Feb 16, 2011 Minutes
Members present: Senators Stone, Feakes, Wilson, Hazlewood, Morey, Melzer, Furney, Martin, Conroy
Guests: Sigler, Zamora (Star), Sigler, Nielsen
Meeting called to order at 4:00.
Announcement:
1. The Chair is often contacted by the press for comments on issues before the Senate, the University or about topics in the news. She is investigating her rights and responsibilities in responding to such requests, and has invited a panel from the Department of Mass Communication to speak with the Senate about this topic on March 9.
Computer Replacement Program and Access to Lynda.com: Dr. Wyatt distributed data on the 2010-2011 and 2009-2010 allocations for the computer refresh program, noting that a major change this cycle has been to allocate money rather than units, allowing colleges more flexibility in what they order and how they use the funds. In explaining the reduced amount for computer refreshes this year, he stated that all vice presidents were asked by the Provost to find ways to reduce HEAF budgets in anticipation of Legislative budget cuts. He also felt that the cost of computers had dropped in recent years, thus reducing the amount of funds needed for computer refreshes. This year, colleges will be allowed to use for computer purchases those funds identified in the allocation for printer refreshes. At the end of the year, Dr. Wyatt will review the effect of all these changes, and encourages faculty to contact him with feedback and suggestions. Dr. Wyatt explained that the refresh program has as its philosophy that computers are needed to do work effectively at the University, and that computers eventually outlive their usefulness or the ability to support current software. While the original goal was to replace computers every three years, the reality was that most faculty and staff received new units every four years, with some waiting five or six years.
To outline the training services offered by ITAC, Dr. Wyatt distributed a new document highlighting the various workshops and online training courses for which the University has licenses; the document will be posted on the ITAC website for reference. Faculty and staff can register for these courses, which train in the use of software and technology, by contacting ITAC at 245-4822. The Senate urged Dr. Wyatt to promote these resources more effectively. Dr. Wyatt noted he was working to make them more accessible, and that the new document was a helpful first step.
Testing for ODS Students: In their office in Commons, TREC now supervises testing services for ODS students. Renovations have created better classrooms for offering these services, and TREC is exploring ways to hire more student workers to assist with test supervision; notify faculty of test completion; and resume delivery of completed exams to faculty, as was previously done by the ODS Office.
BREAK
Faculty Definitions: The Chair outlined the resources she is posting on the Senate TRACS site related to the revision of the PPS defining “faculty voter” and “personnel committee membership.” One question that she has received more than once is what comprises an academic appointment. The new definitions, in her opinion, are actually more inclusive than existing ones. Dr. Bourgeois has asked that new policy state explicitly that personnel committee members cannot hold administrative positions at a rate of more than 50% of their appointments.
Committee on Committees Report: Dr. Stone, Chair of the Committee on Committees, distributed the Committee’s recommendations for 2011 committee assignments. The Senate will vote on these recommendations at its next meeting. Dr. Stone added that the Committee believes a position should be added for a representative from the Library, since so many committees now include Library representatives and the Committee on Committees would welcome Library input on appropriate appointees.
New Business: There was no new business.
Minutes of 2/2/11 were approved.
Adjournment.