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UFS Meeting Minutes 2003-2004

MINUTES

University Faculty Senate

May 13, 2004

 Call to Order—John Valentine called the meeting to order at 4:08 pm

 I.                    Taking of the Roll: 

Members Present:  Trudy Bostick, Beth Bullock, Barbara Conn, David Finlow, Ginny Hamilton, Jean Houser, Loretta Jenkins, Barbara Kunkle, Clifford Poirot, Priscilla Pope, Jerry Ruby, Krista Taylor, John Valentine, Ken Warfield

Ex Officio:  Michael Field, Martha Rader

Guests:  Marsha Walker, Cori Strickland, Carlton Yost, Marla         Thoroughman, Rob Mauldin

      Members Absent:  Orville Ferguson, Sibylle Hermann, Shannon Lawson,

                 James Miller, Steve Rader, Vivian Robson, Sharon Scott, Jerry Holt, Rita

                 Morris

II.                 Approval of Agenda:

John Valentine made motion to move Item C—Ohio Faculty Council issues  under Old Business to follow Committee Reports at the end of the meeting to allow ample time to discuss and vote on the EPCC proposals.  Motion seconded by Ginny Hamilton, motion carried unanimously.

 III.               Approval of Minutes:

Michael Field noted a correction to the April 15th  minutes.  On page three (9th line down), “…self assessment and ultimately, NCATE …” should read as , “…self assessment and ultimately, NCA …”.  Motion by Krista Taylor to approve minutes as corrected, seconded by Barbara Kunkle.  Motion carried unanimously.

IV.              Treasurer’s Report:  Reported given by Loretta Jenkins.  UFS had $261 in expenditures from the regular account during April with an ending balance of $1188. No activities in carryforward account.  It was noted that there are some expenditures outstanding to be paid and processed at a later date.  ***NOTE TO SHANNON—during the frenzy of meeting, John forgot to get a vote to accept report.  Will need to do so in next meeting.***

 V.                 Announcements and Remarks:  John Valentine announced that the   subcommittee of the Faculty Affairs & Development Committee selected Bruce Rankin as recipient of the $700 Faculty Scholarship.  Barbara Kunkle distributed a summary of the selection process and guidelines students are to follow for this scholarship.

Provost Field spoke briefly about the issue of quarter vs. semester systems at Shawnee.  It appears that more Ohio institutions are converting to semesters.  Central State has converted and OU is seriously considering it and this may be the time to once again consider semesters at SSU.  Dr. Field informed the senators that this conversion is a lengthy process taking up to two year to successfully complete.

VI.              Old Business:

A reminder that the faculty party is this Saturday at Noggins Pub.  John Valentine said we definitely need a party and there is still time to RSVP Krista or just drop in for evening of relaxation and fun.  Time of party is 5:30 -9:30.  John Valentine gave an update on the blood drive on May 19th.  He described the T-shirts UFS will be giving to all donors.  Two sign-up sheets were circulated among the senators—one to help sign up donors in Massie lobby on May 17th and 18th; and one to work on the day of the blood drive.  Red Cross said we need three faculty on two-hour rotations to help.  WNXT Radio was approached to broadcast from SSU to get people to give blood.

 VII.            New Business—none

 VIII.         Announcements from Senate Floor—none

 IX.              Committee Reports:  The following were presented by Krista Taylor for the EPCC Committee for UFS vote:

·        Minor change to Journalism 395 (was not included in senators’ packets).  This change is to allow students to take this course in variable hours as an internship type course.  Motion by Krista Taylor to accept, seconded by Trudy Bostick.  Motion passed unanimously. 

 ·        Geography 130 (Economic Geography) to be deleted from the Social Sciences category of the GEP since this course is rarely offered.  Motion by Krista Taylor to accept, seconded by Chip Poirot.  Motion passed unanimously.

 ·        Proposal to reduce the hours of the Associate Degree of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology from 113 to 98 hours.  This reduction brings the total hours of the degree more in line with other Medical Laboratory Technology programs in Ohio.  Motion by Krista Taylor, seconded by Barbara Kunkle.  Motion passed unanimously.

 ·        Proposal of four minor and one major change in General Chemistry courses (CHEM121, CHEM122, & CHEM142).  EPCC treated these changes as one complete package since the change in one course automatically caused a change in another (course sequence, course titles, descriptions, etc.).  Motion by Krista Taylor to accept proposal, seconded by Barbara Kunkle.  Motion passed unanimously.

·        Proposal for curriculum revisions in Department of English and Humanities.  EPCC decided that the Department of English and Humanities has set the record for the number of changes in one proposal.  Barbara Kunkle stated that the Department was in agreement with the proposed changes and believes the changes will add strength to the curriculum and streamline it for the students.  Motion by Krista Taylor to accept proposal, seconded by Chip Poirot.  Motion passed unanimously.

 ·        Excused Absence Policy—John Valentine distributed a proposed amended version of the EPCC proposal (not included in senators’ packets) as presented by Jean Houser and Michael Field.  The amended version presented was designed to let the policy be more general to allow the faculty and university more flexibility in establishing excused absence policies for various classes.  John Valentine and others voiced the desire for individual faculty to have the right to put a cap on the number of hours of excused absences in that faculty member’s class.  Michael Field believed that the amended version would allow that.  Dr. Field reminded the senators the main point is that the students will always be responsible for the class assignments/requirements and this is not a policy for students to avoid course requirements.  A faculty member can always add more requirements beyond this policy for their particular class.  Before further discussions, a motion was made by Krista Taylor to accept and substitute the amended excused absence policy version as proposed by Jean Houser for the original EPCC proposal. Motion was seconded by Barbara Kunkle, motion passed.  Additional discussions about the excused absence policy continued.  Ginny Hamilton asked what are the faculty’s responsibilities if a student’s grade was affected because of a denied excused absence, the student goes through the appeals process, and the University agrees with the student?  Will it require grade recalculations and grade changes?  Dr. Field said probably “yes”.  He also added that approving the policy is good so the University has one in place to work with.  However, the approval of the policy will require a committee be formed to design the official excused absence form, identify the qualifying university-sponsored activities, etc.  The forms would be located at only one location and not all over campus among various departments.  Obviously, no policy can cover or anticipate every possible problem so modifications may be required after the policy’s implementation.

 Krista Taylor made a motion to change the wording on line 5 from “...concerning unexcused absences, …” to “…concerning attendance, …”.  All agreed and motion was extended to accept the Houser/Field version of excused absence policy with the above changes. Chip Poirot seconded motion. Motion passed with a vote of twelve for; one against, and one abstain. 

             Continuation of Old Business, Item (C)—Ohio Faculty Council Issues:

John Valentine read to the senate the OFC resolution on domestic partner benefits.  Ginny Hamilton explained that OFC wishes all Ohio institutions to adopt this resolution and SSU is one of a few who has not done so.  Because of the sensitivity of this issue, Martha Rader commented that UFS should not rush to vote on this, but should get feedback from the members within the various departments first.  John Valentine said it had been e-mailed to faculty by Ginny Hamilton, but UFS is more than willing to redistribute and put the vote on hold until June meeting to allow senators time to get feedback from others within their departments.  Motion by Trudy Bostick to postpone the vote on OFC issues until June meeting.  Krista Taylor seconded motion.  Motion passed unanimously. 

Krista Taylor made motion to adjourn meeting, seconded by Priscilla Pope.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 5:15 pm.

 

MINUTES

University Faculty Senate

April 15, 2004

 Call to Order – John Valentine called the meeting to order at 4:05.

 I.                   Taking of the Roll:

Members Present: Trudy Bostick, Beth Bullock, Barbara Conn, Orville Ferguson, David Finlow, Ginny Hamilton, Sibylle Hermann, Jean Houser, Barbara Kunkle, Shannon Lawson, James Miller, Clifford Poirot, Priscilla Pope, Jerry Ruby, Krista Taylor, John Valentine, Ken Warfield

 Ex Officio: Michael Field, Martha Rader

 Members Absent: Loretta Jenkins, Steven Rader, Vivian Robson, Sharon Scott, Jerry Holt, Rita Morris

 II.                 Approval of Agenda:  Ginnie Hamilton motioned that we approve, 

seconded by Priscilla Pope, no discussion, motion carried unanimously. 

III.               Approval of the Minutes: Ken Warfield motioned that we approve,             seconded by Ginnie Hamilton with the following corrections: Ken Warfield              was present at the March meeting and Priscilla is spelled incorrectly.

IV.              Treasurer’s Report: John Valentine read the report submitted by Loretta      Jenkins.  There was a total of $374 expenditures in March.  The balance in the             regular operating account is $1449.  There was no activity in the Carry              forward Account in March.  John Valentine made another call for proposals                 for UFS to fund.  Ginnie Hamilton motioned that we approve, seconded by              Krista Taylor, motion carried unanimously.

  V.                 Announcements and Remarks from the Senate President-

A.      Campus Security – John Valentine passed out copies of the Campus Security Statistics for 2003.  The Campus Security Committee is currently putting together statistics for this academic year and will make those available in Fall of 2004.  He highlighted the fact that even though we now have in excess of 400 students living in student housing, there have been no remarkable increases in crime on campus.  The campus statistics only record those incidents which occur within one block of University property.  Chip Poirot mentioned rumors that he had heard involving a particularly violent “town/gown” incident.  John Valentine acknowledged one incident that resulted in restrictions placed upon the Rhodes Athletic Center.  A discussion regarding the crime rate in Portsmouth ensued and was concluded with John Valentine’s affirmation that SSU is one of the safest institutions in the state.

 B.     Commencement – The speaker will be Rodderick Chu, of the Ohio Board of Regents.  The SSU Board of Trustees will award him an honorary degree.

               C.     Resolutions Entertained by the Board of Trustees

1.      Fee increases – Teacher Ed. .50 increase, Health Sciences $1.50 increase, Social Science Lab Fees $5.00 new.

Room 3% increase, Board 4% increase or R & B 3.3% increase

2.      Reassignment of Sports Studies to the College of Professional Studies. Steve Rader made a strong case for the move.  John Valentine expressed his desire that it stay in Social Sciences.  Martha Rader expressed her pleasure to honor the request by those involved with the Sports Studies program.

3.      Academic Calendar

4.      Quality of University Life Committee’s approval of realignment

VI.              Old Business

A.     Faculty Party – Shannon Lawson announced that the party committee decided to rent the main floor of Noggins on Thursday, May 6th for the faculty party. Barbara Kunkle announced that date conflicts with the faculty development speaker Meggin McKintosh.  Much discussion ensued over whether a Thursday, Friday or Saturday would be a better date.  John Valentine expressed a desire to have a later evening rather than the 4:30-7:00 happy hour suggested by the committee.  Krista Taylor agreed to take the suggestions back to Cheryl at Noggins and see what kind of deal could be worked out.  The new date and time will be announced via email.

  B.     Blood Drive – May 19th.  Rio Grande will not be able to participate in a competition this year.  The committee negotiated an estimate with the 14th Street Community Center of $4.00 per t-shirt including screening to give to blood donors.  “Blood is good” or “Good to the Last Drop” were suggested for slogans on the t-shirts.  Beth Bullock suggested we get a WNXT remote to encourage the public to participate.  There will also be a competition among student organizations for a trophy from Randy Warman.  Prizes will also be given such as lunch with the president, provost, dean or senator. Beth Bullock made a motion to authorize $450 for t-shirts, seconded by Priscilla Pope, approved unanimously.

                     C.     AQIP – Chip Poirot – Sent out an email outlining his reservations to                 AQIP. He encouraged faculty to go to the AQIP website and read more     for themselves.  He is concerned about

1.      Education Teaching and Learning – Helping students learn is AQIP’s criterion #1.  If SSU adopts AQIP, we will have to evaluate very differently from the way that we currently evaluate learning.

2.      AQIP will also affect the SEA contract.

3.      AQIP will dilute faculty voice and will in turn, dilute faculty governance.

Jim Miller emphasized that even though faculty are busy, they need to look at the information about AQIP for themselves before they make up their minds.  He expressed his concerns that it is based upon systems philosophy.

Barbara Kunkle expressed concern over the term “update”.  What Chip has offered is a “critique”.  She made an appeal for faculty to be given the other side before they are expected to make up their minds.  It doesn’t seem fair to only view it in a negative light without someone speaking to the positive light.

Jerry Ruby is also on the strategic planning committee.  He indicated that the committee has spent a great deal of time on this.  If we decide to go with it and don’t like it, we are NOT locked in to it.  Michael Field reiterated that AQIP comes from North Central Accreditation and is simply an alternative to the current system.  He gave an overview of his understanding of the system. He also indicated that if the strategic planning committee votes to go with AQIP, SSU will begin a process of self assessment and ultimately, NCA must approve an institution’s application into the program.  It is his opinion that Chip’s concerns are not likely to occur.  Chip admitted that it takes a great deal of psychic energy to go against the majority of the people on the strategic planning committee but felt it was important to share his thoughts with the faculty so that they could be as informed as possible.  John Valentine also indicated that there is some concern about the additional resources, both in time and finances that will be required to coordinate the AQIP process.  Much discussion ensued on this subject.  John Valentine announced that he and Steve Rader reserved the Massie auditorium on Tuesday, April 27th at 4:00pm to have the strategic planning committee members conduct a meeting to discuss AQIP further.  Barbara Kunkle motioned that we hold the meeting, seconded by Butch Ferguson. Jerry Ruby suggested that Pres. Morris be invited to attend the meeting.  Ginnie Hamilton agreed that the more information we have, the better prepared we are.  Motion passed unanimously.

 VII.           New Business

A.     Recycling Initiative – David Finlow – Finlow and a student noticed the mountain of plastic waste, spent $10 using equipment not designed for it but managed to make it work.  Have successfully shredded hundreds of plastic bottles collected in bins in ATC and the library.  Barbara Kunkle asked what he does with the ground up material.  Finlow replied that they had not thought that out yet.  They would like to find a facility to sell the material to.  They would also need better equipment and more help if the recycling program is to expand.  John Valentine recommended that Senators take the info back to their departments to see if we can get some volunteers to help.

B.     Student Evaluations – Michael Field

1.      Student Govt. Request for Copies – Michael Field announced that students had requested to see copies of evaluations.  By law, students are allowed to have access to the evals.  The Provost’s office will be providing them copies.

2.      Alternatives to Current Evaluations – Michael Field also announced that he is open to the possibility to make revisions to current evaluation system.  Patric Leedom made some suggestions previously; however, the contract specifies that faculty must form a committee, 2 appointed by SEA, 2 appointed by student government and 2 appointed by the President.  Kansas State uses a system IDEA that allows one to compare to other profs at other universities in comparable disciplines.  John Valentine entertained a motion that EPCC conduct a review of evaluations.  Chip Poirot made a motion, seconded by Ken Warfield, motion carried unanimously.

C.     Early Dismissal of Night Classes – Michael Field is concerned about early dismissal of night classes.  Complaints about this came from faculty.  As a result, he and the deans took an informal walk-through and found that 50% of the classes were dismissed before 8:30.  This is disturbing because it affects the academic quality of the courses as well as makes SSU vulnerable to scandal that could close the university.

 VIII.        Committee Reports

A.     Educational Policies and Curriculum Committee

B.     Committee on Committees.

C.     Faculty Affairs and Development Committee

D.     Fiscal Affairs Committee

E.      Student Affairs Committee – Barbara Conn reported that the need for an Excused Absence Policy was brought to the committee’s attention a year ago.  Students were complaining about classes in which they had missed a class for a good reason yet were given a lower grade or failing grade because they were not allowed to make up work.  Faculty are protected by the Student Handbook with regard to attendance but students are not.  As a result, the committee looked at several other universities’ excused absence policies and created a proposal which they submitted to EPCC.  After the five day hearing, the committee was asked to revise the proposal.  They reviewed the emails and created the current proposal.  Cory, the student government rep, indicated that this is a huge issue among students.  HE has two votes of confidence from SGA and numerous student complaints.  One suggestion was that the policy be amended to include a limit of six or eight hours.  Cory indicated that students understand limits that professors put on their syllabus but some professors have unreasonable limits, i.e. one absence and you fail.  Michael Field indicated that the majority of professors handle the issue of excused absences sensibly; however, it only takes one or two “nincompoops” to create a need for a policy.  Barbara Kunkle proposed an amendment to the policy that after six class hours, approval of excused absences is at the discretion of the professor.  In addition, as a senator, it is our responsibility to go back to other faculty and get them on board.  Jim Miller suggested that the policy will not result in a stream of appeals.  However, it will provide an opportunity for an appeal process for students who feel they have been treated unfairly.  Faculty still have the right to refute the student’s claims. What about student who miss the first week of class due to late registration?  The Senate endorses the need for a policy.  The EPCC will take our concerns into account at their next meeting. 

F.      Facilities Planning Committee

G.     Athletic and Intramural Committee

IX.  Adjournment – Ken Warfield motioned that we adjourn, seconded by

      David Finlow, motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted by Shannon Lawson

MINUTES

University Faculty Senate

March 11, 2004

Call to Order – John Valentine called the meeting to order at 4:00.

 I.                   Taking of the Roll:

Members Present: Trudy Bostick, Beth Bullock, Barbara Conn, Orville Ferguson, David Finlow, Ginny Hamilton, Sibylle Hermann, Jean Houser, Loretta Jenkins, Barbara Kunkle, Shannon Lawson, James Miller, Pricilla Pope, Steven Rader, Vivian Robson, Jerry Ruby, Krista Taylor, John Valentine, Ken Warfield

 Ex Officio: Michael Field, Martha Rader

 Members Absent: Jerry Holt, Rita Morris, Clifford Poirot, Sharon Scott,

 II.                 Approval of Agenda:  Krista Taylor motioned that we approve, seconded    by Ginnie Hamlton, no discussion, motion carried unanimously. 

III.               Approval of the Minutes: Steve Rader motioned that we approve,

             seconded by David Finlow, motion carried unanimously.

IV.              Treasurer’s Report: Loretta Jenkins reported a total of $140.00 expenditures in February.  She indicated that there are Print Shop and travel expenses still outstanding.  The balance in the regular operating account is $1823.  There was no activity in the Carry forward Account in February.  Krista Taylor motioned that we approve, seconded by Barbara Kunkle, motion carried unanimously.

 V.                 Announcements and Remarks from the Senate President:

   John Valentine requested that Senators put forward some suggestions about  how to spend money in the treasurer’s account.  UFS needs to sponsor worthwhile endeavors.

VI.              Old Business

A.     Faculty Party – Michael Field indicated that there is $400 available from the provost’s funds to assist with paying for a joint UFS-SEA party.  John Valentine called for volunteers to serve on a committee to plan the party. Krista Taylor agreed to chair the committee and Vivian Mason and Shannon Lawson agreed to serve.  Stephen Rader will put out a call for volunteers from SEA.

B.     Blood Drive – Elaine Evans announced that UFS will host the blood drive on May 19, 2004 (this is a new date).  Since UFS has set a goal of obtaining 100 units, John Valentine suggested we have a contest with Rio Grand University.  The Blood drive committee consists of Beth Bullock, Jean Houser, and John Valentine.  Elaine Evans indicated that the committee should be responsible for choosing a theme, planning prize giveaways, planning additional publicity and keeping the appointment schedule.  The Red Cross will notify the radio and newspapers.  SSU should provide the refreshments – SODEXO has donated in the past.  Pepsi provides pop.  Some suggestions for prize give aways: B&N $10 gift certificates, a few leftover T-shirts from past blood drives.  Evans also suggested that if UFS plans to make this an annual event that we create a trophy.

VII.           New Business

A.     University E-mail, Filters and Bulletin Boards (Chuck Warner, guest)

Chuck Warner announced UIS will set up a filter for redundant emails in FY 2005 that will help eliminate spam at server level.  Individual users will be able to elect to use or not use the filter.  Barbara Kunkle wondered whether we would have a bulletin board/discussion board to allow for campus wide debates.  Chuck responded that once we migrate completely to intranet, we will have optional participation in discussions using an alternative to email.  Barbara Kunkle also enquired about whether or not there was space available on the SSU web page for an OTEP site.  Chuck Warner said that he would look into it.  Jean Houser wondered if we could set up the system such that internet items go to one folder and intranet items go to another folder.  Chuck responded that such an arrangement could exist on a very simple level.

B.  Advanced Connections – Barbara Bradbury announced that training will be offered re: communication improvement.  Advanced Connections is designed to promote excellence, teamwork and student success.  Barbara Kunkle endorsed the training that will be offered next quarter during the weeks of April 12, 19 and 26th.  Participants will attend three sessions from 9:00-11:30am or 1-3:30pm over a three week period.  Barbara Bradbury told us to watch for further announcements via email.

VIII.        Announcements from the Senate Floor – Steve Rader SEA Update

A.     Get ballots from Dept Secretaries to vote through next Friday.

               John Valentine suggested that informal relationships between UFS and SEA

               have worked in the past.  If we do formalize the relationship, bothmembers  

               should be ex-officio members.

B.     Steve asked for volunteers to mentor younger faculty through the promotion  process.  He also suggested running workshops.

 IX.              Committee Reports

A.     Educational Policies and Curriculum Committee – Krista Taylor

      1.  Changes in EPCC Procedures - all the forms should be submitted to the EPCC chair two weeks prior to the scheduled EPCC meeting and at the discretion of the chair. The chair will run the five-day open hearing.  An electronic version should be submitted to the EPCC chair so that s/he may attach it to the five-day open hearing.  Copies of all revised EPCC forms were given to Senators.  Steve Rader motioned that we accept the changes, seconded by Ginnie Hamilton, motioned carried unanimously.

2.      Unanimous approvals:

Proposals submitted by Tim Scheurer

Requiring ENGL 111, 112 as prerequisites for ENGL 275 (American Film History)

Requiring ENGL 111, 112,115 as prereqs for ENGL 200 (Intro to Lit)

Deleting JOUR 295 (Practicum); we see no need for a lower level practicum, as students should not be out in the field until they have the requisite knowledge and skills to perform well at a job site.

Krista Taylor motioned that we accept the proposals submitted by Tim Scheurer, seconded by Vivian Robson, motion carried unanimously.

Proposals submitted by James Miller:

Enhancement of Degree ...Psychology Major

Major Course Change.......New Course (PSYC 350/Physiological Psychology)

Minor Course Change....... Change in Course Number (PSYC 260 to PSYC 460)

Minor Course Change........Change in Prerequisite  (BIOL      added as prerequisite)

Minor Course Change........ Change in Course Number (PSYC             430 to  PSYC 296) 

Jim Miller indicated that in just three years Psychology Majors              have increased from 38 to 138 students.  After three years of              assessment  using the ETS test in Psychology, the above              changes are recommended to strengthen the degree program.               In regards to making PSYCH 151 a prereq for upper level        psych courses, he acknowledges the argument against the proposal namely because it will increase hours for non-majors.  He maintained that the Social Sciences dept could work with other departments by waiving the prereq for declared majors in other fields.  Krista Taylor motioned that we accept the proposals submitted by Jim Miller, seconded by Sibylle Hermann, motion carried unanimously. 

Minor Course Change for PTAT 116, initiated by Sam Coppoletti to       increase the credit hours from one to two.  Krista Taylor  motioned  that we accept the proposal, seconded by Barbara Kunkle,  motion carried unanimously.

     3.   Item Removed from UFS

                      Minor Course Change.......  Change in Prerequisite (adding PSYC 151                        as prerequisite for PSYC 310,312,316,340,380,405)

                   B.     Committee on Committees

C.     Faculty Affairs and Development Committee –

D.     Fiscal Affairs Committee –

E.      Student Affairs Committee –.

F.      Facilities Planning Committee –

G.     Athletic and Intramural Committee

 Ginnie Hamilton asked Michael Field to report on governor’s budget cuts.  He replied that higher ed was exempted from budget cuts this year and next year.  The instructional subsidy was not cut.  He also reiterated his belief that SSU will lose the entire special supplement in the third year.  He indicated that this comes directly from Doug White.  The solution would be a tuition increase if allowed by the legislature.  If not, third year SSU may be in serious financial trouble.

IX.  Adjournment – Chip Poirot motioned that we adjourn, seconded by the whole faculty, motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted by Shannon Lawson

MINUTES

University Faculty Senate

February 12, 2004

Call to Order – John Valentine called the meeting to order at 4:00.

 

I.                   Taking of the Roll:

Members Present: Trudy Bostick, Beth Bullock, Barbara Conn, Orville Ferguson, David Finlow, Ginny Hamilton, Sibylle Hermann, Jean Houser, Loretta Jenkins, Shannon Lawson, James Miller, Clifford Poirot, Pricilla Pope, Steven Rader, Vivian Robson, Jerry Ruby, Sharon Scott, Krista Taylor, John Valentine, Ken Warfield

 

Ex Officio: Michael Field, Martha Rader

 

Members Absent: Barbara Kunkle, Jerry Holt, Rita Morris

 

II.                 Approval of Agenda:  Ginnie Hamilton motioned that we approve, seconded by Pricilla Pope, no discussion, motion carried unanimously. 

 

III.               Approval of the Minutes: Ken Warfield motioned that we approve,

seconded by Steven Rader, Martha Rader requested that we correct Mattie Burton’s title in January minutes.  She is the Chair of the Dept of Nursing.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

IV.              Treasurer’s Report: Loretta Jenkins reported a total of $104.00 expenditures in January.  The balance in the regular operating account is $1963.  There was no activity in the Carry forward Account in January.  Krista Taylor motioned that we approve, seconded by Ginnie Hamilton, motion carried unanimously.

 

V.                 Announcements and Remarks from the Senate President:

A.     Ginnie Hamilton submitted a draft of a Resolution By the Ohio Faculty Council advocating support for the teaching of Evolution and opposition for teaching Creation in public schools.  An enthusiastic debate regarding Evolution vs. Creationism ensued.  John Valentine agreed with Nick Meriwether that the resolution contained several ad hominem remarks.   He agreed that Evolution should be taught in the classroom but that we be open to Intelligent Design if the facts should ever present themselves as an explanation.  Chip observed that Intelligent Design is garbage.  Jerry Ruby indicated that Evolution cannot stand up to scientific testing either therefore he does not support the resolution.  Ginnie will take the remarks back to the OFC meeting.

B.     Remarks from SSU Provost Michael Field

1.      Internal Budgeting Update– Gave a list of 13 prioritized positions. All will be presented to Dr. Morris, who will then take her recommendation to the Board of Trustees.  Sibylle Hermann indicated that the “Gemmer Effect” requests for 4 Natural Sciences positions are a result of increased numbers of science majors.  Michael Field also indicated that when the hiring freeze hit 2-3 years ago, enrollment in the Natural Sciences began to increase at the same time.  Fairly certain that Title III funds can be used to hire a temporary position for both Math and English Developmental instructors with MAs.

2.      Articulation Transfer Council Update – law has recently been passed that requires 100% fit btw GEP & Transfer Module.  However, he urged restraint when we make changes.  Big universities are not rushing into compliance either.

 

VI.              Old Business

A.     Faculty Party – We cannot use UFS funds for a party therefore Michael Field has agreed to look into the possibility of the Provost office providing funds.  SEA has approved $500. 

B.     Blood Drive – Elaine Evans will speak at March meeting.  She has reserved the gym floor to accommodate our goal of 100 units.  John called for senators to volunteer via email to serve on the committee to plan publicity for the blood drive.

 

VII.           New Business

A.     AQIP – John indicated that he has given Senators a packet explaining AQIP.   He asked that we email our comments to him before the end of February when he is scheduled to attend a meeting.

B.     SEA Update – Steve Rader

1.      New contract – UFS must appoint an ex officio member to SEA.  It is a good idea to have a joint UFS/SEA member.

2.      Faculty Enrichment Funds current contract language only allows for reimbursement.  SEA would like to make an amendment to language to include advancements as well.

3.      John agreed that it is a great idea to include a UFS/SEA person to report on matters that concern both UFS and SEA.

VIII.        Committee Reports

A.     Educational Policies and Curriculum Committee – Krista Taylor

1.      Procedure Changes – Ted Kuzan has talked with UIS who has purchased a web portal product that will allow us to automate via the web to do away with paperwork and to auto archive as well.  John Valentine asked about the concern raised regarding public access.  Shannon Lawson confirmed her concern with limiting access to EPCC discussions.  Krista indicated she will look into this concern when she learns more about the portal product. 

2.      Speech proposal submitted by Tim Scheurer will be rewritten and resubmitted to April meeting.  Four proposals submitted by Carl Hilgarth for changes to CAAD degree programs were accepted unanimously by EPCC, Krista motioned that we accept all four proposals, seconded by Chip, motion carried unanimously.  David Todt submitted a proposal to create a Middle Childhood generalist endorsement for BS Ed Middle Childhood Licensure passed unanimously through EPCC.  Krista motioned that we accept the proposal, seconded by Sibylle Hermann.  Discussion: Ginnie Hamilton added her support for the proposal so that teachers up to sixth grade could be better prepared to teach the variety of subjects that they are often required to do in self-contained classrooms.  Motion carried unanimously.  Proposals for Sports Studies/Teacher Ed were submitted by Steve Rader to add new course for minor in coaching baseball, to create a practicum course for coaching baseball and sport coaching minors.  Krista motioned that we accept the proposal, seconded by Pricilla Pope, motion carried unanimously.  Change in the existing Social Sciences degree program submitted by James Miller generated a lot of EPCC discussion.  Concern was expressed over the increase in hours; however, Krista indicated that the reasoning behind the increases is sound and motioned that we accept the proposal, seconded by Ken Warfield.  Discussion: Jim indicated that this was the first major change since the degree was created.  Response to the degree has been positive and the time to fine tune and add some upper level course requirements has come.  Motion passed unanimously.

3.      Announcement of minor course change SOC 239 to SOC 408.  No vote called.

B.     Committee on Committees needs to meet.

C.     Faculty Affairs and Development Committee – Barbara Kunkle is off campus today.

D.     Fiscal Affairs Committee – Patric Leedom is not present today. No report because Fiscal Affairs Committee has not met.

E.      Student Affairs Committee – Barbara Conn reported that their major activity is developing and rewriting proposal for excused absence policy.  The committee will meet in March and will have a report for UFS April meeting.

F.      Facilities Planning Committee – No report.

G.     Athletic and Intramural Committee – Steve Rader reported that the committee voted 6-3 not to expand sports programs at this time.  They will focus on cleaning up programs that they already have.

 

IX.  Adjournment – Chip Poirot motioned that we adjourn, seconded by

      the whole faculty, motion carried unanimously.

 

Respectfully submitted by Shannon Lawson

 MINUTES

University Faculty Senate

January 15, 2004

 

Call to Order - John Valentine called the meeting to order at 4:07.

 

I.      Taking of the Roll:

Members Present: Trudy Bostick, Beth Bullock, Barbara Conn, Orville Ferguson, David Finlow, Ginny Hamilton, Sibylle Hermann, Jean Houser, Loetta Jenkins, Barbara Kunkle, Shannon Lawson, James Miller, Clifford Poirot, Pricilla Pope, Steven Rader, Vivian Robson, Jerry Ruby, Sharon Scott, Krista Taylor, John Valentine, Ken Warfield

 

Ex Officio: Michael Field, Martha Rader

 

Members Absent: Jerry Holt, Rita Morris

 

II.      Approval of Agenda:  Krista Taylor motioned that we approve, seconded by

            Barbara Conn, no discussion, motion carried unanimously. 

 

III.      Approval of the Minutes: Loretta Jenkins motioned that we approve,

            seconded by Steven Rader, motion carried unanimously.

 

IV.      Treasurer’s Report: Loretta Jenkins reported a total of $651.00 expenses in November and $103.00 expenditures in December.  The balance in the regular operating account is $2067.  There was no activity in the Carry forward Account in November or December.  David Finlow motioned that we approve, seconded by Jean Houser, motion carried unanimously.

 

V.      Announcements and Remarks from the Senate President:

A.            Remarks from SSU Provost Michael Field

1.         Internal Budgeting - New Positions - Field announced that dept chairs ought to be talking with department members in preparation for budget meetings at the end of January.  He reminded senators that the meetings are an opportunity to ask for enhancements to the existing budget, rather than preserving existing budgets.  The number of new positions that will be available is uncertain.  Best case could be six or seven while worst case could be two or three. 

2.         He likened the special supplement to the Board of Regent’s Sword of Damocles.  It is likely that we will lose the special supplement the year following the current fiscal year.  We may also lose the benefits provided by the 1% sales tax that is likely to be repealed.  Both of these are factors that affect the budget and will determine the number of new positions available.

3.    &nb