February 11, 2004
Meeting: Faculty
Senate Meeting, February 11, 2004, Wooten Hall, Room 322
Absent: Allen, Barton, Chandler, DeCarvalho, H. Harris, Hastings, Hill, Oliver, Smith, Wilhite
Guests: John Todd, Interim VP for Institutional Research; Scott Simpkins, Professor, English; Marcus Lopopolo, SGA; Aslan Foroush, SGA; Suzanne LaBrecque, Vice Provost; Howard Johnson, Provost; Kay Selby, Director, Academic Publications; Paul Dworak, Compliance Office; Jason Goodman, NT Daily; Journalism Students: Stephen Reynolds, Steven Kim, Swami Koto, Betsy Mathews, Shauné Ford, LaNesha Wheeler, Jason Fleming
Opening: Lou Pelton, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order at 2:04pm
Approval of December 10, 2003 Senate Minutes: Upon motion by Senator Jordan , second by Senator Cole, the minutes of the December 10, 2003 meeting were approved as presented.
Old Business:
No Smoking Campus/Policy: Chair Pelton reported that Vice President Richard Rafes is chairing a committee studying the issue. The committee has formed three subcommittees that will be bringing forth recommendations.
Plus/Minus Grading System: As reported at the December meeting, Chair Pelton again reported that the grading system will be implemented at the undergraduate level only. Implementation will take place with the new EIS.
New Business:
Report from Professor Scott Simpkins, Chair of the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects: Simpkins reported that he is the new chair of the IRB. He reported on the procedure currently being used by the IRB. He noted that the current backlog is roughly 30 days but he hopes to cut that time in the future. He asked that senators encourage their colleagues to write proposals and consent forms simply, in eighth grade language. He suggested that the IRB be viewed as a “second set of eyes” to help improve research proposals. Simpkins also asked that senators consider volunteering to serve on the IRB as a member or as an alternate in order to better understand and to assist with improving the process. Senator Tam asked what the qualifications were for serving on the IRB. Simpkins replied that he would find out.
Committee Reports:
Committee on Committees: Senator Tarlton presented the report and read additional nominations. Acceptance was seconded by Senator Benjamin. Senator Tarlton reported that the Executive Committee had approved adding three at large members to the Student Code of Conduct Committee. The report was accepted unanimously on voice vote.
Committee on Faculty Participation in Governance: Senator Mathis presented the committee’s report. She noted that part of the committee’s charge was to issue the invitation for applications for faculty ombudsman. Acceptance of the report was seconded by Senator Mueller. The report was accepted unanimously on voice vote.
Vice Chair’s Update:
Vice Chair van Tassell reported on the questions and dialogue presented to
administrators at the February 4th Executive Committee meeting.
Questions and responses were as follows: 1) Does a dean hold
responsibility for staff actions? EIS will help build in safeguards
regarding fiscal matters. An account manager cannot delegate signature
authority. UNT will look at a code of ethics that will apply to everyone.
Generalized statements are in place regarding penalties related to terminations
or letters of reprimand. 2) Why did the President not speak out to assure
that UNT is a good steward of monies, following the widespread news coverage?
UNT’s media management strategy led in this decision. Pohl sent a formal
letter to funders. 3) Is Roddy Wolper an official spokesperson?
Regarding the specific statements, other critical news items were in place at
the time of the embezzlement. Leliaert was needed to address other issues;
Wolper may make official comments.
4) Dissemination of campus-wide
message. Data in the campus-wide
message about the embezzlement was public record. Charges were filed by
authorities. 5) Status of RCM. A second group of visitors will be on
campus in March. Additional articles will be posted on
President Pohl’s website. Implementation would have to wait until
EIS is in place (at least 24 months). Faculty would gain power and
responsibility. 6) College and school annual reports. Example of Arizona
State’s university school of business annual report was provided. Administrators
will consider such a model. 7) Is there a conflict of interest with the
police department and the OED under the Senior VP for Administration?
Lengthy response was provided by Chong Choe. Senior VP’s role as counselor ends
March 1, 2004. Nancy Footer will be the new University Counsel. 8)
Why did the call for nominations for teaching awards come from the VP for
Research and Technology Transfer? When RTT was split from the provost
office, this task was included. Consideration will be given to
disseminating the call from the office of the provost. 9) What is the
status of the Senate’s proposal regarding the awarding of honorary degrees?
Provost Johnson has read this recommendation and has some concerns. Students
and staff were not included in the decision-making. A mechanism is
needed that will bring together all voices. Provost Johnson expressed some
concern with the Senate having the final voice. 10) What is the status of
the academic plan? Provost Johnson has a draft outline, based on UNT’s
Vision 2015 and core values. The draft will come to EC in late February and has
been shared with President’s and Dean’s Cabinets. The draft focuses
on areas of academic excellence. Faculty groups will later review and discuss
the draft. 11) What is the intent of the UPO-15 form that requires faculty
to file if conducting any university work outside the campus? State
regulations require this form for staff and faculty.
Chair’s Update:
Chair Pelton reminded Senators about the Evaluation of Administrators and encouraged senators to work with their constituents to encourage participation.
Chair Pelton also reminded senators about the new Faculty Forum on the Senate web page.
Pelton updated the senate on the status of the faculty ombudsman application process, the Committee on the Status of Women, and planning for a Town Hall meeting.
Committee of the Whole:
Senator Benjamin noted (in response to the Vice Chair’s report on item 9 above) that there was student input into the current process for the awarding of honorary degrees.
Group Caucuses:
Group I: Will caucus via email regarding a decision to replace three senators who are on leave for one semester (Senators Bustinza, Doherty & Levin).
At-Large Group: Decided not to replace Senator Goggin, who is on leave for one semester.
Chair Pelton adjourned the Senate at 3:40 pm.
Send comments or questions to Sue Young, syoung@unt.edu, at the Faculty Senate Office, Telephone (940) 565-2053.