University of North Carolina at Asheville FACULTY SENATE MINUTES December 11, 1980 A Faculty Senate met on Thursday, December 11, 1980 at 4:00 pm in RL1 with Dr. Gene Rainey, Chairman, presiding. Members present: Dr. Braggio, Dr. Browning, Dr. Coyne, Dr. Greenawalt, Dr. Howard, Dr. Johnston, Dr. Perry, Dr. Squibb, Dr. Sulock, Dr. Walker, Dr. Wilson. Excused absences: Dr. Friedenberg, Dr. McCoy Visitors: Dr. Cochran, Dr. Seitz, Kim Strayhorn Task Force Reports Freshman Advising System - Dr. Johnston Dr. Johnston submitted a report on the Freshman Advising System (see attached). After discussion, the consensus of the Senate was to ask the Faculty Welfare Committee to examine the possibilities of a reward system for advisors who are especially good at advising. Developmental Studies - Dr. Sulock Report to be given after the first of the year. Campus Community Spirit - Dr. Walker Report to be given at next meeting. Reports from Senate Committees Academic Policies Committee - Dr. Perry The following document was adopted by the Senate: APC Doc #22 - Approval of four courses to be offered in the Oxford summer program. Further reports from the Academic Policies Committee: 1) There has been no action taken on the question of a final examination period. The matter has not been closed, but the committee would appreciate a written proposal from anyone interested in this subject so that it will give them something to work with. 2) It was felt that the students should have at least a 2.0 grade average in his or her major in order to graduate, but more information was needed from each department chairman. This will be discussed further at the next Senate meeting. Page 2 3) There was no action taken concerning whether Physical Education grades should be included in the GPA since some students' ability to achieve in Physical Education would be lower than others (due to age, handicaps, etc.) Since many issues are involved, the APC requests that there be a written proposal and rationale. It was also suggested that it would be better to look at this question after the general education requirements have been studied. The Academic Policies Committee recommends that all proposals or requests directed to it be in writing, giving the action requested and a rationale for that action. Institutional Development Committee - Dr. Wilson No report. Faculty Welfare - Dr. Howard Discussions have been held with the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Council of Chairmen regarding the definition of "merit" when used as a basis for salary increases. This matter will be pursued further. The remaining task force topics were discussed. No action was taken for one of two reasons: either the policy requested was already in effect or there was a lack of consensus as to the importance of the topic. These topics were: Review of transfer policy; Review of probation and suspension policies; Study of the grading system; Review of student loads (overloads); Review of the W grade (the difference between failing and withdrawing); Review of handicapped student registration; Examination of the English program with the general education program. Action was taken on the following topics: Proposal for handling student grievances. The Chairman read a memorandum from Dr. Dorr in which he appointed Mr. Bernhardt, Mr. Sabo, Mrs. Nelms and two students to a committee on student grievances. Award for outstanding faculty member. The Chairman reported that he had received a letter from Sally Baumann in which she showed an interest in this topic. She will be contacted to see if she wants to follow up on this idea. Review of special topics courses (too many). APC has begun consideration on what rules there should be concerning special topics courses. Review of committee load among faculty (more equal distribution). Dr. Walker recommended that care be taken in the appointment to committees to make sure that all faculty members have a chance to serve on a committee. He will have a statement prepared for the next meeting. Page 3 Dr. Browning reported on the discussions held in the Faculty Assembly relative to the Governor's proposal that the State pick up approximately 5% of the faculty member's contribution to the State Retirement System. The Assembly could not endorse the proposal because it felt there was insufficient information about the details. At this time, President Friday and his staff were basically against the proposal for the following reasons: 1) the question of how to handle those faculty on TIAA-CREF had not been explained; 2) it was not clear what the consequences of the proposal would be for employee participation with regard to use of the retirement fund; 3) it was not clear what controls might be placed on legislative use of the retirement fund. In general, the problem is so complex that it is very difficult for the average faculty member to gain sufficient experise in a short period of time to render any knowledgeable opinion about the proposal. However, the Faculty Assembly will continue to discuss the question and should the Assembly make a recommendation, the university faculty will be notified. APPROVED: Deryl Howard Jan Scroggs Faculty Senate Secretary Secretary