Meeting:	Faculty Senate Meeting, 10 October 2007, Wooten Hall, Room 322
Present:	Baker, Catalano, Chandler, Chen, Clower, Cole, Conover, Cushman, Doherty, Donahue-Wallace, Eddy Emmanuel, Figa, Harrell, Harris, Hayes, Heidlberger, Holt, Johnston, McPherson, Mikler, Mueller, Nagaoka, Oldmixon, Packard, Pavur, Perez, Peters, Plummer, Reidy, Swan, Thomsett-Scott, Todd, Turner, Wallace, Weiller, Wells, Windsor
Absent:	Atkinson, Babcock, Benet, Bratton, Cox, Hill, Jagadeeswaran, Pohlen, Sahliyeh, Seligmann
Guests:	Michelle Mears, Margaret Vestal, Earl Gibbons, Celia Williamson, Darlene Callahan, Donna Asher, Bryan Shetting, Mellina Stucky, Finley Graves
Opening:	Michael McPherson, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order at 2:01 pm

 

 

I. Welcome and Introductions

a. Senator McPherson welcomed attendees. He noted that the music was performed by the Valley Symphony Orchestra with Adam Wodnicki on piano and directed by Peter Dabrowski. A moment of silence was held in memory of Mark Mortensen, a former COE professor, who passed away recently. Senator McPherson reminded Senators about the Change War for the SECC.

b. O. Finley Graves, Interim Dean of COBA, was introduced.

c. Earl F. Gibbons Jr., Vice President for International Education was welcomed to the floor. Gibbons spoke briefly on the challenges and opportunities in International Education. He credited President Bataille with creating the VP position as tangible evidence of her commitment to the internationalization of UNT. Gibbons noted that there are many excellent initiatives around campus and his goal is to bring them together to strengthen and market them. UNT needs to become a player in the global arenas where UNT excels. The travel abroad program will receive immediate attention to expand it by making it easier for both students and faculty to participate. In response to a question from Senator Mikler, Gibbons noted that he wants to be made aware of current initiatives and connections already in place. Senator Clower asked for more details on the specific objectives and interests. Gibbons replied that his ultimate goal is to have a UNT presence in all countries, across a variety of disciplines, and to meet a variety of lifestyles for participants, such as those with families and students with jobs, in order to equally provide an opportunity for everyone. He added that a more strategic approach will be taken initially to see what UNT is good at and where we have current connections, and to develop these strengths.

d. Senator McPherson introduced two new senators: Donna Emmanuel and Elizabeth Oldmixon.

e. It was announced that Margie Lagleder will be leaving to accept a position in the Provost’s Office and that her replacement, Kathy Nichols, will start October 22. Chair McPherson presented a card and gift to thank Margie for her excellent work with the Faculty Senate.

II. Approval of Minutes from September 12, 2007
Senators Cole and Swan accepted and seconded the minutes. With several corrections and clarifications, the minutes were approved.

III. Committee Reports

a. Committee on Committees. Senator Johnston, new chair of the Committee on Committees, presented the report. There were 4 write-in candidates. No nominations from the floor. Report was accepted unanimously.

b. Fine Arts Committee (written). Senator Cushman disagreed with her attendance numbers. Senator McPherson will check into this issue. With this clarification, the report was accepted unanimously.

c. UCC. In response to a question from Senator Weiller, Dr. Williamson emphasized that the Coordinating Board did not support the option of having UNT students select two courses from the three core areas, but did accept the proposal to have students select two courses from the entire group as presented in her report. Senator Reidy questioned why the Coordinating Board thought that selecting two courses from a big group was better. Dr. Williamson reported that the rationale was that if students selected two courses from three groups, then it wasn’t a “core” group of courses but if they selected two courses from one big group of courses, AKA “the core”, then it met the criteria. Senator Mueller requested clarification on the new lab courses approved by the UCC. Dr. Williamson replied that, as part of the move to the 120 hour core rule, there were new 3 hour lab courses designed to replace the previous 4 hour lab courses. The report was approved with 2 abstentions. Dr. Williamson discussed the use of an education plan to help students overcome the new restrictions on the number of hours they can take in a degree plan before the course premium goes into effect. Senators are concerned that the drop/add and number of hours students can take above their degree plan are unnecessarily restricting. Senator Reidy requested that someone look into how these and other changes have affected student outcomes. Dr. Williamson noted that Dr. Allen Clark is willing to provide reports if requested. Senator Clower noted that some populations of students will be more affected by these changes than others, and questioned if there were ways to soften the effects. Senator McPherson noted that there will be plenty of time to discuss these and other issues in the forthcoming months.

IV.Report of the Provost/VPAA:
Provost was in another meeting. Agenda item postponed until her arrival (VI below).

V. Vice Chair Update - Please see the report for additional details.

a. Senator Wells noted that the Research Misconduct policy which was developed in March 2007 in response to federal requirements is under review. Senator Mueller and others will be working on proposing revisions to the policy. There was concern that the VP Research is not directly reporting to the Provost and the creation of ad hoc committees rather than a standing committee provides the opportunity for “cherry picking” committee members. It was noted that integrity and fairness are the main qualities needed for the committee members and that witnesses can be called who have the discipline knowledge.

b. Policy Review. The Provost will be working with the chairs of the University Tenure Committee and the Faculty Senate Workload Committee to develop revised policies for promotion and tenure and faculty workload. If the process works wells, it may be used for other policy sections.

c. Ombuds search. Candidates will be on campus beginning next week. The President is willing to consider hiring an interim Ombudsman if needed.

d. Space Assessment Committee. The committee will be convened shortly with Donna Asher as chair.

e. Bookstore Policy on Textbooks. Several Senators noted that they have also experienced issues and would like this issue fully explored.

f. Faculty/Staff Award Process. The process will changed due to the need to spend the University’s money in an effective way that provides maximum satisfaction to the awardees. The Faculty Awards Committee will be working with the Staff Council and Human Resources to develop a proposal for a new award process.

g.Staff Classification/Compensation. Senator Wells noted that the staff classification/compensation review should be completed by fall. He emphasized that no salaries will be reduced.

h. Summer School Policy. The same class size and salary structure used last summer will be used for 2008.

i. Supplemental Travel Funds. The Provost has decided to distribute these funds to Schools and Colleges. It was suggested that Deans provide the Provost with data on the awards provided and the number of faculty who requested the funds but were not funded.

j. Clinical or Contractual” Faculty. Senator Wells noted that he expects that the Deans Council will continue to discuss this issue.

VI. Report of the Provost/VPAA

a. Instructional Track Faculty. Dr. Wilkins noted that in her recent meeting with the Deans she had raised the issue of instructional faculty receiving tenure. The idea was not favorably received as the consensus was that tenure should be reserved for those faculty who participate across the full spectrum of faculty activities. The Provost noted that budget realities require instructors as well as tenure track faculty. Instructors do need to be valued through such things as career advancement opportunities, and multi-year contracts. Dr. Wilkins will look at best practices. She believes that having 2 – 3 career steps, perhaps lecturers, senior lectures, and principal lecturers is a good system but does not feel that having the current terminology – Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor are effective as they can get confused with tenure track terminology.

b. Policies. The Provost, Marcia Staff, Michael McPherson, Jim Meernik, Celia Williamson, Margaret Vestal, and Bonita Hairston met recently for a day long policy review. The Provost noted that she initiated this process as she was continually running into policy issues. Policies were divided into 3 categories – urgent, soon but not urgent (such as those needing editorial changes due to name changes etc.) and those that are fine. The group noted that procedural items need to be separated from the actual policies. It was agreed that Workload and Promotion and Tenure policies were most urgent. The Provost will work with the chairs of the Faculty Senate Workload Committee and the University Tenure Committee to write new polices. The policies will then be given to the respective committees for input, then moved to the Faculty Senate, the Provost’s Office, and to the President for approval. If necessary, policies will be sent to the Board of Regents for final approval. If the President does not approve the policy, the Provost will work to implement a work around until the policy can be revised and approved. She does not want policies to hold up University business. Senator Windsor asked if someone would be responsible for ensuring consistency across all policies, such as those for staff and the finance office but yet affect faculty. Dr. Wilkins noted that it has been suggested that Bonita Hairston take on this task as it is common practice among our peers to have the President’s Chief of Staff in charge of maintaining the policies. A discussion of workload ensured. Provost Wilkins noted that professional development for chairs will be provided to help them understand how to most effectively manage faculty workload as many chairs have not the opportunity to do this before. Chairs will be responsible for providing flexibility in workload assignments but yet ensuring that needed work gets done in a fair and equitable manner. She also noted that some school/college/department Charters and Bylaws may need revision as some procedures make flexibility difficult. Senators were encouraged to try to get their departmental Charter and Bylaws reviewed. Provost Wilkins emphasized that the faculty member, his/her Chair, and his/her Dean need to agree on workload to ensure a fair annual review. Senator Reidy noted that work has already been done on this issue and he would like to see it used. Dr. Wilkins responded that she would like to made aware of past work in order not to replicate efforts. She emphasized that promotion and tenure policies will not be changed for current faculty. Policies may need revision to ensure excellence across UNT’s mission but these will be in force for faculty hired under the new policies. The Provost noted that workload options, funding for graduate students, travel funds, and more is needed. There was a discussion of promotion and tenure documents. Dr. Wilkins will clarify requirements with the Deans.

c. Criminal Background Checks. Although the policy is still under review, the Provost noted that there is general agreement among the President, HR, and the Vice Presidents that the procedure should be minimally invasive while being publicly responsive. Current thought is that new faculty and faculty going through major personnel actions, such as promotion and tenure, will have criminal background checks. Human Resources will initiate the process. Responses will generally be received within 24 hours. The faculty member will be notified of the result. A notice that the check was performed will be added to the faculty member’s file. The actual check results will be destroyed.

VII. Chair Update.
Senator McPherson suggested that Senators read his report and ask him questions later due to the lateness of the hour. He noted a few items:

a. Andrew Harris is the new VP for Finance and Administration

b. The Minnie Stevens Piper Award deadline is November 2^nd. This is a teaching award

c. There will be a Faculty Senate tailgating party October 27, 3-6 pm. The tent will located in the Mean Green Village area.

d. The Faculty Ambassador Program (retired and current faculty participate in the prospective student tours every Friday) has already had 16 current and 2 retired faculty sign up. Senator McPherson encouraged Senators to look for other folks to sign up.

e. Kathy Nichols, the new Faculty Senate Administrative Assistant, will begin on October 22. Senator McPherson thanked Dr. Williamson for allowing Margie to work on Faculty Senate business until the new AA is trained.

VIII. Unfinished Business.
No unfinished business.

IX. New Business
a. Discussion of the University Space Plan (Donna Asher and Darlene Callahan). Please refer to the handout for further details. Asher and Callahan noted that all space at the university is university space and must be used for the betterment of the university. There is now a University Space Assignment and Management Policy, and a Space Assessment Committee (with a Faculty Senate rep and alternate) will be in place on October 22, and will begin to meet shortly after. A university space review was conducted over the summer with a primary focus to find space for the eight units affected by the demolition of Kendall and Highland Halls. There was also a goal to more effectively utilize the space at the Research Park. Of interest was a desire to bring dispersed units together and to put like units in proximity to achieve “intellectual synergies”. There was some concern about the lack of a cafeteria in the Research Park, especially with more units moving out there. Callahan noted that administration is very disappointed in the time taken to get this project moving but that it will be done soon – some equipment is ready for installation. Senator Reidy noted a concern about adding more units to the Research Park when there is not a clear plan for expansion in the College of Engineering. He is concerned that there will not be enough useful space as the College grows. Callahan replied that growth of the COEng and other units in the Research Park is being considered by the Deans and Chairs. Senator Reidy noted that some faculty are unsure that the Deans/Chairs are fully aware of the goals of the faculty. Asher and Callahan listed the departments to be moved due to the 2 demolitions and their new locations. Ten other units will also be relocated. Six units will be expanded, including the VP Research and Technology Transfer. Senator Turner asked about the master plan. Callahan replied that the University’s master plan is available online. The Deans and Chairs have departmental plans. Senator Thomsett-Scott noted that the Libraries had lost valuable study space for students and requested that the Space Assessment Committee consider the issue. There was a discussion of the space in Chilton Hall. Callahan and Asher welcomed Senators to contact them to discuss specific issues.


X. Committee of the Whole
No items


XI. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:45 pm

Respectfully submitted by Beth Thomsett-Scott