10/16/2014 3:40 PM | Meeting called to order by Tim Daniels

In Attendance

Senators:  Dr. Shane Warrick, Dr. Timothy Wise, Dr. Neelie Dobbins, Dr. Ron Smith, Dr. George White,

Dr. Matt Lammers, Dr. Juping Wang, Dr. Charles Young, Dr. David Sanson, Dr. Abdel Bachri, Dr. Charles Keller, Dr. Svetlana Paulson, Mr. Tim Daniels, Dr. Sara Day, Dr. Alec Testa, Dr. Denise Moseley

Absent:  Dr. Copie Moore (proxy given to Dr. David Sanson), Dr. Christie Hough (proxy given to Dr. Tim Wise)

Visitors:  Dr. David Rankin, Dr. Trey Berry, Dr. Donna Allen, Brad Stout, Eunice Walker, Patti Strickland

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the September 18, 2014 meeting were approved; motion by G. White; seconded by N. Dobbins

Unfinished Business

• Progress by the Handbook Committee on consideration of proposed new committees
  • Moseley reported that she had met with S. Clanton concerning the work of the Handbook Committee from last year. An updated list of mission revisions for all the committees has been developed and shared with the committee.  A meeting to work on the standards for the newly proposed Advising Committee and Faculty/Staff Professional Development Committee will be called soon, hopefully next week.
• Promised update for the Senate on distribution of Academic Fees
  • Berry reported that the Deans and Chairs were agreeable to a release of 75% of funds on the 11^th class day and the remainder of funds on October 15^th. S. Warrick added that the Budget Committee had met with P. McLendon, who had other ideas about the disbursement. Warrick said McLendon explained how the budget is created, gave background on the COLA, and projections look good.  G. White cautioned that a resolution may have been made for new funds but still no discussion about continuing dollars from last year.  T. Daniels said he didn’t think it would be an issue anymore with the 75/25 disbursement.
• Discussion and update on Faculty Evaluation
  • White reported that the colleges are working independently to develop by-laws for faculty evaluation within their disciplines. They are working within ad hoc committees as well as looking at what other institutions are doing.  His concern is the “connecting thread” for their work.  D. Moseley suggested it would need to go before the Handbook Committee to follow governance.
  • White made the motion to request monthly reports from each college until their work is referred to the Handbook Committee; D. Sanson seconded.
  • Motion carried with one abstention.

Reports of Committees

• Report from the Textbook Committee
  • Bachri reported that the committee is not ready to give a recommendation yet, but he shared that the committee has identified multiple sources of waste. He reported that 30% of students say they are either not using textbooks or using them minimally. The committee has been working with the Bookstore staff to come up with some solutions.  After reporting some of these possible solutions, several senators added to the discussion.  More on this issue will be forthcoming.

Other New Business

• Questions for the Administration:
  • Will flu vaccinations be available to the faculty this year?  In the past, there have been questions about equitable access to the vaccinations.  If the vaccinations are to be available this year, please outline the procedure for their distribution.
    • Allen reported that 450 flu vaccines were ordered last February. She said 220 of those were received a couple weeks ago, but they were given to the nursing students because they can’t do clinicals without them.  The remaining vaccines (230) should arrive any day and the nursing students will administer the vaccines in Reynolds on a first come/first serve basis.  Last year, 450 vaccines were used with a few left over.  No one who asked for a vaccination was denied.  The cost for the 450 vaccines was $6,400.
  • Rankin’s e-mail announcing a cost of living raise was welcome news.  Please explain the rationale and procedure associated with the October raise.
    • Rankin reported that in the past, a budgeted raise was approved in the spring Board meeting and available on July 1^st. However, if there is a decrease in enrollment, the raise has to be retracted.  Last year, then, a budgeted raise was moved to an October 1^st disbursement.  With the increase in enrollment this year, this change was beneficial to all.  Rankin feels the 2.1% is financially responsible as it allows for the raise and the building of reserves (which was low because of past several year’s budget issues).  Rankin stated that to give a 2.1% COLA with NO additional state money is remarkable.
  • What is the cost of the online tutor services? What academic group was involved in the selection of the services?
    • Allen reported that Net Tutor cost $29 per hour or $2900 for 100 hours. The AQIP Visiting Team required the university to reclassify ourselves as 100% online.  With this new classification, any service offered on campus must be offered online as well.  There was consideration given to free tutorial services, but the quality was not as reputable.  The tutors used by Net Tutor must minimally possess a bachelor’s degree (although there are many with master’s and doctoral degrees) and all are trained. The online service is available for on-campus students as well as online students.

Next Meeting

11/20/2014 3:40 PM, Reynolds 205

Meeting concluded at 5:00 PM; Motion to adjourn by A. Testa; seconded by S. Day