University of North Carolina at Asheville FACULTY SENATE MEETING Minutes, September 9, 1993 Senate Members: S. Browning, F. Davenport, M. Gillum, C. Goedsche, G. Henderson, C. James, P. McDonald, M.L. Manns, D. Mullen, P. Nickless, K. Ray, P. Snoyer, A. Wengrow, B. Yearout, L. Wilson Absent: B. Miller Visitors: K. Brantley, T. Cochran, D. Harmon, N. Kauffman, D. Lisnerski, G. Nallan, K. Thompson, L. Ray, H. Quinn I. Call to Order Dr. Browning, Faculty Senate Chair, welcomed faculty and guests to the first regular meeting of the 1993-94 Faculty Senate and called the meeting to order at 3:20 pm. The minutes of the April 29, 1993 and May 6, 1993 (3:30 pm and 4:00 pm) Faculty Senate meetings were approved as written. Announcements - Senate Documents The administration responded to Senate Documents outstanding since last spring. Vice Chancellor Wilson approved SD2493S: Changes to the description of the "Ruth and Leon Feldman Professorship Fund" in the Faculty Handbook, and requested editorial changes to make the document gender neutral in language. Dr. Wilson denied approval of SD2593S: Policy on Extended Illness and Disability for Faculty of UNCA upon advice of legal counsel at UNC-GA. Dr. Browning stated that Ms. Manns would discuss this policy under the FWDC report. - Status of Chancellor's Search Mr. Banks has not made a final selection for members of the Chancellor's Search Committee at this time; this phase will be completed by October 1 and possibly within the next week. - Annual Reports Dr. Browning reminded faculty serving on Standing Committees to turn in their annual reports to VCAA Larry Wilson, FWDC Chair Mary Lynn Manns, and to the Faculty Senate office. II. Executive Committee Report Dr. Shirley Browning gave the Executive Committee Report. The Executive Committee has met three times and communicates frequently through the use of e-mail. There is no report at this time. III. Student Government Report Ms. Heather Quinn reported for the Student Government Association. - Resolution Ms. Quinn distributed a formal resolution passed by the SGA on Constitutional Rights for Students. The document reads in part that the SGA of UNCA "...stands in opposition to the actions taken by the administration concerning Student Rights and hearing procedures. Further, a University Student Court shall be established and activated within 12 days upon the passage of this resolution". In response to questions, Ms. Quinn agreed with Dr. Henderson that students had constitutional rights; their rights were currently in limbo because revisions were underway. Ms. Quinn reported that the Student Court was taken into consideration to review the court system at the end of last semester. A new Constitution passed during the last administration and the Judicial Code was rewritten during the current administration. However the Judicial Code was rejected when submitted for approval. The Administrative Hearing Board will ensure students' due process until a new system is in operation. Students currently have a Review Board but no Standing Court; the review was to determine if the Student Court was a useful organization. Ms. Quinn stated that the old Judicial Code had an Administrative Hearing Board but that the new Judicial Code did not have such a Board. - Blood Drive The SGA will sponsor a Blood Drive on September 30, 1993. The contact person is Jo Peterson. - Forum SGA alumni and NCSL is sponsoring a forum on October 6th between 1:00-2:00 pm and 4:00-5:00 pm with Dr. Iovacchini, Dr. Wilson, Chancellor Schuman, and students, faculty and staff. The topic will be "keeping UNCA the way that it is". Ms. Quinn stated that there is a lot of confusion over the messages students feel they have gotten from President Spangler and they want to clear up any misconceptions and confusion. - Faculty Conciliator Dr. Browning asked Ms. Quinn if a Faculty Conciliator had been selected from the slate of nominees forwarded to the SGA last spring. Ms. Quinn stated that she would look into this matter. - SGA Meetings Ms. Quinn extended an invitation to anyone who would like to attend SGA meetings; meetings will be held in the cafeteria dining hall. IV. Administrative Report Dr. Larry Wilson gave the Administration Report. -Enrollment UNCA has 2,525 FTE for fall semester and an annualized target of 2,600 FTE for this year (two semester average). The current FTE figure is outside the 2% window allowed for enrollment targets. Enrollments for next semester will need to increase an additional 50 FTE's to be within the 2% window. Dr. Wilson did not know if there would be budgetary consequences due to the enrollment shortfall. There are 401 new Freshman this year, a 10% increase from last year. This academically gifted group has an average SAT score of 1056, up 11 points from last year; two-thirds of the students are in the top fifth of their graduating class. There are 296 new Transfer students, a 10% decrease from last year. UNCA has intentionally been more stringent on transfer students, hoping to bring up the cohort group moving from Freshman through graduation to provide more continuity. The average GPA of transfer students is 2.8 compared to 2.6 last year. Dr. Wilson stated that a significant problem has occurred with continuing students. There are approximately 100 fewer continuing students than were predicted in August. Of this group, 92 students had a 2.5 or better GPA and a number have transferred. This is the second year that UNCA has had a number of non-returning students who were quite successful academically. This is a contrast to previous years when non-returning students were not successful academically. Thus far the administration has contacted 40 of the 92 non-returning students and has learned that 17 students had expressed interest in one particular disciplinary area. Transfers have been predominately to Appalachian, UNC-Charlotte and WCU; almost none in this cohort group has transferred to A-B Tech. Dr. Wilson reported that compared to last year at this time there has been a slight increase in the number of minority students within the Freshman class; overall minorities increased from 6.2% to 7.0%. The number of African American students increased from 3.5% to 3.8%. Retention rates are highest among African American students and students from the piedmont. Retention rates of students who entered UNCA over the last two years follow: 86% of African American students, 81% of students from the piedmont, and 83% of Asian students. Dr. Wilson stated that this was a good sign in terms of campus diversity. For the first time fewer than half of UNCA's students are from WNC. This indicates a more state-wide and out-of-state reach but Dr. Wilson expressed concern. A clear pattern has not emerged within the UNC system as enrollments have increased in four institutions and have decreased in four other institutions. In response to a question from Dr. Lisnerski on the impact financial aid may have had on enrollment, Dr. Wilson stated that two significant factors were a fairly weak economy and insecure personal finances. Also, the federal government made major changes in financial aid last year which delayed the awarding of aid letters by four or five months. Some students were unaware of their financial aid circumstances until late in the summer. Continuing students were the last group to receive this information. Dr. Ray asked if the reduction in students from WNC was the result of fewer applications or more rejections. Dr. Wilson stated that applications were not dramatically different. However, for the last three years WNC has had the most marked decline in high school graduates statewide. The number of WNC high school graduates in UNCA's major recruiting area has declined 9% and 11% respectively for the past two years. This is greater than any other region in the state. In response to a question from Dr. Davenport regarding out-of-state students, Dr. Wilson stated that 18% of UNCA's Freshman class are allowed to be from out-of-state and the University has exceeded that figure by 2%. Only the Freshman class is used to calculate the number of out-of-state students; UNCA's entire student body is 7-8% out-of-state. Dr. Henderson asked if there was a national trend in decreased enrollments due to the weakened economy and increased tuition. Dr. Wilson stated that as a general rule enrollment increases when the economy is weak. The recent increase in tuition may be a problem in North Carolina and especially for UNCA as our students tend to be less secure economically than most students at the historically white institutions within the UNC system. In response to Mr. Wengrow question regarding attrition, Dr. Wilson agreed that UNCA appeared to be losing some WNC students. Compared to last year at this time, the size of the Freshman class remained constant and the Sophomore class was down slightly; however the Junior and Senior classes decreased quite a bit. Continuing students were the last to learn about their financial aid and this may correlate with UNCA's loss of more students in the upper levels. Mr. Wengrow asked if WNC students were using UNCA as a two year institution with a clear intention of transferring. Dr. Wilson acknowledged this possibility and stated that feedback from the remaining non-returning students should help answer these questions. Dr. Wilson is asking departmental chairs and program directors to review evening course schedules to possibly enrich this area and attract additional part time students. Heretofore adopted enrollment targets might be reduced or eliminated next year if UNCA enrollments remain unmet. This would have fairly severe consequences on faculty positions and would inevitably result in cancelling two or three searches that are generally authorized. Dr. Wilson stated that the research literature is very clear that Freshman make the decision to stay or transfer within the first couple of months in the school year and faculty are the single most important component in all aspects of retention; areas like advising and adequate office hours can really make a difference in a student's decision to stay at UNCA. - Faculty Contracts Dr. Wilson apologized for the delay in mailing faculty contracts; the contracts should be in the mail tomorrow. - Faculty Handbook The Faculty Handbook is at the printers and should be in the faculty's hand by next week. - Committee Assignments Committee assignments are in the mail. - Budgets Dr. Cochran stated that allocations were made through the Council of Chairs' 101 budget this year. The business office withheld approximately 15% of the operating budget due in part to enrollment concerns for second semester. Most departments will be allocated less money than last year; this will hopefully be supplemented in mid-year, depending on enrollment. Dr. Cochran stated that there is no new money and UNCA's total budget was reduced .6 of 1%, decreasing the 101 budget an additional $20K. Dr. Wilson stated that the new budget flexibility system allows more opportunity to move operating money around but does not provide more money for faculty salaries or the library as they are protected categories. Also, the University has to submit a report at the end of the year explaining how moving money out of designated categories has improved the education offered at the institution. - Faculty Positions The following searches for faculty positions are currently approved for next year. Faculty replacements: two in Chemistry, one in Classics, one in Drama, one in Education, one in Literature & Language, two in Management, one in Music, and one in Sociology. Assuming UNCA meets its enrollment target, the departments of History and Biology will each receive one new faculty position. - Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees meets next Wednesday and Thursday. A retreat will be held Wednesday afternoon and a more normal meeting on Thursday. President Spangler will address the Board on Thursday and will restrict himself entirely to the bond issue. The President has urged active support for the bond issue among the constituent universities and is meeting with all the Chancellors in Chapel Hill tonight and tomorrow. The bond includes UNCA's addition to physical education and a health and fitness center for $5.5 million, the conference/intergenerational center for $3.9 million, and the NC Arboretum. Hopefully renovation money for Ramsey Library will be available this year. - Board of Visitors The Board of Visitors' meeting previously scheduled for early November has been postponed. - Highland Hospital In response to Mr. Wengrow's question regarding purchasing Highland Hospital, Dr. Wilson stated that the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor Arthur Foley met with Senator Winner and Representative Nesbitt recently and the hospital is now owned by one rather than two groups. The General Assembly has allocated $2 million to purchase the hospital. - Minority Affairs Report Dr. Browning asked if the administration planned to respond to the Minority Affairs report distributed last spring. Dr. Wilson stated that there were some important issues raised in the report and he would discuss this with Chancellor Schuman. V. Academic Policies Report Dr. Bob Yearout reported for the Academic Policies Committee. Dr. Yearout stated that the APC would meet briefly after the Senate meeting today. New guidelines for APC submissions will be mailed next Monday. VI. Institutional Development Report Dr. Gwen Henderson gave the Institutional Development Committee Report. -Guiding Concepts The UPC, UNCA's administrative cabinet, and members of IDC engaged in retreats last June and July. In December 1992, three guiding concepts were identified for immediate focus. The guiding concepts were quality enhancement, teaching emphasis, and student involvement. Participates at the June retreat identified diversity as a fourth guiding concept and outlined specific priorities for all four concepts. The July retreat resulted in a list of specific objectives and individuals responsible for developing action plans and budget estimates to be completed by August 15, 1993. At the first UPC regularly scheduled meeting it was discovered that all of the work was not complete; this was discussed in the administrative cabinet meeting the following day. -UPC A committee composed of Linda Nelms, Jeff Rackham and Larry Wilson has been formed to review UPC's mission, charge and composition. -Self Studies The UPC will review Self Studies of the Management/Accounting department in October and Drama department in November. VII. Faculty Welfare and Development Committee Report Ms. Mary Lynn Manns reported for the Faculty Welfare and Development Committee. - Policy on Extended Illness and Disability Ms. Manns stated that the most important item on FWDC's agenda was the policy on extended illness and disability for the faculty. The administration did not approve the policy upon advice of legal counsel at UNC-GA, citing it was too liberal and may conflict with the new federal Family Medical Leave Act of 1993. Ms. Manns stated that the policy needs to be reviewed and resubmitted. Senators interested in serving on the committee need to contact Ms. Manns as soon as possible. The current document could be separated as extended illness and disability are basically two different policies. VIII. Old Business There was no Old Business. IX. New Business - Gavel awarded to Don Lisnerski Dr. Browning presented Dr. Lisnerski with an engraved walnut gavel in appreciation for his work as Chair of the 1992- 1993 Faculty Senate. Dr. Lisnerski stated that he had mistakenly received a bill for the gavel but had not realized at the time that it would become a gift for him. Laughter and a round of applause followed. - Resolution Dr. Goedsche stated that the possibility of issuing a resolution was addressed at the last Senate meeting. Dr. Goedsche stated that she had explored this issue with colleagues and had a draft resolution written by Linda Nelms which could serve as a starting point for discussion if members of the Faculty Senate were interested. Dr. Goedsche read the draft resolution. The resolution was discussed with particular attention given to the tone and possible ramifications of issuing a resolution. The Senate discussed the search criteria and process, UNCA's approved mission statement, the desire to have more voice in the search process without complicating matters for the search committee, the merit of being able to tell the new chancellor what Chancellor Schuman had done wrong, and the confidentiality of personnel matters. A number of faculty on campus are frustrated by what happened to Chancellor Schuman and the manner in which the process was handled. Mr. Wengrow stated that it was essential that the Trustees on the search committee have a sense of confidence, trust, and collegiality with the faculty on the committee and that a resolution could appear as an advance reprimand to the Board and become a divisive issue. Dr. Browning assured the Senate that the Chair of the Board of Trustees is aware of the concern on campus. The Senate supported Dr. Browning's suggestion to ask Michael Gillum and Linda Nelms to review the language in the draft resolution before the next Senate meeting. Dr. Browning also urged every senator and alternate to make a concerted effort to speak to as many faculty as possible to determine their thoughts on this issue and to convey this information to Michael Gillum and Linda Nelms. X. Adjournment Dr. Browning adjourned the meeting at 4:55 pm. Respectfully submitted by: Sandra Gravely Mary Lynn Manns