MINUTES

Executive Committee

Faculty Senate

November 29, 2005, RSC 20-A

 

Attending:  Dave Carroll, Martha Einerson, Cecilia Schrenker, Nick Sloboda, Gail Craig

 

Excused:  Chuck Reichert

Minutes from November 1, 2005, were unanimously approved. (Schrenker/Sloboda)

 

NEW BUSINESS 

I.  Tenure-track searches

 

Concern was expressed about only two tenure-track positions approved for this year, the remaining were instructor searches (non tenure-track).  Cecilia believes that system asked campusŐ to back off tenure-track searches.  Carroll stated that SPBC did discuss searches, and Jan Hanson presented a whole group of positions for consideration.  Concern was expressed at SPBC that with student services being cut, there are serious concerns about faculty searches going forward.  Some members expressed concern about having a large number of tenure-track searches with these cutbacks. During the full Senate meeting, we could inquire of the Chancellor an update on the decision process on tenure-track  searches both system-wide and on this campus. Schrenker/Sloboda moved, "While recognizing severe budget limitations, the faculty strongly urge that in future searches, tenure-track be given priority, and that the faculty be deeply involved in determining the future direction of hiring faculty and the categories within which the hiring occurs."  Unanimously approved. Motion will be on December Senate meeting Agenda.

 

II.  FYE Implementation Group

 

Carroll received mail from Tammy Fanning, requesting an extension for the FYE  Implementation Group, until Feb 1, 2006, to complete their final report.   Schrenker/Einerson moved to approve extension.  Discussion followed.  Carroll requested Tammy to provide additional information on the need for their request.  Sloboda disagreed with granting the extension and believes the group should meet deadline.  Carroll pointed out that five (5) reports will all come in at the same time, and having extra time on one of the five reports may be helpful.  All reports will go to AAC, and Senate eventually.  Motion passed with three members in favor, one opposed. 

 

III. Catalog Copy from Music (informational item)

 

AAC forwarded us proposed catalog copy Music as an informational item.  Two weeks ago, the Music Department presented a series of proposals to AAC that went beyond credit limitations for majors and minors, and AAC rejected.  Music then revised their proposal, which AAC did approve.

 

IV. Senate Charter Review

 

At November 15th Senate meeting issues were raised that Sloboda would like to address.  The review committee took suggestions from that Senate discussion and are working on revisions. In the new semester, the review committee will reintroduce their recommendations.  Since the Constitution will go to the full faculty for vote, we will need to see old/prior language next to the new, proposed language.  

 

OLD BUSINESS      

 

I. Accommodations for spouses/partners of women giving childbirth

 

A father, currently enrolled as a student, wanted to be present at his child's birth.  This student was penalized by his instructor for attending his child's birth.  Language on the current policy is limited to the student who is pregnant and or giving birth.  Einerson will draft language for revised resolution for January 2006 Executive Meeting. 

  

II. Salary/compression issues

 

Carroll recalls that the Executive Committee decided not to act this year on the matter.  This would go to Personnel Council.  We would ask Personnel to come up with guidelines for salary requests.  This is a complex issue, and Personnel would need to consider the specifics of various and multiple cases.  When some of these requests came through, the Chancellor asked for Faculty perspective. We need the funds as well as criteria to make these decisions.  This would be a large task for Personnel, so they should receive this charge soon.  Sloboda will construct a charge and include literature/docs from other campusŐ on this issue, and send to Executive members electronically.  There will be a motion on the December Senate Agenda.

 

Meeting adjourned at 4:00pm. 

Next regular meeting of Faculty Senate Executive Committee is January 17th, 2:30p

Respectfully submitted this 6th day of December, 2005.

Martha J. Einerson, Faculty Secretary