Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes for January 5th, 2004 Call to Order Kevin Kesler called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm. Minutes Karla Petty made a motion to accept the minutes of the December 1st meeting. The motion, seconded by Janis Boettinger was passed. Information Items Aggie Ecology Jack Payne presented the Aggie Ecology report. He gave a rundown of the task force committee and subcommittees responsible for sustainability on USU campus. Sustainability is defined as 'Meeting the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. USU's efforts towards sustainability began in 1991 when the current president signed the Talloires Declaration which is a dedication to: 1. Increase Awareness of Environmentally Sustainable Development. 2. Create an Institutional Culture of Sustainability. 3. Educate for Environmentally Responsible Citizenship. 4. Foster Environmental Literacy for All. 5. Practice Institutional Ecology. He then discussed ways USU can promote sustainability, the goals that have been set, and the future of USU and Aggie Ecology. New University Website and Commercial John DeVilbiss displayed the most recent productions the Public Relations and Marketing department have been working on. They include the new USU website. Charles Thompson explained the new features, navigation, and reasoning behind the design. They also include promotional billboards/posters that are currently on display at the airport, and a TV commercial that emphasizes USU's space experiments. Student Government Update Stephanie Kukic, Karla Petty, and Duke Di Stefano, informed the FSEC of the new Student Government members, their current projects and responsibilities. The role of the ASUSU Executive Council is to enhance the quality of student life through: academics, activities, student concerns, public relations, service, athletics, clubs, organizations, cultural events, along with, direct college, extension, graduate, and student representation. The Executive Council is divided up between the Legislators, Senators, and Programmers. Several projects were discussed. There is a fund available for student presentations, competitions, or other scholarly activities. Service Learning certificates will be presented to students who complete service learning courses. The majority of students do not carry the University's health insurance plan, simply because of the high cost, and other alternatives for health insurance are being considered. The Robins awards nominate individuals, students and faculty for outstanding performance. ASUSU has joined the National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology program. Faculty are welcome to attend the student executive council meetings. Consent Agenda Stephen Bialkowski moved to accept the Consent Agenda. The motion, seconded by Bruce Miller, passed. University Business President Kermit Hall and Provost Stan Albrecht presented the latest in University Business. Ron Godfrey was introduced as the new Vice President for Administrative Services, which is being renamed to Business and Finance. The tuition task force has been formed to look at the reasons behind tuition raises, and are searching for opportunities to allow all qualified individuals to be able to receive a quality education at USU, not just those who can afford it. Governor Walker is supporting an increase in salary. The Governor has also expressed her desire to combine the efforts of USU and UofU to strengthen the research foundation and economic development of the state. Inaugural lectures are beginning this month for newly promoted full professors. Negotiations for the Child Development Center is progressing. President Hall strongly encouraged the faculty senate to promote the State of the University address which will take place January 14th. Adjourn Kevin Kesler called for adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 4:04 pm.