The Executive Council

April 25, 2005

Newcomb Hall Board Room - 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Present: Marcia Childress, Kenneth Schwartz, Larry Bouchard, Robert Davis, Arlene Keeling, Stephen Wilson, Daniel Hallahan, Deborah Johnson, Rebecca Kneedler, Houston Wood

Marcia Childress, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order. Ms. Childress presented an overview of the meeting's agenda:

• A discussion of the University's academic calendar.
• A discussion of the Faculty Senate Athletics resolution that was presented at the March 22nd Faculty Senate meeting.
• A discussion of academic planning initiatives.

Larry Bouchard, Chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee, reported on the committee's meetings with Dave Hudson, Office of the Vice President for Research. Those discussions regarded the University's patent policy and conflict of commitment issues, Mr. Bouchard said.

Mr. Bouchard also reported on the Harrison Awards for Undergraduate Research. He said the Research and Scholarship committee worked with Nicole Hurd, in the Office of Undergraduate Excellence, in administering these awards, and in the selection process. Mr. Bouchard also said the role of the Faculty Senate and the role of the Office of Undergraduate Excellence should be more clearly defined.

Kenneth Schwartz, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on the Faculty Senate Dissertation-Year Fellowships. The Academic Affairs Committee should meet with Roseanne Ford, Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, early in the fall semester to discuss issues pertaining to graduate research and the Fellowships, Mr. Schwartz said. The chair of the committee should meet with Gene Block, Vice President and Provost, early in the semester to discuss upcoming issues. The Academic Affairs Committee also deals with all program changes. Mr. Schwartz said if felt the committee should serve as a liaison to the chair of the Honor Committee.

The Academic Affairs Committee discussed how best to inform new Senators regarding the role of the Senate. It was suggested that a thirty minute orientation with new Senators prior to the first Senate meeting would be useful.

Houston Wood, Chair-Elect of the Faculty Senate, said it would be useful to have a discussion with Lee Grossman, Vice Provost for International Affairs, regarding the Patriot Act.

The meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.

Submitted by Deborah Johnson