Report from Executive Committee Meeting

3 JANUARY, 2002

1.      Meeting of 3 January, 2002

Attending:   Drs. Williamson, Waring, Redmon, Landrum, Hillman, Radonovich, Franz

Absent:       Dr. Miller, Fork, Schnell, Boyd, Williams, and Smith

1.1.      Faculty Senate President’s Report –Information

Dr. Waring reported he went to a System Task Force Meeting to investigate the feasibility of a common software package for the Student Information System.  There was a presentation by SCT and Oracle.  Having a common software package would streamline the student communication and information.  It would provide more accuracy in the data collection and reporting.

Dr. Williamson reported the UA Faculty Senate had passed a resolution in support of Constitutional Reform.  It was suggested that the UAH Faculty Senate might want to pass a similar resolution in support of Constitutional Reform coupled with tax reform and keeping the earmark for the Education Trust Fund.  There was some discussion of such a resolution and whether it would be a good idea to pass it at the Chancellor’s Address Meeting next week.  The Executive Committee decided to leave that decision to Dr. Miller.  It was reported the Council of Presidents passed a resolution supporting Constitutional Reform.

1.2.      Reports from Administration

Dr. Franz reported he was going to Montgomery to meet with the Governor regarding the budget and he would be asking for the two thirds/one third split. 

Dr. Franz was asked for advice on points to discuss with the Chancellor when he is here next week.

Dr. Franz was asked about the Faculty Activity Report Form, and reminded that faculty need to know which form to use because the time is approaching for these forms to be completed.

Dr. Radonovich reported there was a Deans’ Retreat all morning prior to the Faculty Senate Executive Committee to discuss and plan regarding the SACS Accreditation Issue.  He stated one of the items that came out of the meeting affecting faculty was a recommendation from the last SACS visit.

There was some discussion regarding faculty promotional increases and the policy for faculty promotional increases.   This related back to an earlier report from the last ACUFP meeting.  Dr. Waring was asked to gather data for Dr. Radonovich regarding faculty promotional increases for other institutions.

1.3.      Committee Items and Chair Reports

 

1.3.1.   Student Faculty Development (Melinda Redmon)

Dr. Redmon reported that the Committee is putting together a policy for the Honor Code.  Someone from the Office of Counsel is supposed to meet with the Committee at the next meeting. 

The Committee is also looking at the plagiarism issue.  They have looked at the turnitin.com, which is $4000/year, and the program will check words, phrases, etc. for faculty members.  Dr. Radonovich stated that we do not have the $4000 but he would be willing to find a way to get it if this is what would be best.  He asked that the Committee check with those who have used the program and check on a plagiarism policy that would be clear to the students.  Dr. Radonovich suggested that if the Committee checks and finds this is the best way to go, they write a memo from the Executive Committee to the him regarding the program and he would come up with the $4000.

1.3.2.   Finance and Resources (Richard Fork)

No Report

1.3.3.   Governance and Operations (Tommy Williams)

No Report.

1.3.4.   Personnel (Lynn Boyd)

No Report

1.3.5.   Curriculum (Brian Landrum).

Dr. Waring gave Dr. Landrum the latest copy of the Strategic Planning Initiative with the suggestions from the UA campus.  Copies will go to the Executive Committee and the Curriculum Committee for review.   Dr. Landrum reported the Committee has approved a few course changes, and there is one from Nursing that is still pending.

1.3.6.   Undergraduate Scholastic Affairs (James Smith)

No Report.

2.1.      BUSINESS – AGENDA

The agenda for the January 10, 2002, Faculty Senate Meeting was set.