1. Meeting of 6 NOVEMBER, 2003

Attending: Karr, Hillman, Wilkerson, Gaede, Lawson, Pakhomov, Reeves, Williamson

Absent: Franz, Radonovich, Wren,

1.1. Faculty Senate President’s Report –Information

Dr. Hillman announced he would be attending the Board of Trustees Meeting in Tuscaloosa tomorrow.

He announced he would be attending the ACUFP meeting in Florence on November 14 and 15.

1.2. Reports from Administration

Dr. Franz and Dr. Radonovich were attending the Board of Trustees Meeting.``

1.3. Committee Items and Chair Reports

1.3.1. Undergraduate Curriculum (Rhonda Gaede)

Dr. Gaede reported the Curriculum Committee met and approved a cognate in Global Studies and a concentration in Jazz. They also deleted a couple of courses in Political Science. They discussed MAE 311L which is a lab course and is not in the catalog but it is in the system. ECE has some similar courses that are in the catalog. This topic has been sent back to the Chairs for resolution of some consistency in the College. MAE has some programmatic changes coming forth as a result of ABET. There was also some discussions regarding freedom and how Engineering students might be able to take something such as the Global Studies Cognate.

1.3.2. Personnel (Brent Wren)

Dr. Wren was not present but there was some discussion regarding review of some of the areas of the Faculty Handbook dealing with reappointments and promotion and tenure. Some areas may need clarification or rewording. There may be discrepancies on who serves on what Committees and who is eligible to vote in certain cases. There may also be discrepancies in how Committees are comprised and how departments handle the cases and the committees. Dr. Williamson and Dr. Gaede will write up information and send it to Dr. Wren for review by his Committee.

Dr. Wilkerson asked that the description for the Ombudsperson be examined to determine if a better description could be included in the Faculty Handbook. The two times it is mentioned there appears to be some inconsistency.

1.3.3. Governance and Operations (Joan Williamson)

Dr. Williamson reported the Committee counted the ballots for the Faculty Appeals Committee elections. They are also evaluating the University Standing Committees, have they met, are they useful, are they mandated, are they necessary.

There was also some discussion regarding how a faculty organization may be established on campus. What is the process?

There was also some discussion regarding a Calendar Committee.

1.3.4. Faculty and Student Development (Melinda Lawson)

Mrs. Lawson reported the Committee is still looking at the Academic Misconduct issue. They are also looking at the judicial process. They are looking at the possibility of a fine and attendance in a plagiarism class as part of the process in the Handbook.

Dr. Hillman asked Mrs. Lawson and her Committee to look at the promotion and tenure issues and the reappointment issues as a part of faculty development and perhaps assist Dr. Wren with these issues.

1.3.5. Finance and Resources (Andrew Pakhomov)

Dr. Pakhomov reported the Committee met on October 31. The Committee received five proposals for the Distinguished Speaker and Lecture Fund. All five fit the available budget and will most likely be funded. Dr. Hillman asked Peggy to check on advertising for the speaker series, perhaps a poster listing all individuals and events.

Dr. Pakhomov reported they Committee will ask Peggy to send out a survey to all for feedback on the parking issues.

Dr. Pakhomov reported Dr. Bryson is investigating the issue of handicapped access on campus. He started with Morton Hall and will exam each area and building. Dr. Bryson is working with Mr. Finnegan on these issues.

1.3.6. Undergraduate Scholastic Affairs (Andreé Reeves)

No Report

1.4 Agenda

The agenda for the upcoming Faculty Senate Meeting was set.