March 12, 2004

MEMBERS PRESENT
Alexander, Hardig, Motii, Parker, Patton, Powers, Simone, Spicer, Truss, Wacker, Walsh

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 2:00 pm.

A Senator asked if prayer at commencement and convocation was discussed with Dr. Seelbach as reported in the February 27, 2004 minutes.  President Parker reported that Dr. Seelbach would support a recommendation from the Senate to address this and other issues related to commencement and convocation practices.

At the last meeting the Senate decided that the Faculty Senate survey should go out annually.  Therefore, President Parker stated that it should go out the first week of April.  Decisions regarding modifications to the wording will be made at the next meeting.

Addresses of the Board of Trustees were acquired. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the February 27, 2004 meeting were approved

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Academic Policies
No report.

Faculty Morale  
Child Study Center
  The child study center is a stand-alone entity.  If the faculty and staff received a
  significant reduction in rates, there probably would be a corresponding reduction in
  Child Study Center staff.  After looking at several university affiliated Child Study
  Centers in this geographic area it was determined that the cost was fair.

Budget
Dr. Hamilton is working on it.

Salary Administration Policy
The Faculty Senate will be encouraged to work on this next year.  Recommendations will include modification to the wording, consideration of the CUPA data as a problem, and inconsistent committee activity.

Technology
Windows 2003 is available and there should be no charge to the departments for this upgrade.  The labs will be upgraded soon.

Bookstore Policies/Procedures
No report.

Sabbaticals
No report.

LIAISONS
OSP
March 31, 2004 meeting, What PR can do for you? 

SGA
No report.

Montevallo Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Motti reported that the College of Business and the Chamber will develop a cooperative effort to do research and surveys that will involve student participation and establish a Business Resource Center.  Dr. Motti has a personal commitment to this effort in order to provide opportunities for students.

Several projects between the community and the University were mentioned, thus it was noted that it would be appropriate to collect and record this information.

It was noted that the declining standard of living in the community drives junior faculty to live in Birmingham and eventually leave which is directly related to faculty morale.

Senate Continuity and Transition
The question arose regarding a smooth transition to the new Senate without loosing momentum and focus on continuing projects.  Several suggestions were made.

Plans for final meeting/celebration
Expenditure of Senate funds was discussed.

Decision Making at UM
Are administrative actions and decisions used as punitive and/or reward measures?  There is lack of faculty input regarding many decisions affecting faculty.  Concerns were raised regarding GEC, the 5 year plan, and the negative impact it may have on students.  The Faculty Senate will request a reconsideration of the decision to eliminate adjunct positions in the Philosophy Department in light of the university mission, GEC, and the core curriculum.

Other New Business Items
Case Professor nominations to date:  Houston Byrd and Ed Robertson.
The Senate will send forth a recommendation after the next meeting.

Election of new officers will be April 28, 2004.

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 pm.