Excused: R. Dunning, G. Kormanik, K. Krumpe, I. Rossell

Visitors: S. Browning, T. Cochran, A. Donaldson, B. Dussaucy, L. Gasaway, E. Henshaw, S. Honeycutt, L. Nelms, C. McClary, K. Ray, B. Sensabaugh, A. Shope, M. Smith

Approval of Minutes
The following corrections were made to the March 11, 1999 minutes:

A sentence was added for clarification to page three, line two, "While changes are possible, this is not the intent or purpose of the review." The wording was amended on page four, section 3): "department chairs vote on the plan at the next Department Chairs and Program Directors meeting; ...". The minutes were approved as amended.

II. Administrative Report
Ms. Linda Nelms introduced Laura Gasaway, Professor of Law at UNC Chapel Hill, Chair of the UNC Faculty Assembly, and Director of the Law Library. According to Ms. Nelms, Dr. Gasaway has been a remarkable Faculty Assembly Chair for the last year and a half. She has kept the representatives extremely well informed via E-mail; has set up conferences in the problem areas of copyright and distance learning; and, she will have visited each of the 16 Faculty Senates by year's end.

Dr. Gasaway reported that the Faculty Assembly was constituted in 1972 and has 50 delegates from the 16 campuses. Each campus has at least two delegates with a maximum of five; the number of delegates is proportionate to the number of faculty. The Faculty Assembly responds to and initiates issues with the President. President Broad is interested in faculty views on higher education and ways to move the system forward.

The Faculty Assembly's Web site has links to all faculty documents on campuses that have information in an electronic format. This enables faculty to peruse other campus' Faculty Handbooks, tenure/promotion policies, and other vital documents. The Web site also includes an "issues and concerns" page. Faculty with concerns who wish to remain anonymous should contact Dr. Gasaway.

The Assembly's goals are to: 1) complete the revision of the 1989 By Laws;  2) investigate the 1972 Committee structure; and 3) continue proactivity.  

Dr. Bruce Larson, Chair of the Budget Committee, was instrumental in ensuring that budget documents exist in the libraries on all 16 campuses. A study on faculty involvement in the budget process on each campus is conducted annually and is produced in a chart format so comparisons can be made with other institutions.

Dr. Gasaway discussed the Copyright Colloquium held by the Faculty Assembly and funded by General Administration. A Task Force has been appointed to develop a policy framework on the use of copyrighted works in teaching and research on the campuses. It intends to draft a systemwide policy on copyright ownership. The majority of the task force is comprised of faculty. UNCA's librarian Jim Kuhlman serves on the task force.

The Faculty Assembly is also involved in a study on Post-Tenure Review and Phased Retirement and how it affects faculty work-life, tuition, and professional development issues.

The Faculty Assembly is working to resolve the serious problem presented by the NC Public Records Law and the Computer Use Policy. According to the NC Public Records Law, faculty research data stored on state-owned computers are subject to the public records law. There is protection for human experimentation, whether medical or psychological.

Summer Exchange Program
Dr. Cathy Pons introduced Professor Bernard Dussaucy, the principal of St. Joseph's Academy in Dijon, France. He is on campus to help plan for the summer exchange program which will bring French students to our campus in June. This is the third year for the exchange program, which is supported by Academic Affairs, Overseas Studies, and the Florence Gould Foundation.

III. Executive Committee Report
Dr. Bill Sabo gave the Executive Committee Report in Dr. Kormanik's absence.
Chancellor's Staff Advisory Committee (CSAC)
Steve Honeycutt reported for the Chancellor's Staff Advisory Committee (CSAC). The CSAC is a representative group of SPA and EPA Non-Teaching employees elected by their peers. SPA employees are "Subject to the Personnel Act" while EPA employees are "Exempt from the Personnel Act." The committee's charge is to advise the Chancellor. Its mission is to constructively address the concerns of UNCA employees, provide professional growth through education, and foster communication.

Mr. Honeycutt distributed the latest CSAC Newsletter which summarized how UNCA's SPA employees compare to the other UNC schools. The results are striking in three categories. Compared to SPA employees in other UNC schools, the average salary of UNCA employees is $24,589 -- third lowest in the system. Sixty-six percent of UNCA's employees earn below $25,000 -- second lowest in the system. And the percentage of SPA employees who are at/below the midpoint of their salary range is 94.9% -- the highest in the system. According to the February 28, 1999 issue of the Asheville Citizen-Times, the average salary of a government worker in Buncombe County is $29,120. The average salary for all workers in Buncombe County is $32,000. Although salary is a major reason for low staff morale, CSAC is also addressing other concerns. SPA employees: 1) are evaluated annually while no formal evaluation exists for EPA employees; 2) are treated differently from faculty concerning snow days; 3) lack promotional opportunities; and, 4) have never had a voice, even in matters that directly concern them, except through the chain of command.

During discussion the Senate learned that the CSAC had no authority regarding outsourcing. Staff need to be informed when studies are underway and when there is a possibility of job loss. The CSAC has proposed a policy formula used in other parts of the state to address salary issues; currently new employees make virtually the same salary as long-time employees. Although Chancellor Reed initiated the advisory group, President Broad has mandated that each campus have a staff advisory group. Chancellor Reed meets with the Faculty Senate Chair monthly. The CSAC Chair does not meet with the Chancellor in a similar fashion.

II. Administrative Report
Dr. Sabo returned to the Administrative Report.
Proposed Class Times for Spring 2000 and Beyond
Dr. Cochran distributed a document on "Proposed Class Times for Spring 2000 and Beyond." Dr. Browning and Dr. Weast worked with some faculty and Chairs in formulating the schedule and the administration will discuss the proposal with the Chairs next Monday.

Several Senators questioned the timing of the proposal, why the change would be implemented in Spring 2000 rather than Fall 2000, and why the process was occurring so quickly. Dr. Browning stated one reason the administration is bringing this to the Senate today and the Chairs on Monday is so they can rearrange the classroom assignments, although some assignments will likely remain the same. Senators reiterated displeasure with the timing of the proposal and the manner in which the decision was being made.

Second Reading:
The following document was considered for Second Reading:

EC 2 (modified): Senate Declaration on Civil Behavior

An editorial correction was made to the last sentence of the document. The Senate discussed the word "behavior".

Dr. Rizzo made a motion to insert the word "disability" between the words "...sexual orientation," and "social class,...". Dr. Ghidina seconded the motion, which passed. The amended sentence reads: "Any disrespectful, intimidating, or hostile behavior based on gender, sexual orientation, disability, social class, race, ethnicity, or religion is an affront to the community and all of its members."

EC 2 passed as amended with one abstention and became Senate Document 3799S.

IV. Student Government Association Report
Al Donaldson reported for the Student Government Association.
The SGA recently passed a bill on increasing the number of minority scholarships.

In campus elections, Wiley Cash was elected President and Chris Green was elected Vice President. Senators are invited to the April 14th inauguration of the new student government at 9:00 pm in the Owen Conference Center.

Mr. Donaldson stated that student organizations have become isolated and consequently they aren't as effective. He has been working with three departmental student organizations (African American Student Association, International Student Association, and Underdog Productions) to address the issue of school pride and to encourage student organizations to work together.

One of the most important pieces of legislature passed this year was the Constitutional amendment to establish legislative review of university policies. While the SGA does not want to deter the decision-making process, the Student Senate wants to take a proactive posture. Suggestions included sending documents to the Student Senate after they are passed by the APC/UPC, and having input on the capital campaign and the Housing booklet.

Dr. Sabo stated that the SGA currently has representatives on committees which act two months prior to any Faculty Senate action. He understood the purpose of the student representative was to inform the SGA on what was happening. He suggested that the SGA determine what issues they want to be involved in, then perhaps submit a proposal to the UPC under the new administration.

The Senate thanked Mr. Donaldson for his hard work as Student President.

V. Academic Policies Report
Ms. Claudel McKenzie reported for the Academic Policies Committee.
First Reading
The following documents were distributed for First Reading:

APC 29: Environmental Studies: AP Credit, 450, 381, 384, 490, 495 and Description of Track in General Environmental Studies.

APC 30: PSCY 463 (FIELDWORK).

APC 31: Replacing "Program" and "Track" Titles according to CIP guidelines

APC 32: Repetition of Variable Credit Courses.

APC 33: Deletion of Courses Mandated by the Sunset Policy.

APC 34: New Name for the Chemistry 105 Course.

Ms. McKenzie explained that APC 34 is replacing the deleted title for Chemistry with "Chemistry in Social Context." The title change was inadvertently deleted from the final APC document submitted to the Senate. The original document substantially changed the purpose of the course and the new title is essential in capturing the purpose and content of the class. The Senate has approved the document which changed the course.

Dr. Gupton moved to waive the Comer Two Reading Rule in order to consider APC 34. Dr. Ghidina seconded the motion, which passed. APC 34 was considered for second reading. APC 34 passed unanimously and became Senate Document 3899S.

Second Reading:
The following documents were considered for Second Reading:

APC 23: Foreign Language Placement Examinations.
APC 23 passed unanimously and became Senate Document 3999S.

APC 24: Catalog Description of Bachelor of Science in Engineering- Mechatronics Degree from North Carolina State University.
Editorial corrections were made to the document. APC 24 passed unanimously as amended and became Senate Document 4099S.

APC 25: Addition of Drama 123.
An editorial correction was made to the document. APC 25 passed unanimously as amended and became Senate Document 4199S.

APC 26: Political Science: Addition of 348, 354, and 383, and Revision of 385.
An editorial correction was made to the document. APC 26 passed unanimously as amended and became Senate Document 4299S.

APC 27: Major Declaration in Art and Comprehensive Exams.
Editorial corrections were made to the document. APC 27 passed unanimously as amended and became Senate Document 4399S.

APC 28: Catalog Copy for Multimedia Arts and Sciences.
An editorial correction was made to the document. APC 28 passed unanimously as amended and became Senate Document 4499S.

VI. Institutional Development Committee/University Planning Council Report
Dr. Peter Caulfield gave the Institutional Development Committee/University Planning Council report. Dr. Ghidina presided over the meeting during this report.
First Reading:
The following document was distributed for First Reading:

IDC 5: UPC Response to Minority Affairs Commission Proposal.

Second Reading:
The following document was considered for Second Reading:

IDC 3: Request for Authorization to Plan a New Degree Program: B.S. in Public Health Promotion.

The Senate discussed funding, SACS requirements, interdisciplinary courses, date of establishment, the sequence in establishing a new degree program, and the use of ideological statements. IDC 3 passed with two abstentions and became Senate Document 4599S.

IDC 4: Request for Authorization to Plan a New Degree Program: B.S. in Sports Medicine.

IDC noted that both IDC 3 and IDC 4 had to be crafted in such a way to fit the liberal arts mission. The department Chairs of biology, chemistry, psychology and sociology endorsed a letter indicating that this is being approached in a way that is consistent with the liberal arts mission at UNCA. The Senate discussed: peer institutions; pursuing two "requests to plan" simultaneously; the expectation of success; using the phrase "critical thinking/critical thought"; the aging of society; and program demand. IDC 4 passed with three abstentions and became Senate Document 4599S.

History Department Self Study
Dr. Caulfield distributed the UPC/IDC's recommendations for the History Department Self Study for informational purposes.

VII. Faculty Welfare and Development Committee Report
Dr. Marcia Ghidina gave the Faculty Welfare and Development Committee Report. Dr. Sabo presided over the remainder of the meeting.
Election Results
Hearings Committee (1999-2001):
Cindy Ho
Cheryl McClary
Kathy Whatley

Tenure Committee (1999-2001):
Sherry Gale
Pamela Nickless
Pat Snoyer

Grievance Committee (1999-2001):
Marcia Ghidina
Steve Patch
Bill Sabo

Faculty Senate (1999-2002):
Forest Davenport
Cathy Mitchell
Bruce Larson
Dave Peifer
Gordon Wilson
Alternates (1999-2000): Kevin Moorhead, Afaf Omer, Alice Weldon

Committee Nominations
The Faculty Senate approved the following FWDC committee nominations based upon committee preference forms:

Distinguished Scholars Committee (1999-2001)
This committee helps the chancellor select commencement speakers and those receiving honorary degrees; must be full professor; one from natural science.

Jim Perry
Sandy Malicote
Continuing Members: Mark Gibney, Alan Hantz, Marcel Andrade

University Research Council (1999-2001)
Sheryl Sawin
Scott Walters

University Teaching Council (1999-2001)
Tucker Cooke
Michelle Patrick

Masters of Liberal Arts Council (1999-2001)
Cindy Ho
Ken Betsalel

Minority Affairs Commission (1999-2001)
Dee James

University Relations Faculty Advisory Committee (1999-2001)
This committee advises the Vice Chancellor for University Relations on external affairs; serves as liaison between Vice Chancellor for University Relations and faculty and staff, etc.

Gene Rainey
Milton Ready
Helen Wykle

UNCA Foundation (1999-2001)
Robert Spear

VllI. Old Business
Dr. William Bruce reminded senators to complete the questionnaires they received from Nancy Brewer.

IX. New Business
Proposal for a reception to honor Retiring Faculty
Academic Affairs has suggested that the Faculty Senate host a faculty retirement party following the May 17 faculty meeting. Academic Affairs will finance the event. Dr. Cochran clarified that faculty who have elected to enter phased retirement will not be acknowledged at this event as they are still members of the faculty. The Senate agreed to host the party and will relay this information to Dr. Kormanik.

Proposal to acknowledge the efforts of the Chancellor's Search Committee
A draft proposal to formally acknowledge the efforts of the Chancellor's Search Committee was distributed. Dr. Sabo discussed two letters, one for faculty members, and a slightly different version for other committee members.

Dr. Ghidina made a motion to that the Senate send a letter to members of the search committee. The motion was seconded by Ms. McClellan. Dr. Browning stated previous chancellor search committees have hosted a party and given gifts to the community members who served on the committee; these individuals give a great deal of their time to serve in this capacity. The recipients appreciated the gesture and it has been remembered in many different ways. The motion passed.

Dr. Rizzo made a motion that the Senate send the original letter as distributed. Mr. Bowen seconded the motion. After consideration, Mr. Bowen withdrew his second. Dr. Gupton seconded the motion. Following discussion, the motion failed.

Dr. Ghidina made a motion that she and Dr. Sabo edit the original letter. Ms. McKenzie seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

X. Adjournment
Dr. Sabo adjourned the meeting at 5:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by: Sandra Gravely
                                        Marcia Ghidina
                                        William Bruce