October 1, 2004

Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order at 2:05 pm.

Members Present:  Alexander, Bennett, Cooper, Daughhetee, Manning, Miller, Parker, Patton, Puleo, Tidwell, Wacker, Webb

Approval of Previous Minutes:  Don Alexander moved to approve the September 3, 2004 minutes, Cindy Tidwell seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

President’s Report:  Michael Patton updated the senate on several issues:

• Spring Break coordination with Shelby County Schools - Because the university formulates its calendar before Shelby County sets its calendar, the spring breaks may not coincide.  The university will make an effort to coordinate with Shelby County Schools in the future but cannot guarantee that the spring breaks will coincide. 
• Commencement - Commencement will continue to be held at the usual time but Dr. Patton has asked for the consideration of an alternate time.
• All Faculty Email - Dr. Patton has asked for input on the development of an AllFac email list.
• Vacant Senate Seats - Some colleges do not have full representation on the senate.  These colleges have been contacted and faculty members have been encouraged to run for the senate.
• TurnItIn.com - The university will purchase TurnItIn.com if there is enough interest.  
• Faculty Lounge - Michael Patton will follow up on the status of the faculty lounge and report back at the next meeting.
• SGA Representation - The SGA will be invited to appoint a student representative to the faculty senate.
• Board of Trustees Reception - The Faculty Senate plans to host a reception with the Board of Trustees concurrent with the fall meeting on November 5, 2004.

Committee Assignments:  Assignments were made to committees.  Rather than form a Student Grievance committee at this time, the senate will review the recommendations made by a previous senate on this issue.

Salary Administration:  Callaghan, Patton
Faculty Governance:  Webb, Alexander
Faculty Life:  Wacker, Webb, Daughhetee
Faculty Survey:  Tidwell, Cooper, Puleo
Senate Structure:  Miller, Manning
Budget:  Daughhetee, Patton

Liaison Assignments:

Bookstore:  Bennett
IITC:  Patton
Chamber of Commerce:  Motii
City Council:  Cost (Hollie Cost is on the city council and has agreed to be our liaison)
OSP:  Webb
SGA:  Alexander

Old Business:  The senate discussed our consistency with other state universities regarding course elimination policies.  The senate also discussed the calendar position of the drop date.  Michael Patton will ask the Registrar for clarification on the drop date.

New Business:  Representatives are needed to the state Faculty Senate Officer conference.  Information will be forwarded to senators.

Announcements:  The next Faculty Senate meeting will be on October 15, 2004 at 2:00 pm in the Merrill Room.

Adjournment:  Don Alexander moved that we adjourn, Cindy Tidwell seconded, the motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 2:55 pm. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Charlotte Daughhetee, Secretary Faculty Senate