University of North Carolina at Asheville FACULTY SENATE MEETING Minutes, March 11, 1993 Senate Members: A. Coyne, F. Davenport, L. Dorr, M. Gillum, C. Goedsche, G. Henderson, D. Lisnerski, B. Miller, G. Nallan, P. Nickless, K. Ray, P. Snoyer, D. Van Engelen, B. Yearout, L. Wilson Excused: D. Mullen Visitors: L. Bares, C. Bennett, W. Boland, S. Browning, A. Combs, L. Dohse, M. Epstein, A. Hantz, D. Harmon, M. Himelein, W. Kirby, P. Lang, P. Laughon, E. Manning-Tano (SGA), B. Cutter Modlin, R. Schmidt, K. Whatley I. Call to Order The 1992-93 Faculty Senate met on Thursday, March 11, 1993, in Karpen Hall 005. Dr. Lisnerski called the meeting to order at 3:35 pm and presented the February 11, 1993, minutes for approval. B. Miller's name was deleted from the visitor's list. On page two, under "Salary", the salary increases GA requested were changed to "... a 6% salary increase for next year and a 6% salary increase the following year." The minutes were approved as corrected. II. Faculty Assembly Report Dr. Shirley Browning gave the Faculty Assembly Report. Board of Governors' Chair Samuel Pool spoke to the Faculty Assembly and expressed support for primacy of teaching throughout the UNC system. The Board of Governors is examining personnel policies and relative allotments given to teaching, scholarship, and service. There is increased concern that teaching should receive a greater weight in the decision process, as well as how and when faculty are informed of criteria in personnel decision- making and the evaluation process in general. Concerns also include: 1) what is being done to improve teaching effectiveness within the system; 2) whether there are incentives/rewards for effective teaching; and, 3) ways of informing faculty of criteria for performance evaluation. President Spangler discussed the bond issue and is trying to avoid further budget reductions for the UNC system. Tuition will KBrise although he does not favor the idea. New academic programs are not likely to be funded. President Spangler does not consider class size to be a real issue relative to quality of teaching. The Board of Governors will study fee structures. In Committee Activity, the policy of External Activity for Pay is under review; Dr. Browning anticipates change and more precise accounting. The issue of legal representation and fees for faculty who appeal personnel decisions is also being examined. The Board of Governors may develop a grievance manual. WCU proposed that various campuses within the system consider a trimester schedule. There is general concern regarding the status and content of the sexual harassment policies on campuses. The number of days in which the various campuses are in session in the academic year has increased slightly. There is continuing concern about graduation rates. The Board of Governors has developed a policy whereby all undergraduate baccalaureate degrees are to require a maximum of 128 hours. If degree requirements fall between 129 and 134 hours they must get explicit approval from the Board of Governors. Any baccalaureate degrees requiring 135 hours or more must receive the Board of Governors' designation as a five-year baccalaureate program. There is also a new policy requiring catalogs on each campus to state how long it takes to graduate. There is some desire to re-define what is meant by faculty workloads to include more than the contractual stipulation of the number of contact hours in the classroom. The following handouts are available for copying from Dr. Browning: an Excess Liability Handout by Betsy Bunting; a summary by institution and by college within the institution of when and how criteria and means of teaching evaluations are applied and where the documents can be found on the campus; a summary of how course evaluations and faculty evaluations are conducted by campus, whether voluntary or mandatory, student evaluations, etc.; also, a copy of the Board of Governors' statement on the plans to improve graduation rates. III. Executive Committee Report Dr. Don Lisnerski gave the Executive Committee Report. Governance Committee Meeting of the Faculty Assembly The original agenda was to discuss making a recommendation to GA that all administrators be evaluated on a regular basis and that the results be made public. However, it was discovered that under NC law, any evaluation that is made public cannot be used for personnel decisions. Therefore, discussion took place as to what type of mechanism existed on campus for routinely evaluating Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Deans, and other major members of administration. All 13 institutions represented shared their information. It appeared that only in two cases did this take place. In one instance, several members of the Faculty Senate (agreeable to faculty and administration) coordinated the process and forwarded confidential results to the supervising parties. It was suggested that the Committee might wish to bring up the possibility of "Administration Evaluation" to the entire Faculty Assembly, the general thought being that if all faculty are required to be evaluated, so should administrators. The second item discussed was the hiring and evaluating of Department Chairs. One institution always has outside searches, one always conducted in-house searches, and others did both, if necessary. Most of the traditional minority institutions indicated that faculty usually had no input for the hiring of their Chairs and that they seemed to descend from the heavens and have life-time appointments. These institutions asked for copies of governance documents from all the other institutions so that they could begin to address changing the autocratic structure of their campuses. All the other campuses indicated that they were asked to provide input into the evaluation of their Chairs. The most common evaluation periods were every three or five years. Some additional discussion took place with regards to the apparent inequalities that exist on campuses that conduct both in- house and outside searches. Outside appointees were always paid more than in-house appointees, thereby creating inequities. Also discussed were stipends for in-house faculty assuming chairships. All institutions present, except for UNCA, have documented procedures for stipends and reassignment time. The most common stipend was $2,000 plus reassignment time based on size of the department. Smaller institutions stipends ranged form $500 - $2,000 plus reassignment time based on size of the departments. Several institutions provided for either 10, 11 or 12 month contracts providing an additional 1/9th of base salary stipend for each additional month of contract. In all situations, once the individual stopped serving as Chair, their salaries were reduced by the corresponding stipend amount. Non-Smoking Policy Dr. Lisnerski stated that since discussing a potential smoking policy at the last meeting, he had received a proposed non- smoking policy in memo form from Dr. Schuman; a copy of the memo was sent to all Senators for consideration. Dr. Schuman requested a response from the Senate. Dr. Nallan moved that the Senate endorse Dr. Schuman's proposed non-smoking policy. Dr. Ray seconded the motion. Concern was expressed regarding enforcement of the policy and why the student dorm was not included in the policy. A suggestion was also made that the Health Center offer behavior modification programs to interested individuals. The Resolution passed by a vote of nine to two with one abstention and became Senate Document #0993S. Liability Insurance Dr. Lisnerski handed out a description of Excess Liability coverage for state employees. IV. Administrative Report Dr. Larry Wilson, VCAA, gave the Administrative Report. Enrollment Dr. Wilson anticipates a sizeable increase in the Fall 1993 Freshman class. Compared to last year at this time, there is an 8% increase in applications and a 12% increase in acceptances. SAT scores and rank-in-class remain about the same as last year. The average SAT score of accepted students is 1,060. The number of accepted minority students has increased 54% compared to last year at this time (65 students compared to 42). The minority rank-in-class has improved slightly over last year and the SAT scores have increased five points. Tour of Academic Departments Dr. Wilson and Dr. Cochran have completed the planning tour of academic departments. Information will be forwarded to faculty. Confusion over Budget There was some concern and confusion over next year's budget as UNCA joins the Flexibility Budget Plan. UNCA is the last institution to enter into the budget agreement with the State Budget Office. A disadvantage to the plan has been the requirement to forfeit 2% of the budget immediately upon joining the plan. However, the plan does provide more flexibility in moving funds around within the university from one category to another. The plan will necessitate additional thinking about how internal budgets are constructed; the Planning Council will be involved in the budgetary process. Dr. Wilson does not believe this will lead to a free-for-all, paper scrambling system whereby every dollar has to be justified. A bigger concern is how much money will be available. In today's paper the Governor was defining his budget which shows the University of North Carolina's budget being reduced by $1.8 million for next year. All State institutions have had to prepare preliminary budgets showing both a 1% and a 2% budget reduction. At this time the Governor is projecting a 3% salary increase for next year; GA and the Board of Governors has requested a 6% increase. Wayne McDevitt Last week Dr. Wilson and others met with Wayne McDevitt at his request. Mr. McDevitt is a UNCA graduate and former employee who had a very important role in the development of the NC Arboretum. He now has a gubernatorial appointment as the Director of Inter-governmental Relations and wanted to be aware of UNCA's priorities so that he could advocate for them when appropriate. Summer School Last November at the Academic Vice Chancellors meeting, the question was raised about how summer school was funded. None of the Vice Chancellors present nor anyone from GA claimed to understand summer school funding. The group requested a report on this issue, hoping someone from the Board of Governors or GA would be been present to answer questions. That was clearly not the case. At a meeting held two weeks ago, summer school directors from Appalachian State, East Carolina and UNC-C were present, none of whom had a very broad view of how the system worked, and no one from central administration seemed any more informed than they were in November. No one could determine why funding appears to be different at different institutions. The group did discover that 2-3 years ago Appalachian requested and received permission to set their own summer school tuition which is highest in the system. According to Appalachian's director, the problem now is that they have more money than they can conveniently spend in summer school. East Carolina has now also received permission for a special summer school budget. After inquiring when others could apply for a special summer budget, the group ascertained that this had happened but it wasn't supposed to and probably wouldn't happen again. The group has asked for clarification on this issue. Everyone felt that summer school was inadequately funded and, most of all, that it was mysteriously funded. The range of salaries paid to faculty in summer varies remarkably, from a low of $1,000 a course to a high of $5-6,000 a course. Some places pay on a 1/9th academic year salary for each course. UNCA does not pay the worst of all the institutions; at least two, and possibly three or four schools, pay lower salaries than UNCA. They all struggle with small summer schools, small classes and no revenue. The basic summary was that some institutions have been able to get a special funding arrangement by charging higher tuition and hence generating more revenue, and others teach large courses and generate more funding. V. University Relations' Annual Report Vice Chancellor Beverly Cutter Modlin gave the University Relations annual report. Ms. Cutter Modlin distributed a summary of the 1991-92 Annual Report from University Relations and highlighted important events now underway, specifically the proposed Capital Campaign, major media contacts, and the NEH challenge grant. Ms. Cutter Modlin stated that honest feedback, open dialogue, and 100% participation was critical to the proposed Capital Campaign. A copy of the 1991-91 annual report and handouts will be placed in the Faculty Senate reserve file in Ramsey Library. VI. Student Government Association Report Edwin Manning-Tano reported for the SGA. Mary Bullman was recently elected president of the SGA. Gerard Moses was elected Vice President. The Blood Drive is currently underway. The SGA continues to discuss a smoking policy but has not finalized a policy at this time. VII. Academic Policies Committee Report Dr. Forest Davenport reported for the Academic Policies Committee. - First Reading The Art Department asked to withdraw APC #19: "Catalog Changes in Art" which was listed in the agenda for First Reading. - Second Reading Dr. Davenport moved approval of the following documents: APC #6: Catalog Changes in Mathematics (Davenport/Van Engelen) The changes in this document are primarily editorial. APC #6 passed without dissent and became Senate Document #1093S. APC #7: Catalog Changes in Physics (Davenport/Dorr) This document deletes PHYS 104 as a general education requirement. The course has never been offered and two other 3-hour general education courses are heavily enrolled. APC #7 passed without dissent and became Senate Document #1193S. APC #8: Catalog Changes in Humanities (Davenport/Snoyer) This document adds LANG 102 as a prerequisite to 214, 224, and 414 and requires students to take the humanities courses in sequence. APC #8 passed without dissent and became Senate Document #1293S. APC #9: Catalog Changes in Honors Program (Davenport/Snoyer) This document adds a requirement of 3 credit hour special topics Honors course outside the student's major at the 300 level or above. This requirement should not increase the number of special topics honors courses offered. APC #9 passed with one dissenting vote and became Senate Document #1393S. APC #10: Catalog Changes in Health & Fitness (Davenport/Dorr) The changes in this document are made to reduce confusion. APC #10 passed without dissent and became Senate Document #1493S. APC #11: Catalog Changes in Mass Communication (Davenport/Ray) This document deletes MCOM 203, 335, and adds MCOM 205, 388 and 483. Other changes are primarily descriptive or for clarification. APC #11 passed without dissent and became Senate Document #1593S. APC #12: Catalog Changes in Chemistry (Davenport/Van Engelen) This document increases the number of credits in one course and decreases a like number of credits in a second course. APC #12 passed without dissent and became Senate Document #1693S. APC #13: Catalog Changes in Music (Davenport/Goedsche) After discussion it was determined that this document would establish a new track not previously approved by the UPC. Dr. Nickless moved to send APC #13 to the UPC for consideration on March 23rd. Dr. Dorr seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 to 0 with one abstention. APC #14: Catalog Changes in Philosophy (Davenport/Snoyer) This document adds a new course description of Phil 250, deletes Phil 306, and adds Phil 301. The changes consolidate the history of philosophy into two courses and extend philosophical concerns in the Middle Ages. The new course represents a shift of emphasis to a deeper study of ethical problems in the Media. Changes also streamline the offerings and creates a more coherent and uniform program for majors. APC #14 passed without dissent and became Senate Document #1793S. APC #15: Catalog Changes in Management (Davenport/Nallan) This document will require a minimum course grade of "C" as a demonstration of competency requirement for the degree, would eliminate current ambiguities, and align the department's competency requirements with several other departments. APC #15 passed without dissent and became Senate Document #1893S. APC #16: Catalog Changes in Sociology (Davenport/Goedsche) This document deletes previous prerequisites for all electives and required courses and adds new prerequisites to six courses. Dr. Boland asked to change the wording on page three for clarification. The change was accepted as a friendly amendment. APC #16 passed without dissent and became Senate Document #1993S. APC #17: Catalog Changes in Drama (Davenport/Dorr) The numerous changes in this document are a direct result of the departmental self-study. APC #17 passed without dissent and became Senate Document #2093S. APC #18: Catalog Changes in Economics (Davenport/Goedsche) This document drops Econ 335 and 430, modifies a recommended elective, and splits the International Economics course into two separate courses. APC #18 passed without dissent and became Senate Document #2193S. VIII. Institutional Development Committee Report Dr. Larry Dorr gave the Institutional Development Committee Report. Topics Under Consideration The IDC discussed feedback gleaned from various meetings on education and strategic goals although no formal action has taken place. The proposed capital campaign discussed by Ms. Cutter Modlin has also been under consideration. The IDC received a Environmental Studies proposal with a geology track. As the Environmental Studies major will be reviewed by the UPC next year and the present proposal would set a precedent, the committee agreed to reconsider the geology track proposal again at that time. IX. Faculty Welfare and Development Committee Dr. Debra Van Engelen gave the Faculty Welfare and Development Committee report. - First Reading The following documents were distributed for first reading: FWDC #2: Limitation of Faculty Committee Assignments Using a Committee Assignment Service Record FWDC #3: Changes to the Description of the "Ruth and Leon Feldman Professorship Fund" in the Faculty Handbook FWDC #4: Policy on Extended Illness and Disability for Faculty of the University of North Carolina at Asheville Committee Assignment Service Record Possible modifications to the Committee Preference form were addressed. Dr. Van Engelen stated that the form was derived from a survey mailed to committee Chairs in 1991. X. Old Business There was no Old Business. XI. New Business Dr. Goedsche distributed a Resolution urging President Spangler to issue a directive to all campuses in the system that have not yet done so to 1) adopt a policy forbidding discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation among faculty, staff and students, and 2) create procedures for pursuing complaints of such discrimination. Dr. Goedsche moved approval of the Resolution which was seconded by Dr. Ray. The Resolution passed without dissent and became Senate Document #2293S. XII. Adjournment Dr. Lisnerski adjourned the meeting at 5:05 pm. Respectfully submitted by: Sandra Gravely Debra Van Engelen