Faculty Senate Meeting
November 21, 2013
Attendance
The Faculty Senate met on Thursday, November 21, at 3:40 pm in Reynolds 205. Senators in attendance were Shannin Schroeder, Sara Day, Shane Warrick, Stacy Clanton, Pat Clanton, Matt Lammers, Marek Dojs, Tim Daniels, Scott White, David Sanson, Copie Moore, Charles Keller, Karen Ferneding, Abdel Bachri, Jennifer Logan.
The following senators were absent with proxies: Charles Keller served for Svetlana Paulson, Jennifer Logan served for Christie Hough, and Karen Ferneding served for Neelie Dobbins.
Ex-officio
Dr. D. Rankin, Dr. T. Berry, Mr. Paul McLendon, Mr. Roger Giles, Dr. D. Allen
Visitors included
Mr. Cledis Stuart
Call to Order
Pres. S. Schroeder called the meeting to order at 3:42 p.m. Proxies read.
Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes by D. Sanson, S. Day seconded. The motion passed.
Special Orders of the Day
Reports by the Standing Committees of the Senate
- Budget Committee – S. White reported that the committee has met twice to discuss the recently proposed summer pay policy overloads and implications related to the Affordable Care Act. A handout was distributed showing the state definitions of SSCHs as defined in the Arkansas State Senate Bill 1082. An updated version of this handout is included at the end of the minutes. S. Clanton moved to accept the committee’s report. A. Bachri seconded. The motion passed.
- Handbook Committee – S. Clanton reported that the committee would meet soon to discuss various matters.
- Parking Committee – J. Logan reported that the Parking Committee had not met.
Reports by Liaisons to University and Academic Committees
- Institutional Review Board – M. Lammers reported that the committee had recently renewed their NIH registration (3 year period). Since summer 2013 the IRB has received 7 applications, all 7 of which were approved.
- Teaching with Technology – A. Bachri reported the committee has approved/funded the 4 submissions received and funds were still available for those interested in applying.
- Research Committee – S. Day reported the committee had received and approved 7 applications for research grants.
- University Appeals and Human Rights Committee – S. Clanton reported the transcript from the Faculty Appeals Subcommittee that was promised at last month’s meeting had been received.
- Discipline Committee – M. Dojs reported that the committee had met and made adjustments to recommendations received.
- Technology Committee – M. Dojs reported committee had met recently to examine the stated mission of the committee and were discussing possible changes needed to update the committee and expand its scope.
Reports by University Administration
- President’s Report – Dr. Rankin discussed upcoming challenges for SAU including increased demand for online courses/programs, MOOCs, and state budget concerns. He also discussed unique characteristics of the university and the surrounding region that students may find attractive including agricultural programs, nursing as a fast-growing industry, NCAA opportunities for student athletes, student organizations, graduate programs, upcoming engineering opportunities, animation/gaming and the game and wildlife management major. SAU is expanding to reach students in new markets including Texarkana. He also discussed the university benefits regarding private support from endowments, donations and scholarships. Dr. Rankin encouraged senators to speak with constituents and suggest other ways to attract students and strengthen our programs on campus, stating, “We need to be creative, innovative and courageous. We don’t have the luxury of not being efficient.”
- Provost’s Report – Dr. Berry discussed the positive enrollment numbers and program promotion that got the fall 2013 semester started and reiterated the need to keep the university moving forward. He distributed a handout titled “What We Did Right?” for senators to share with constituents to discuss positive measures taken by the university to attract students and improve educational opportunities. A copy of the handout is provided at the end of the minutes. He also updated the Faculty Senate on current faculty searches that are underway including positions in Teaching, Teacher Education, Art and Design, Biology, HKR, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Management and Public Administration.
AQIP Team Visit and Future Actions
Pres. S. Schroeder reported that the list of recommendations provided by the visiting team should be discussed further as we move forward with initiatives for continuous improvement throughout the university. Drs. D. Moseley and T. Stinson have suggested a Dot Party where posters are used to highlight various strengths and opportunities from the each of the AQIP committees. Faculty and staff would be invited to help prioritize the opportunities for improvement by voting. This collaborative effort should help to include stakeholders from across the campus.
Diversity Initiatives
Mr. Cledis Stuart updated the Senate on current plans of action regarding diversity on campus. He also discussed the creation of a Diversity Task Force that has met monthly to discuss ideas as well as to develop goals and initiatives to add to the Strategic Plan. Additionally, the creation of the Diversity Excellence Awards (to be given in Spring 2014). Lastly, Mr. Stuart solicited help and/or influence from the faculty senators as the campus community continues to improve diversity awareness and outreach.
Nov. 5, 2013 Board of Trustees Meeting
Pres. S. Schroeder discussed the opportunity for the Faculty Senate and Staff Senate Presidents to attend the board meeting and provide reports. Pres. Schroeder explained what a great opportunity this provides for improving communication across campus. She also reported that the Board of Trustees voted to uphold the Tenure and Promotion Committee’s decision related to a faculty member.
Aramark and Allusers
Pres. S. Schroeder explained that many faculty and staff had complained to her regarding numerous emails sent out by Chick-Fil-A. She was happy to report that Dr. Allen was very quick in responding to the issue and the emails should be greatly reduced as a result.
Faculty Presence on SAU Website
Pres. S. Schroeder reported that she had recently spoken with Mr. Jenkins regarding a redesign of the homepage to better represent campus stakeholders.
Old Business
Flu vaccinations update
Pres. S. Schroeder explained that the previous order of vaccines lasted less than 2 days. After a change in suppliers, vaccines are expected to be here by the end of the week. An email will be sent out once they have arrived.
Ad hoc committee to review lost and found policies and concerns
A. Bachri moved that an ad hoc committee be created to review lost and found policies and concerns. S. Day seconded. The motion passed.
Senate Bill 1082 (Arkansas State Senate 2005) regarding the funding formula for AR universities
A copy of the Senate Bill was distributed at the meeting. A copy of this document is attached at the end of the minutes.
New Business
Concurrent Enrollment in Science
T. Daniels reported that there had been a great deal of success observed from the concurrent enrollment relationship with the Harmony Grove school district. He acknowledged that not all schools can offer these courses due to lack of experience, instruction and/or equipment. He recommended that schools be able to demonstrate their ability to offer courses with adequate materials. Pres. S. Schroeder suggested working with the College of Education due to their extensive experience with instruction as well off-campus visits to various schools sights. Discussion ensued.
The next meeting will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2014 in Reynolds 205.
Adjournment
The motion to adjourn was made by S. White and seconded by T. Daniels.
Submitted by Jennifer Logan, Faculty Senate Secretary, December 11, 2013.
