THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE FACULTY SENATE MEETING Minutes, March 9, 1995 Senate Members: S. Browning, P. Caulfield, C. Goedsche, D. Howard, C. James, N. Kauffman, B. Larson, P. Laughon, P. McDonald, M. L. Manns, B. Miller, P. Snoyer, B. Yearout, K. Whatley, A. White-Carter, L. Wilson Visitors: K. Betsalel, D. Hoover, D. Lisnerski, R. Maas, B. McDougald, C. Mitchell, P. Reed, B. Sensabaugh, A. Shope I. Call to Order Dr. Browning welcomed senators and guests and called the meeting to order at 3:20 pm. Approval of Minutes The minutes of January 26, 1995 and February 9, 1995 were presented for approval. An editorial correction was made to change "1996" to "1995" in each set of minutes. The minutes were approved as corrected. II. Administrative Report Dr. Larry Wilson gave the Administrative Report. Budget Dr. Wilson reported that both the Governor's and Legislature's budget proposals were discussed at a recent Chief Academic Officers meeting. The Governor has proposed a 2% reduction in the University system budget ($30M), while the Legislature has proposed a 3% reduction ($40M). A partial list of categories under deliberation by the Governor and/or the General Assembly includes an operating base budget reduction, a salary increase of 2% for the university system, and a 3% tuition increase. Faculty teaching positions are protected in both budget proposals. However, non-teaching (EPA and SPA) positions are affected in each proposal. Each year the enrollment budget has an operating principal which comes from the Board of Governors. It appears clear that the 2% window will no longer exist and, if approved, the 2% margin of safety will be eliminated. There is concern as the entire university system has been below projected increases for the third consecutive year. UNCA is 4% below the approved budgetary enrollment target of 2620 FTE. If the General Assembly enacts legislation to appropriate funding at the actual level of enrollment, UNCA and 1/2 to 2/3 of the university members will have a reduction in the enrollment budget. The Governor is projecting for the State to have a $500M surplus this year; President Spangler believes the surplus will be closer to $1B. Faculty positions will be protected unless there is a change in enrollment funding. In addition to holding the universities to actual enrollment levels, in some unidentified quarters there is discussion of raising the number of students required to generate faculty positions. Five years ago, 15.7 FTE students generated one faculty position. In 1991, this was raised to 16.4 FTE and UNCA lost six faculty positions. Last summer it was reduced to 16.0 FTE and UNCA got back three and one-half positions. On a good note, officials don't expect to have to return any money this year beyond the historical reversion rate of $400K. Officials have been guarding an additional $300K against the potential of having additional funds required for reversion; it now appears that this will not be the case. Included in the $300K reserve is $100K for academic equipment. Chancellor Reed urged faculty to talk with decision-makers about the budget proposals. UNCA officials have already met with the Board of Trustees, and plan to have full meetings of the Trustees, as well as local legislators, concerning these issues. Dr. Reed stated that the more we can inform people about the potential detriment to the system, and the impact on UNCA, the more likely we are to be able to make some modifications. Dr. Wilson stated that the budget flexibility concept, which allows officials to move some money around internally, is apparently under scrutiny by the legislature. There is continuing legislative concern about low productivity of faculty, but this is focused on the graduate universities. A list of 396 faculty positions are targeted for elimination, none from UNCA. In another category, a 5% reduction in budget for public service activities is proposed. The Legislature also has a renewed interest in assessment. Three years ago Dr. Wilson distributed "The Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Teaching." The Joint Educational Legislative Committee has learned of these seven principles and has appointed a consultant who is an advocate of these principles. There is some concern about an increasing number of applicants to the University of North Carolina taking the ACT exam. Although Dr. Wilson does not believe it is possible, efforts are underway to develop a formula that will equate the ACT to the SAT. Last year the General Assembly appropriated $50K for providing tuition remission for underprivileged minority first- generation students to attend college. These funds are in escrow and cannot be spent until students contacted in the sixth grade come to college. Both Vice President Memory and President Spangler made a strong appeal that faculty should be writing more grant proposals. Enrollment Projections for next year's enrollment continue to be strong, with increases of 17% on applications and 22% on deposits. Dr. Wilson predicts that UNCA will need 460-470 new Freshman to reach the enrollment target for next year if the number of Transfers and Continuing students remain constant. Lack of housing and lack of financial aid could cause this very strong pool of applicants to soften. For the entire year, UNCA's graduation rate will remain stable. Dr. Wilson stressed the importance of holding retention and urged faculty to work with advisees and colleagues. Also, if a student is thinking about leaving, contact Caroline Miller and the Advising Office. If retention holds, UNCA has a good chance of making its enrollment target. President Spangler's parting words were "you will make your enrollment target." The profile of accepted Freshman is identical to last year, with an average SAT score of 1,069 and 70% in the top fifth of their high school class. Dr. Reed reported that officials are working on leasing housing and apartment houses close to the campus so the university can make space available to students. Also, efforts are being made through the Development Office, with the help of some Trustees, to get additional scholarship money for small scholarships in the neighborhood of $500. Chancellor Reed's Installation The Chancellor's installation will be held on September 15th; classes after 12:05 pm will be cancelled. III. Executive Committee Report Dr. Shirley Browning gave the Executive Committee Report. Belk Professorship Candidates for the two Belk Professorships will be on campus for a period of about two weeks after spring break. Faculty involved in any of the humanities courses should contact the course coordinator for HUM 124 or 414 if they would like to meet the candidates. Executive Meeting The Executive Committee spent a fair amount of time discussing with Chancellor Reed and Vice Chancellor Wilson a student incident in the cafeteria. The Minority Affairs Commission will be meeting tomorrow to address some of the concerns. The Executive Committee will be making recommendations to the Tenure Committee and Dr. Wilson on the matter of three retiring faculty whose supervisors are making recommendations for emeritus status. IV. Student Government Report No report. V. Academic Policies Report Dr. Bob Yearout reported for the Academic Policies Committee. Second Reading: The following documents were considered for Second Reading: APC #16: Catalog Changes in Environmental Studies (Yearout/Goedsche). APC #16 passed with one abstention and became Senate Document #1895S. APC #20: Course Changes in Political Science (Yearout/Goedsche). The Senate discussed the meaning of the word "womenism." APC #20 passed and became Senate Document #1995S. APC #21: Change in Political Science Curriculum (Yearout/Miller). APC #21 passed and became Senate Document #2095S. APC #23: Modification of Audit Classification (Yearout/Goedsche). A typographical correction was accepted as a friendly amendment. APC #23 passed and became Senate Document #2195S. First and Second Reading (vote to suspend Comer Rule): Dr. Yearout explained the APC's rationale for suspending the Comer Rule on two documents. Dr. Miller moved to suspend the Comer Rule and Dr. Whatley seconded the motion. The motion passed. The following documents were considered for First and Second Reading: APC #18: Africana Studies Minor (Yearout/Kauffman) APC #18 passed and became Senate Document #2295S. APC #24: Delete the course MCOM 190 Mass Media and Society (Yearout/Miller). APC #24 passed and became Senate Document #2395S. Agenda Items As all Catalog issues for the year are completed, the APC will consider the followings issues: plagiarism, the number of hours in a minor, awarding distinction, the possibility of dealing with a document on special distinction, oral competency, and increasing minority enhancement. VI. Institutional Development Committee/University Planning Council Report Dr. Kathy Whatley gave the Institutional Development Committee/University Planning Council Report. Dr. Whatley distributed a handout for information purposes. Campus Fiber Optic Network After reviewing information provided by Mr. Kern Parker, Director of the Computer Center, and consultants from the Trellis Communications Corporation, the UPC recommends that the Campus Fiber Optic Backbone project be moved to the highest available priority for capital funding, both within and without the State funding system. The UPC also recommends that investigation into alternative funding for this project begin immediately. This project is essential if UNCA is to provide adequate computing and information-gathering facilities for faculty and students. Literature and Language Self-Study The UPC commends the Department of Literature and Language for the high quality of the Self-Study and recommends, in part, that the Chair commit to two consecutive three-year terms when possible, that the department commit part of the unused departmental reassigned time allotment (3 hours) to the Chair of the Writing Committee, that the VCAA reevaluate the departmental photocopy budget and consider increasing the funds available, and that the administration commit resources toward providing more funding for computers for faculty. Recommendation on Student Fees for 1995-1996 The UPC recommends that the Educational and Technology part of the student fee be increased from $9 to $50. While this action will raise the total student fees, UNCA will still have one of the lowest tuition and fees totals in the UNC system. The funds raised will enable UNCA to maintain adequate computing and educational equipment facilities in spite of state budget cuts and non-payment of contractual fees by Western Carolina University. Dr. Wilson and Dr. Browning reviewed the history of the contractual fees by Western Carolina University dating back to the early-1980's. Evaluation Survey for Administrative Office The UPC recommends the distribution and evaluation of a survey of perceptions of UNCA administrative offices. This will likely take place next fall. Update on Environmental Studies Self-Study Last spring the Environmental Studies was asked to have external reviewers look at the department; the process of choosing consultants is moving along. VII. Faculty Welfare and Development Committee Report Mary Lynn Manns gave the Faculty Welfare and Development Committee report. Elections The ballots for the Tenure Committee election will be going out after spring break. Distinguished Teacher Committee At the January 26th meeting, the Senate approved a slate of faculty to serve on the Distinguished Teacher Committee. Dr. Marcia Ghidina has replaced Dr. Dwight Mullen as the social science representative as Dr. Mullen was nominated for this award. Faculty Conciliator Ms. Manns reported that the current Faculty Conciliator attended a recent FWDC meeting and expressed concerns about the position. The position needs to be defined so that the individual serving in this capacity knows what they should and should not do. Members of the FWDC will examine this issue and bring a document to APC for first reading. A lengthy procedural discussion ensued. Ms. Becky Sensabaugh volunteered to explain the Buckley Amendment concerning students' rights and disclosure issues to those reviewing this position. Second Reading: The following document was considered for second reading: FWDC #4: Policy on Extended Illness and Serious Disability for Faculty (Manns/Miller). Revisions were made to this document at the last meeting; senators received corrected copies for review. Dr. Wilson stated that GA is reviewing this issue for the entire system. In a friendly amendment, the phrase "(Other Than Twelve Months)" was deleted from the title. FWDC #4 was unanimously approved and became Senate Document #2495S. VIII. Old Business There was no Old Business. IX. New Business Dr. Wilson stated that paper costs may increase by as much as 30% next year. Dr. Wilson asked faculty with information on two-year Catalogs to contact him or Dr. Caroline Miller. X. Adjournment Dr. Browning adjourned the meeting at 4:50 pm. Members of the Executive Committee and APC remained for brief meetings. Respectfully submitted by: Sandra Gravely Mary Lynn Manns