Faculty Senate
April 11, 2003
Members Present: Meyer, Powers, Walsh, Parker, Puleo, Scott, Cost, H. Hamilton, B. Jones, Simone, Kurtz
The meeting was called to order at 2:04
The minutes from the March 28th meeting were read, edited, and approved.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT:
President Meyer graciously presented each senator with a small ceramic bowl of exceptional quality. The bowls/cups were immediately put to use in a toast offered with the utmost grace by the incomparable President Meyer.
Meyer then reported on his latest communication with Brenda Pate regarding the sick-day bank/catastrophic illness proposal. In its current form the proposal addresses those individuals who have accumulated less than 180 days of sick leave. Ms. Pate expressed her willingness to work with the senate through the summer and the next academic year. She cited an effort from some years ago whereby faculty were offered the opportunity to purchase short-term coverage. This plan was roundly rejected at the time as being cost prohibitive. A discussion concerning the possibilities of some sort of group plan (for Montevallo employees or at the state level) followed. A question concerning the existence of a long-term disability program, apart from social security, was raised. There was no definitive answer.
Meyer reminded senators of the upcoming faculty assembly. He communicated that he planned on offering a brief “State of the Senate” overview of senate accomplishments and ongoing projects. The other agenda item for the assembly was the fielding of questions and concerns from faculty. There issues will be used to establish an agenda for next year’s senate.
Lastly, Meyer mentioned the ongoing faculty survey. At this point, approximately 20 surveys have been returned. This was viewed as a very encouraging start. Senators were asked to encourage colleagues to complete the survey.
LIAISON REPORTS:
SGA: Senator Powers reported that she has attempted to make contact with the newly elected SGA president.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: There is a new director of the local chamber of commerce. We are working on making a connection with him.
OSP: Senator Simone reported on the OSP’s scheduled luncheon and a meeting in which the results of a recent survey of UM staff were discussed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The final report from the committee on “Student Grievances Against Faculty” was accepted and approved.
The final report from the committee on the “Administration of Faculty Salaries” was accepted and approved. In the discussion concerning the work of this committee, several concerns were raised concerning CUPA data, the interpretation of university goals and the relationship of this committee and the UM Committee on Faculty Salaries. Work in this area will be part of the agenda for next year’s senate.
The Budget Review Committee’s final report was praised, accepted and approved. A motion nominating Senators Hamilton and McMinn for sainthood was not made.
The COE survey on technology needs has been distributed to numerous units on campus. We were encouraged to provide information to the IITC and John Hoerner as they develop a strategic plan for technology at UM.
A proposal regarding the schedule for finals week was presented, accepted and approved. It was recognized that there will be more work necessary before any new schedule is adopted by the university. Feedback from history and English faculty regarding the need for special exam time slots is being solicited.
The Morale/Retention Committee mentioned the ongoing survey. Proposals concerning a “Wall of Scholars” and a faculty meeting room/lounge were accepted and approved.
The next meeting will be April 25th. It will be the last meeting of this year’s senate. After completing necessary businesses, new officers will be elected.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:16
If you put $ on the quality of the minutes improving over the course of the year you might as well have burned it,
Submitted by –he of the flat learning curve- Steve Parker, Recording Secretary