Faculty Senate
January 24, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 2:05
Members Present: Meyer, Powers, Walsh, Truss, Parker, Hamilton, McMinn, Bagga, Murphy, Puleo, Kurtz, Jones, Simone and Cost
The minutes from the November 15th senate meeting were read, corrected and approved.
New senator Holly Cost was welcomed to senate by President Meyer.
President’s Report:
President Meyer began his report by discussing senate goals for the spring. He applauded the research and background work done by committees during the fall and stated the importance of moving toward some type of action, resolution and/or final report.
President Meyer provided information regarding the reception for the Board of Trustees and faculty senators scheduled for February 14th. The reception will be held in Reynolds Hall from 1:00-2:00. It was suggested that the senate agree upon a set of major themes or talking points to increase the effectiveness of communicating with board members. A discussion of what these themes should be followed. Faculty morale, faculty salaries, faculty-administration communication, financial situation of the university, public image of the university and problems related to dormitories and the recruitment of students were all mentioned. The senate will continue with the discussion of how best to use this opportunity to interact with university trustees at the next meeting.
Concerning the out of balance rotation of senators, it was decided that senators from A&S will meet and decide how to correct this imbalance.
President Meyer announced a scheduled meeting with President McChesney and solicited agenda items from senators for this meeting.
The lack of heat in Jeter Hall and the administration’s response to this situation was discussed.
President Meyer then provided an update on the work of the sick day pool committee. In light of the seeming variation in how time sheets are handled across the university it was suggested that information be gathered concerning the processing of time sheets. A meeting with Vice President Jarrett has been scheduled. Given the complexity of the issues surrounding a sick day pool policy it will be necessary to provide a summary page so that individuals may review any proposal coming from the committee. The committee is now focusing on a long-term, catastrophic leave plan.
Liaison Reports::
Professor Powers reported that the SGA web page has been updated.
Professor Murphy reported the Ben McCrory is new director of the Chamber of Commerce and that Lisa Shapiro is now serving as the Shelby County director.
Professor Simone discussed the results of an OSP survey distributed in the fall. The major concerns have to do with merit raises and restrictions on the OSP award.
Committee Reports:
The faculty salary administration procedure committee reported that they were continuing to receive feedback from faculty members.
Professor Hamilton reported that the university budget had been approved. The long range financial situation is bleak. Notions concerning some sort of large capital reserve were corrected. It was noted that the university’s reserve was enough to cover 3-5 weeks of expenditures (including a monthly payroll).
The faculty moral and retention committee distributed a draft of a “faculty satisfaction” survey. Senators were asked to make suggestions regarding the distribution of the survey as well as the substance. A final(?) draft will be presented at the next meeting. President Meyer is working with the University Scholar’s committee and library personnel in order to elevate the profile of University Scholars by establishing a “wall of recognition” in the library. Senators were asked to comment on two potential proposals. One requesting the establishment of some sort of faculty lounge and/or meeting place; and the second, proposing an end to the segregation of tenure and non-tenured faculty at university convocations and graduation ceremonies.
Professor Walsh reported that Provost Seelbach had asked the ITC for a recommendation that Email become the system for faculty-student communication and contact.
It was agreed that a splendid time was had by all and the meeting adjourned at 4:05.
Submitted with the utmost of respect and dedication to the cause lighting the lamp of learning,
Stephen Parker, Recording Secretary, University of Montevallo Faculty Senate.