University of North Carolina at Asheville FACULTY SENATE MEETING Minutes, April 14, 1994 Senate Members: S. Browning, P. Caulfield, F. Davenport, M. Gillum, C. Goedsche, G. Henderson, C. James, N. Kauffman, P. McDonald, M. L. Manns, B. Miller, D. Mullen, P. Nickless, P. Snoyer, T. Cochran Excused: B. Yearout Visitors: A. Brantley, K. Brantley, T. Byers, M. Cooper, M. Everhart, C. Ewing, M. Gregory, A. Hantz, D. Harmon, K. Johnson, B. Lawrence, G. Miller, L. Wilson I.A. Call to Order Dr. Browning, Faculty Senate Chair, welcomed faculty and guests and called the meeting to order at 3:22 pm. Dr. Yearout is attending the Undergraduate Conference. B. Approval of Minutes Dr. Browning corrected three typographical errors in the March 10, 1994 minutes. The word "battle" was changed to "bad old". Dr. Davenport moved approval of the minutes. Dr. Goedsche seconded the motion. Dr. Henderson stated that the minutes were correct as stated, but for purposes of this meeting she wanted to correct an erroneous statement on page six, paragraph two; "Dr. Hantz stated that this was the first time UNCA had followed the process in establishing a new degree program." Dr. Henderson stated that UNCA followed the correct process in establishing the accounting program, mass communication, and MLA program. The minutes were approved as corrected. C. Announcements Annual Committee Reports In accordance with Senate Document #1490S passed on January 25, 1990, all chairs of standing and ad hoc committees of the faculty shall submit a summary report of their significant activities for the year to the VCAA and the Chairs of the Senate and Faculty Welfare and Development Committee by May 30 of each academic year. Dr. Browning asked committee chairs to put this on their calendar. The report should list uncompleted projects and recommended activities for the next academic year, as well as any proposed changes in the committee structure, membership or focus. 25th Celebration Task Force Ms. Snoyer stated that the Development Office has formed a 25th Celebration Task Force. Departments who have planned events are encouraged to contact Beverly Modlin; the Task Force is forming a master calendar and participants will receive special publicity. Broadway Improvement Group Dr. Browning stated that Mr. Gregory from the Broadway Improvement Group had asked permission to address the Senate on the matter of widening Broadway. Ms. Snoyer moved that the group address the Senate before it completed its business. Dr. Goedsche seconded the motion and the motion passed. II. New Business Mr. Gregory deferred to Ms. Betty Lawrence, spokesperson for the Broadway Improvement Group. Ms. Lawrence gave the history and objectives of the Broadway Improvement Group and stressed that the project will have significant social, economic and environmental effects. Also, that the North Carolina Department of Transportation must conduct a more comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement with full consideration of alternative designs. Ms. Lawrence encouraged the Senate to express concern about the project and support taking another look at the project. Dr. Gillum distributed a resolution concerning the Broadway Highway Project and asked that it be considered for first reading. The Resolution represented the views of the Broadway Improvement Group which Dr. Gillum endorsed. First Reading - Resolution Concerning the Broadway Highway Project Dr. Browning stated that the resolution would be placed on the May 5, 1994 agenda. In response, Mr. Byers urged the Senate not to adopt a resolution opposing this project as it is now designed. The University has invested a great deal of effort over a period of at least eight years in seeking to have this road constructed along the lines of the design which now exist. The primary motive guiding the University has been to acquire a suitable front door for the campus. The University administration has worked, believing that they were doing so for the welfare of the campus, attempting to engage the support of elected officials, involving University General Administration including the President, who has invested a great deal of personal time and effort in this cause. The project is intended to incorporate a lot of "green" features to be pleasant, attractive, and park-like. If the Senate adopts a resolution opposing the existing zone, opposing the City Council, opposing the DOT, it will throw matters into a lot of confusion. III. Administrative Report Dr. Tom Cochran, Interim VCAA, gave the Administration Report. Memorandum One In response to an earlier Senate request, Dr. Cochran obtained a copy of Memorandum One dated July 16, 1992, from GA which contains policies and procedures to be followed in academic salary increases for 1992-1993; a similar memo is received annually following the legislative session. The memo instructs the university on money allocations and maximums for each faculty rank. Dr. Browning stated that the content explains the Senate's earlier interest and that the Faculty Assembly takes a relatively high degree of interest in making its content available to anyone who wishes to see it. Mr. Andy Brantley, personnel director, stated that he received the memorandum each year and his office would attach the memo to the list of salaries kept in Ramsey Library. Enrollment This year UNCA's enrollment was 3.9% below the bottom of the 2% enrollment window. This shortfall of approximately 100 students caused UNCA nearly $100K in unrealized tuition revenues. Dr. Wilson hopes better retention and new students will improve enrollment next year. The legislature may adjust budgets to take into account real enrollments rather than enrollment targets in the next session. If this had occurred this year, UNCA would have lost six faculty positions and nearly $500K. UNCA will need to register 130 more or new students next year to make the bottom of the enrollment window. UNCA will graduate 50 more students this year than have ever graduated before; consequently 50 additional students will need to enroll to maintain enrollment for next year. Approximately 500 students will graduate, which is nearly 10% of UNCA's total alumni. Task Force on Enhancing and Reviewing Teaching GA has instructed each of the 16 campuses to form a Task Force on Enhancing and Reviewing Teaching. The Task Force will hold workshops to discuss these issues and will present a report at a September conference of all 16 campuses at WCU. GA wants every campus to reward outstanding teachers and to have a systematic review of teaching. A workshop for all faculty will be held before the start of fall semester to discuss peer review, portfolio development, and evaluation of teaching. NEH Challenge Grant In response to Dr. Davenport's question, Dr. Wilson discussed the upcoming Capital Campaign, the importance of campus-wide participation, and the status of the on-going NEH Challenge Grant. The NEH Challenge Grant has been very successful; UNCA has until July 31, 1996 to raise the remaining $120K. The Senate also discussed the Summit Fund and the importance of clarifying how funds are used in campaigns. IV. Executive Committee Report Dr. Shirley Browning reported for the Executive Committee. First Reading EC #2: Review of Report on the Status of People of Color and Women by Executive Commission for Minority Affairs and assigned Task Force. Dr. Browning stated that Dr. Mullen submitted this report to the Senate and it did not come from a Senate committee. Dr. Browning submitted the report to the Senate from the Executive Committee as First Reading. Faculty Assembly Dr. Browning reported on the February meeting of the Faculty Assembly. Dr. Stevens was attending the Undergraduate Research Conference. Mr. Poole, chairman of the BOG, reiterated the BOG's interest in teaching effectiveness, evaluation of teaching, and peer review of teaching. A legislative committee has been formed to look at faculty teaching loads, the FTE formula issue, faculty salaries and workloads. The legislature is also very concerned about retention and graduation rates; UNCA is in the bottom four of sixteen in these categories. In response to Dr. Henderson's question, Dr. Browning stated that the idea of inviting a legislator to campus to discern what faculty really do has been considered and is occurring within the system. Campuses are bringing members of their local legislation delegation to campus so they can actually sit and work with faculty. There was a general agreement that legislators spend little time on campus. The Faculty Assembly addressed the following faculty concerns: lack of faculty input into the budget process; having a uniform grievance procedure systemwide; creating a position of ombudsman as a separate entity on each campus; the family medical leave act; factors influencing faculty morale; unfinished business in the area of sexual harassment; and exchanges of faculty and students between campuses of the system to address matters of diversity. V. Student Government Report Mr. Charles Ewing gave the Student Government Report. Mr. Ewing requested Senate feedback on SGA's exam schedule. Recent elections resulted in Gerard Moses elected to SGA President and Ryan DeSear elected to Vice President. VI. Academic Policies Report Dr. Davenport reported for the Academic Policies Committee in Dr. Yearout's absence. Proposed SGA Exam Schedule and First Reading The APC reviewed the SGA Exam Schedule and recommended that SGA's proposal be scheduled as a trial in the 1995-96 academic calendar. However, the APC still has the following reservations that may cause student concern: a) the schedule only allows ten minutes between exams which may present a problem when a student has back-to-back exams, and b) compression of the exam week from five to four days will increase the probability that a student could have three exams in one day. Dr. Davenport distributed APC #19: a modified version of the SGA's proposed schedule for First Reading. The only difference in this document and SGA's version is a 30 minute break between exams. Dr. Goedsche stated that apparently the APC did not meet as a regular committee with all of the members to discuss the issue and vote. The modified schedule, which has exams starting at 7:30 p.m., was simply a possibility and did not have the blessings of the entire APC. Dr. Davenport stated that this was correct; the modified schedule was a response to one of APC's concerns. Dr. Davenport stated that Dr. Yearout asked for responses from members of the APC; they did not formally meet on this matter in the same room. Dr. Browning asked Dr. Davenport to convey to Dr. Yearout that between now and May, if there is other action to come, it would be nice that all APC members know what is going on. Dr. Mullen noted that a humanities exam starting at 7:30 p.m. would not conclude until 11:00 p.m. Dr. Nickless objected to being asked to vote on a document that had not been voted on by a committee. VII. Institutional Development Committee/University Planning Council Report Dr. Gwen Henderson gave the Institutional Development Committee/University Planning Council Report. Foreign Language Department Self Study The UPC reviewed the Foreign Language Department Self Study and found it to be well written. UPC accepted the self study with one change, namely that the recommendation relative to a language lab be removed and that the department continue to seek more up-to-date technological assistance, and not cause resource strain. UPC recommended that the department work with the administration very carefully to try to attain fulltime faculty and reduce the number of adjuncts. Although UPC does not deal with salary, it recognized the department's concern in attracting individuals who could bring expertise to the department since salaries are not competitive. Campus "Centers" UPC was concerned that UNCA may have entities on campus designated as "Center" without going through proper UPC procedures and review. Also, that entities such as the Southern Highland receive a designation as "Center" yet no longer exist. The designation "Center" needs to be clarified. Survey Center Dr. Henderson reported on the concept of a Survey Center; the idea is that there is need to have a research center data bank. Due to lack of clarity on certain subconcepts relative to the major concept, Dr. West was asked to make some changes, to look carefully at the proposed budget, and to obtain support documents from individuals listed as Advisory Board members and the institutional research center. There was some question as to whom the director should report to. Multimedia Minor The UPC approved the proposal to plan a Multimedia Minor. UPC's final decision will consider resource and curriculum implications. VIII. Faculty Welfare and Development Committee Report Mary Lynn Manns gave the Faculty Welfare and Development Committee report. FWDC #4: Policy on Extended Illness and Serious Disability for Faculty (Other than Twelve Months) at UNCA This document has been revised numerous times in the last year and a half and was presented for First Reading at the last Senate meeting. Dr. Wilson has concerns that the document should provide for minimum guidelines which would increase the document's flexibility. Dr. Lisnerski, head of the task force, has agreed to take this back to the task force to maximize the flexibility of the document while providing minimum guidelines. In response to Ms. Manns' request for comments and suggestions, Dr. Henderson reiterated the importance of having extended minimum guidelines and the possibility of creating faculty morale problems with too much flexibility. Dr. Caulfield stated that, as written, if someone were ill for more than sixty days they would be forced to apply for short term disability, which is 60% of salary and would not allow any flexibility. Election Results The faculty and Senate election results are summarized below: Tenure Committee, serving 1994-1996 term: Humanities: Peg Downes Natural Sciences: Randy Booker Social Sciences: Linda Nelms Faculty Senate, serving terms 1994-1997: Deryl Howard Bruce Larson Kathy Whatley Anita White-Carter Pam Laughon Alternates: Kat Nilan, Mike Stuart, Jeanne McGlinn University Research Council, serving terms 1994-1996: Robert Dunning, Heidi Kelley Distinguished Scholars & Honorary Degrees Committee, serving terms 1994-1996: Gene Rainey, Wayne Lang University Relations Advisory Committee Replacing A. Wengrow, serving terms 1993-1995: Milton Ready New members, serving terms 1994-1996: Don Lisnerski, Merritt Moseley UNCA Foundation Board Replacing A. Wengrow, serving terms 1993-1995: Milton Ready New member, serving terms 1994-1996: Don Lisnerski Minority Affairs, serving terms 1994-1996: Ed Katz Graduate Council (MLA), serving terms 1994-1996: Dean Brock, Bill Haas University Teaching Council, serving terms 1994-1996: Bill Spellman, Tracy Brown, Russell Schmidt UNC Faculty Assembly, serving terms 1994-1996: The Senate elected the following slate of faculty to be placed on the election ballot to be distributed next week: William Green, Gary Miller, Linda Nelms, and Henry Stern. Academic Appeals, serving terms 1994-1996: The Senate elected the following slate of faculty to be placed on the election ballot to be distributed next week: Debra Van Engelen, Randy Booker, Bruce Larson, Anthony Coyne, Keith Bramlett, Jim McGlinn, and Claudel McKenzie. Faculty Conciliator The Senate elected the following slate of four faculty to be forwarded to the SGA: Edwin Dickens, Claudel McKenzie, Dot Sulock, and Michael Stuart. Next fall, the SGA will elect the Faculty Conciliator and an Alternate from the list of faculty. - Second Reading FWDC #5: Progress Report and Preliminary Proposal on the Ad Hoc Committee on Committees The FWDC requested a sense of the Senate on FWDC #5 before proceeding further. The Senate discussed the number of committees eliminated or combined, changes in lines of authority, that committees should report to or through the Senate, maintaining the current selection process, ways to evaluate the amount of service required, the importance of written annual reports, the workload of committee chairs, documenting service given to the campus - especially in lieu of legislatures asking what faculty do with their time, addressing committee workload, making necessary catalog and Faculty Handbook changes, and acknowledging/rewarding faculty for their work and documenting this in the faculty record. Dr. Wilson stated that when he meets with the FWDC to make committee assignments, the committee is sensitive to not overload faculty. IX. Old Business The VCAA has approved all Senate documents passed thus far this year. X. Other New Business There was no other New Business. XI. Adjournment Dr. Browning adjourned the meeting at 5:20 p.m. and reminded Senators than two Faculty Senate meetings will be held on May 5, 1994. The 1993-1994 Senate will hold its last meeting of the year and will address several documents. The 1994-1995 Senate will convene at approximately 4:00 p.m. to hold its reorganization meeting and election of officers. Respectfully submitted by: Sandra Gravely Mary Lynn Manns