MINUTES OF THE SENATE MEETING FEBRUARY 9, 2004
Meeting was called to order at 4:06 PM.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: M. Nelson/Courtney
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 8, 2003: Courtney/Klein
Chair Chilberg welcomed new student members
PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
President Hefner reported on a meeting of College presidents with the chancellor. There will probably be no tuition increase. Yet there may be a tuition policy next fall for rational, reasonable increases. In the Governor's budget there is money to pay for 40% of the new heating system and we obviously need to get the rest. He met with the Long Range Budget and Planning Committee. Next week there will be a memo about covering the $1.3 million shortfall with a partial freeze on hiring. This is not the best way, but it is necessary. These are non-instructional positions. A. Wilson asked about TAP and the President expressed his belief it would be restored.
VPAA
M. Karnes reported for Dr. Musah. J. Hurtgen provided an update on Strategic Planning convened by VPAA. There will be open hearings to review and discuss changes.
Status report on Dean searches-all the committees are meeting regularly and a further report next month will be given.
J. Burke reported on the salary schedule for summer and J-term. M. Nelson expressed concern about minimum consultation. There used to be more of a discrepancy and wants a rationale for the policy. J. Burke replied that it is in fact an increase. Rywick asked why an increase for fulls. Burke replied it is tied to graduate education to encourage them to teach. B. Simon asked for reassurance that money is not being shifted. Burke said no and the departments are still getting the 2 percent. M. Grady pointed out that some instructors will be making less and said to make sure nobody is making less. S. Kershnar asked how they compare to other schools. Klein asked about tuition and Chilberg about internships, all of which will be paid at the new rates.
SENATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS
Since L. Maheady resigned as Co-chair of the Education Dean Search Committee for personal reasons, C. Smith has agreed to serve as faculty co-chair. N. Boynton reported on the Academic Affairs election-the ballots are out. She also said to keep in mind Senate officer elections. We will need a new vice chair, perhaps a secretary, and a governance officer.
Bob Rogers-University Senator reported on the plenary session and the attachment. Various comments were made about the Levinson Institute and the resources for it, etc. There was also a discussion on system-wide assessment.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Faculty and Professional Affairs-K. Tillery -general report on working with the Affirmative Action Committee on different issues and will be reporting later. She also talked about the attached report about part-time faculty forum. B. Simon said to try to put term contract because term has more protections. R. Reddy asked about why there was no reference to orientation or training. S. Kershnar questioned about search committees. Tillery responded about the representation issue and a balance on search committees.
C. Davis reported on the by-law change relating to the representation model. M. Grady asked if we can wait a month to vote, so we could think more about the proposal. J. McVicker expressed her concern about the lack of representation of interdisciplinary studies.
NEW BUSINESS
A jolly rendition of Happy Birthday was sung for President Hefner's birthday. Cake was consumed and the meeting adjourned at 5:10 (motion by Klein/Watters).
Minutes submitted Ray Rushboldt-College Senate Secretary