THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE FACULTY SENATE MEETING Minutes, April 9, 1998 Senate Members: R. Bowen, W. Bruce, T. Dohse, M. Ghidina, J. Gupton, G. Henderson, G. Kormanik, K. Moorhead, C. Pons, I. Rossell, B. Sabo, R. Tynes, J. Pitts Excused: C. McKenzie, A. Wengrow Absent: M. Sidelnick Visitors: S. Browning, T. Cochran, P. Downes, D. James, D. Jones, J. Lackey, H. Lee, P. Neiters, R. Sensabaugh, A. Shope, A. Tatum, E. Winters I. Call to Order Dr. Dohse called the ninth meeting of the 1997-98 Faculty Senate to order at 3:20 pm and welcomed senators and guests. II. Administrative Report Dr. Jim Pitts gave the Administrative Report. Phased Retirement Meetings have been held with the two faculty members who expressed preliminary interest in the new Phased Retirement Program. Although Phased Retirement is a reality, there are some ambiguities in the program; however discussions have been very successful. Post Tenure Review As Faculty Senate Chair, Dr. Dohse will speak to the Board of Trustees next week about the Post Tenure Review document. Following approval from the BOT, the document will be forwarded to General Administration. Multimedia Arts and Sciences Chancellor Reed is at General Administration today where we expect to receive final approval on some important programs, including the new Multimedia Arts and Sciences program. Dr. Tom Cochran explained that $240K in equipment money must be spent by June 30 and the equipment must be delivered and paid for by June 15. $240K exceeds the amount the University is allowed to carry forward. Dr. Cochran outlined two workable scenarios to meet the spending requirement. One option would be to exchange a portion of the Multimedia money for the Educational Technology fee that is collected annually. We could upgrade a lab which fits under the guidelines of Educational Technology and commit $50K of the Educational Technology fee money exclusively for Multimedia for the next two years. A second option, which is less clear, involves money donated to the library from Square D to create a multimedia classroom. If the donors agree, charges could be shifted to the $250K budget in order to spend the money wisely and prudently. The Square D funds could be retained for two years, allowing us time to make investment decisions. Dr. Pitts stated that the Multimedia Arts and Science program will give us the opportunity to build a major and also interact with a variety of disciplines. Because the benefits are focused and strategically interwoven, our whole curriculum will move forward. Multi-disciplinary Engineering Program The University anticipates the approval of the Multi-disciplinary Engineering Program at General Administration today. Dr. Mike Littlejohn, Coordinator of the Multi-disciplinary Engineering Program, is looking forward to working in the UNCA environment because of our multi-disciplinary cooperation. Dr. Pitts stated that Claudel McKenzie has raised the issue of how we determine priorities and allocation of computers and other resources. As more resources become available, we will try to improve our allocation structure, making it more visible and reflective of campus priorities. Reorganization of Academic Affairs Dr. Pitts referred to the proposed reorganization of Academic Affairs as a way to improve the organization and division of labor without adding personnel. Because General Administration must be notified if we propose title changes, the campus announcements will be delayed until GA has approved these changes. As you may have seen on E-mail, one set of duties has been announced and faculty have been encouraged to submit names of persons who would like to carry out the role of Director of Teaching and Learning. The announcement for the Coordinator of IST Courses will be forthcoming in a couple of days. These are all important parts of our environment and our responsibility. Dr. Pitts thanked faculty for their input. III. Executive Committee Report Dr. Lothar Dohse gave the Executive Committee Report. Housekeeping going to midnight shift Dr. Dohse stated that he met with Chancellor Reed recently and she mentioned that the decision has been made to require the housekeeping staff to work the midnight shift, beginning this summer. There will be a reduced staff during the day. Dr. Dohse said he found it rather unfortunate that this decision had to be made. Dr. Reed concurred, but did not feel that she had any choice in the matter; it was either shift changes or outsourcing, and outsourcing may be the eventual outcome. Minority Affairs Commission Report Dr. Heon Lee and Dr. Dee James gave the Minority Affairs Commission Report. Dr. Lee, Chair of the Minority Affairs Commission (MAC), referred to the February 1, 1998 report "Diversity at The University of North Carolina at Asheville" prepared by Dr. James A. Anderson and Dr. Rebecca Leonard from NC State and provided background information. Since 1995, the MAC has been discussing the campus diversity issue. The members agree on the need for campus diversity but disagree on the reasons for little or no progress and what kinds of approaches would be best suited for UNCA. Last year the MAC decided to hire an outside consultant to examine the issue more objectively and to propose recommendations. In January 1998, Dr. Anderson and Dr. Leonard from NC State came to campus and met with several groups of people for one day. Senators received a copy of their report prior to the meeting. Dr. Lee emphasized that it was a preliminary report. He and Dr. Dee James came today to listen to the Senate's response and what they thought about the campus diversity issue, and the recommendations in the report. Dr. Dee James reported that she chaired the MAC last year when they came to the conclusion that they would need outside consultants, and she was responsible for contacting the consultants and bringing them to campus. She reiterated that this is a preliminary report. The idea was that the consultants would visit campus to get a sense of the campus climate. They met with four focus groups and then wrote a description of what they had found along with recommendations. Dr. Bruce questioned the meaning of the phrase "climate scan" which appeared twice in the report. Dr. James stated she assumed that it meant a systematic and complete sampling of campus opinion about this university. Dr. Pitts added that if a climate scan were done the sample would be stratified to represent different segments of the campus population by age, race, and employment category so you could have a sense of how representative any set of comments might be. Dr. Henderson stated that she was interested in the recommendation that stated the MAC did not have a clear charge. The Commission was formed when Dr. Larry Dorr was the VCAA and she was one of its first members. There was a clear charge and a discussion on what the membership should be, who was going to be involved, and the purpose of the MAC. It was formed for a distinct purpose and some of those purposes were listed as recommendations in this report. The last time she was on the Faculty Senate they found the original charge and reviewed it. She suggested that someone find the charge in the archives again because it appears that some changes transpired recently and if so, there has been a change in the original charge and purpose of the Commission. Dr. Henderson stated that she was bringing this up again today because a similar discussion came up a few years ago when Dr. Dwight Mullen was on the Senate. The Commission had the charge then; she asked, where is it now? Dr. Dohse asked for suggestions on how best to follow up on the report. Dr. Pitts stated that the issue of continuity of membership was addressed at the Commission meeting he attended and it may explain losing the sense of the charge. The Commission must have continuity as it goes forward, otherwise there will be a sense of incompleteness and lack of direction. Dr. James stated that Dr. Henderson correctly pointed out that there was a charge and that MAC had looked at this issue before when she was on the Commission. It seemed appropriate to review the charge again and check the mission statement. In the last couple of years the Commission has increased continuity so the work of the commission could go forward. But clearly, at least what the report suggested to her, though the charge may exist somewhere, that charge is not clear. We may need to promote the charge to the campus community so this won't be a recurring issue. Dr. Lee stated that he had seen the original charge but couldn't remember the exact content of it at this time. The report indicates that the diversity issue is a comprehensive issue related to almost every problem at UNCA. He suggested that the Senate think carefully about what might be done about the diversity issue, and whether the MAC or a separate Task Force should be formed to address campus diversity. Dr. Pons was interested in hearing what the members of the MAC thought of the report, if they thought it was on target, if it was a broader issue than originally conceived, and what, as a group, they thought the priorities should be? Dr. Sabo asked if the term "racial" diversity was left off the cover of the report, as that seemed to be the main focus of the report. Dr. James replied yes, it should have been in the title. Dr. Lee explained that MAC decided to focus on racial diversity because a 1993 report dealt with the issues of race and gender. The Commission reviewed the report and concluded, relatively speaking, that good progress had been made in terms of gender, but not racially, especially for African American faculty, staff and students. Dr. Sabo commented that this was the second consultant's report that the Senate had looked at this year. The tone of this report disturbed him and he responded very negatively to the comment in the report that only four Senators took the time to show up. If it had been scheduled at the time that the Senate was supposed to meet that might have changed things markedly. Overall, the tone was very combative, which might be warranted. He questioned the accuracy of the report's claims. One glaring deficiency is the comment that UNCA hasn't changed any programs since 1984. There have been a number of program changes that were not mentioned, including the African American Colloquium and the creation of Africana Studies. This report missed a lot of things that the University is attempting. It may very well be that our efforts are failing but we need to know how, so we can fix them. Dr. Sabo also argued that it was premature to ask the Senate for input. He suggested that the MAC: 1) find the charter; if the original charter is obsolete they should rewrite it, and, 2) analyze the report; pick three or four key ideas and develop a plan with priorities. The Commission should report back to the Senate in September or October with a prioritized plan. Dr. Sabo stated he would be happy to support a resolution that makes sense, would be on the record, and could be reviewed. Dr. Henderson also questioned the accuracy of the report. More than four to five people talked during the meeting with Department and Program Chairs, and more responses were made than the one from the library. The original charge to the Commission had to do with racial diversity. The charge addressed structure, continuity, and Chairmanship. If there has been a change in feelings concerning the charge, then MAC needs to review the original charge and find out what changes the campus is interested in pursuing. Dr. Ghidina agreed there can be problems with any report when information is collected in only one day. However, the worst scenario would be to do nothing. Dr. Bruce stated he had a different understanding of the report. His immediate concerns related to reports of demoralization and disaffection among minority faculty colleagues. Dr. Bruce suggested that the Faculty Senate do something sooner to address the concerns of our minority colleagues. Dr. Pitts stated each of the directions mentioned is positive. He also noted empirical errors in the report. One statement said that it had been years since we met with African American community off-campus when a meeting actually occurred two months prior to the consultants' visit. Somehow they got that wrong but it makes a big difference. This year Dr. Pitts also had some dialogue with the Commission about having faculty attend a large meeting on diversity and higher education sponsored by the ACE. In fact, this has been a year of increased activity but the report doesn't capture those efforts. The report also referred to a meeting of minority faculty when it was a mixed meeting of staff and faculty, and it may have been that the minority faculty present were not the numerical majority. Although Dr. Pitts questioned the empirical data in the report, he thought we should still move in these directions. Dr. Henderson agreed with Drs. Sabo and Ghidina and hoped that when senators leave today they won't find themselves hearing the same thing ten years from now. Referring to Dr. Pitts' earlier comment, Dr. Henderson said there may have been more staff and faculty in the meeting he referred to, but faculty present also expressed feelings of being disenfranchised. She suggested that the MAC review the charge, talk to different groups on campus, develop a plan, and present it to the Senate in September. Dr. Sabo reminded Senators of how Dr. Dohse opened the Executive Committee Report. The University is taking steps to remove the presence of a large number of African Americans from the students' lives by forcing the housekeeping staff to work night shift, and perhaps ultimately outsourcing them. Dr. Sabo made a motion that the Minority Affairs Commission come to the Senate next September with two specific items: 1) a reworking of the charter as they see necessary, and 2) a plan with specific steps and a time line for the next two to three years of what our priorities should be to expand racial diversity on campus in response to the consultants' report. Dr. Pons seconded the motion. In a friendly amendment Dr. Henderson added: "after consultation with appropriate groups." Dr. Kormanik asked the members of the MAC present if the motion was acceptable, if they needed any clarification, or if they would like to see any changes to support them in this effort. Dr. Lee and Dr. James indicated that they supported the motion. Mr. Tynes thought many Senators would be interested in seeing the original charge and asked that the MAC make copies available when they return in September. Dr. Bruce noted that the consultants didn't meet with any students, which is an important gap, and he wanted to know what it would require to obtain more accurate data, such as the cost of a scan. Although he supported the motion, he did not like the idea that these issues are only being addressed by the MAC. If an important group of our faculty feels separated, discounted, or invisible, then we should all be working to remedy this problem immediately. Dr. James stated that students were excluded from the report because the consultants were asked to focus specifically on the problem of African American faculty and staff recruitment and retention. In response to Dr. Henderson's last point, Dr. Sabo agreed that we should all be involved, but one of the ideas of the structure of the campus and the structure of the faculty is to have committees whose expertise is focused on an issue. Dr. Kormanik asked if the MAC had sufficient staff representation and Dr. James replied that they would discuss the structure of the Commission. Dr. Pitts indicated that SPA staff morale is deteriorating. After further discussion Mr. Tynes called the question. The motion passed unanimously as amended. IV. Student Government Association Report Mr. Adrian Tatum, out-going SGA President gave the Student Government Association report. Mr. Al Donaldson was recently elected President of the 1998-99 Student Government Association. Mr. Eric Winters was elected Vice President. V. Academic Policies Report Dr. Bill Sabo reported for the Academic Policies Committee. First Reading The following document was distributed for first reading: APC 25: Creation of Art Seminar and Revision of the Bachelor of Art Emphasis Second Reading The following documents were considered for second reading: APC 21: Requirements for Declaring a Sociology Major (Sabo/Ghidina) This document requires that students demonstrate a minimum background and proficiency in Sociology before pursing an in-depth study in the field. APC 21 passed unanimously and became Senate Document 2798S. APC 22: Editorial Disclaimer (Sabo/Bowen) APC 22 clarifies that the catalog is not a contract between the University and the student but rather a set of guidelines which the student, faculty, and staff should follow. The University must be willing to make changes in degree program requirements, administrative policies, and course listings in order to adapt to the changing demands of society. Speaking for the students, Doug Jones, a senator in Student Government argued that the wording gave the University too much flexibility and could endanger students who are following one program only to find the requirements changed before they graduate. He also claimed that the wording of the two paragraphs is contradictory. Rebecca Sensabaugh responded that the statement had been approved by the university attorneys who encouraged its inclusion in the catalog. She also claimed that there were ample protections for students who were continually enrolled in the university. After further discussion of the wording and the meaning of the paragraphs Dr. Ghidina called the question. APC 22 passed unanimously and became Senate Document 2898S. APC 23: Changes to Withdrawal Policy (Sabo/Henderson) APC 23 makes it clear that students must be prepared to submit documentation of the circumstances which precipitate their requests for withdrawal. The addition of the one calendar year deadline will prevent students from submitting requests beyond a reasonable time frame. APC 23 passed with one abstention and became Senate Document 2998S. APC 24: Clarification of Requirements for a Minor and a Post-Baccalaureate Major (Sabo/Henderson) This document clarifies post-graduate course requirements and puts in writing what has been practiced for many years. APC 24 passed with a vote of 9 to 1 and became Senate Document 3098S. VI. Faculty Welfare and Development Committee Report Dr. Marcia Ghidina gave the Faculty Welfare and Development Committee Report. Faculty Election Results Faculty Senate (1998-2001): Tracey Rizzo, Mike Ruiz, Robert Dunning, Keith Krumpe, Pamela Nickless. Alternates (1998-1999): Pat McClellan, Gina Miller, Peter Caulfield. Nominations for Election Ballots The Faculty Senate approved the following slates for election ballots. - UNC Faculty Assembly Ballot: John Stevens, Don Lisnerski, Gary Nallan, Bruce Greenawalt. - Academic Appeals Board Ballot: Melinda Costello, David Hopes, Don Lisnerski, Bill Miller, Mark Latz, Sheryl Sawin, Chris Bell, Ken Betsalel. - Faculty Conciliator Alternate Nominees: Don Lisnerski, Dwight Mullen, Jeanne McGlinn, and Melissa Himelein. The Student Government Association will elect the Alternate from the slate. After serving 1998-1999 as Alternate, the person will serve as Faculty Conciliator in 1999-2000. - Capital Campaign Executive Committee Linda Nelms, Charles McKnight, and Tracy Brown have been appointed to serve on the Capital Campaign Executive Committee. VII. Institutional Development Committee/University Planning Council Report: Dr. Kevin Moorhead gave the Institutional Development Committee/University Planning Council report in Mr. Arnold Wengrow's absence. The UPC has been reviewing Self Studies of three science departments. Dr. Moorhead stated that the University's progress toward achieving our long range planning objectives is being placed in tabular form, delineating what has been completed and what remains to be done. Regarding strategic planning, Dr. Pitts stated that the Academic Affairs group determined that strategic planning should to conducted in June rather than August. VIII. Old Business - Annual Committee Report In accordance with Senate Document 1490S, all the Chairs of standing and ad hoc committees of the faculty are to submit a report of their significant activities for the year to the VCAA and the Chairs of the Senate and FWDC by May 30. This report should list uncompleted projects and recommended activities for the next academic year, and any proposed changes in the committee structure, membership or focus. The report should be made available to new committee chairs to aid in accomplishing committee objectives. IX. New Business - Sense of the Senate Dr. Sabo moved the following Sense of the Senate to be forwarded to Chancellor Reed: To honor his long and distinguished service to the University of North Carolina at Asheville and its liberal arts mission, the Faculty Senate encourages the Chancellor to name the new classroom being constructed in Ramsey Library in honor of Mel Blowers with ceremony commensurate with his many contributions. Mr. Bowen seconded the motion, which passed unanimously and became Senate Document 3198S. Dr. Bruce asked who would be continuing on the Senate next year as all three alternates served on the Senate this year. Alternate Mark Sidelnick was elected to replace Henry Stern for one year; Dr. Stern will complete his three-year term next year. Alternate John Gupton was elected to replace Pat McClellan and he will return next year. Alternate Cathy Pons was elected in a special election and she will serve the next two-years on the Senate. For clarification Dr. Sabo explained that it was the ruling of the Senate Chair that Dr. Stern, since he was on leave, would return for his third year. That was the ruling and no one appealed it. Consequently, Mark Sidelnick was appointed for one year and the other alternates will continue the terms of the senators they replaced. X. Adjournment Dr. Dohse adjourned the meeting at 5:00 pm. Respectfully submitted by: Sandra Gravely Marcia Ghidina