Appalachian State University

Faculty Senate Minutes

 

 March 19, 2007 (Approved)

 

The Faculty Senate meeting was called to order by Chair Marking at 3:20 pm in the William Strickland Conference Room in I.G. Greer on Monday, March 19, 2007.  Senators Horton, Marland, and McKinney were not in attendance.

 

I.            Announcements:

             

 

 

 

 

II.          Visitors Reports:

 

 

WHEREAS the vague and ambiguous understanding of the meaning of the term "collegiality," which can range from 'team spirit' to cronyism, continues to undermine the integrity of tenure evaluations on some UNC campuses, and

 

WHEREAS the American Association of University Professors discourages inclusion of collegiality in criteria for tenure and has warned of its chilling effect on faculty academic expression and its possible misuse as a pretext for discrimination, and

 

WHEREAS the AAUP further rightfully notes that "institutions of higher education should instead focus on developing clear definitions of scholarship, teaching and service, in which the virtues of collegiality are reflected," and

 

WHEREAS the term "collegiality" is nowhere mentioned in the UNC Code's policy statement regarding tenure (Chapter VI, Section 602), therefore

 

BE IT RESOLVED that the Appalachian State University Faculty Senate urges amending the Faculty Handbook to specifically proscribe collegiality as a separate criterion and reiterates its firm commitment to tenure decisions based solely on assessments of teaching, research and service.

 

Chair Marking read an email she received stating concern about the removal of collegiality from tenure and promotion decisions.  “Departmental culture and environment are critical to the development of positive faculty morale, I think the  ability to ‘get along’ with your colleagues should be valid measure for one’s overall professionalism…I strongly support the continued inclusion of the term ‘collegiality’ in the promotion and tenure criteria of ASU.”  Senator Butts stated that the Faculty Handbook allows departments to develop their own criterion that may be more specific than the generalized criterion in the Faculty Handbook.  Senator Felkel moved and Senator McBride seconded to refer the resolution to the Faculty Handbook Committee for further study and recommendation.  Discussion ensued and Senator Huelsman called the question.  Motion passed.  (See Vote #1).

             

III.                     Minutes:

 

A.          Chair Marking asked for a motion to approve the February 12, 2007 Faculty Senate minutes.  Senator McBride moved and Senator Mamlin seconded.  Motion passed.  (See Vote #2).                  

IV.         Provost’s Report: 

 

              A.          Dr. Aeschleman informed the Senate that Academic Affairs plans to create an administrative unit called University College.  Several universities across the country, such as Montana State University, Ohio University, and Arizona State University, have implemented this model.  The Provost explained that units that have an academic focus, for example Honors Program, Academic Advising, Student Research, Service Learning, yet do not have a collegial home would be combined into an organizational structure called University College.  Orientation, general advising, testing services, service learning, student research, IDS, and eventually, general education would become academic units.  One benefit of this model allows units that have an academic focus, but have mostly non-faculty personnel, opportunities for more interaction and connection with faculty.   The Provost stated that University Colleges would be revenue neutral, saving approximately $200,000 per year.   Dr. Haney would serve as the administrator of the unit.

             

V.          Committee Reports (Committee Chair’s name is in caps.)

             

              A.           Academic Policies  (HUELSMAN, Butts, Mamlin, Smith, Williams)

 

                            No Report.

 

              B.          Agenda Committee (MARKING, Arnold, Harris, Marland)

                           

                            No Report.

 

              C.          Budget Committee (STRAZICICH, Marland, McBride, Scherlen)

             

                            No Report.

 

              D.          Campus Planning Committee (TILLER, Arnold, Kaenzig, Ramey)

 

                            No Report.

 

              E.          Committee on Committees (LAMBERT, Horton, Malloy, Mines)

             

Senator Lambert provided an update on the upcoming university committee elections.  She stated that three faculty from the School of Music are needed to fill vacancies on the Graduate Council, Faculty Due Process, and Awards Committees.  Two faculty from College of Business are needed to fill vacancies on the Graduate Council and Awards Committee.  Two Library faculty are needed to fill vacancies on Faculty Due Process and Awards Committees.  Senator Arnold reported that nominees for Faculty Senate have been difficult to obtain.  Nominations from College of Business are needed for one Faculty Senate seat. 

 

             F.          Faculty Handbook Committee (MARKING, Arnold, Gates, Marland)

 

Faculty Handbook Committee moved to approve proposed changes to the Faculty Handbook. 

 

Motion FS 06-07/03-01 to approve Proposal #1 as stated below passed.  (See Vote #3).

PROPOSAL #1

7.1 Faculty Senate

7.1.2 The Chair of the faculty (Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor) is an ex officio non-voting member of the Faculty Senate and shall serve as liaison officer between the Faculty Senate and the Chancellor of the University.

7.3.1.3 University Committees
The Chancellor and the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of the University shall be ex officio non-voting members of all committees.  All non ex officio members may vote.

7.3.4.7 FACULTY AND STAFF FRINGE BENEFITS COMMITTEE
a. Members on Committee: 6 - 3 faculty (from the Faculty Senate Committee on Welfare and Morale), and 3 staff; and the director of Human Resource Services shall serve as an ex officio non-voting member.

7.3.4.3 ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE
a. Members on Committee: 9 - 6 faculty and 3 students. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services and Director of Admissions shall serve as an ex officio non-voting member.

7.3.4.10 REGISTRATION AND CALENDAR COMMITTEE
a. Members on Committee: 9 - 5 faculty, 1 staff, 2 students (one undergraduate and one graduate), and 1 representative from the Controller's Office. The Registrar shall serve as an ex officio non-voting member.
b. Report to: The Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
c. Areas of responsibility: Policies governing registration, academic scheduling, and the calendar.

Motion FS 06-07/03-02 to approve Proposal #2 as stated below passed.  (See Vote #4).

PROPOSAL #2:

7.2.6 COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES

a. nominates candidates to serve full terms on the Faculty Due Process Committee, the Faculty Grievance Committee, and the Faculty Grievance Assistance Committee. 

 

Motion FS 06-07/03-03 to approve Proposal #3 as stated below passed.  (See Vote #5).

PROPOSAL #3:

7.2.9 FACULTY HANDBOOK COMMITTEE

a. maintains oversight of changes to the Faculty Handbook proposed by the Faculty Senate and approved or modified by the Chancellor or the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor;

b. informs the Senate about the progress of Faculty Handbook changes from the Chancellor to the Board of Trustees and to the Office of the President;

c. works with those responsible for publishing the Faculty Handbook to make sure it is widely and easily available to faculty and is up-to-date;

d. monitors, as well as advises and informs the Senate regarding all proposals for changes in the Faculty Handbook, from wherever they originate;

e. the composition of the committee includes the Chair of the Faculty Senate, the immediate past Senate Chair if he/she continues to be employed by the University, or a past Senate Chair who is willing to serve, and two additional faculty members (Senators included), and the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor (or designated representative) shall serve as an ex officio non-voting member. The chair of the committee shall be the Chair of the Faculty Senate.

 

Discussion concerning Proposal #4 included questions about the rationale for selecting six students from School of Music, Department of Theatre and Dance, and Multicultural Student Center to serve on this committee rather than selecting students across campus; and the possibility of creating an elitist group of students as a result of only selecting students from these areas to serve on this committee.  Motion FS 06-07/03-04 to approve Proposal #4 failed.  (See Vote #6). 

 

PROPOSAL #4:

7.3.4.4 ARTS AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Current:

a. Members on Committee: 14 - 6 faculty, 2 staff, and 6 students.      

b. Report to: The Associate Vice Chancellor for Cultural and Public Affairs. 

c. Areas of responsibility: Advise and recommend on selection of artists for the Performing Arts Series.

 

Proposed:

a. Members on Committee: 22 - 8 faculty, 2 staff, and 8 students.  Six students will be selected from arts related academic areas as follows: two from the Hayes School of Music, two from the Department of Theatre and Dance, two from the Multicultural Student Center.  If there is a student advisory board established in any of these areas the membership shall come from these boards.  Two additional students will be selected “at large” by the SGA. The Student Government Association (SGA) will approve all students.   The committee shall also include the following ex-officio non-voting positions: two members of the Arts and Cultural Programs staff, including the Director of Arts and Cultural Programs and the Director of Artist Relations; a member of the Multicultural Student Development staff; and a representative appointed by the Watauga County Arts Council.

b. Report to: The Associate Vice Chancellor for Cultural and Public Affairs.

c. Areas of responsibility: 1) To advise Arts and Cultural Programs staff on matters pertaining to the design and content of the Performing Arts Series; and 2) To offer recommendations regarding ways in which participation in the series by students, faculty, and staff might be strengthened.

 

Motion FS 06-07/03-05 to approve Proposal #5 as stated below passed.  (See Vote #7).

 

PROPOSAL #5:

7.3.4.13 TRAFFIC POLICY COMMITTEE

a. Members on Committee: 9 – 3 faculty, 3 staff, and 3 students.  The Director of Parking and Traffic shall serve as an ex-officio non-voting member.

b. Report to: The Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs.

c. Areas of responsibility: the review and development of policy regarding traffic and parking at Appalachian State University.

 

Motion FS 06-07/03-06 to approve Proposal #6 as stated below passed.  (See Vote #8).

 

PROPOSAL #6:

 

Recommend omitting the following Committee from the Faculty Handbook:

 

7.3.4.14 UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY COMMITTEE

a. Members on Committee: Chair of the Faculty Senate, the President of the Staff Council, the President of the Student Government Association, the President of the Graduate Student Association Senate, the Chancellor, and one Appalachian alumnus representative. 

b. Areas of responsibility: The committee will elect a chair and meet at least once each semester; the chair or head of each constituency could call additional meetings as needed. The mission of the committee is to raise awareness on campus of areas of common concern, to provide an opportunity for joint action (such as promoting shared projects), and to improve communication and relationships within the Appalachian community.

 

Motion FS 06-07/03-07 to approve Proposal #7 as stated below passed.  (See Vote #9).

 

PROPOSAL #7:

7.3.4.14 UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE COMMITTEE                  

a.  Members of the Committee 9 - 5 faculty to serve three year terms, one of whom is a faculty senator, three (3) student members, two of whom are undergraduates appointed by the Student Government Association and one (1) graduate student appointed by the Graduate Student Association. Senate.  The manager of the University Bookstore serves as an ex-officio non-voting member of the committee.

 

Senator Butts moved and Senator Ramsey seconded to refer Proposal #8 to the Faculty Handbook Committee for clarification.  Motion FS 06-07/03-08 passed.  (See Vote #10).

 

PROPOSAL #8

Handbook Committee Update:

Rationale:

Council on the Safety of the University Community

This council considers safety issues on campus related to faculty, students, and staff

and conducts biannual review of safety procedures and perceptions on campus with subsequent recommendations to the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees.  It reviews and coordinates implementation of recommendations and facilitates educational programs regarding safety for faculty and staff. 

 

              G.          Faculty Welfare and Morale Committee (FELKEL, Ehnenn, Harris, McKinney)

                           

                            The Faculty Welfare and Morale Committee moved to approve two motions as stated below.  Motion FS 06-07/03-09 passed (See Vote #11). 

 

Motion 1:

Faculty/Staff Use of Student Health Services:

Faculty Senate recommends that all ASU faculty and staff be eligible to receive services from Student Health Services.  Furthermore Faculty Senate recommends that in order to use Student Health Services an employee must register for and pay a small ($2-$4) monthly fee, separate from the UREC fee.  In exchange for the fee the ASU faculty or staff member will be allowed three free office visits each year for the following:  urgent care (defined as treatment for most acute, non-life-threatening medical problems, including allergies, coughs, colds, flu, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, rashes, etc.), minor injuries, immunizations, limited laboratory tests, nutrition consultations, and referrals for outside care. Faculty and staff can only use this service between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. on normal operating days. Faculty and staff are advised to have an outside primary care provider to provide care for all other health care needs, including routine physicals.

 

                            Senator Malloy called the question on Motion 2.  Motion FS 06-07/03-10 passed.  (See Vote #12).                      

 

Motion 2:

Expansion of Health Promotions services:

Faculty Senate recommends that Health Promotions services be expanded through the hiring of a part-time MD, nurse practitioner, or physicians assistant.  This individual’s duties would include (but not necessarily be limited to) working with faculty in the area of :  urgent care (defined as treatment for most acute, non-life-threatening medical problems, including allergies, coughs, colds, flu, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, rashes, etc.), minor injuries, immunizations, nutrition consultations, and referrals for outside care.  Once implemented, Faculty/staff use of Student Health services, discussed in Motion 1, should be discontinued.

             

              H.          Welfare of Students Committee (RAMSEY, Carpenter, Davison)

                           

                            No Report.

 

VI.         Unfinished Business

 

              A.          Ad Hoc Committee on the Role of the Faculty Senate (ARNOLD, Gates, Lambert, McBride, Rardin, Scherlen) 

 

              The Ad Hoc Committee on the Role of the Faculty Senate moved to approve Motions 1 through 7 as stated below.  Motion to amend Motion 1 by inserting the word “academic” in the first sentence between the words “each” and “department/unit”.  Motion to amend passed (See Vote #13).  Motion FS 06-07/03-11 as amended passed.  (See Vote #14). 

 

Motion 1:  The Faculty Senate shall consist of one member from each academic department/unit that makes up the university.  A department or unit may choose not to fill its senate seat, in which case the seat will remain empty.  Questions of quorum and voting matters will be determined by the number of active seats and may vary from year to year.  In addition, there shall be five “At Large” seats filled by faculty from across the university.

 

                            Motion FS 06-07/03-12 to approve Motion 2 passed.  (See Vote #15). 

 

Motion 2:  Faculty senators shall serve three-year terms.

 

Senator Ramsey moved and Senator Malloy seconded to amend Motion 3 by inserting the words “more than two” between the word “serve” and the words “consecutive terms”.  Motion to amend passed.  (See Vote #16).  Motion FS 06-07/03-13 as amended passed.  (See Vote #17). 

 

Motion 3:  Faculty senators may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

 

Motion FS 06-07/03-14 to approve Motion 4 passed.  (See Vote #18).   

 

Motion 4:  At the last Senate meeting of the academic year, the Senate shall elect the executive officers for the following year, chosen from a minimum of two names for each position nominated from the floor.  Candidates must give permission before their names are place in nomination.  Officers may be reelected each year for the duration of their tenure on the Senate.

 

              Motion FS 06-07/03-15 to approve Motion 5 passed.  (See Vote #19).   

 

Motion 5:  The Chancellor of the University shall meet with the Faculty Senate at its first and last meetings of the academic year.  At the first meeting, the Chancellor shall review administrative plans and goals for the upcoming year.  At the last meeting, the Chancellor shall review administrative accomplishments and on-going initiatives.

 

              Motion FS 06-07/03-16 to approve Motion 6 passed.  (See Vote #20).   

 

Motion 6:  The Faculty Senate Executive Committee, consisting of the elected officers and the committee chairs, shall meet with the Provost at least once during each semester to discuss mutual concerns.

 

              Motion FS 06-07/03-17 to approve Motion 7 passed.  (See Vote #21).   

 

Motion 7:  The Agenda Committee shall be defined as the elected officers of the Faculty Senate and shall meet at least once prior to each regularly scheduled Senate meeting to formulate and approve (by a vote of the members in attendance) the agenda for each upcoming Senate meeting.

 

VII.       New Business

 

 

 

 

Chair Marking asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Senator McBride moved and Senator Ramsey seconded.  Motion passed.  (See Vote #22).  The meeting was adjourned at  5:50 pm.

Appalachian State University

FACULTY PRESENT AND VOTING SHEET for March 19, 2007

             Y = Yes          N = No          A = Abstain
 

SENATORS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Arnold, Chip

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Butts, Jeff

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Carpenter, Ellen

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Ehnenn, Jill

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Evans, Mike

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A

Y

Y

Y

Y

Felkel, Brian

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Harris, Tim

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Horton, Julie

A

B

S

E

N

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Huelsman, Tim

N

A

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Johnson, David*

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Kaenzig, Rebecca

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Lambert, Monica

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A

Y

Y

Y

Y

Malloy, Mark

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Mamlin, Nancy

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Marland, Eric

A

B

S

E

N

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

McBride, Jeff

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

McKinney, Harold

E

X

C

U

S

E

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Price, Jammie

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Ramey, Michael

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Ramsey, Colin

 

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Scherlen, Allan

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Smith, Steve

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Strazicich, Mark

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Tiller, Jeff

 

 

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Williams, Betsey

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Appalachian State University

FACULTY PRESENT AND VOTING SHEET for March 19, 2007

                                                                                     Y = Yes           N = No         A = Abstain

 

SENATORS

16

17