Report from Faculty Senate Executive Committee Meeting

APRIL 19, 2007

1. Meeting of 19 APRIL 2007

Attending: Lawson, Reeves, George, Boyd, Anderson, Kulick, Heikes, Franz, Radonovich

1.1 Faculty Senate President’s Report

Melinda Lawson discussed the need to elect Committee Chairs for 2007-08 once we know the incoming Senators.

1.2 Reports from Administration

Dr. Franz talked about the response to the Virginia tech incident and discussed how the UAH campus community would respond. Suggestions about registering cell phones to receive urgent text messages and emails are considered. Dr. Radonovich suggested including TV monitors posting urgent messages immediately.

Dr. Radonovich’ reported regarding the form for faculty who are leaving UAH to have an exit interview with the Provost or the Ombudsperson. Does it need to come as a Senate Bill? It was suggested we ask Peggy Bower. Or can the form be the same one currently being used and just add a change to the existing form.

The advertisement for Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness has been posted.

1.3 Committee Items and Chair Reports

1.3.1 Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (Sharon George).

Shari George reported over 50 changes in course forms from the undergraduate schools was reviewed this year but no new ones have arrived this month.

1.3.2 Personnel (Michael Anderson).

Dr. Anderson brought forth a bill regarding faculty-student relations. This was discussed and a need for a policy addressed by the following discussion questions: 1) What defines a nonprofessional relationship and how can conflicts be addressed? 2)Does the student take a different class to avoid conflict of interest if he/she is dating the professor? 3) What is the difference between “hanging out, or playing tennis with students” compared to an intense, personal relationship?

It was reported by the Student Affairs Office that three to five student per year voice concerns about relationship issues with faculty personnel. Several changes to the initial bill as offered by members present.

The vote for the bill was five in favor, one opposed, and no abstentions. The bill passed and will go forward to the Faculty Senate at next week’s meeting.

1.3.3 Governance and Operations (Jeffrey Kulick).

No Report.

1.3.4 Faculty and Student Development (Kader Frendi).

No Report

1.3.5 Finance and Resources (Harry Delugach).

Melinda Lawson reported for Harry Delugach that seven proposals are being reviewed for distinguished speakers for 2007-08.

1.3.6 Undergraduate Scholastic Affairs (Deborah Heikes).

Deborah Heikes reported her Committee is working looking at academic bankruptcy.

1.3.7 President-Elect—Lynn Boyd

No Report.

1.3.8 The Agenda was set for the April 26, 2007, Faculty Senate Meeting.