Minutes for 409th Meeting of the Faculty Senate
October 26, 2007 1:30 p.m
Alkek 106
Present: Boggess, Byrd, Curet, Cutting, Forrest, Higgins, Jacquemin,
Absent Excused: - Hartigan,
The meeting was opened at 1:33 p.m.
The opening prayer was offered by Dan Higgins.
The minutes of the 408th meeting were passed out. Motion to approve the minutes was given by Caroline Byrd, seconded by Carol Redfield. The vote to approve was unanimous.
Terri Boggess opened with congratulations for Zaida Martinez on her selection as the Piper Professor nominee from St. Mary’s University.
2. President’s Report :
Academic Affairs Committee of the Board met. Paul Uhlig reported the agenda items as:
· Resolution to confer degrees at forthcoming graduations
· Academic grants report
· Careers in health related fields
· NSSE – Nation Survey of Student Engagement
· Core Curriculum
·
Meetings with Dr. Manuel – A summary of the discussions with VPAA regarding the forthcoming process related to the core was presented. The executive committee will send a letter to the President regarding continued concerns about the core process that have remained unaddressed since the call for a moratorium 2 years ago.
3. New Business
1. Proposed revisions to Faculty Handbook
A. International Education Committee (voting membership)
After discussion, the vote was called, and the change was voted down unanimously (0 yes, 13 no, 0 abstain). The rationale for rejecting the proposed change was that it did not include Senate representation on the committee. The addition of the following sentence was offered as an improvement:
“If among the faculty members of the committee there are no Faculty Senate members, the Senate shall appoint a representative who will serve a one year term.”
Also, the clause “At the discretion of” should be removed.
B. Faculty Employment Policies and Procedures
This revision adds the following statement to the Faculty Handbook under II. FACULTY EMPLOYMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 1.0 General Statement:
“As an articulation of professionalism in higher education, the content of this Handbook should be interpreted as a Code of Conduct for faculty at St. Mary’s University. (Page 31)”
Unanimous approval (13 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain).
2. The Law School submitted a Resolution regarding phased-retirement and professor emeritus system. This item was tabled for consideration at the next meeting.
3. Letter to Dr. Manuel about Senior Faculty Review.
3. University Committee Reports:
Alumni Association –
Mike Forrest reported that at the October 6, 2007, Alumni Association meeting, the members approved the reallocation of a $50,000 gift to the endowed scholarship fund. This raises the current annual contribution to this fund to $160,000.
Athletic Cabinet – Terri Boggess (no report)
Budget Committee – Terri Boggess, Leona Pallansch (no report)
Campus Beautification/Design Comm. – Caroline Byrd (no report)
Task Group for Improving Teaching and Learning – Caroline Byrd [new committee formed.]
Facilities Master Planning – Terri Boggess (no report)
Strategic Initiatives in International Education –
Senator Pallansch reported that the Committee on Strategic Initiatives in International Education had met twice during the month of October. The first meeting involved an extended discussion with Dr. Manuel about the Strategic Plan for Internationalization of St. Mary’s that was submitted May 31, 2007. Most of the conversation focused on the first recommendation of the Plan; the creation of an administrative position to coordinate and facilitate the implementation of internationalization efforts on campus. It is clear that numerous issues must be resolved before (or if) such a position is created. The Committee will request Dr. Manual to charge a small ad hoc committee to investigate how other peer institutions oversee internationalization efforts and to recommend to the Committee what changes are necessary in the present administrative structure at St. Mary’s to support internationalization efforts. It was emphasized that such a recommendation will provide a starting place for discussion.
The second meeting provided an opportunity for Dean Russell to discuss with the Committee the possibility of developing a summer study abroad opportunity in
Zaida Martinez reported that she will no longer be serving on the committee.
Student Judicial Comm. – Peggy Curet, Paul Uhlig
Paul Uhlig has resigned from the USJB citing workload issues. Paul offered the following as a report from the USJB. Although inactive at times, the USJB would be hearing cases this semester. Training for members was being conducted, involving the review of purpose, policy, and procedures of the USJB. Paul noted that he had questions about the scope of the USJB and that, after a meeting with V.P. Sisoian, Dean Deshotels, Terri Boggess and others, he was satisfied with the oversight of the scope of the USJB.
University Benefits – Rosie Cutting [none]
University Parking – Bob O’Connor, Roy Robbins [none]
Retention – Dan Higgins reported and provided the table (image on last page).
University Technology – Carol Redfield [none]
Safety Committee – Emily Hartigan [none]
7. Old Business:
1. Discussion -Working Groups with Academic Council
Sabbatical Policy – Discussion was tabled. Will be considered at next meeting.
9. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Peggy Curet, second Leona Pallansch, unanimous approval.
Next Meeting: November 16, 2007 Alkek 106, 1:30 p.m.