Alabama's Public Liberal Arts University

Faculty Senate

September 29, 2006

 

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m.


Members Present: Sally Bennett Bell, Kristin Gilbert, Kathy Lowe, Stephanie Puleo, Elizabeth Thrower, Eric Vaccarella, Jill Wicknick, Nathan McMinn, Houston Byrd, Stacy Ayotte, Jackie Nuby


Approval of Previous Meeting's meetings: Thrower moved to approve, Wicknick seconded. Passed


President's Report: No Presidents report


Protocol for Faculty Members to Address the Senate

A procedure has been established for faculty members to bring concerns before the Senate

  1. The faculty member will be invited to speak to the issue.
  2. Questions from the Senators will be addressed to the faculty member concerning the issue.
  3. The faculty member will state his/her expectation to resolve the issue.
  4. The Senate will table discussion for the next meeting.

Reports from Senators:

  • Senator Lowe presented research on faculty governance.
  • Senators will familiarize themselves with this research, which is on reserve in the Library.
  • Senator Lowe will e-mail the Senate a list of schools (COPLAC & Alabama State Institutions) whose senates have a structure other than advisory.

 

Old Business:

  • Senators announced at each College faculty meeting that a desire for increase in family swim hours needs to be sent to Billy Cannon via e-mail.
  • Due to changes in the Bookstore personnel, the Senate will not take any action at this time, but will observe the procedures and protocols for this academic semester.
  • Senators were encouraged to promote the Faculty assembly scheduled for October 18 at 3:30 pm in King House.

 

New Business:

  • Senator Bell motioned to add "non-discrimination based on sexual orientation" to all official University non-discrimination language statements. Senator Thrower seconded the motion. Passed.

 

President Williams' Visit:

  • President Williams visited the Senate to discuss views on the direction of the Senate. He stated that a perfect Senate would identify good ideas, help move the ideas to areas where they would most benefit the University, and work through open communication with the University to improve UM.
  • President Williams also stated that he believes the faculty is the keeper of the Academic quality on campus and that faculty should have an active role in academic matters.
  • President Williams also reiterated his "open-door" policy to faculty members.

 

Senator Byrd moved that the meeting be adjourned. Senator Ayotte seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Adjourned at 3:10 p.m.