February 25, 2005

Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 2:04 p.m. by Charlotte Daughhetee presiding for Michael Patton, who is out of town.

Members present: Charlotte Daughhetee, Don Alexander, Samantha Webb, Brook Miller, Ron Manning, Kelly Wacker, Jim Martin, Jill Wicknick, Cindy Tidwell, Stephanie Puleo, Jason Cooper, Elizabeth Thrower

Approval of Previous Minutes: Don Alexander moved that the minutes be approved; seconded by Jason Cooper. Motion approved unanimously.

President’s Report: Charlotte Daughhetee (for Patton) gave some background on “Academic Freedom” legislation currently proposed in the Legislature, which would allow protections for teaching of “scientific views” that deviate from mainstream science.

Committee Reports: No reports at this time

Liaison Reports:

SGA- No issues to report at this time. Alexander encourages Eleanna Hattaway for the A&S Dean Search committee.

Old Business:

CASE Nomination- Still waiting for documentation on nominees.

Personnel/Faculty Issues/Programmatic Autonomy- Nothing to report.

Faculty Survey- New questions to be added as referendum questions, including some directed to program co-ordination and programmatic autonomy.

Proposed Constitution and By-Laws Revision- To alleviate the possibility of a 4-year Senate term for VP/Pres. Elect, Senate proposed 1 year presidency/1 year vice-presidency/pres. elect. Awaiting further clarification on this and on role of Ombudsman.

New Business:

John Crawford attended the meeting to explain Bill SB240 and UM position on it; he will keep the Senate informed of the Bill’s movement.

The Senate agreed to hold a faculty assembly to discuss the A&S Dean search, day and time to be determined later.

Announcements

The next faculty senate meeting will be March 11, 2005 at 2:00 in the Merrill room. 

Adjournment: Alexander moved that we adjourn, Webb seconded, the motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 3:05.