Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes for February 2nd, 2004 Call to Order Kevin Kesler called the meeting to order at 3:05 pm. Minutes Janice Hall made a motion to accept the minutes of the January 5th meeting. The motion, seconded by Dave Widauf was passed. Information Items Mediation Program Rob Morrison presented information on the Mediation Program. He explained the process of how mediators are selected, and what specifically they do. He then explained the features of the new website. Consent Agenda Questions were posed regarding the Athletic Council's budget, and the Scholars program in the new Service Learning program. Isela Chiu moved to remove the Service Learning segment of the EPC report from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. The motion was seconded by Martha Whitaker, but failed to pass, and will stay on the Consent Agenda. Karla Petty moved to accept the Consent Agenda. The motion, seconded by Janice Hall, passed. Key Issues and Action Items Grading Policy Joyce Kinkead and Heidi Beck presented the latest regarding the Grading Policy issue. The 96 hours rule is still in place, which is after a classes final examinations are completed the instructor has 96 hours, excluding the weekend, to submit their grades for that class. This creates staggered due dates for grade submission, which should keep the server from overloading. Students will be locked out of the Quad system during this time, but allowed back in after the last deadline. The students will still be able to register for classes through the Registrar's Office during the times they would be locked out of the Quad system. It is essential that grades for graduating seniors be submitted by this 96 hour deadline. This will allow them to receive their diploma during commencement. Otherwise, they will still participate in commencement, but they will not receive their diploma, but a substitute letter of explanation. They are working on a system which will inform all faculty of their graduating seniors, which should help in this effort. Dean Caryn Beck-Dudley strongly urged the faculty to pay particular attention to getting grades in for graduating seniors so as to not let this happen. Heidi Beck displayed a newly drafted question and answer document that should help alleviate confusion regarding the issue. Dave Widauf moved to place this document, and the grading schedule and calendar on the web for faculty website. The motion, seconded by Stephanie Kukic, passed. University Business Brent Miller was invited to give the University Business report. He explained the status of the legislative process, the current agenda items they are discussing, and in what ways President Hall, and other representatives of USU are participating. The top priority issues being discussed in the Legislature this year are the 2% salary increase and gaining legislative support for increases in health benefits. Adjourn Karla Petty moved to adjourn. The motion, seconded by Carol Kochan, passed, and the meeting adjourned at 3:52 pm.