January 12, 2007

 

Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 2:04 p.m.

 

Members Present: Stephanie Puleo, Harry Hamilton, Stacey Ayotte, Kathy Lowe, Michael Patton, Kristin Gilbert, Michelle Duran-McLure, Sally Bell, Elizabeth Thrower, Lanny McMinn, Eric Vaccarella, Sherry Ford

 

Approval of previous meeting’s minutes: Senator Thrower moved to accept. Senator Ayotte seconded.  Motion passed.

 

President’s Report:

• Dr. Williams has responded to the non-discrimination language and pre-tenure leave proposals. He is “in accord” with the proposals.

  • He will recommend amendment for BOT approval on statement on sexual orientation/non-discrimination language. He will submit at BOT meeting in February.

  • Pre-tenure has been discussed with Provost. He will have revised draft for the Senate to review early in spring semester.

• Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting set for Feb. 16th. Faculty Senate will invite them to a pre-meeting social at 2:00 p.m. (in place of our usual Faculty Senate meeting) to be held in reception area outside of Merrill Room.

 

Sub-Committee Reports:

• Senator Hamilton reported on university funding and budget.

  • UM is last in state appropriation in Alabama (Chronicle article).

  • Most COPLAC schools (including UM) received funding increases below the state average.

  • Provided spreadsheet for budget and revenues.

• Faculty Handbook Sub-committee: Senator McMinn reported on meeting with President. President continues to communicate his support for faculty governance.

• Committee List Sub-committee: Senator Puleo reported for Senator Wicknick. This committee will:

  • review work from last semester to determine committees needed and to establish committee structure.

  • write a list of charges for each committee (re: UNA model)

  • create list of who should populate each committee.
     

 Old Business:

• Senator Gilbert noted the need to encourage faculty participation in January family swims (Saturdays 1-3) so that such events will continue to be held each month.

           

New Business:

• Senator Patton reported that he has been asked to serve on search committee to fill vacant lobbyist position. Faculty Senate should be active in voicing ideas for position requirements.

• Senator Thrower reported that she was asked to investigate what can be done about students parking in faculty spaces. Faculty Senate will invite representative from campus police to attend a meeting this semester to explore possible solutions.
   

Senator Thrower moved to adjourn. Senators Ayotte and McMinn simultaneously seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 2:48 p.m.