Faculty Senate Minutes September 12, 1985 The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. Senators present: Betts, Bennett, Combs, Coyne, Downes, Farzanegan, Grams, Hollingsworth, Henderson, Kormanik, Larson, Ruiz, Sweeney, Uldricks, Moseley (Alternate) Others: Tom Cochran, Neal Rhoades, Jo Cadle, Stern, Browning, Greenawalt, McConkey, Seitz Excused: Ted Shoaf The minutes from the Senate meeting of April 11, 1985 were amended as follows. Dr. Ruiz asked that the following revision be made: Page 2, Section 3--Dr. Perry stated that he did not believe that the 5 credit science course was the most effective route to follow. Dr. Coyne concurred. No other corrections were needed and the minutes were approved as amended. Dr. Coyne announced that this year the Senate will here reports from various administrative officers as part of its regular agenda. Dr. Dorr was unable to make his report. Tom Cochran reported on the budget. Dr. Cochran explained the distribution of funds for this academic year and addressed the following issues: * The equipment budget has doubled. Most of the increase was devoted to upgrading science equipment, upgrading the language lab and the purchase of word processing units for secretaries. * The limit for travel expenses for faculty to attend conferences and present papers has been set at a maximum of $400, with a $200 stipend available for all faculty members who wish to attend conferences without presenting papers. * The question of whether or not department chairmen should be given lump sums to distribute for faculty travel was raised. Dr. Coyne requested that the Faculty Welfare Committee investigate the issue and make recommendations to the Senate. * The enrollment and its effect on the budget were discussed. The FTE for Fall 1985 is below the projected enrollment. Some funds may have to be returned if enrollment in the spring lags behind. There is a 5% reserve budget to cover shortfall which should be sufficient to meet the need if it arises. * Problems related the lack of parking space and classrooms were mentioned. Dr. Grams expressed concern that difficulties with class scheduling, parking and other matters might lead to an increase rate of attrition. Committee Reports Dr. Coyne presented the Executive Committee report and made the following announcements. * The Faculty Handbook is being revised by Dr. Browning who will have various documents to present to the Senate throughout the year. * A committee has been appointed to oversee the implementation of the General Education Requirements. This committee will advise Dr. Dorr on the allocation of faculty positions for the teaching of general education courses and other issues. The committee will consist of the following faculty members: Dr. Howard, Dr. Stevens, Dr. Combs, Dr. Greenawalt, and Dr. Hollingsworth. Dr. Combs commented that informal suggestions from the senate would be more helpful in dealing with the issues involved in the transition to the new General Education requirements than would formal debate on the issues. There will be a distinction between the administrative and academic aspects of implementing the program. The administrative issues will be dealt with by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs office, the academic issues by the Academic Policies Committee. Dr. Betts made a motion that the General Education Committee be required to submit a report with a rational for all of its actions and that the Senate be allowed to respond. Dr. Combs seconded. The motion was passed unanimously. * Graduate Program: The planning council has been scheduled to present a formal report on the Graduate Program at UNCA in January 1986. However, they will not bring the formal report to the Senate at this time. Dr. Coyne proposed that the planning council be asked to investigate the broader issue of the Graduate school issue at UNCA and present an informal report in January. * Executive Committee Document #1, which deals with the granting of Emeritus status for faculty and administrative officers, was submitted to the Senate and approved. Academic Policy Committee: Dr. Combs presented the APC report. There is an October 14 deadline for submitting course proposals for the new general education requirements. One of the important issues before the APC for discussion is the transfer of students from the old general education requirements to the new general education requirements. Institutional Development Committee: Dr. Ruiz presented the IDC report. The Master Plan should be completed by November. It will be a point of departure for future development of the institution and will be updated as objectives and needs change. Dr. Farzanegan proposed that the Master Plan be submitted to the Faculty Senate for review and recommendations. Dr. Cochran indicated that there was no plan for submitting the Master Plan to the Senate, but that the faculty would have a chance to review it at a town meeting later in the fall. Dr. Coyne felt that there was a consensus among the members present that the Senate should review the Master Plan, even if a special meeting were necessary. Dr. Betts made a motion that the entire faculty be given an opportunity to review the master plan through a series of town meetings. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The Senate Executive Committee will work with Dr. Cochran to schedule the meetings. Faculty Welfare Committee: Dr. Farzanegan presented the FWC report. * The FWC has recommended to Vice Chancellor Pott that the Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC) be allowed to offer their Tax Deferred Annuity program to UNCA faculty members. VALIC is the oldest and largest commercial company specializing in such programs and has several contracts to meet the needs of tax deferred investors. Information will be distributed to the faculty about the programs available and a meeting will be held for those who are interested. * The Faculty Welfare Committee has reviewed the parking situation. Parking fees have been increased, but they are still the lowest in the system. Lack of parking space and student parking in areas designated for faculty are concerns of the faculty. Proposals for possible solutions include "forgiveness" passes for faculty who park in student parking areas and towing student cars parked in faculty lots. The Faculty Welfare Committee will continue to explore possible remedies to the problem and invites suggestions and comments. * Committee Assignments-The FWC in consultation with the Executive Committee has made every effort to distribute committee assignments according to faculty preference. The FWC has responsibility for all assignments, including those to advisory boards, to prevent faculty members from being pressured to serve on committees. Problems with committee assignments should be presented in writing to Dr. Farzanegan so that adjustments can be made. Dr. Coyne called for nominations for the Academic Appeals Board. This committee hears grievances unresolved by the Faculty Conciliator. Four committee members and one alternate are to be elected from a field of seven nominated by the Faculty Senate. Nominees were Dr. Huang, Dr. Whatley, Dr. Lisnerski, Dr. Sulock, Mr. Mullen, Dr. Bramlett, Dr. Prokop, Dr. Obergfell,and Dr. Walker. The Feldman Committee is composed of nominees from the Distinguised Teacher Awards Committee, the Faculty Welfare Committee and the University Research Council. This committee will begin its term in January. The Senate was adjourned at 5:20 pm. Respectfully submitted, Kimberly Sitton Approved: Dr. Bahram Farzanegan Secretary, Faculty Senate