Faculty Senate Meeting
Merrill-Cazier Library,
Room 154
5 December 2005
3:00-4:30 p.m.
AGENDA
3:00 Call to Order
Approval of Minutes 3
October 2005
3:05 Announcements
3:10 University Business—Stan Albrecht
3:20 Consent Agenda
EPC Business October
and November—Joyce Kinkead
PRPC
Business—Jennifer MacAdam
Faculty
Evaluation Report—Mike Lyons
Parking
Committee—Lisa Leishman
Cultural
Activities—
Honors
Program—Christie Fox Academic
Calendar—Stacie Gomm
3:30 Information Items
One Semester Lag on Textbooks—Quinn Millet
Convocations—Bruce Miller
P & T Committee Participation by Alternative
Methods—Gary Straquadine
3:45 Key Issues and Action Items
Resolution
Thanking Interim Provost Noelle Cockett—Derek Mason
Faculty
Petition to Discuss Domestic Partner Benefits—Barry Franklin
Proposed
Amendments to Faculty Code in PRPC Report—Jennifer MacAdam
4:20 New Business
4:30 Adjournment
Minutes from 3 October 2005
Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes
3 October 2005
Derek Mason
called the meeting to order at 3:02 pm.
Moment of
Silence for the ASTE professor and students involved with the accident on
Monday, 26 September 2005.
Minutes
John Kras
moved to accept the 29 August 2005 minutes as written. The motion seconded by Rob Morrison, passed
unanimously.
University Business
ASTE
Accident
Although
this has been very hard, Stan has never been so proud of the outpouring of love
and support from the University, the community and other universities across
the country.
Robert
Peterson is going quite well. He has
been up doing some physical therapy. He
has a number of broken bones, including both legs, a foot, several vertebrae in
his back.
Jared Nelson
experienced brain damage. He is still in
an induced coma. He has contracted an
infection most likely caused from the surgery where they put a titanium rod in
his thigh and is running a fever.
Two funds
have been set up, one it to fund a memorial scholarship in the names of the
young men you where killed. The other is
a memorial fund that will go to the families.
Please do
not come to any premature conclusions on what happened on Monday. The data is still out on both the speed issue
and the wearing of seatbelts before the investigation is closed.
Inauguration
The
inauguration events have been canceled.
Homecoming
The
homecoming events this weekend, October 7-8 are still scheduled. However, some events have been changed to be
sensitive to what has happened this past week.
Road
Scholar Tour
Tomorrow, 4
October 2005, the University will move forward with the Roads Scholar Tour and
will meet with students, faculty, advisors, alumni and others to have a
positive progressive effects on enrollment from the
Enrollment
and Revenue
The biggest challenge
right now as an institution is to stabilize both enrollment and revenue.
Much of our attention over the next couple of months will on these
issues. The University will see a financial
impact due to the fact that enrollment on the Logan campus is down 600 student
this Fall, in addition to 400 students from last Fall; a total of 100 students
FTE. This is not just
Legislative
Session
The bill is
filed that will address the out of state tuition waiver issue. The House has agreed to work on that bill on
the front end. If we get it through
early, we do not anticipate any issues in Senate.
They
recognize that our most important priorities are compensation, retention,
faculty salaries, and staff salaries.
The University is leading again with these issues and is getting a
pretty good response.
Information Items
Wellness at USU
Lindsey
Lovell presented
Honorary
Degrees and Commencement Speaker
Consent Agenda
Stephen
Bialkowski moved to accept the consent agenda, seconded by Rob Morrison, passed
unanimously.
Note: EPC
Business had two action items. One is a
new major in International Business in Business Administration and secondly, a
proposal to offer an Agriculture Communications in Journalism Major in Ag
System Technology and Education for a BS.
Key Issues and Action Items
Resolution
Derek Mason
presented the resolution, but to remove the language regarding the inauguration
and leave the remaining language congratulating President Albrecht on becoming
the 15th president of
New Business
ARRC
Lynn Dudley
updated senate on the progress of the Academic Rights and Responsibility
Committee (ARRC). Currently the ARRC is
going over the
Letter to
all Senate
John Kras
wanted to thank Derek for the letter he sent to all faculty senate members
encouraging attendance at the meetings and stress the importance that we could
have in the operations of this University.
University
Policy on Curriculum
Derek Mason
updated senate on curriculum issue and Continuing Education. Faculty Senate Executive Committee (FSEC)
passed a motion to charge Educational Policies Committee (EPC) with reviewing
all educational policy, education policy making policies, and policy practices
at the University. It is focused on updating
and reviewing current policies generally.
Thus, EPC will address issues around Continuing Education and issues on
main campus. Derek will be presenting
the charge to EPC on at their October 6 meeting. A clear timeline is laid out and will ask for
a final report for Faculty Senate in February.
Faculty
Forum
Derek Mason
addressed the question about the faculty forum scheduled for November 7. In the past, benefits have been the dominant
issue. In light of the new Benefits
Advisory Board Model, it might be nice to have and discussion with the BFW
committee so they can take issues, concerns, wish lists from the faculty to the
committee. Compensation is another
issue. We could talk on retention and
compression/equity. Other issues are
faculty evaluations, parking, and domestic partner benefits.
AFTC
Kim Openshaw
updated senate on Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee (AFTC). AFTC currently has one grievance. Unfortunately, as the AFTC has prepared for a
full hearing panel they have not had the diversity they needed on the
committee. Kim asked Derek about looking
into the code to allow for a greater diversity of individuals to draw from for
the panel. Derek proposed the AFTC look
at code changes to allow for an increase in diversity. Derek and FSEC will
develop charge to AFTC and Professional Responsibilities and Procedures
Committee (PRPC) to develop a policy to broaden the base of the AFTC.
Meeting
adjourned at 3:28 pm.
EPC Business October
Introduction:
Educational Policies Committee
Report for Faculty Senate 12/5/05
Joyce Kinkead-Chair, Stanley Allen-Agriculture, Scot Allgood-Education and
Human Services, Todd Crowl-Natural Resources, Richard Cutler-Science, Jennifer
Duncan-Libraries, Quinn Millet, ASUSU President, Spencer Watts, ASUSU Academic
VP, Kathy Fitzgerald-HASS, David Luthy-DEED chair, Ronda Menlove-Extension,
David Olsen-Business, Jason Pickup-GSS President, Jeff Walters-ASC Chair,
Darwin Sorensen-Engineering
Meeting Dates:
September 1, 2005, October 6, 2005, November 3, 2005, December 1, 2005, January
5, 2006, February 2, 2006, March 2, 2006, April 6, 2006—all at 3:00 p.m. in
Champ Hall, following Curriculum Subcommittee, which commences at 2:00 p.m.
Curriculum Subcommittee
In August meetings, the Curriculum Subcommittee approved the following
proposals pending approval from the Budget and Faculty Welfare Committee:
Action Items
Approval of
the BS/BA in International Business within the Department of Business
Administration.
Approval of
the Agricultural Communication and Journalism Major in the Agricultural Systems
Technology and Education Department and the Journalism and Communication
Department leading to a Bachelor of
Science degree.
A proposal to
offer a General Studies Major (BA or BS) degree.
A proposal
to restructure the PhD Program in Disability Disciplines in the Department of
Special Education and Rehabilitation.
A proposal
to move the Training and Development Emphasis from the Business Information
Technology and Education Major and the marketing Education Major to the
Business Information Systems Major.
A proposal
to change the GPA admission standards for pre-nursing students at
A proposal
to merge the current emphases of “Painting and Drawing” into a single emphasis
area titled “Drawing and Painting” with the
A proposal
to offer an interdisciplinary Undergraduate Minor in Latin American Studies
housed in the
Information Items
EPC will
hold open meetings concerning the proposed suspension of the Culinary Arts
degree as outlined in Policy 406.3.
The
EPC received
a charge from Faculty Senate President Derek Mason to review our curricular
practices and policies. Curriculum
sub-committee and EPC discussed approaches and made assignments.
Recommendations
EPC recommends approval of above changes by Faculty Senate.
EPC Business November
Introduction:
Educational Policies Committee
Report for Faculty Senate 12/5/05
Joyce Kinkead-Chair, Stanley Allen-Agriculture, Scot Allgood-Education and
Human Services, Todd Crowl-Natural Resources, Richard Cutler-Science, Jennifer
Duncan-Libraries, Quinn Millet, ASUSU President, Spencer Watts, ASUSU Academic
VP, Kathy Fitzgerald-HASS, David Luthy-DEED chair, Ronda Menlove-Extension,
David Olsen-Business, Jason Pickup-GSS President, Jeff Walters-ASC Chair, Darwin
Sorensen-Engineering
Meeting Dates:
September 1, 2005, October 6, 2005, November 3, 2005, December 1, 2005, January
5, 2006, February 2, 2006, March 2, 2006, April 6, 2006—all at 3:00 p.m. in
Champ Hall, following Curriculum Subcommittee, which commences at 2:00 p.m.
Curriculum Subcommittee
In November meetings, the Curriculum Subcommittee approved the following
proposals, some pending approval from the Budget and Faculty Welfare Committee
and Graduate Council:
Action Items
The suspension of enrollment in the Culinary Arts/Food Service Management Emphasis. An open forum was held on October 28, 2005. Joyce Kinkead presided over the forum. Joyce outlined the process for suspending the degree program. The reasons for suspending the program are these: the program relies on a single professional employee (not a faculty member) and a single classified employee. Accreditation for the program would require additional hires for which resources are not available.
A proposal
to offer an interdisciplinary Undergraduate Minor in Latin American Studies
housed in the
A request for approval of a Master of Accounting Specialization in Personal Financial Planning
A request to change the name of Financial/Audit Specialization in the Master of Accounting to Professional Accountancy
A request to change the name of Management Accounting Specialization in the Master of Accounting to Finance
Graduate Council and Curriculum Subcommittee recommended 6970 and 7970 are to be pass/fail only.
Information Items
The Board of Regents approved the new PhD in Geology proposal.
EPC received a progress report on the Faculty Senate charge regarding faculty oversight of curriculum: a draft of a new Curriculum Handbook was received and will be reviewed; the DEED Committee submitted a draft of its proposed process; a draft of Curriculum Principles document was received. EPC believes it can meet the deadline set forth by Faculty Senate for completion of its charge.
Recommendations
EPC recommends approval of above changes by Faculty Senate.
PRPC BUSINESS
Professional
Responsibilities and Procedures Committee (PRPC)
Report to
Faculty Senate
December
5, 2005
Information
1. A
senator requested that Code 402.10.3 be amended to allow nominations for Senate
President-elect to be solicited by email prior to the formal process during the
April meeting. The PRPC saw nothing in the code to limit informal solicitation
of nominations prior to the formal process. We did wish to recommend that
senators be notified well in advance of the April meeting of the eligibility
requirements for election to president-elect (402.7.3) and the procedure for
election (402.10.3) so they will be well-prepared for the nomination process at
the April Senate meeting.
2. After
reviewing the charge to AFT from FSEC dated October 5, 2005, PRPC chose to
provide informal input to Kim Openshaw (AFT Chair), suggesting that the concern
expressed by his committee might be addressed adequately by working with the
Committee on Committees. The following was emailed to the chair of AFT from the
chair of PRPC, and copied to the Senate chair: “We are concerned that making
committee appointments based on gender or ethnicity could lead to
over-utilization of some individuals on committees. We suggest the Committee on
Committees remain sensitive to issues of diversity.”
3.
The members of PRPC discussed the timetable for the 3rd year meeting
and other events for tenure-track faculty. Although there is an earlier
timetable in that year, the procedure specified by the code (essentially to
vote on whether the candidate is recommended for renewal) is the same in the
third as in other years. References to a third-year timetable seems to be a
vestige of earlier procedures or a reflection of procedures at other
universities, where candidates do not have a unique committee that meets with
them each year. This is a case where the code is apparently not consistent with
practice; however, no action was taken.
4. A
senator expressed concern to the PRPC that the code related to a request for an
extension of the pre-tenure probationary period due to the birth of a child
contains confusing terminology. Draft language to clarify Code 405.1.4 was
provided to PRPC members for discussion at the next PRPC meeting.
Faculty Evaluation
Parking Committee
Cultural Activities
Honors Program
Resolution Thanking Interim Provost Noelle Cockett
Resolved, That the faculty are greatly
appreciative of Professor Noelle Cockett’s effort, dedication and leadership
during her role as Interim Provost of Utah State University.
Faculty Petition to Discuss Domestic Partner Benefits
Proposed Amendments to Faculty Code in PRPC Report
Professional
Responsibilities and Procedures Committee (PRPC)
Report to
Faculty Senate
December
5, 2005
Proposed Code Amendments
1.
A faculty member proposed codification of an exclusion from external
review for lecturers going up for promotion, and offered draft language. Such
exclusions were felt to be appropriate when teaching constitutes the majority
of the appointment, and are apparently now routinely made on a case-by-case
basis by the provost. After discussion regarding the percentage teaching that
would trigger the exclusion, PRPC proposed language that could be added to
the code. PRPC requests the Senate decide whether or not such language
should be added to the code. See PRPC Attachment 1.
2. A senator proposed codifying a requirement that all
committees of the Faculty Senate meet regularly. The sense of PRPC members was
that committee meetings should be required to meet the duties of a particular
committee, or be called by written request of the chair, committee members or
the FSEC. Such language exists to some extent with reference to AFT, BFW, and PRPC,
but could be moved to apply to all Senate committees. PRPC requests that the
Senate decide whether or not PRPC should draft such code.
3. A faculty
member proposed codifying repercussions for members of the Senate who violate
standards of conduct that are noted in Code 403.3. PRPC proposes changes
that could be made to two sections of the code. One change (Code 403.3) would
highlight the current standards of conduct for all faculty, and the other
would codify repercussions for serious infractions (Code 402.3). PRPC
member did, however, feel the bar should be high, and recommended a two-thirds
majority agree before any action is taken. See PRPC Attachment 2.
PRPC requests the Senate decide whether or not PRPC should
proceed with drafting such code.
4. A
faculty member expressed concern to the PRPC that language regarding the annual
meeting of tenure advisory committees needed further definition, specifically
to clarify if the meeting be strictly physical, or may members (e.g., on
sabbatical) participate in other ways. Here is a sample of the language that is
currently used:
“405.7.1 (2) Evaluation and recommendation by the tenure
advisory committee.
After the initial meeting, the tenure advisory
committee shall meet with the candidate at least annually and review the
candidate's file and supplementary material to evaluate progress toward
tenure.”
The question is as follows: What is the definition of “meet”? The sense of the PRPC committee
was that all tenure advisory committee members should be required to participate
in the meeting, but that electronic participation was already in common use
and should be allowed. PRPC drafted language clarifying
the meaning of “meet”. See PRPC Attachment 3
5. A
faculty member expressed concern to PRPC that tenure advisory committees are
continuing to be used by deans to review the files of candidates for tenure,
although these committees are not specified as part of the tenure and promotion
process. The sense of the PRPC was that in large colleges, deans may need
assistance in reviewing candidates’ files, but that such a committee should
report their recommendations in a letter signed by all members with a copy
provided to the candidate, as is the case with other such reports [Code
405.7.1(2) and 405.7.2(2)]. PRPC requests that the
Senate decide whether or not PRPC should draft such code.
6. A
faculty member expressed concern to PRPC with language in Code 407.7.2 (Reasons
for Non-Renewal) that reads: “There are only three
reasons for non-renewal: cessation of extramural funding, unsatisfactory
performance of the faculty member's assigned role (policies 405.6.1 and 11.1)
or failure to satisfy the criteria for the award of tenure.” The concern was
that “cessation of extramural funding” could be read very strictly to mean the
loss of an insignificant amount of funding was grounds for non-renewal. PRPC
agreed some further definition of the phrase “cessation of extramural funding”
was desirable, and requests that the Senate decide whether or not PRPC should
draft such code.