provost Randall further explained that
the 1/3 could be used for adjunct seniority or a difference in qualification
such as a PhD vs. a Masters. President Harrison assured the Senate there
are funds in the budget for the next two years at this point.
The Finance Committee has
approved the outline of the budget, which includes the above proposal, and now
it will be presented to the Board
of Regents.
President
Harrison then commented on a proposed bill that would cut nearly $15 billion
from federal student loan programs. One Senator
believed that the vote had been postponed earlier in the day due to not enough
votes to pass it. The University has over 3,000 students currently
receiving student aid, totaling more than $30 million.
President
Harrison urged Senators to call their congressmen/women and ask them to oppose
the bill, which according to the National Association
of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), would result in the largest
cuts ever in student loan funding (www.naicu.edu).
President Harrison recounted
the Residence Halls proposal. He reminded the Senators that the Sage Allen
Housing downtown can be for junior
faculty; graduate students, or anyone who is connected to the University.
Provost Randall would not recommend that underclassman be placed in this kind
of environment. A senator asked if smoking was allowed. It was assumed to
be so.
The proposal to re-finance our
Bonds for the new residence halls and to renovate the present complex would be
$25 million refinancing, plus
$25 million for the new residence hall and renovation of complexes A, B, C, D,
E and F, totaling $50 million at a fixed rate.
The
Physical Plant and the Finance Committee have endorsed that direction with the
present bond insurance rating; it is likely that it will
be approved.
RFQ's to
construction managers are being sought for both projects either/or both).
Early in 2006 management plans to select manager(s),
break ground for the new residence hall in late spring, with a
anticipated opening in 2007. The renovations would occur during the next
three summers.
Senators
asked about the location of the new residence hall, and why the land past the
fields was not being used. President Harrison
explained the land is undeveloped, requiring extreme expenses in roads, water,
electricity, etc. Although there are wetlands, there are 40 acres
that can be developed.
President
Harrison also mentioned an e-mail sent to the University community about
students claiming to represent TKE. He explained the
University is working closely with the TKE National Chapter to resolve the
problems.
The Provost
said at the request of the Board of Regents Audit Committee, the
harassment prevention training for full-time faculty, part-time faculty, and
graduate students with instructional responsibilities. She believes they
will become part of the "new hires orientation." Various
methods of availability are being considered; a video tape of the information
will be
available on-line shortly. More information is on the newly formed Provost
Website: www.hartford.edu/provost.
Also, information on the Voluntary
Phased Retirement Plan may be found there.
She
announced the President will soon have his own Website geared toward external
access to the University.
Provost Randall spoke briefly
on the 2005 Carnegie Classification, which was established in 1970 by Carnegie
Foundation to aid research on
higher education. The University is listed in the following five
categories: Size and Setting, Enrollment profile, Undergraduate profile,
Undergraduate Instructional programs, Graduate
instructional programs.
(Please let Maria know if you would like more information on the Carnegie
Classification, mmarques@hartford.edu)
13.
Asylum Avenue Campus facilities usage.
1) ECHS Policy Committee, Chuck Colarullli and
Jane Horvath, Co-Chairs
Purpose: implements recommendations of the Task Force on the
Members: Alan Hadad, Karen Barrett, Andy Craft, Jean McGivney-Burelle, Natalie
Politikos, Osama Mohamed, Christine Thatcher
2) ECHS Financial Sustainability Committee,
Arosha Jayawickema, Chair
Purpose: Implements recommendations of the Task Force on the
School
Members: Alan Hadad, Jane Horvath, Chuck Colarulli, John Carson, Peter Lisi
14. Adjourned at
PRÉCIS of the October 2005 FACULTY SENATE MEETING
October 11 and 13, 2005
Not in attendance: Senators Borucinska, Dello Iacono, Levy, Stevinson-Nollet
and Watson.
1.
Progress and Planning Reports from Committees
Change the 2006-207 Faculty Policy Manual, Section
7.3. This would allow a faculty member to request an extension of a
probationary period with added confidentiality when the reason is due to circumstances that are of an intensely
personal or private nature. This will be voted at the November Senate
meeting.
Expediting tenure review of highly
qualified individuals without traditional academic experience.
Changing wording in Sabbaticals so that
they are based solely on the merits of the proposal, and do not take into
account rank or length of service.
Fall weekend a successful event even though the weather was
bad.
Power outages are causing extensive problems: a damaged
transformer and various ownership of the lines caused
confusion and delayed correction. A senator offered to have President
Harrison join his class on a two hour tour of the campus electrical
distribution system. He spoke of supplier options, and the present
suppliers that include CL&P and a Canadian Consortium.
Heating/electricity costs are locked in, natural gas and
oil, however, are not. A Senator suggested conservation of energy on campus
where possible.
In answer to a senator’s questions about the completion of
the
Downtown housing—with Saint Thomas Seminary reassigning a
floor to elder priest housing, the housing available to the University will be
cut in half. This will cause the number of students to be too low to
justify public safety, shuttle bus, and other services needed.
Housing marketing was discussed.
Parking status and availability—GIPP faculty, staff and
students are being brought back to campus which add to the need for parking,
offices and classrooms. President Harrison said a parking structure may
need to be discussed in the near future.
Provost Randall spoke on:
Search Committee for Dean of Graduate Studies—a nine-member
committee headed by Katherine Black, Assistant Provost and Dean of Graduate
Studies. The Provost asked the Senators to nominate colleagues from other
institutions who may be interested in the job. The position and committee
members are posted at http://www.hartford.edu/provost/.
Census—Enrollment is at 4,657, 107 over the budgeted
amount, which provides some additional funds for projects; but, she said “we
cannot keep on growing…we are reaching capacity.”
ISET—reported on schedule.
Present: Senators
Banzhaf, Borucinska, Bugle, Canedy, Carey, Decker, Eppes, E.Gray, J.Gray,
Jones, Katrichis, Larson, Morison, Nolan, Oliver, Siegel, Stevinson-Nollet,
Sumukadas, Thomson, Watson, Weinholtz and Wetherbee-McDevitt. Also present were
Maria Marques (recorder), Gordon Ramsey (Emeriti Association).
6. Reconvene – The Faculty Senate reconvened for
the second part of the meeting.
7. Benefits Task
Force (BTF) — Faculty member of BTF Peter Schuyler reported on the Benefits
Task Force and the issues that have been dealt with:
Initiated changes for TIAA CREF so that members may be able
to withdraw money from their accounts before 59 ½ years of age, for
catastrophic reasons or phased retirement plan.
Reviewed and approved all benefits to same sex partners
that are presently offered to spouses, to correspond with the Connecticut Civil
Union Rights amendment.
Reviewed and merged health insurance coverage to keep
insurance cost increases to a minimum. The University was able to do that by
choosing one insurer (from the two currently offered), thereby saving on
administrative costs. Choosing one over the other also saved in premiums as a
5-year claims history was higher in one than the other.
The insurance plan is self-insured by the University.
Senators asked why UnitedHealthCare was chosen over
Connecticare. Employees/retirees who live outside the state would always be
required to use out-of-network provider.
Cost-protected contract based on administrative cost savings.
3 year contract— administrative costs can not increase more than 4% per year
The reason for having an insurance company like
UnitedHealthCare is because insurance companies negotiate prices with
healthcare providers.
A 7% rate increase is predicted for the
The University has 1,400 employees eligible for benefits.
RC Knox is the agency that administers the University’s
benefits program.
In regard to peer universities, we are favorably placed in
most categories at or above the 50 percentile.
A re-structuring of the Benefits Task Force from 10 voting
members to 6, with two
faculty
representatives versus three presently.
Discussion
and revising how time off is paid. At present vacation, holidays, and
earned time are all separate. It is being discussed to have one number
that reflects all the categories.
Schedule Grid—Associate Provost Chuck Colarulli spoke and
answered questions on the proposed schedule grid for the University to update
the one presently in MAPP. Some of the reasons to offered
to justify this revision include:
To ease the evening overcrowding; currently, a very large
fraction of students in evening classes are FT undergraduates.
The Graduate Institute Psychology Program (GIPP) program
returning to campus, 5 more classrooms will be needed. This program has resided
on
Schedule maintains 5x T/Thu; 12 day slots
Retains Happy Hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Positive endorsements were received from Barney, ENHP,
Hillyer,
There are more than 61 general purpose classrooms; there
are a certain number of classrooms that are used at the deans' discretion and
do not appear on the schedule.
Some Senators requested more data needed to assess the need
for the proposed schedule.
The State mandates that a class be a total of 2,100 minutes
for a three-credit class per semester.
Senators requested data that shows the number of students
in classrooms in each time slot in addition to the number of classrooms.
To address the concern some Senators voiced about
A Senator suggested that some basic classroom space be
planned into the proposed new residence hall to be built on campus.
A Senator expressed safety concerns with laboratories
running
It was requested that comments and concerns about the
proposed course schedule be sent to Senator/Secretary of Senate Weinholtz.
A Senator suggested that labs be made 1.5 hour, Tu/Th, as
opposed to 2 hours since there is now an additional time on Friday.
A November vote on the proposed schedule is planned.
Scheduling classes at non-standard times was discussed.
There is already focused attention on the graduate program and an already
established Saturday Term.
Several Senators suggested that
Adjourned at
PRÉCIS of the September 2005 FACULTY SENATE MEETING
Present: Senators
Adrezin, Adsit, Banzhaf, Borucinska, Bugl, Canedy, Carey, Decker, Desplaces,
Eppes, J.Gray, Jones, Katrichis, Mayer, McMiller, Milanovic, Morison, Nolan,
Oliver, Siegel, Stevinson-Nollet, Sumukadas, Thomson, Weinholtz and
Wetherbee-McDevitt. Also present were Maria Marques (recorder), Gordon Ramsey
(Emeriti Association). Faculty observer: Jay Stewart (Sociology
Department).
Not in attendance:
Senators E.Gray, Larson, Levy and Watson. Attendance was 87% (26 of 30).
Call to Order − Senate
Chair Katrichis welcomed the Senators to
the 1st meeting of the 2005-2006 Senate.
1.
Committee Reports
Academic
Standards & Procedures – Senator
Weinholtz announced a new course grid is being presented for Faculty Senate’s
review. It addresses evening starting time to relieve parking, and allow
scheduling more classes. Senator Weinholtz will distribute it Tuesday to
the Senate.
Curriculum
Committee– Senator Bugl reported the
Curriculum Committee meeting for September had been cancelled due to no
submissions.
Part
Time & Adjunct Faculty – Senator Jones
reported the Part-Time and Adjunct Faculty Advisory Task Force headed by
Assistant Provost Katherine Black has been meeting throughout the summer.
He expects favorable results to be announced soon. Summer course teaching is
not affected. Long term, this Task Force will continue to seek ways to improve
support for the part time and adjunct faculty.
Professional
Standards – Senator Banzhaf informed the
new Senate of the Faculty Policy Manual (FPM) purpose and the procedures for
changing it. The committee, Professional Standards, includes a representative
from each school and is given the task of reviewing and suggesting changes to
the FPM. The Senate has the final vote on proposed changes.