January 7, 2003 - 3:00-5:00 p.m. -- Board Room, Newcomb Hall

Present: Michael Smith, Robert Davis, Robert Grainger, Ellen Contini-Morava, Pamela Kulbok, Daniel Hallahan, Stephen Wilson, Rip Verkerke, Julian Connolly, David Brautigan, Robert O'Connell, Marcia Childress

Michael J. Smith, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order. Graduate Report Follow-up A draft resolution in support of funding for graduate students was distributed and discussed. After some discussion, it was agreed that the resolution's language would be modified. The Council members will work on the language, particularly in the last paragraph of the resolution, and send suggestions to Michael Smith. The resolution will be modified and brought before the full Faculty Senate for adoption. The Academic Affairs Committee will work with a task force, to be appointed by Gene Block, Vice President and Provost, to develop an "action plan" to implement the suggestions brought forth in the Graduate Student Funding Report.

Budget/Legislative Matters

The upcoming legislative session was briefly discussed. There are no more budget cuts to higher education expected during this legislative session. It was also mentioned that a junior representative is lobbying to introduce a bill in support of the abolition of tenure. It is anticipated that this bill will not move forward. The group also discussed the tuition increase bill. The exact amount of the University's tuition increase is expected to be set within the next couple of weeks. Increases in the University's parking fees, and how to easy the burden that these increases impose on some, was discussed.

Items for Possible Faculty Senate Participation

1. The 2020 Science and Technology Initiatives The Council members expressed an interest in getting an update on what has progressed, and how to keep the planning process moving forward. The Faculty Senate will give its endorsement to all of the 2020 Commissions' work. Michael Smith asked Marcia Childress, Chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee, if the Committee would follow-up on the work of the four Commissions and offer Senate support. The Research and Scholarship Committee will draft a progress report on the work of the four Commissions and report to the full Senate at the upcoming Faculty Senate meeting, on February 13.

2. Honor/Envisioning Integrity' Forums Planning for "Envisioning Integrity" forums will begin this spring and fall. Patricia Werhane, former Chair of the Faculty Senate, will attend the next Executive Council meeting to update the Councilors on this initiative. Mr. Smith asked Bob O'Connell, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, if that Committee could address faculty institutional support for the Honor System. It was suggested that Louis Bloomfield, Professor of Physics, be invited to an upcoming Academic Affairs Committee meeting. In addition, Mr. Smith will invite Patricia Lampkin, Vice President for Student Affairs, to attend an upcoming Executive Council meeting.

3. Library Accession Cuts Mr. Smith commented that some faculty members are upset about the recent library cuts. It was suggested that the chair of the University's Library Committee be contacted so that they can address the concerns raised.

4. Online Student Evaluations The creation of the Student Online Evaluations Systems is moving forward. The Academic Affairs Committee will work with student representatives and others to development language and implement the online evaluations system. It was suggested that Chris Husser, a member of Student Council, and Reginald Garrett, a member of the Faculty Senate Research and Scholarship Committee, be consulted regarding the progress of this initiative. It was also suggested that an introduction of this initiative should be given at the upcoming Faculty Senate meeting. Many faculty members do not know that the Student Online Evaluation System is about to be introduced University-wide.

5. Big Ten/ACC Faculty Initiative on Athletics The Big Ten Conference is in the early stages of planning a conference and is assembling a coalition that will address national problems in intercollegiate athletics. The group has extended an invitation for a Faculty Senate representative to attend the conference. This would give the University the opportunity to track and support the group's initiatives and to see what the rest of the ACC does. Michael Smith agreed to attend the upcoming conference. It was suggested that Rebecca Kneedler, Chair of the University Athletic Advisor Committee, also might be interested in attending the conference. Mr. Smith will contact Ms. Kneedler.

Other Issues and Concerns

1. Public Policy Degree Program The Council made two observations regarding University degree programs: a. A Senate representative is needed on any committee that deals with degree program issues. b. The Senate should be involved in the degree programs process earlier than is currently the case.

2. General Faculty Council Lynda White, Chair of the General Faculty Council, reported to Michael Smith that she had met with the University's Benefits Committee. The General Faculty Council has some concerns, and Ms. White would like to attend the next Executive Council meeting to discuss the concerns.

3. Senate Meeting on February 13, 2003 There was a brief discussion regarding the agenda for the upcoming Faculty Senate meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Submitted by Ellen Contini-Morava, Secretary of the Faculty Senate