March 11, 2005

Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order at 2:05 pm by President Michael Patton. 

Members Present:  Patton, Daughhetee, Cooper, Callaghan, Miller, Manning, Parker, Tidwell, Martin, Webb, Alexander, Wicknick, Wacker 

Approval of Previous Minutes:  Miller moved that the minutes from February 25, 2005 be approved, Callaghan seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

President’s Report:  Michael Patton reported on issues addressed at the ACUFP meeting: 

• The organization will not take a stand on the “Academic Freedom” bill in the legislature. 
• There was a discussion about the impact of websites such as “Students for Academic Freedom” and “Ratemyprofessor.com”
• Faculty senates at other universities have staff representation, a significant voice in governance, and input into issues involving specific majors.  The senate discussed ways that UM could incorporate some of these practices into our faculty senate structure
• ACHE moratorium on new programs will end this September but it might be renewed.  Low graduation rates can be waived and legislators can oppose program saving methods
• Faculty Senates need to be more involved in politics and lobby for colleges and universities, particularly regarding budgets
• There was concern about 2 year colleges offering 4 year degrees.
• Faculty senates should examine whether the fees collected for specific courses are being earmarked for that course and/or the discipline.

Michael Patton also reported on the current status of the Arts & Sciences Dean Search.  The results of the Faculty Senate Forum were also discussed.  A memorandum expressing these concerns will be written and discussed at the next meeting. 

Daughhetee had to leave for a TEP commitment at 3:00; minutes continued by Samantha Webb. 

Wacker arrives. 

Old Business
CASE nominations: Supporting documents have been received from the College of Education and the College of Fine Arts. It was discussed whether nominees should be considered without supporting documentation from their Colleges. Senate was advised by the President to cast their vote by Wednesday, March 16. 

Faculty Survey: Should be ready to go by next week. It was suggested that the possible answers to referenda questions should be standardized as either “yes/no” or “agree/disagree.” 

Faculty Assembly: A faculty assembly was held last week to discuss the A&S Dean search. A memo has been drafted containing faculty concerns and suggestions for procedure. This memo should be distributed to all Administrators, as well as to the Search Committee. 

Programmatic Autonomy: A memo detailing the Senate recommendations will be ready soon. 

Personnel concerns: The Senate decided that Patton and another senator would ask for meeting with administration to go over personnel concerns raised with the Senate. 

Presidential Terms/By-Laws Revision: After much discussion, the following suggestion was made for 2 year Presidency, 1 year Secretary, 1 year Ombudsperson. It was further discussed whether the Ombudsperson role should be an untenured faculty member, and what the purpose of this position would be. It was suggested that the Ombudsperson would help institutionalize a role and facilitate faculty coming forward with issues of concern to them. Faculty would be ensured confidentiality and could make their issues known anonymously. 

Motion to adjourn by Webb; seconded by Wicknick; approved unanimously. 

Meeting adjourned at 3:40. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Samantha Webb

Alternate Secretary (for Charlotte Daughhetee)