Sam Bigham, Jan Moore, Brett Elliott, Jerry Polson, Mark Tengesdal, Wayne Jones, Bryon Clark, Margaret Avard, Patricia Stubblefield, Kenneth Chinn, Faye Mangrum, Randy Prus, Glenda Zumwalt, Diane Dixon, Glenn Melancon, Liz Kennedy, Andrew Robson, Vicki Anderson, William Fridley, Kitty Campbell
Meeting opened at 3:00 p.m.
Andrew Robson moved to accept the minutes of the November meeting and Wayne Jones seconded and the motion passed.
Dr. Bigham opened the meeting by introducing the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jessie Snowden. Dr. Snowden began by commenting on his extensive experience as a faculty member. He pointed out that no university can be any better than its faculty. We are judged by the quality of our graduated students. His number one goal is to build this faculty so it can reach its potential. He understands our problems, including turnover and lack of capital funding. We need to look at promotion and tenure policies. All these are related to a lack of money. It is tough to get funds but we will, he feels, be in receipt of additional funding, i.e. Title III money for technology upgrades on the third floor of the Russell Building. We are moving to keep up with technology advances.
The Noel - Levitz consulting firm has been retained to improve recruiting. They feel that we can grow by as much as fifty percent. Our student body is truly engaged with the University and they appreciate having a faculty that really cares for them.
Dr. Snowden then encouraged the senators to express any ideas and concerns regarding any other area of University activities.
Dr. Gerard Rambally, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Information Technology, then reported on the Y2K compliance efforts: Last July we were about 1O% Y2K compatible. We are now taking on critical service areas first. Most of the servers are compliant and the remainder will be compliant by the year's end. There are some areas that will be left until we can get to them--those that do not have a critical impact on the University's operations. Network equipment has been upgraded and is now in compliance.
Some of our aviation equipment still requires attention, as does equipment in Physical Sciences. Our telephone service also still needs attention. We are, however, compliant with regard to our heating, air conditioning, and elevator equipment. Some (five) of our academic departments have to be revisited, particularly those with generic computers (not IBM or Dell).
By the end of December, we will be 90% compliant. There are, however, some minor problems expected. By the end of April, these should be solved. We will be powering down all our systems at the semester's end and will be back on January 1 to do some testing. He advised everyone who can be off campus during the holidays to be off campus.
Andrew Robson’s committee just met and they are developing the academic plan. This is a major effort, as it must cover how the reorganization has affected every aspect of the organization.
There needs to be a revamping of the way students are appointed to committees. They are searching for an overarching document that could help them get started.
Randy Prus reported that tenure is being studied and will be reported on later.
Pat Stubblefield reported that there is a vacancy on the Curriculum Committee as Bruce Johnson was unable to serve.
Diane Dixon presented the status of the effort to gain faculty use of University services at home. A motion to present this to Dr. Rambally’s group was made by Andrew Robson and Bryon Clark seconded it. Dr. Bigham pointed out that he has had requests for access to the Internet from retirees.
The manner in which release time is requested is also a concern. A meeting is planned with Dr. Snowden and the committee to discuss these matters.
Glenn Melancon reported that they are addressing their charges and will meet again before the next Faculty Senate meeting. They have received the budget.
Sam Bigham reported on the Executive Committee meeting with President Johnson and Vice President Snowden regarding the Faculty Senate recommendations including summer school policies. The President will respond to our recommendations at our February 2000 Faculty Senate meeting.
Dr. Parham, the athletic director, then addressed the Senate and commented that this was the first Faculty Senate meeting he had attended because of the nature of his position. He pointed out how important the faculty is and how offended he was that faculty are referred to as employees. He feels that our calling goes far beyond what the word employee indicates.
He feels that the Personnel Department has erred in reclassifying two of his staff at a lower grade and did so without his approval or even his knowledge. He feels that there is a lack of understanding of what the faculty really is and that this should be changed. He feels that the Faculty Senate has an obligation to protect the faculty at large.
Dr. Bigham requested that the Personnel Policies Committee and/or the Executive Committee prepare a recommendation regarding Dr. Parham's, remarks.
Dr. Bigham requested any other new business.
Diane Dixon spoke regarding the Human Subjects Research Review Committee. She moved that the senate approve the policy for research involving human subjects. The proposed policy is based on the University of North Texas policy.
Glenn Melancon moved that we table the policy until we can read it more thoroughly. Discussion followed. Glenn Melancon then moved that we accept it temporarily and make any changes in the February Faculty Senate meeting.
Glenn Melancon moved that the Computer Policies and Procedures Manual, as revised, be approved. Bryon Clark seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding the stipulation concerning reviewing/reading members' E-mail in an attempt to police it for inappropriate messages. Who could have access, and when, were concerns that were addressed. The motion passed that the policy recommendation be forwarded for further action.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:25 p.m.