September 13, 2002

Members Present: S. Meyer (president), S. Simone, D.Bagga H. Hamilton, M. Hardig, S. Puleo, R. Truss, B. Jones, A. Powers, J. Walsh, R. Scott, and S Parker.

The meeting was called to order by President Meyer at 2:02.

The minutes from the April 19th, 2002 meeting were approved with corrections.

The senate approved the addition of David Callaghan and Kate Koppelman to the Dancey Lecture Committee. These names will be sent to the provost for approval.

Sen. Powers agreed to serve as senate liaison to the SGA.

The issue of staggering senate terms was discussed. Only 2 senators have returned from last year's senate. There was general consensus that the senate would be more productive with greater continuity. A number of senators graciously offered to truncate their own terms in order to establish a more balanced rotation. After referencing relevant sections of the by-laws it was determined that individual colleges should address the rotation of terms.

President Meyer called on the senate to continue to build upon the work and lessons of last year's senate. He made particular mention of the team-teaching policy (approved) and the addition of sexual orientation to the university's non-discrimination policy (pending) as examples of the 01-02 senate doing significant research and preparation as a part of submitting proposals to the administration. He wants to continue to develop a positive relationship with the board of trustees. Two members of the board have expressed interest in meeting with the senate this year.

Senator Powers reported on the senate web page. The page is set up and contains pertinent information on the senate. A discussion of how to take advantage of the web page followed. It was agreed that the approved minutes of senate meetings will be posted.

President Meyer reported on a number of items. He spoke in support of the "give us a minute" capital campaign. He asserted that 100% participation provided faculty with a strong and solid position when advocating for additional contributions to the university. He reminded senators of the option to earmark contributions for particular programs and/or projects. President Meyer reported on the May UM Board of Trustees meeting. He was impressed with the work which took place. Meyer attended the UM Foundation meeting and learned that while many schools have lost up to 1/3 of the value of their endowment, Montevallo's has held steady. President Meyer attributed the recent faculty salary increase to the firm commitment on the part of President McChesney. President Meyers reported on the "Historic Building Preservation Funding" effort. Meyer sent a letter as President of faculty senate to U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. The University of Montevallo, as one of 7 historical institutions designed for the "industrial education for women" may be eligible for up to $2 million dollars in federal funding. Lastly President Meyer reported that the team-teaching proposal submitted by last year's senate has been approved by the provost. Deans, in conjunction with department chairpersons and involved faculty members will decide on a case by case basis as to whether a team taught course may be offered. Some questions remain as to the standards and expectations by which these decisions will be made.

A schedule of faculty senate meetings is available on the university web page as well as on the university's academic calendar. The fall, 2002 faculty assembly will be held October 2nd at 3:30 in the Montevallo Room. Senators will bring ideas for the agenda of the assembly to the next senate meeting.

President Meyer forwarded a list of concerns President McChesney suggested the faculty senate consider during this year. The 3 suggestions are: a review of the faculty salary administration policy; a review of the student grievances against faculty policy; and, a review of final exams week. The point was made that developing policies is of little value if they are not consistently implemented. A discussion of other concerns followed and a preliminary list of senate subcommittees and subcommittee assignments was developed. 

Prof Hamilton will be the faculty senate representative on the University budget committee. Profs. Truss and Scott will serve as liaisons with the academic policies committee. Profs. Hardig, Powers and Walsh will serve on the technology committee and Profs. Meyer, Parker and Walsh will make up the subcommittee of faculty morale and retention. Profs. Bagga and Hardig will serve on the student grievances committee. As ambiguity exists concerning the relationship of university committees, faculty senate subcommittees and senate representatives, President Meyers will seek clarification from President McChesney on these matters.

Prof Truss introduced the issue of a "sick-day" bank. It was decided that we shall gather information concerning the operation of sick-day banks in other institutions and report back with that data.

Profs. Meyer and Hardig agreed to work on coordinating a visit by members of the board of trustees. This will perhaps take the form of a Q/A session with faculty followed by a reception.

A non-senator faculty member communicated to the senate concerns surrounding the process by which formal offers were made to job candidates. In a similar vein concerns surrounding tenure and promotion decisions were cited as having a negative effect on faculty morale. There seems to be confusion and perceived inconsistency with respect to the role of chairpersons, faculty committees, deans and other administrators. 

A move to adjourn was 2nded and unanimously supported at 4:25.