Executive Committee Meeting

November 19, 2009

12:45-2:15PM

 

 

Attending:       President Williams, Dr. Vistasp Karbhari, Dr. John Severn,

Dr. David Stewart, Dr. David Gupta, Dr. David Coe, Dr. Jennifer English,

Dr. Lynn Boyd, Dr. Sampson Gholston and Dr. Letha Etzcorn

 

Ø      President Williams spoke about the 1st month’s increase in research expenditures, awards, etc. 10% over last year, and that he would be visiting Middle State University to discuss economic development. Their strengths are with Engineering Technology and some Computer Science. He also reminded everyone to attend the concert on Sunday by the Army Band and that the National Security meeting a couple of days ago went very well.

 

Ø      Request for Faculty Senate letters regarding Housing issue. President said letters sent several days ago, but Dr. Etzcorn has not received yet, possibly because secretary out. President requested that the private letters he forwarded to Faculty Senate not be sent out throughout the University.  Also, committee member felt like the issue lies in communication. Let them know that you will not be sending the Moody report for legal reasons. 

 

Ø      A few of the committee went back and forth and felt like it would be a good idea for the President to speak directly to the Faculty Senate as to why the Housing Policy was good. President pointed out that Andy Weaver, John Maxon and Rick Barth had been working on this for about 8 years, and with the approval of the Board of Trustees. Let them do their jobs.  With UAH data, President Williams said that program development becomes easier, more effective as the mass grows and that retention rates will grow. He will not rescend the policy. He also mentioned Bachelors graduation rate is 47%, which are double digits behind national level and about the true 4 year plan for each department. Discussed a little about Scholarships, 15 hrs per semester and 128 hours for a degree. National standard for Financial Aid is the same regardless of how many students we have.

 

Ø      Dr. David Stewart voiced concerns for the Dorm policy. He suggested that administration point out peer universities where this policy has worked.

 

Ø      Provost was in agreement that all Faculty should do advising and as they review the Faculty Handbook, it would be good to have this included in the Handbook. Also, discussed better advising of students and keeping up with those in trouble and getting them to supportive services like the SSC, and limiting ‘Ws’ on transcript and informing student of consequences.  

 

Ø      Provost Karbhari handed out IPED data and talked about comparisons on page 9. SUG comparisons is being put together and he will have to the committee soon. Salaries for lecturers, we are 16% below.  Difficult to make comparisons because of different regions and those in departments.

 

 

 

Ø      Provost mentioned 2 resolutions sent. Prerequesite Drop and Pass/Fail option.

If large number of overrides, Banner gets stuck so we need set rules with exceptions. To talk with Deans and Janet Waller for blanket prerequisites.  New policy that the Instructor and Chair to override. Provost said when students are taught by a part-time faculty, they are unable to reach them, so they must have a person that will deal with students so they do not get hung up.

 

Ø      He also mentioned Business Dean’s search and that all 4 candidates are either interim Deans or sitting Deans.

 

Ø      Pass/Fail. Problem within college. If we have pure P/F, we may loose old records. Concern with accreditation and certifications. He also has concerns about international students.

 

Ø      3 courses in ESL. Now can do 4 modules instead, $500 each.

 

Ø      Dr. Karbhari handed out Draft Email Policy. Like it to move as quickly as possible and Diane Cunningham is outlining the legal aspects. Send suggestions and recommendations.

 

Ø      Lynn Boyd said she cannot send email to students with hot mail. Provost said there is a problem with Spam mail and Gmail will correct that.