UAH FACULTY SENATE

DRAFT MINUTES OF MEETING #486

21 FEBRUARY, 2008

PRESENT:

ADSC: Bao

LBAR: Rountree, Pritchard, Neff, Gyasi, M. Johnson, Moore, Jones, Reeves,

ENG: Banish, Jovanov, Wessling, Lin, Karr

LIB: Vaughan

NUR: O’Keefe, George

SCI: Boyd, Bishop, Magnuson, Edmondson, Aygun, Ravindran, Park, Miller, Elsamadicy

ABSENT WITH PROXY:

ADSC: Burnett,

LBAR: J. Johnson, Bollinger, Heikes, Neuschatz, Sitaraman

ENGR: Anderson, Kulick

NUR: Lawson, Linsky, Thompson

SCI: Mecikalski, Scholz, Etzkorn,

ABSENT WITHOUT PROXY:

ADSC: Wilhite, Schnell

LBAR: Ragsdale

ENGR: Frendi, Gaede, Gholston,

0. Senate President Lynn Boyd called the meeting to order at 12:50 p.m.

1. Draft Minutes of Meeting Number 485 were approved with change. Motion by Clarke Rountree, seconded by David Neff.

2. Senate Executive Committee Report accepted. Motion by Shari George seconded by Linda Vaughan.

3. President Williams’ Report.

Dr. Williams reported we do not know the final information on the budgets and cuts yet. The current bill has about 14% or slightly less. Yesterday the Presidents and the Board gathered to make a statement to the Legislators. They made it clear that endowments cannot be used to offset shortfalls. University Endowments have legal restrictions. Right now we need to be aware that the cuts are eminent. Dr. Williams is encouraging VPs to go through an exercise of 5% cuts. They are to look for where they can make cuts. The VPs are also encouraged to find out where they can find increases. Three areas that are under our control are: 1) enrollment, especially out of state enrollments, 2) external funding through research, foundations, etc., and 3) Advancement/Development. All of us are responsible for these and have opportunities to increase in these areas. The New VP for Advancement should be finalized within the next few days. Hope to make an announcement. We will invest in these revenue generating areas. At the appropriate time when we are aware of the actual details of the budget and budget cuts we will make a formal presentation to the campus. Take the message back to your colleagues to work to bring in more revenue. I have instructed the Inauguration Committee to take 10% off the top of what is in the budget. I must be an example. I want the inauguration focused on the University and the faculty and students.

Mission Statement: There were three versions of the Mission Statement sent out with an opportunity for faculty and staff to comment. I have received about 100 responses. There is strong support for a shorter version. We will sit with the Committee and hash out which version is the best and has the most support.

4. Dr. Radonovich’s Report.

Dr. Radonovich reported that all three resolutions submitted by the Faculty Senate this year have been approved and signed. There was one fall out issue from the abolishing of the NC Grading. Freshmen Composition has a problem with it and not being able to give Ds. Dr. Severn is working on this.

Dr. Radonovich announced that the Board approved the BS in ESS. We want to get this to ACHE for the June Meeting. We would like to have is approved to offer it Fall 2008.

There was some discussion regarding why it is ESS instead of ATS. Dr. Radonovich pointed out they have taken a more holistic view seeing the earth as a system.

Dr. Radonovich talked briefly about the Inauguration activities. He announced the final schedule should be out shortly. The event is a week long. He encouraged faculty to attend the events and where possible and appropriate encourage students to attend. This is a great opportunity for showcasing faculty and student achievements. He announced classes are cancelled on Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for participation in the actual installation ceremony. He announced that you may order regalia through the UAH Bookstore if you do not currently have it. Invitations should go out to all faculty and research personnel. We are trying to make sure everyone is informed.

Dr. Radonovich stated he is working with the Deans on the 5% cut scenarios in order to be prepared for what may happen.

5. A. Senate Committee Reports:

1. Executive: The report was distributed with the minutes. The report was accepted.

2. Faculty and Student Development: No Report.

3. Governance and Operations: No Report.

4. Personnel: No Report.

5. Undergraduate Curriculum: Dr. George reported the Committee approved two new courses.

7. Undergraduate Scholastic Affairs: Dr. Rountree reported they have a bill on the agenda.

8. Finance and Resources: The RFP for Distinguished Speakers was sent out. The Committee will meet in April to make the selections. The awards will be $1000-1500. They have a $10,000 budget.

B. University Committees:

No Reports.

Officer Reports:

Parliamentarian: No Report.

Ombudsperson: No Report.

President-Elect: No Report.

President: Dr. Boyd reported Rhonda Gaede is the new President Elect. She is working on Teaching Technology Resources.

There was a Commencement Committee Meeting. This spring Commencement Mack Portera will be the speaker. There will be one honorary degree awarded and there will be ~800 students.

The Smoking Policy was approved and Mike Finnegan is to handle the implementation.

The Abolishing the NC Grading Resolution was approved.

The Faculty Student Relationship Policy was approved.

At the Board Meeting the DNP was approved and is moving forward.

The Wilson Hall renovations are starting.

A land sell next to Tech Hall was approved.

6. Senate Bill 312: Amendment to Student Attendance Policy (Second Reading)

The bill was brought to the floor with a motion from Dr. Magnuson, seconded by Dr. George.

There was some discussion regarding concern for the obligation is puts on the faculty.

Two amendments were proposed and withdrawn.

There were discussions regarding the motivation of the bill. There was some concern for the bill being too broad.

The vote for the bill was 5 in favor, 22 opposed, and one abstention. The bill failed at second reading.

7. Rich Miller talked about a bill in the legislature regarding weapons (guns) on campus. This is an important issue and we need to take a stand and express an opinion to the Legislature. The information will be sent out to the Faculty Senate for them to respond so that a letter can be sent.

8. Dr. Boyd adjourned the meeting at 1:50 p.m.