Appalachian State University

Faculty Senate Minutes

 

 November 13, 2006 (Approved as Amended on January 8, 2007)

 

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, November 13, 2006.  Senator Horton was not in attendance.

 

I.            Announcements:

           

A.         Chair Marking welcomed senators and asked visitors to introduce themselves.  Visitors were Dr. Dave Haney (Academic Affairs), Ms. Cindy Wallace (Student Development), Ms. Joni Petschauer (Student Development), Dr. Jesse Lutabingwa (International Programs), Mr. David Larry (University Attorney),

Dr. Howie Neufeld (Biology), Mr. Chris Zaluski (The Appalachian), Ms. Mang Chang (SGA), and Ms. Jessica Harris (SGA). 

 

II.          Visitors Reports:

 

A.          Dr. Sandie Gravett, Faculty Assembly Delegate, shared with the Faculty Senate results from the recent survey that was developed by the UNC Faculty Assembly’s Faculty Recruitment and Retention Taskforce.  Based on 100 completed surveys, the first and second priority concerns of ASU faculty are salary/benefits and climate/culture issues, respectively.  Under salary/benefits the three top concerns were salary percentile as compared to relevant peer groups, types and quality of benefits, and pay compression and conversion issues.  Dr. Gravett stated that President Bowles explicit budgetary priority is to get faculty salaries across the state into the 80th percentile based on peer institutions.  She added that his other budgetary priorities are getting need-based financial aid into the 25th percentile,  competitive salaries, research competitiveness (particularly in the area of graduate student recruitment and retention), health care, economic development, disaster recovery, and other non-recurring issues.  Dr. Gravett informed the Senate that the E-Learning Taskforce has a roll-out date of April 2, 2007 to debut North Carolina Online wherein current distance learning programs will be online initially in-state, then nationally, and eventually globally.  Dr. Gravett stated that survey comments included high cost of living in Boone and lack of opportunities for trailing spouses.  Senator Strazicich asked why there is a push to get faculty salaries into the 80th percentile when currently faculty salaries are in the 60th percentile.  Dr. Gravett replied that currently assistant and associate professors’ salaries rank in the 60th percentile and full professors are in the 50th percentile.  She added that the General Assembly feels that legislators are listening to the argument that faculty salaries across the state have to increase in order to be competitive.  The General Assembly is focusing on faculty salaries and intentionally not including benefits in their dialogue at this time in an effort not to overwhelm the legislators, noting that the new health care programs have been helpful.

             

B.          Ms. Cindy Wallace, Vice Chancellor for Student Development, and Ms. Joni Petschauer, Director of ARC Higher Education Project, Appalachian Access, facilitated a discussion on Appalachian’s Commitment to a College Education for Student Success (ACCESS).  A handout was distributed which outlined the Access and Success Programs at ASU indicating that the five major elements inherent in gaining access to higher education are affordability, application, availability, academic readiness, and aspiration.  ASU’s Access Program will begin in the fall 2007 semester.  ASU students who fall within the 100% federal poverty levels would be eligible for debt-free education.  Approximately 58 ASU students at this time would be eligible.  These students would be required to work if they participate in this program.  ASU will be partnering with four Wilkes County high schools to ascertain which students would potentially qualify for this program.  Ms. Petschauer is seeking volunteer faculty members who would be willing to serve on the Leadership Team, which oversees the general operations of ASU’s Access grant-funded program, and faculty members who would be interested in participating in on-going discussions or forums with high school teachers regarding mutual curricular matters.  Several questions and issues were raised by faculty senators.  These included concerns about transfer students and students who work incurring financial debt, student groups who are not currently being targeted for assistance, such as students who change their majors against their parents’ wishes, students whose religious beliefs may differ from their parents, and GLBT students.  These students may no longer receive financial support from their parents as a result of their personal decisions and lifestyles.  Senator Arnold questioned why low-income students would receive debt-free education or minimal debt whereas other students incur debt from student loans.  Ms. Wallace replied that socio-economic status is the primary indicator of student success in college.

 

C.       Dr. Jesse Lutabingwa, Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of International Education and Development, shared ideas about new initiatives and the future direction of the Office of International Education and Development.  His goals are to globalize or internationalize curriculum, expand study abroad programs in Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and India, reach out to minority students to engage them in international education, provide student learning opportunities for students, increase the usage of funds that are currently available, apply for other sources of external funding, increase the number of international students on campus, create host family program for our international students, and develop a new international research and development unit in his department.

 

D.          Mr. David Larry, University Attorney, provided an overview of FERPA, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, noting that if parents take a deduction on    their income tax for their child, they have the legal right to have access to their child’s educational records.  Consent for release of educational records and affidavit of students’ dependent status forms are available in the registrar’s office.

 

E.           Dr. Howie Neufeld spoke about revitalizing the Faculty Voice as an outlet for faculty to express their opinions on a variety of issues or to share scholarly works.  He suggested it could be published online twice a year and articles or comments could be published with or without the writer’s name.  Two or three individuals would be responsible for overseeing the publication.  Dr. Neufeld suggested that a blog could also be included online.  Chair Marking commented that she does not want the Faculty Voice to be sponsored by the Faculty Senate nor appear that the Faculty Senate supports or agrees with the opinions or comments expressed in the publication.  She suggested that the Faculty Senate discuss this further under New Business and, perhaps, Faculty Welfare and Morale Committee could look into the feasibility and interest in reviving the Faculty Voice.

 

F.           Ms. Jessica Harris, on behalf of the Student Government Association, presented a proposal for gender-neutral bathrooms.  The proposal is to change gender-specific bathrooms to gender-neutral bathrooms for single occupancy restrooms.  This change will provide safe, widely-accessible, and private facilities particularly for nursing mothers, gender-ambiguous and transgender students and faculty, individuals with compromising health concerns, and non-traditional students and faculty members.  This proposal was initiated after an incidence of violence on campus between two students in a bathroom.  Eight institutions across the country have established gender-neutral bathrooms.  The University of California at San Diego and the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse are two institutions who have established gender-neutral bathrooms.  The SGA is conducting a student survey to gauge students’ support and they are also talking with administration and the Office of Construction and Design.  SGA is asking for faculty endorsement.  Senator Ehnenn stated that she supports this proposal and that a great deal of stress and violence occurs in bathroom environments.  Senator Lambert suggested that the SGA look into providing nursing mothers with another room to nurse instead of bathrooms.  Senator Arnold asked if they would consider not changing every single occupancy bathroom but rather have gender-neutral bathrooms on every other floor.  Ms. Harris stated that not every building on campus has single-occupancy bathrooms.  Senator Ehnenn moved that Faculty Senate support the SGA proposal.  Motion was seconded by Senator Kaenzig.  Senator Tiller asked if the motion could be amended to include wording, such as after consultation with the Office of Construction and Design, in case there are issues or reasons that preclude this change.  Senator Ramsey stated that the motion could be tabled, voted on, or referred to a Faculty Senate committee.  Senator Ehnenn reiterated her support.  Senator Strazicich called the question.  Motion passed.  (See Vote #1).  Motion passed to support the SGA proposal for gender-neutral bathrooms.  (See Vote #2).

 

 

III.         Minutes:

 

A.          Chair Marking asked for a motion to approve the October 9, 2006 Faculty Senate minutes.  Senator  Mamlin moved and Senator  Ramsey seconded.  Motion was passed.  (See Vote #3).                        

IV.        Provost’s Report: 

 

              A.           Dr. Aeschleman reported that the resolution regarding Off-Campus Scholarly Activity and Family and Medical Leave that was approved at the September 11, 2006 Faculty Senate meeting was approved.  The motion will go before the Board of Trustees at their December 2006 meeting.

 

                            Motion FS 06-07/9-01 to add Section 4.9.3.3 to the Faculty Handbook:

 

                            A faculty member is relieved of all service obligations to the University while on full-time paid or unpaid leave, including an OCSA and Family or Medical Leave.   In particular, a faculty member is not eligible to serve on a Departmental Personnel Committee during the academic year in which the leave occurs, or during an academic year in which she or he is absent from campus for any reason (for example, on a foreign exchange) for a semester or more.

 

              B.          Dr. Aeschleman asked if there were any questions regarding the recent organizational change within the Office of Equity, Diversity and Compliance.  Senator Marland questioned whether there might be a conflict of interest having compliance and equity issues administered within the same office and whether matters requiring confidentiality will remain confidential.  The Provost replied that all confidential matters will remain confidential. 

 

              C.          Dr. Aeschleman’s discussed several options regarding changes in the administrative reporting structure of the Hubbard Center.  These options are having the counseling and health promotions components of the Hubbard Center report administratively to the Institute of Health and Human Services, having the counseling unit report administratively to the Student Counseling Center, and having health promotions report administratively to Health, Leisure and Exercise Sciences department.  The Provost asked for feedback regarding this potential change.  Senator Butts commented that the holistic approach currently offered by the Hubbard Center is unique and held in high regard nationally and should be considered prior to any potential changes.  Senator Strazicich inquired about the status of the textbook rental system.  Dr. Aeschleman responded that the university will be retaining the textbook rental system with some modifications.  He added that he has met with the university bookstore committee and they are drafting a policy which will be forthcoming soon. 

 

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

             

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

 

Senator Huelsman presented the following motion to the Faculty Senate explaining that there does not seem to be any campus advocate supporting this exemption for student athletes and that the original motion (FS05-06/04-24/07) did not originate from the Athletics Department.  Motion FS 06-07/11-01 passed.  (See Vote #4). 

 

Motion 06-07/11-01 to rescind Motion FS 05-06/04-24/07 Exemption for student athletes from taking 2 hour Physical Education requirements.

 

Rationale:

 

Motion 05-06/04-24/07 sent a request for an exemption from the 2-hour physical education requirement for varsity athletes to the Academic Policies and Procedures Committee.  The motion came from the Welfare of Students Committee, but did not originate in the Athletics Department.  The SGA, Dean’s Council, and Health, Leisure and Exercise Sciences Department, did not consider the proposal nor had any body in the College of Fine and Applied Arts.  Though the Faculty Handbook specifies Faculty Senate as a mechanism for placing proposals before the AP&P Committee, advocates of this change are encouraged to pursue more traditional avenues.

 

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

                           

              No Report.

  

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

 

              Senator Strazicich updated the Faculty Senate regarding his meeting with Mr. Mike O’Connor, Director of the Physical Plant, to inquire about the cost incurred when cleaning up the parking lots after football games.  The cost is shared with the university and athletics.  ASU pays the cost of labor, approximately $800 to $1,000 per game, and athletics pays for the cost of dumpsters, dumpster fees, rental trucks, and garbage bags.  The combined yearly cost for clean up is approximately $6,000 per year.  Senator Strazicich mentioned that perhaps alumni who attend tailgating parties and football games may be interested in contributing to the ASU Foundation. 

 

             

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

 

              No Report.

 

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

             

   No Report.

 

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

 

   Motion FS 06-07/11-02 to recommend the following change (in italics) in the Faculty Handbook.  Motion passed.  (See Vote #5).

 

7.3 The Operating Procedures of University Committees

 

7.3.2.4  Every committee will select a chair, or co-chairs, from among the voting members, for the academic year at its first fall semester meeting.

 

Rationale:

The chair should be clarified to include any voting member of the Committee, as opposed to an ex-officio member.

 

                  Motion FS 06-07/11-03 to recommend the following change (in bold) in the Faculty Handbook.  Motion passed.  (See Vote #6).

                           

5.2 Faculty Absence

 

Whenever a faculty member will be absent from class, she or he must notify the departmental chair. The departmental chair will make appropriate arrangements for the missed classes to be taught. Departmental chairs are encouraged to make reasonable accommodations for faculty requesting to miss class due to the observance of religious holidays. All absences from classes for any reason should be reported to the dean of the college/school by the departmental chair.

 

Rationale:

To bring the Faculty Absence from classes more in line with the student’s absence from class policy (5.3.1 General Attendance Policy) which reads, in part: In addition, faculty are encouraged to make reasonable accommodations for students requesting to miss class due to the observance of religious holidays.

 

A question was raised about whether it was the responsibility of departmental chairs to be responsible for making arrangements for the missed classes to be taught.  Senator Marland stated and Dr. Haney concurred that it is the department chair’s responsibility. 

 

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

                           

              No Report.

 

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

                           

               No Report.

 

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

                           

              Please refer to Old Business for Report.

 

VI.        Old Business

 

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

 

              Senator Arnold reported that he and Chair Marking talked with the Council of Chairs for their opinions on the viability of the proposals submitted by the ad hoc committee on the role of the Faculty Senate.  Several key issues included concerns whether smaller departments would be forced to participate in Faculty Senate regardless of workload issues and concerns regarding continuity issues in light of having three year terms rather than staggered terms.  Furthermore, Senator Arnold reported that there was support from the Council of Chairs for departmental representation on the Faculty Senate.  Senator Butts commented that he has concerns regarding the overlapping effect inherent in the proposals and that the language in any particular proposal may be interdependent on the language in other proposals.  Senator Evans commented that forcing faculty to participate is a mistake.  Dr. Calamai stated his concerns about whether there would still be an open seat available even if a department did not have a faculty representative.  A senator stated his concern for university-wide elections.  Senator Ehnenn preferred having college-wide or department-wide elections rather than university elections.  Senator Butts moved and Senator Mamlin seconded a motion to refer the proposals back to the Ad Hoc Committee on the Role of the Faculty Senate for further consideration.  Motion passed.  (See Vote #7).  Chair Marking suggested that senators email this committee any further comments or questions they may have.

 

B.          Senator Tiller reported that a Faculty Senator from the Campus Planning Committee will serve on the Traffic Policy Committee and that he had been in touch with Mr. Barry Sauls, Traffic and Parking Department, regarding meeting dates and location. 

 

 

VII.       New Business

 

A.          Senator Huelsman stated that the Council of Chairs had forwarded the document, “Non-Terminal Degree Faculty Subcommittee Report” to the Academic Policy Committee for consideration.  Senator Huelsman asked for a motion to have the Academic Policy Committee examine the report and give feedback to the Council of Chairs.   Senator Ehnenn moved and Senator Ramsey seconded the motion.  Motion passed.  (See Vote #8). 

B.          Senator Malloy reported that the traffic/road signs for the crosswalk located below the new skywalk on Rivers Street had been removed causing potential hazardous conditions for pedestrians and drivers.  Chair Marking replied that she will email Mr. Barry Sauls regarding this situation. 

C.          Senator Ramsey made a motion to refer the proposal to revitalize the in-house Faculty Voice to the Faculty Welfare and Morale Committee.  Senator Tiller seconded.  Motion passed.  (See Vote #9). 

 

D.          Chair Marking stated that the Faculty Senate in conjunction with Staff Council and SGA have drafted a proposal regarding event parking fees.  The proposal will be submitted to the Faculty Senate at the next meeting scheduled for December 11, 2006.

 

Chair Marking asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Senator Smith moved to adjourn.  Motion passed.  (See Vote #10).  The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 pm.

 
Appalachian State University

FACULTY PRESENT AND VOTING SHEET for November 13, 2006

Y = Yes             N = No               A = Abstain

SENATORS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Arnold, Chip

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Butts, Jeff

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Carpenter, Ellen

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Davison, Beth

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Ehnenn, Jill

Y

Y

Y

A

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Evans, Mike

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Felkel, Brian

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Harris, Tim

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Horton, Julie

E

X

C

U

S

E

D

 

 

 

Huelsman, Tim

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Kaenzig, Rebecca

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Lambert, Monica

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Malloy, Mark

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Mamlin, Nancy

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Marland, Eric

Y

Y

Y

A

A

Y

Y

Y

A

Y

McBride, Jeff

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

McKinney, Harold

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Mines, Diane

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Ramey, Michael

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Ramsey, Colin

Y

Y

Y

Y

 

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Scherlen, Allan

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Smith, Steve

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Strazicich, Mark

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

 

Tiller, Jeff

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Williams, Betsey

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

 

Vote #1:            Motion to call the question.     

Vote #2:            Motion to support the SGA proposal for gender-neutral bathrooms.

Vote #3:            Motion to approve the October 9, 2006 Faculty Senate minutes.

Vote #4:            To approve Motion FS 06-07/11-01 to rescind Motion FS 05-06/04-24/07.

Vote #5:            To approve Motion FS 06-07/11-02, changes in Section 7.3.2.4 of Faculty Handbook.             

Vote #6:            To approve Motion FS 06-07/11-03, changes in Section 5.2 of Faculty Handbook.  

Vote #7:            Motion to refer the proposals from the Ad Hoc Committee on the Role of the Faculty Senate back to committee for further consideration.  

Vote #8:            Motion to have the Academic Policy Committee examine the report “Non-Terminal Degree Faculty Subcommittee Report” that was received                            from the Council of Chairs.

Vote #9:            Motion to refer the proposal to revitalize the Faculty Voice to the Faculty Welfare and Morale Committee.

Vote #10:          Motion to adjourn the meeting.