Jan 31, 2007 Minutes

Chair Stone, Senators Brennan, Conroy, Davidson, Feakes, Hazlewood, Hindson, Homeyer, McGee, McKinney, Montondon, Sorenson, Warms, Winek, Wiley

Guests: Dr. Mark Fronstad, Geography

Meeting called to order at 4:00.

Role of the University Budget Committee: There was continued discussion on the role of the University Budget Committee for the coming year.  One option would be for the committee to investigate how any new money from this legislative session might be used.  It was decided that the committee would remain on call to consider issues as they come before the Senate.  Also, there is the need of a replacement on the committee for Dr. Sawey from the College of Science.

Faculty Developmental Leave Issues: A question was raised about when the time clock started for the six-year eligibility period between developmental leaves.  Traditionally, the time clock has started at the beginning of a faculty member’s leave. The consensus was to stay with the tradition that the six-year period between leaves starts at the beginning of a faculty member’s leave.

Senate/CAD Agenda: There was a lengthy discussion of topics for the joint meeting with the Senate and the Council of Academic Deans that will be held February 28, 2007, 3:00 – 5:00, in the Reed Parr Room.  The discussion resulted in the following items that will be forwarded CAD:

• College Level Faculty Governance Structures: The Senate has observed that there are significant differences in the organizational structure of colleges regarding faculty input on policies and decisions. In some colleges, only the minimal faculty structure of a budget committee and a curriculum committee exists. In other colleges, more extensive structures exist, for example, the addition of governance committees and awards committees.  Furthermore, the membership of the college councils has varied over time and between colleges. It would appear that these differences are at times the byproduct of historical actions, and in other cases, the result of recent organizational efforts. The Senate would like to discuss all current college governance models and examine the benefits of each. We recognize that one standard model will not fit all colleges, but we believe that an open discussion of the different structures may be constructive.
• Role of Associate and Assistant Deans:  In recent years, there appears to have been an expansion of the number of Assistant/Associate Deans. The Senate would like to hear a college-by-college report of these positions, their administrative roles and compensation. What is the process for creating these positions? When new positions are created, or existing positions become vacant, are they filled through an open search? Like the issue of college governance structures, no one model will fit all colleges, but we believe there is benefit to an open discussion of what each college is doing.
• Role of Service in the University Community:  The proposed revisions to PPS 8.01 clearly intend to give service little if any role in the granting of tenure or the promotion to Associate Professor. The Senate would like to know how the Deans feel about these proposed revisions and about the importance of service in merit decisions and the promotion to full Professor.  In addition, we have noticed that Chairs continue to place untenured faculty in service roles like graduate advisor, program coordinator/director and others. Is service to the administration to be considered differently from service to other areas of professional responsibility? Also, minority faculty find themselves pressured to serve on committees for “diversity” reasons and are often appointed without consultation. Is service from minorities to be considered differently from non-minority faculty? Finally, some departments have specialized faculty who are expected to engage in service because of their unique expertise. Is service from faculty with unique expertise to be considered differently from other faculty?

Break:

PAAG Agenda: A similar discussion considered topics for the next PAAG agenda with President Trauth scheduled for February 7th. The discussion resulted in the following items that will be forwarded the President:

• Legislative Agenda: The Senate would appreciate once again hearing your views on the current legislative session. We realize that it is still a little early to be reading the tea leaves, however, some of the legislative agenda does seem to be surfacing and we would appreciate your insight.

• Capital Campaign and New Construction: We realize that there is a linkage between the success of the capital campaign and some of the major new construction projects. While we understand that we are still in the study phase of the capital campaign, we would like to be updated on the progress of the campaign and how it will impact major campus construction.

• Future Merit and Performance Cycle: The Senate is assuming that there will be some form of merit and performance cycle this academic year. We would like to know what procedure will be used and what the time line for the cycle is.

• New Faculty Positions Allocation:  In recent years, you have allocated significant resources to increasing the size and quality of the faculty and the Senate heartily applauds your efforts. What are your plans for new faculty positions over the next couple of years?

• Redistribution of “Course Fee Money”:  As part of the new tuition structure, course fees will cease to exist and all monies will come in the form of tuition. We would like to be updated on the progress being made in developing the procedure/formula to fairly allocate the former “course fee money” to departments.

• Academic Citizenship:  The Senate believes that all faculty, as a part of being a good academic citizen, have an obligation to contribute to the welfare of the university community. There are many methods by which the faculty can contribute. A faculty member may give money to the university, publish an article, or teach with such excellence that it brings recognition to the university. However, all of these contributions are characterized by the fact that they are small group or individual activities. Only one academic responsibility requires people to assemble in significant groups and have a shared dialogue with faculty from other disciplines who offer different perspectives, values and knowledge. It is these shared group experiences that create the bonds of a community. With this prologue, the Senate again wishes to have a dialogue about the value of academic service to the university and professional community.

Keys:  It turns out that the information that classroom keys cost $50 was erroneous. The $50 is the fee the replace the locks in a room.  The actual price per key to departments is $5. The University locksmith is Douglas Nelson in UPD and, depending on demand, it should take no longer than a day or two to get a key made.

New Business:

·         Faculty Recruitment:  An incident was reported that a chair added individuals to the employable pool of faculty to be forwarded to the college dean for his/her department that were not reported to the department’s faculty search committee.  There are possible inconsistencies with policy in such action.  PPS7.02, Section 40, which states: “… After consultations, the chair will forward the recommendation of the search committee, the departmental/school personnel committee and the chair/director with the applicant files of the top-ranking candidate to the college dean. The file of the recommended candidate will include those items needed for hiring and contracting…”  The PPS implies consultation with the chair, the search committee and the personnel committee in reaching the choice of the top faculty candidate.  It would seem contrary to the PPS if consultation did not occur and a list of candidates rather than a top candidate were forwarded to the dean.  The Senate will consider the issue next week.  Senators should read PPS 7.02 and its attachments.

·         Prepaid Travel:  An incident where a faculty member taking students to a conference where the students were required to make prepayment for rooms and travel was reported.  It was suggested that the department get temporary vendor numbers for the students so that they could get prepayment for the room and travel fees.

·         Traffic Congestion:  A problem with early morning and late afternoon traffic congestion at the McCoy parking garage was reported.  It was suggested that AVPFSS Nusbaum be contacted.

Minutes: Amended minutes for 12/06/06 and 1/24/07 were approved.