March 6, 2006 Minutes
The Faculty Senate of Eastern Kentucky University met on Monday,
March 6, 2006 in the South Room of the Keen Johnson Building. Senator Siegel
called the seventh meeting of the academic year to order at 3:30 p.m.
The following members of the Senate were absent:
| A. Ault* |
S. Black*^ |
M. Ciocca* |
| D. Clay |
L. DeBolt |
H. Hensley |
| M. Hesse |
C. Hubbard*^ |
S. Hyndman |
| S. Konkel |
S. Shaffer |
D. Vance*^ |
* denotes prior notification of absence to the Faculty Senate Secretary
^ Michael McDermott attended in place of S. Black
^ Karen Janssen attended in place of C. Hubbard
^ Susan Godbey attended in place of D. Vance
Visitors to the Senate were: Jim Conneely, Student Affairs; Kelly McKinney,
Eastern Progress; Debbie Newsom, Financial Affairs; Aaron Thompson,
Academic Affairs; Virginia Underwood, Chief of Staff; and Marc Whitt, Public
Relations & Marketing
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The February 6, 2006 minutes were approved as written.
REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENT:
Senator Glasser
March 1 is the official kick-off of the "Healthy You! At EKU"
annual wellness program. For more information on the Health Fair
on March 6 and the wellness program, please contact Adrienne Bauer
in Human Resources. Additionally, the University's Fitness and Wellness
Center has now been opened to all current benefits-eligible faculty
and staff on a paid annual membership basis. For more information,
please contact Billy Martin, Director of Campus Recreation.
In the fall, a new giving initiative was launched called the "Circle
of Opportunity", which encourages alumni and friends to give
at the one thousand dollar level and up. A special event recognizing
all "Circle of Opportunity" members is scheduled for the
Friday of Homecoming, October 13th.
This spring, a new initiative is being launched to encourage graduating
seniors to give back to their soon-to-be Alma Mater. This student-led
initiative will be getting underway in the next few weeks, with
a special recognition event for graduating seniors to be held the
Friday evening before the May Commencement.
Senator Glasser shared a copy of her testimony to the House Budget
Review Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations & Revenue Committee.
Since Senator Glasser's written report to the Senate much has changed
with the budget process in Frankfort. The Governor's recommended
budget for EKU was $1.2 million for fiscal year '07 and $600,000
for fiscal year 08. The Appropriations and Revenue Committee approved
the Governor's recommendation for '07 funding and increased funds
from $600,000 to $800,000 for fiscal year '08. This is about 1/3
of what CPE had originally proposed for Eastern. The proposed budget
now goes before the Senate for approval and the amount of funding
could decrease or increase based on the Senate's recommendation.
The one good bit of news is that the State Appropriations &
Revenue Committee did recommend putting back CPE's original recommendation
of $54 million for the new Science building. Assuming the Senate
approves this recommendation, the new building will have to be phased
in over a period of time.
Another grim bit of news is that CPE has decided that tuition increases
will be based on the level of what CPE recommended we get plus whatever
state appropriations are approved. Therefore EKU's tuition increase
will be $533 per year which is about a 11.4% increase. This is considerably
less that the $800 per year EKU's Board had originally approved.
The Student Government Association and the President’s Office
are sponsoring a student forum focusing on tuition. This forum,
scheduled for March 7 at 5 p.m. in the Kennamer Room, will provide
an opportunity for students to learn more about the roles tuition
and state appropriations have on funding the operation of EKU and
to ask questions about tuition and related issues.
The University’s internal budget process for 2006-07 is well
underway. There is much work being done in identifying areas of
need in support of the University's academic purpose and in conjunction
with the Strategic Plan.
Senator Glasser shared the following campus updates:
-
The Business and Technology project is close to
completion, and we should have a certificate of occupancy in the
next few days.
-
Programming for the new Science Building will
be complete in the next two weeks. The project will then be placed
on hold until we know how much money will be allocated by the
-
The electrical project is substantially complete
with only the Samuels Track lighting and some miscellaneous change
orders remaining.
-
Questions around the transfer of the property
for the new Manchester Center remain, and the Finance Cabinet
and other parties in Frankfort continue in their attempts to resolve
the situation.
- We passed our heat plant stack test with flying
colors (30+ times under the limit).
-
The proposal outlining the joint education doctorate
program being developed by EKU and WKU has been posted on the
CPE web for review and comment as is required.
-
The money for the design and development of the
dairy merger with UK at our Meadowbrook Farm facility was appropriated
in the last state budget ($270,000) to the Council on Higher Education.
Planning for this project is underway.
-
The Smoke-Free Zone Task Force has completed
a draft of a proposed policy. The task force will share the draft
policy with campus constituents for feedback and comment during
the month of March.
-
The Eastern Committee on Responsible Environmental
Stewardship (ECRES) held a forum on February 23 at the Teaching
and Learning Center. The forum provided an opportunity for the
committee to discuss its mission, the University community to
become acquainted with ECRES, and committee members and forum
participants to exchange ideas related to the mission and purpose
of the committee.
Senator Glasser shared a list of upcoming events in March:
-
March 2, the Chautauqua Series continues with
Tomas Pogge’s lecture entitled “How is Global Justice
Possible?”
-
March 3, the 45th Annual Meeting of the Kentucky
Political Science Association, with Congressman Ben Chandler as
the Keynote Speaker.
-
March 4, Pre-Concert Reception for “Appalachian
Variations” with Richard Crosby, followed by POPs for Music
Sake, celebrating the EKU Centennial and featuring student ensembles
and “Appalachian Variations” by Dr. Richard Crosby.
- On March 9 & 10, 2006, Dr. Gerald Nosich with the Center for Critical
Thinking and Professor of Philosophy at Univ. of New Orleans will be on campus
for a SACS QEP Workshop entitled “Facilitating Critical & Creative
Thinking”.
-
March 9, Senator Glasser will present opening
remarks at a program in Frankfort in honor of the late Vic Hellard,
an EKU alumnus and longtime director of the Kentucky Legislative
Research Commission. The program is entitled "Vic Hellard:
Leader, Mentor, and Visionary."
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Amendment Motions to the Promotion and Tenure Report.
Amendment 1 (from February meeting): Senator Reed asked to
substitute a replacement motion (listed below) for the motion proposed at the
December 2005 meeting. The majority of the Senate were in agreement and the
amended motion carried.
Substitute motion to be added to Part IV, item 9:
When the chair’s recommendation opposes the granting of promotion
or tenure, supporting documentation should demonstrate that the faculty
member in question received fair and timely notice of the possibility
of this judgment and opportunities to clarify any role ambiguities
or relevant circumstances. At a minimum such notice should be given
the faculty member in writing as part of the formal evaluation process
that covers the time period when any substandard performance was first
observed. The written notice will be given no later than the Fourth
Year Review Period.
Amendment 3 (from February meeting): Senator Dieckmann
asked to replace the motion (see below) from December 2005 to reflect
changes requested at February's meeting. Senator Siegel ruled the
amended motion substantive and postponed the vote to the April meeting.
To change Part 1, Section C, #8 as follows:
Part I: Main Recommendations
C. Promotion in Faculty Rank
8. a. The university shall continue to permit prohibit
faculty to apply from applying for promotion in rank
to associate professor prior to being considered for tenure.
b. Tenure will not be granted without concomitant promotion
to faculty at the rank of assistant professor.
Note: Part 1, Section B, #7 states: "The probationary period
for tenure shall be six years, and, if awarded, tenure shall begin
in the seventh year. Exceptions concerning the probationary period
shall be specified in writing at the time of initial employment in
a tenure-track position." This allows for prospective faculty
to negotiate for tenure (and therefore promotion) to occur more quickly
than six years based on previous experience, but that intention must
be explicitly determined at the time of hire.
New amendment. Senator Schlomann moved approval
of the following amendment, seconded by Senator Johnson. Senator Siegel
ruled the motion substantive and postponed the vote to the April meeting.
Under Part I, Section A, add number five, to read as follows:
- a. If all recommendations are positive, the sequence of reviews of
all applications for promotion and tenure are as follows: Department
committee, Department chair, College Promotion and Tenure Committee,
Dean, Provost, President, and Board of Regents.
- b. If a candidate is not recommended for tenure by the Department
committee, Department chair, College Promotion and Tenure Committee,
or Dean, the application will automatically be reviewed by the University
Promotion and Tenure Committee prior to being forwarded to the Provost.
- c. If a candidate is not recommended for promotion by the Department
committee, Department chair, College Promotion and Tenure Committee,
or Dean, the application shall not be considered further, unless the
candidate appeals to the next level. If the candidate does appeal,
the sequence of the process shall follow that stated in b.
Senate Membership Motions.
Motion 1: Senator May presented an amendment to
motion 1 (proposed at the February meeting). The majority of the Senate
were opposed to the amended Motion 1 and the motion failed for lack
of support.
Motion 2: Senator Kristofik moved to amend Motion
2 to change the wording from "...forego membership for one term"
to "...forego membership for one year", seconded by Senator
Jones. The majority of the Senate were in favor and the amendment
to the motion carried.
The amended motion was approved with a vote of 29-22.
Senator Schlomann moved to further amend motion 2 to the following,
seconded by Senator Jones. The motion to amend carried.
Under 2f change the following statement from "Elected members
shall serve no more than two consecutive terms;" to "Elected
members shall serve no more than two consecutive full year terms".
Report from Council on Academic Affairs. Item 1a (clarification
of final examination policy) was listed as an informational only item.
Senator Chapman moved approval of 1b (course repeat policy), seconded
by Senator Collins. The motion carried.
Senator Chapman moved approval of item 2 (New Mathematics Teaching
minor), seconded by Senator Eakin. The motion carried.
Senator Chapman moved approval of item 3 (suspend certificate program
in School Psychology), seconded by Senator Winslow. The motion carried.
GENERAL & STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Senator Siegel
Senator Siegel reminded faculty to wear their academic regalia
on Friday, April 28 for the rededication of the Keen Johnson Building.
Senator Siegel thanked Dr. Conneely for his help in making the
Faculty Dining Room more attractive and usable.
Senator Siegel reminded faculty to visit the newly renovated Faculty
Club Lounge. She further announced that the “Ladies Swooning
Room”, the small room at the south end of the Lounge is being
set up as a small conference room. Once available, room reservations
can be made with Jennifer Goins in University Programs at 622-2222.
Senator Siegel asked the Senators to share with their faculty the
topic for April's For the Good of the Order discussion: “Strategies
for Improving Faculty Life at EKU: Recommendations for Facilitating
Faculty Teaching, Research, and Service Effectiveness”.
A Senate representative is needed to serve on the QEP Committee.
If anyone is interested, please contact the Senate Chair ASAP.
It was the consensus of the Executive Committee to discontinue
the Meet and Greet sessions prior to the Senate meetings. However,
an "Eat and Greet" luncheon for faculty will be scheduled
in the Faculty Dining Room at least once a month with the first
luncheon scheduled for the last Tuesday of March. Additional information
will be forthcoming.
The Senate Executive Committee is charged with the administrative
review of the President. A letter will distributed this week to
all eligible faculty introducing the company that will be handling
the survey and the process that will be used. The letter will be
sent in hard copy as well as in e-mail format. The survey itself
will be available online from March 20th through midnight
the 31st.
REPORT FROM FACULTY REGENT: Senator Schlomann
Since the last Senate Meeting there have been no Board or Board
Committee meetings.
Dr. John Moore of Penson Associates was recently on campus for
three days to assist the Board in the evaluation of President Glasser.
Approximately 150 individuals, representing all constituent groups,
was interviewed during this time. If you did not have opportunity
to be involved in this process or wish to add more comments, send
a letter to Dr. Penson at 1634 Monarch Drive, Venice, Florida 32493.
While a signature is required, all comments will be held confidential
by Dr. Moore.
The next Board meeting is March 27. Committees will be meeting
in the coming weeks in preparation for that.
REPORT FROM THE PROVOST: Senator Chapman
The first Compliance written reports addressing the SACS standards
are beginning to be reviewed. These early reports show us to be
in compliance on all of the issues that have been reviewed to date.
However, there are some problems. One we encountered early in the
process was the need to identify our primary accreditor. That problem
was easily fixed. Other corrections to achieve the standards are
not so easily made. We immediately can begin to remedy any problems
we find, and that will help us to get into compliance in a reasonable
time period and hopefully by the time the review team comes here
next spring.
We continue to make progress in developing a Quality Enhancement
Plan. We have received concept proposals and will move them to proposal
stages. On March 9 and 10 Dr. Gerald Nosich, Professor of Philosophy
at the University of New Orleans and author of numerous texts and
articles on critical thinking, will provide us with a workshop.
The workshop will emphasize the practical application of concepts
in the classroom and provide further preparation for designing curriculum
or program initiatives for the QEP. Please attend and learn more.
For more information, contact Hal Blythe or Onda Bennett.
The Promotion and Tenure process is almost complete. Before next
year's process begins, Senator Chapman plans to develop a checklist
which will easily identify if the candidates meets all required
standards. In addition, written summary statements will be required
at each level indicating why the candidate meets the requirements,
or why not. Also, a written record will be required from the candidates
who appeal stating what they are appealing and why.
Senator Chapman reminded that new hires must meet the minimum standards
that will allow them to progress through the ranks. We should not
hire into a tenure-track position any person we do not feel we will
ultimately tenure and promote.
Senator Chapman stated that in order to be able to put forward
new programs unconditionally, Kentucky institutions must show progress
in six of the eight components of the Kentucky Plan. EKU achieved
that unconditional status by making progress in six areas, failing
to make progress in Six-Year Graduation Rate for Degree Seeking
Kentucky Residents based on the Fall 1999 Cohort and progress in
Employment of African-Americans as Faculty. These are two areas
in which we need to make progress. The attentiveness of this year’s
search committees to diversifying our faculty is very encouraging.
Based on the current and projected budget for the Summer sessions,
CE&O recommends for this summer that the MOST we do is increase
faculty salaries to 8% (for a three credit-hour course) with the
$4,500 cap. We will assess the situation this summer with the intention
of increasing to 9% for the summer of 2007, and increasing to 10%
the summer of 2008.
REPORT FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT: Kyle Moon
The Kentucky Board of Student Body Presidents is having its rally
on March 8th. Hopefully students across the State will have a positive
influence on the General Assembly in getting them to fund Higher Education.
In our continuation to work with the city on improving campus and
community relations we have established a ride-along program with
Richmond Police that will allow students to ride with Police Officers
during Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Budget Committee. Senator Eakin reported that the Budget committee
completed a preliminary questionnaire for the faculty on alternative
class patterns last month. Further action was halted until the Senate's
For the Good of the Order discussion today. The committee would like
as much feedback from Senators as possible.
Rules Committee. The Rules Committee opted to review the two
motions on senate membership because the committee felt strongly that
these motions dealt with the rules of the senate and therefore should
be reviewed by the committee. The Senate Rules Committee believes
that both of these motions could put undue hardships on small departments
and therefore recommends against the passage of both motions.
The Rules Committee continues to work on updates to the Faculty Senate
section of the Faculty Handbook. We are also working on a revision
concerning lecturer positions for the faculty handbook.
Rights & Responsibilities Committee. The University counsel provided
the committee with the information below dealing with on-campus solicitation.
The information was taken directly from the faculty handbook at:
http://www.universityprograms.eku.edu/facultyhandbook/PART6.php#solicit.
"The resale of complimentary examination copies of textbooks
is unethical and unprofessional. Furthermore, the activities of textbook
solicitors are restricted by invitation only under present administrative
policy on the campus of Eastern."
The committee is in the process of writing the Academic Integrity
Policy into Faculty Handbook format.
Elections Committee. Senator Randles reminded everyone that
Senate Chair nominations will be solicited at the April Senate meeting.
Faculty Welfare Committee. Senator Collins reported that
much of the committee's time in recent weeks has been devoted to participation
on the university benefits committee. Following lengthy presentations
by the three finalist vendors, the university benefits committee recommended
the following three vendors for administering our university self-funded
health care insurance:
Medical Insurance Coverage - Anthem (our current administrator )
Pharmacy Prescriptions - Express-Script
Mental Health Coverage - Behavioral Medicine Network (formerly known
as St. Joseph’s)
The health care plan design and level of benefits will not change.
There is a possibility that another tier of coverage (Parent(s) and
one child may be added).
The exact cost of the plan to the institution and the participants
has not been determined at this time. The vendors anticipate
that the total cost of providing the health care benefit will increase.
The university benefits committee recognizes that because our plan
is self-funded, everyone at EKU will have to be involved if we desire
to minimize the cost to everyone.
Senator Collins gave a brief update on the six charges the committee
has been working on:
- Committee charge one re: the faculty recognition
awards program:
This issue has been resolved by action of the full senate
- Committee charge two re: the need for a faculty
Ombudsperson:
This welfare committee previously reported the position has the potential
to place the Ombudsperson in a delicate position and recommended against
establishing an Ombudsperson. At our last meeting the welfare committee
discussed this again and agreed that a “faculty resource person”
who would help faculty find answers or direct them to other resources
could be of value, particularly to junior faculty. With the
addition of a senate vice chair who ideally would be learning more
about the senate and faculty concerns, the committee felt this might
be an appropriate role for the senate vice-chair to undertake.
- Committee charge number three re: salary equity
distribution:
The Provost previously reported concerning the number and manner of
equity distribution.
- Committee charge four re: role of academic coordinators
at EKU:
The welfare committee surveyed benchmark institutions and found there
is little or no consistency in the manner that coordinators are selected,
compensated and/or released from teaching responsibilities to perform
their duties. The welfare committee became aware of a survey
being conducted by the Office of University Programs on many of the
same issues. We are trying to gain access to this information.
- Committee charge five re: polices for
temporary, short-term suspensions of the tenure clock:
This matter is in the hands of the full senate for resolution.
- Committee charge six re: junior faculty mentoring
programs:
The Senate Welfare Committee is contacting the Deans for a copy of
all mentoring programs in their colleges. These will be analyzed
and a report of our findings will be delivered to the senate.
Ad Hoc Senate Centennial Committee. Plans have been finalized
and details set in motion for two special events in recognition of
the EKU Centennial.
The first, an Emeritus Tea, in honor of our retired faculty is planned
for Monday, March 20, 2006. There will be two sittings, one at 1 p.m.
and one at 3 p.m. Festivities will begin in Walnut Hall in Keen Johnson
with the formal tea in the upstairs ballroom. Centennial tins of a
special blend of tea will be presented to those attending.
The second event is the rededication of the Keen Johnson building
during Alumni Weekend on Friday, April 28 at 2:30 p.m. Approximately
250 to 300 attendees are anticipated.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:
The topic of discussion was "Alternative Strategies for Class
Schedule Patterns".
Senator Eakin indicated that one of the problems with the current
class pattern is not having the same amount of time to teach, and
so the idea was if we could find a Tuesday-Thursday and say Wednesday-Friday
and find a different way of utilizing Monday or the extra day that
would be ideal. Almost universally the response we've gotten as a
committee to flip-Friday has been negative. But that was not the only
thing in consideration.
Senator Dieckmann was in favor of having a Friday or a Monday where
courses are not scheduled to allow for extended periods of time for
field trips which are required for Biological Sciences students.
Senator Winslow spoke in favor of a free Monday or Friday as a way
to increase faculty scholarship.
Senator Yoder indicated that the Math department preferred class
patterns with the same amount of class time. Her faculty also expressed
concerns about the current inclement weather pattern. It should be
called something other than a "two hour delay" because students
incorrectly assume that means that everything is delayed by two hours.
Senator Houston suggested a Monday-Thursday Tuesday-Friday class
pattern with Wednesdays as a reading-type day.
Senator Kristofik agreed with the Monday-Thursday Tuesday-Friday
idea, but thought the extra day should be used for additional classes
in the morning and afternoon, equivalent to existing evening classes.
Since there are lots of students who must juggle work, family time
and classes, this could be advantageous to them. They could do two
classes or maybe even three in one day.
Senator Schuster spoke in favor of the field trips. His department
liked the idea of flip fridays. For administrative purposes, departmental
meetings were easier to schedule when the flip Friday schedule was
available.
Senator Noblitt mentioned that the Paralegal program's main competition
is Sullivan University which has already gone to a Monday-Wednesday
Tuesday-Thursday schedule.
Senator Collins reminded everyone that if you try to take the lengths
and periods used on Tuesday-Thursday to another two-day pattern you
loose "X" number of sections of instruction which are currently
offered.
Senator Rainey spoke in support of the Monday-Wednesday Tuesday-Thursday
class pattern because most professional meetings occur on either Monday
or Friday and this could allow faculty the opportunity to attend more
professional meetings.
Senator Johnson spoke in favor of all classes being the same time
length. However, he was concerned about how a Monday-Wednesday Tuesday
- Thursday class pattern might be perceived in Frankfort in terms
of fund allocations.
Senator Wolf stated that in the Music Department, it is very difficult
to have 75 minute class periods.
Senator Jones indicated that Sullivan not only offers two day class
patterns but they also offer classes four days a week as well. In
addition, their faculty are required to be in their office every Friday
from 8 am - 11 am unless they are on a field trip or other University
activity. All computer labs and all other labs, the library, everything
is open. This gives them a lot more flexibility in scheduling because
they can do a two-day a week, a one-day, or a four-day a week class.
She further indicated that if another two-day pattern is considered
at EKU, that Monday should be the off day, since there are a number
of holidays on Monday.
Senator Yoder mentioned that if a two-day class pattern is considered,
it would be best to go with a Monday-Thursday Tuesday-Friday pattern
so there wouldn't be as big a time gap between class meetings. With
the current class pattern, students have a greater memory loss from
Thursday until the following Tuesday.
ADJOURNMENT:
Senator Chapman moved to adjourn at approximately 5:30
p.m.
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