June 26, 2002 Minutes
APPROVED FACULTY SENATE MINUTES 44TH FACULTY SENATE JUNE 26, 2002
Approved Senate Minutes
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
Members present: Ron Sawey, Marguerite Gillis, Bill Stone, Gay James, Bill Peeler, Michael Blanda, Fred Blevens, Christopher Frost, Mary Brennan, Ted
Hindson, Oren Renick, Ruth Taylor for James Stutzman
Guests: Donna Bourke, Francis Rose, Roy Martin, Margaret Vaverek
The meeting was called to order by Oren Renick, who suggested an alphabetic listing for taking minutes. The senate discussed the transition to the new president, Denise Trauth, and the procedures of the presidential search committee. Several members expressed their positive impression of the committee's selection and Dr. Trauth's previous record.
Meg Grant will attend the July meeting to help the senate set priorities. Senator Stone suggested that we attempt to complete this process within an hour or so.
Carolyn McCall reported on the Committee on Committees, noting that they received a better return, improving from 90 in 2001 to 106 for 2002. Four schools lack representation on the committees. Senator Hindson asked if there was a limit to the number of committees a person can be on and if there is any way to have
representative numbers from larger schools.
It was noted that there is no longer a grievance committee, just one hearing officer.
The idea of Faculty Senate taking a more active role in curriculum was discussed, and it was noted that Dr. Meers' position was removed from the library committee. Currently Margaret Vaverek is serving on the committee.
Old business was discussed, including the deans and chairs evaluations. Dr. Gratz wishes to delay evaluations, but the senate seemed to reach a consensus
that they would like to go ahead with the process as soon as possible. It was suggested that this delay may be needed in order to consider the wishes of the new president.
The new Ph.D. proposal in aquatic biology was discussed and Senator Sawey asked why the budget calls for only $94,000 by 2010. It was explained that this will
be accomplished by a projected jump in student enrollment The senate also wished to understand the definition of "reallocation" and to hear the department's rationale for the program in terms of projected enrollment. The procedure for approving the new Ph.D. proposals was questioned and it was suggested that this needs to be reconsidered. The Academic Development Program is intended to conduct this oversight, but the senate expressed a desire for greater participation early on in this process. Senator Hindson moved and Senator Sawey seconded a motion to withhold its approval of the aquatic biology proposal until after it has been considered and commented on by the new president. The motion passed with seven in favor, three opposed and oneabstention.
The senate brought up the issue of the interest from all interest-bearing accounts going to fund the new athletic complex. It was suggested that the university should put more money into new faculty salaries and support.
Bill Stone is acting interim summer ombudsman, but it is not clear who will take over this position in the fall.
The post tenure review group had no report.
Future items will include a further discussion of Faculty Senate's role in curriculum, the evaluations of deans and chairs, and the role of athletics.
Faculty senators completing their terms this year will receive plaques at the August meeting.
New Business:
The minutes of May 8 were approved.
Senator Sawey discussed curriculum committee problems, and Senator Blanda suggested ways to make the committee run more efficiently. Senators Hindson,
Frost, and Bell-Metereau will form a subcommittee to discuss via email a way for the faculty senate to become more involved in the curriculum development
and review process.
Senator Stone moved to adjourn and Senator Brennan seconded. The meeting was adjourned.
Submitted by Rebecca Bell-Metereau