Call to Order
Janis Boettinger called the meeting to order at 3:03 pm.

Minutes
Lynn Dudley seconded to approve the minutes of February 7, 2005 as written. The minutes were unanimously approved.

University Business
President Albrecht gave a quick summary of the legislative session. There will be a state-wide cost of living increase of 2.5% and benefits increase of 2% of the total benefits package.There will be a 1.5% merit increase from Tier II tuition, with distribution to consider the last 3 years of performance. The USHE received $2.65 million for retention. O&M funding received $206,000 supplemental one-time and full funding for new projects. Fuel & Power received $1.62 million one-time and $1.6 million ongoing. This is a significant step in the right direction. Ag Expansion received $5 million to move the agricultural activities from the north end of campus to the Caine Dairy. This allows for the expansion of the Innovation Campus. The Climate Center, Vet Diagnostic Laboratory, and Ag in the Classroom received full funding. The Engineering initiative received $500,000 one-time and $1.5 million on going funding. The Economic Development Initiative received some start-up money. Utah State is well positioned this year thanks in large part to the Cache Valley legislative delegation. We received some funding for every initiative.

There will be a Tier II student meeting on March 8, 2005, at 12 noon. President Albrecht will propose the revised tuition increase (lowered to 6.25%). This increase would provide $320,000 ongoing operating funds, $220,000 for the library, $250,000 strategic initiatives, and $200,000 technology in the classroom.

There are currently two dean searches underway. The College of Education and Human Services search committee has selected the finalists and will bring them on campus during Spring Break. The College of Graduate Studies search committee has selected the finalists and will bring them to campus during April.

Key Issues & Action Items
Stephen Bialkowski moved to accept the proposed amendments to Intellectual Contributions, Policy 405.2/405.3, as written. The motion, seconded by Jan Alm, unanimously passed. (See attached)

Stephen Bialkowski moved to accept the proposed amendments to the Promotion Advisory Committee 3 Years after Tenure, Policy 405.6(2), and 405.8.2. (See attached). The motion was seconded by Ronda Callister. There was discussion if February 15 deadline for initial meeting was too late in the calendar year. Lynn Dudley moved to change the date from February 15 to October 15. Jean Lown seconded the motion. Steve Aust moved to change the wording from “is ready” to “wishes to be”. No objection and no seconded needed on motion. The proposed changes along with the non-substantive changes passed unanimously.

Ombudsperson on P&T, Policy 405.6. There were questions regarding how the ombudspersons would be trained. How much time would be required of these individuals, and if the ombudsperson would come from a central pool. Christine Hult explained that the Provost Office will be the clearing house. They will offer training and support. Julie Foust seconded the motion to approve the policy change. The motion passed by 2/3 majority vote.

Consent Agenda
John Kras seconded the motion to approve the consent agenda, the motion passed unanimously.

Information Items for Discussion
Joyce Kinkead, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Research and Noelle Call, Director, Academic Resource Center, presented Janis Boettinger and Derek Mason with a copy of the First Year Literature Experience book, “When the Emperor Was Divine”.

Information Items
There will be a Spring Faculty Forum on March 28, 2005, 3:00 – 4:30 pm in the Eccles Conference Center Auditorium. The Spring Faculty Forum AdHoc Committee consists of Derek Mason, Stephen Bialkowski, Kevin Doyle, and Janis Boettinger. If you have any suggestions or ideas for the forum, please send them to one of the AdHoc committee members.

New Business
Janis Boettinger suggested holding a forum to set a strategic agenda on Monday, April 25 at 3:00. Invite new senators along with retired senators to talk about issues. This would be a non-legislative/non-binding meeting.

Janis Boettinger updated the senate on the Provost Search. The application review begins July 1st with interviews held in September and the individual starting in December.

Adjournment
Ronda Callister motioned for adjournment at 4:23 pm.

Joyce Kinkead-Chair, Stanley Allen-Agriculture, Scot Allgood-Education and Human Services, Todd Crowl-Natural Resources, Richard Cutler-Science, Jennifer Duncan-Libraries, Les Essig, ASUSU President, Heidi Evans, ASUSU Academic VP, Kathy Fitzgerald-HASS, David Luthy-DEED chair, Ronda Menlove-Extension, David Olsen-Business, A.J. Rounds-GSS President, Jeff Walters-ASC Chair, Paul Wheeler-Engineering

Meeting Dates:
March 3, 2005 (David Luthy, Chairing EPC in the absence of Joyce Kinkead), April 7, 2005

Curriculum Subcommittee
In the March meeting, the Curriculum Subcommittee provided the following information:

Action Items
The request for minor changes in the names of two specialization areas listed under the PhD in Sociology.

The request from the Department of Instructional Technology to change the name of the Center for Online Education (COLE) to the Center for Open and Sustainable Learning (COSL).

The request to delete stand-alone teaching majors in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Science.

The motion to use course numbers that have not been used for five years even though USU has a policy which states we cannot reuse course numbers until they have been out of use for five years. The motion was approved due to state-mandated course changes. Also course numbers can now end in a number other than zero if needed.

Information Items
Submission deadline for items to be effective Spring 2006 Semester is March 24, 2005 for the April 7, 2005 Curriculum Subcommittee meeting. The April 7, 2005 meetings will be the last meetings for the Curriculum Subcommittee and EPC until September 2005.

Recommendations
EPC recommends approval of above changes by Faculty Senate.