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Faculty Senate

Oct 31, 2007 Minutes

Members present:

Senators Stone, Feakes, Furney, Hazlewood, Hindson, McGee, McKinney, Meek, Melzer, Ogletree, Shah, Wilson

 

Guests: Tyler Ferguson, ASG Rep, and Scott Thomas, University Star

 

Meeting called to order at 4:00.

 

Development Leave Applicants:  The Senate continued its review of Faculty Development Leave applicants:

·         Dr. Yongmei Lu, Geography

  • Dr. Caitlin Gabor, Biology

·         Dr. Cecilia Temponi, Management

  • Dr. Dean Showalter, Fin & Eco
  • Dr. Britt Bousman, Anthropology
  • Dr. Sharon O’Neal, Curr & Inst
  • Dr. Wihelmus Geerts, Physics

 

Piper Nominee Selection Committee:  The Senate considered the report of the Piper Nominee Selection Committee, which recommended Dr. Brock Brown, Associate Professor of Geography, as Texas State University’s Piper nominee.  The committee also recommended Dr. Mary Ann Stutts, Professor of Marketing, and Dr. Max Warshauer, Professor of Mathematics, as the two selections for the Everette Swinney Faculty Senate Award.  The Senate voted to suspend its rules in order to consider the committee’s recommendation and to accept the committee’s recommendations.

 

Security Cameras:  There is still some concern with respect to the installation of campus security cameras. Specifically mentioned was:  how long are camera files actually kept; who really gets access to the data files; and how is abuse of the system really prevented?  The Senate will monitor the issue until the actual draft UPPS comes up for review.

 

Gender Identity and Expression:  The Senate continued its discussion of a motion on gender identity and expression.  The motion was passed with two abstentions and is listed as the first entry on the PAAG Agenda, below.  It will be sent to President Trauth.

 

PAAG Agenda:  The Senate items for next week’s PAAG agenda.  The following items were selected:

  • Proposed Change to UPPS 04.04.46   (Prohibition of Discrimination UPPS): The Faculty Senate at Texas State University-San Marcos is committed to the fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity.  To fulfill its mission of promoting these principles, the Faculty Senate encourages a climate that values and nurtures collegiality, diversity, pluralism, and the uniqueness of the individual within our state, nation, and world.  The Senate affirms that all decisions and actions involving students and employees should be based on applicable law and individual merit. Therefore, the Senate believes that Texas State University-San Marcos should have a policy that in accordance with applicable federal and state law prohibits discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. We propose that UPPS No. 04.04.46, "Prohibition of Discrimination or Harassment Based on Race, Color, National Origin, Age, Sex, Religion, Disability or Sexual Orientation," be changed to reflect the inclusion of "gender identity or expression."
  • Post Virginia Tech Campus Security & Emergency Contingency Planning: The Senate recognizes and appreciates the significant efforts made by the administration to provide both the students and employees with a safe work and learning environment. We are aware that there have been significant changes in critical incident planning, procedures and equipment in an attempt to make the campus safer. We would like to be updated on the efforts to improve campus safety and security, including the placement and use of cameras on campus. 
  • Advanced Degree Proposals and the Coordinating Board: The Senate has received information which indicates that the Coordinating Board is adjusting or significantly realigning its position on Ph.D. and other doctoral/terminal degree plans. The new direction seems to be much more restrictive about what types of advanced degrees they will approve. Considering that we have numerous advanced degree proposals under development, the Senate is interested in how this will affect our academic planning.
  • NCAA Review Process and the Athletic Interface with Academics: As part of the NCAA review process, the university is taking an extensive look at the interface between the athletic and the academic functions of the university. The Senate is interested in the progress and the nature of this examination.

 

 

Minutes:  Minutes for 10/27/07 were approved as amended.