APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
FACULTY SENATE MINUTES
February 10, 2003 (approved as corrected)
At 3:18 p.m. on February 10, 2003, Chair Gates convened the Faculty Senate meeting
in the University Conference Room (224 I. G. Greer Hall).

I. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Chair Gates welcomed visitors and asked that they introduce themselves.
(See voting sheet for visitors’ names.)
B. Chair Gates announced that the Faculty Senate Advisory Committee will meet with the Chancellor, Monday, February 24th & Monday, April 7, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Chair asked the Senators to notify him about the dates that they could attend the meeting.
C. Chair Gates reminded Senators about the upcoming Annual University Elections. Chair Gates reminded Senators of the guidelines for having elections by March 1st both for the Senate and University Committees. Chair Gates also pointed out that several Senate seats would be vacant and needed to be filled.

II. VISITORS
Chair Gates welcomed Chancellor Borkowski to the Faculty Senate meeting. The Chancellor presented Senators with a brief report on issues raised at the last BoT (Board of Trustees) meeting concerning the athletic fee increase. The Chancellor pointed out that the original fee increase from the Board of Governors of $150 had been renegotiated and reduced (with a great deal of effort) to $55. Senators took the opportunity to question the Chancellor on issues of increased enrollment, a lack of resources for additional students, student to faculty workload ratios, funding of the football stadium, and finally the fate of ASU's football division rank and status. In response to the Senators' concerns over the football program becoming Division I-A, Borkowski stated for the record that he was opposed to moving up to a I-A Division football program. The Chancellor also mentioned that he was not in favor of increased enrollment. In fact, he was the only Chancellor in the state's University system to oppose growth and wanted a cap on enrollment. Borkowski expressed concerns that the local infrastructure could not readily support a significant increase in enrollment. Chair Gates thanked Chancellor Borkowski for taking the time to report on key issues to the Senate.

Brad Miller, President of the Graduate Student Association, introduced a new Research & Travel Endowment, sponsored by the SGA (see attachment or go to: http://www.appstate.edu/~gsas). Mr. Miller solicited faculty to donate about $5 per month to the endowment fund. Mr. Miller also noted that (for convenience) contributions could be deducted from faculty payroll. He asked the Senators to let others know about the SGA's fundraising efforts. Senator Koch suggested sending out an announcement about the GSA Research & Travel Endowment to all faculty members. Chair Gates agreed that an announcement would be advantageous for the SGA and should be sent out to all faculty.

Associate Vice-Chancellor Dr. Wilbur Ward reported on Non-Tenured Faculty issues and recommendations as well as issues facing ASU regarding increased enrollment. He noted distinctions between part-time faculty and non-tenure track faculty. Dr. Ward reported that each department needed to devise a staffing plan that included; tenure track, non-tenure track, supplemental faculty, and graduate assistants. Dr.Ward also noted that all departments should operate on the assumption that enrollment would be increased by approximately 2% percent per year. Dr. Ward expounded upon the history of the O.P. (Office of the President) and reflected that the O.P.'s was concerned about the over use (or potential over use) of non-tenure track faculty as well as issues revolving around the professional treatment of those faculty. Dr. Ward mentioned that all UNC institutions are required by the O.P. to submit staffing plans by May 1, 2003. He also pointed out that Appalachian State University is currently, not over-using non-tenure track faculty. Senator Koch revealed that it was his belief that the 2010 enrollment projections were off. Dr. Ward responded that the percentages (estimated at 2%), although not "surgically accurate," should be used only as a guideline. Dr. Ward pointed to the Delaware Study for further information. The study related is to analyzing cost effectiveness and instructional costs at institutions throughout the United States (Appalachian State University has been participating in the study). Dr. Ward referred Senators to the IRP (Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment) web page (http://www.appstate.edu/www_docs/depart/irp/dcs/2001/dcs2001index.html.) for more details. Senator S. Simon noted that ASU is "right on target" in regards to part-time faculty teaching workloads as compared to the other NC institutions.

III. MINUTES – January 13, 2003
Moore moved and Allen seconded to approve the January 13, 2003 minutes.
VOTE 1 18 YES 0 NO 1 ABSTAIN
The motion passed.

IV. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Chair Report – Board of Trustees Meeting
As a result of Chancellor Borkowski's presentation to the Senate regarding the recent BoT meeting, Chair Gates had a few additional comments to report. Chair Gates pointed out that the entire Stadium Enhancement Fund would be capped at $32 million. The Chair also noted that the football stadium seating figure was actually 21,000 seats and was and not 24,000 seats. Senator S. Simon expressed concern that the issue of increased enrollment was not properly presented at the BoT meeting. Senator Moore interjected that ASU's Football Stadium projects and endeavors were being unjustly weighted as "equal" with ASU's Academics. Like Senator Moore, Senator S. Simon was also disturbed by the idea that football could be put on an equal footing with Academics. Chair Gates noted that the Winston-Salem Journal had recently quoted him on the topic of discussion (see journal article attachment or go tohttp://www.wcu.edu/news/story.asp?ID=834). Chair Gates emphasized that, "Academics at Appalachian should go absolutely first!"

B. Budget Committee (ANDERSON, Bortz, Bush, Koch, Olson, Yaukey)
1. FS02-03/02-01- Any campus event for which admission is charged will include a $1 parking fee-
All such revenues will be earmarked for providing additional parking spaces, improvements and enforcement, as well as reducing the fees paid by faculty, staff and students.

Rationale: If those who teach, learn and work must pay to park, those who use the facilities for sports events, concerts, etc. can help with the cost of parking. Given that we do not receive any funds from the state for parking facilities, we must generate funds on campus to provide for parking. Also, because we no longer have the ability to use funds generated from fines/tickets to cover the cost of parking facilities, the fees for faculty, staff and students have increased substantially.

Senator Anderson talked about parking fee issues and thanked Senator McKinney for "vigorously pursuing the parking issue over a significant period of time and in a number of different venues." Senator Anderson revealed that the $1 parking fee proposal had been discussed in the Parking & Traffic Department and the Traffic Management & Safety Committee. Senator Anderson revealed that Barry Sauls, Director of Parking & Traffic had been in favor of the proposed $1 parking fee surcharge. However, Senator Anderson revealed that "there were objections raised." Senator Anderson determined that the objections were mostly due to logistics, accounting issues, and resistance from athletics charging for parking at athletic events. There was some discussion of the fact that Yosef Club members' annual dues supposedly included some provision for parking yet Parking & Traffic does not get this money. Senator Anderson reported on Senator Bush's research on the parking issue and noted that he had contacted Barry Sauls. Furthermore, Senator Anderson relayed that due to shortfalls in paying the bond payment on the parking-deck and other issues, there was less than $400,000 left in reserves and according to the university, will quite likely have to revisit the issue of increasing fees for faculty, staff and students in the future. Senator Anderson believed that the proposal was timely, considering all of the budgetary deficits. Senators discussed the technicalities and complications involved with parking fees. Senator K. Simon remarked that when the Traffic Management and Safety Committee discussed adding a $1 to ASU events tickets during one of its meetings last spring 2002, the Vice Chancellor indicated that this could create a source of friction with the Athletic Department and appear to interfere with its revenue raising efforts. Simon said that the Senate's new proposal could face the same critique.

Called for the question
VOTE 2 19 YES 0 NO 1 ABSTAIN
The question passed

The motion as written.
VOTE 3 20 YES 0 NO 0 ABSTAIN
The motion carried.

C. Academic Policy & Procedures Committee (S. SIMON, Muir, Olson)
1. FS02-03/02-02 – All departments are to have written policies & procedures-
All departments are to have written policies & procedures. These are to include the department’s criteria for promotion and tenure, disciplinary procedures, procedures for appeal, the structure of the DPC, the committee structure of the department’s budget, and any other information that a department might see fit to include. These are to be posted on-line with The Office of Academic Affairs for all faculty to access.

Senators discussed, debated and attempted to strike words and reword the written motion with no success. For example, Senator Anderson contemplated including the words "disciplinary procedures" in the written motion. Senator Moore wanted to strike the phrase "procedures for appeal." Senator Bortz asked to remove the word "any." Senator Yaukey speculated that the motion invited maintenance problems for her department (i.e., constantly needing to update and maintain departmental web pages, especially when updating a department's budget). As discussion brewed and suggestions for rewording the motion remained unclear, Senator Moore made a motion to return the written motion to the Academic Policy Committee for clarification, additions and rewording and Senator Butts seconded. Senator Bortz moved to call the question and Senator Arnold seconded.

Motion to call to question on Senator Moore's proposal to return FS02-03/02-02 – All departments are to have written policies & procedures to the Academic Policy & Procedures Committee.
VOTE 4 19 YES 1 NO 0 ABSTAIN
The motion carried.

Motion from Senator Moore to return FS02-03/02-02 – All departments are to have written policies & procedures to the Academic Policy & Procedures Committee.
VOTE 5 17 YES 2 NO 1 ABSTAIN
The motion carried.

2. FS02-03/02-03 – Defending University Employee benefits against any Legislative attempts to make additional cuts-
The Faculty Senate of Appalachian State University asks The Campus Administration and The Office of the President of the University of North Carolina to defend University employee benefits against any Legislative attempts to make additional cuts.
Further, the Senate asks that administrators make every effort to enhance benefits to attract and retain those faculty and staff who directly determine the quality of the university system.

Chair Gates opened the discussion by revealing that at the last BoT (Board of Trustees) meeting he attended, Human Resources Director Len Johnson had mentioned a potential (although not definitive) proposal regarding changes (i.e., decreased benefits) to the State Employee's benefits package. The Chair also pointed out that there were no increased insurance premiums in the last year (2002). However, the Chair acknowledged that in 2001, there were large increases in premiums. Chair Gates clarified the underpinnings of the proposed motion saying, "What this motion represents is a preemptive attempt to ask the Administration to do what they can to block such a move on the part of the State with (ASU employees') benefits package." Senator Simon added that "...there are two things that I hear continually (from ASU Faculty), ...first salary, secondly ...benefits." Senator Simon wrapped up the discussion by noting that the motion merely represented "...a position statement from the Senate." The Chair asked for any further discussion on the motion and hearing none proceeded to the vote.

Motion FS02-03/02-03 – Defending University Employee benefits against any Legislative attempts to make additional cuts (as written).
VOTE 6 20 YES 0 NO 0 ABSTAIN
The motion passed

3. Information on ratio of SCH taught by Full-time Faculty to SCH taught by Part-time Faculty

Fall 2002 Undergraduate Student Credit Hours (SCH) Type:
Tenure (T): 76,833
Tenure Track (TT): 27,043
Phased Retired (P): 2,862
Retired (R): 934
Other (0): 71,841
Ratio of T/TT to P/R/O: 58: :42 (58%T/TT – 42% Part-time)

Chair Gates noted that the SCH (Student Credit Hours) topic had been adequately covered in the previous discussion. Senator S. Simon notified Senators that the SCH listed on the agenda were merely for the Senate's information. Senator S. Simon reiterated from previous discussion, that Appalachian State University falls in line with the national average of SCH taught by part-time faculty. Gates also pointed out that the SCH ratios presented were "well above what the AAUP has recommended."

D. Resolutions from the Floor (Muir*, Bortz**)
Chair Gates announced that there were a couple of resolutions from the floor.
1. FS02-03/02-04 - The Faculty Senate calls on the University Administration to remove from the University's web pages all privately operated web sites*

Senator Muir pointed out that a privately operated web page (namely, http://www.booneweather.com/) had been a concern (especially from some faculty in his department) for over a year. Although Senator Muir confessed to book-marking and visiting the web page in question on his own computer, his underlying concern related to the fact that the web site was privately operated and supported by advertisements. He determined that the web page conflicted with ASU's policies that prohibit the use of the University resources for personal business. Dr. Ward pointed out that other privately operated web sites are located at the ASU Visitors' link site, (got to: http://www.web.appstate.edu/visitors.html) like the Boone Chamber of Commerce link. Dr. Ward noted (due to the fact that other business links fell into the motions' definition of "privately operated web sites") those links would also have to be addressed. Senator Olson argued that if the commercially based web sites were simply links and not privately operated web pages created on ASU's web server and were also located in the ASU Visitors Links section, then it would not pose a problem. Senator Muir defended his argument by stressing that the use of State bandwidth for profit (even if it is just a link) could (potentially) provide advertisers key access needed for businesses to profit from ASU's students, faculty and staff. Senator Bortz stated, "The solution doesn't match the problem." Senator Muir continued to emphasize that the University does have a computer usage policy in place (see: Appalachian State University Policy on the Use of Computers and Data Communications - http://www2.acs.appstate.edu/computer.htm). Senator Muir determined that those policies should not conflict with the First Amendment issues. Considering the possibility for legal entanglements relating to infringement of Freedom of Speech that could potentially stem from the proposed motion, Vice-Chancellor Durham stressed that the First Amendment should be strongly considered before acting on the motion. Senator Truett noted that on several occasions, she had utilized the web site in question as a vital tool for alerting students about treacherous weather conditions.

The question was called before proceeding to voting on the motion as written.
Senator Allen called for the question and Senator Koch seconded.

Called for the question.
VOTE 7 15 YES 5 NO 0 ABSTAIN
The question carried.

FS02-03/02-04-The Faculty Senate calls on the University Administration to remove from the University's web pages all privately operated web sites
VOTE 8 4 YES 14 NO 2 ABSTAIN
The motion failed.

2. FS02-03/02-05 - The DPC shall consist of the department’s tenured faculty**
Senator Bortz presented the motion from the floor and Senator Truett seconded.
Senator Bortz unveiled his pros and cons on details of the proposed motion. Some of Senator Bortz's arguments for passing the motion included; by including all of the department's tenured faculty members on its DPC, the department would thus increase the "democratic process" as well as allow for "minority viewpoints" to be heard regarding personnel decisions. Senator Bortz also argued that the proposed motion would not increase tenure faculty workload. Senator Koch suggested that the issue should be pursued but only with input from the "larger campus community." Senator Anderson pointed to similar motions on the DPC issue that had been presented and voted on in the past and failed. Senator K. Simon noted that more options were available since the ASU Handbook had been changed. Senator K. Simon used her department as an example of how recent changes in the faculty structure of her department, as well as changes in her department's DPC, had affected decisions and policies about whom could serve on the department's DPC. Senator Yaukey expressed concern over workload issues. Senator Arnold believed every department should have the right to choose (or to vote on) the people that may serve on DPCs. Senator Hall suggested that the discussion should not be rushed because of its importance. Senator Bortz also stressed that the DPC issue was important and that it was the Senate's job to take up important issues. Senator Muir asked Senator Bortz, "Is the wording here suggesting that all departments' tenured faculty sit on the DPC?" Senator Bortz replied, "Yes." Senator S. Simon pointed out that he believed there were weaknesses in the current DPC structure. Senator S. Simon suggested that (in his opinion) first year faculty should not be allowed to serve on the DPC. Senator Anderson discussed the history of similar motions and reiterated that, in the past, motions relating to restructuring the DPC had been presented to the faculty and failed. Senator Yaukey reasoned that although past proposals had been unsuccessful, the discussion on the issue of DPC's policies and practices had "significantly changed" from the last time it was presented (which was several years ago). Therefore, Senator Yaukey concluded that continued discussion about the current DPC issues was warranted. Senator Bortz added a few more points that the proposed motion would keep the DPC process "less personal", provide for a "healthier department" and help avoid controversies over "privacy and secrecy" issues involved in hiring practices. Senator Olson pointed out that the current structure for serving on the DPC allowed for faculty members to wait until it was politically advantageous for them to serve on the DPC. Senators discussed the possibility of splitting the motion into two separate motions. Senator Bortz suggested the two motions could read; 1.) The DPC Shall Consist of the Department’s Tenured Faculty 2.) Only Tenured Faculty are Eligible to Serve on the DPC. After a brief discussion Senator S. Simon suggested that the vote should be on the original motion as written and that the second proposed motion could be presented on the March 17, 2003 agenda. Chair Gates concurred and called the motion to a vote.

FS02-03/02-05-The DPC shall consist of the department’s tenured faculty.
VOTE 9 10 YES 8 NO 1 ABSTAIN
The motion carried.

Senator Koch requested that he wanted to present another motion from the floor. There was a brief debate over whether or not Senator Koch could (or should) present a new and unrelated motion from the floor. Chair Gates deduced that (according to the Robert's Rules of Order) Senator Koch had the right to introduce a motion from the floor. Senator S. Simon interjected that there was a lack of quorum. The Chair took attendance of the Senators that remained in the conference room and concluded that indeed, there was a lack of quorum. Senator Moore suggested that the remaining items listed on the agenda could be addressed at the next meeting.

Senator Marking spoke on behalf of Senator Woodworth (who could not attend the meeting) of the Welfare & Morale Committee (MARKING, Arnold, Hall, Waring, Woodworth, Yaukey). Senator Marking briefly informed Senators that her committee was in the process of clarifying and gathering information on the campus Smoking Policy. She asked Senators to send the committee any information pertaining to smoking regulations within each senator's department or building.

Due to a lack of quorum the meeting ended at 5:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,

Patrick Rardin,
Secretary of the Faculty Senate

APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY - FACULTY PRESENT AND VOTING SHEET
February 10, 2003
Voting Symbols: Y = yes N = no A = abstain - Harvey Durham, Ex-officio

VOTE 1: Motion to approve the January 13, 2003 Minutes.
VOTE 2: Call for the question.
VOTE 3: Motion FS02-03/02-01-Any campus event for which admission is charged will include a $1 parking fee
VOTE 4: Motion to call to question on Senator Moore's proposal to return FS02-03/02-02–All departments are to have written policies & procedures to the Academic Policy & Procedures Committee.
VOTE 5: Motion from Senator Moore to return FS02-03/02-02–All departments are to have written policies & procedures to the Academic Policy & Procedures Committee.
VOTE 6: Motion FS02-03/02-03–Defending University Employee benefits against any Legislative attempts to make additional cuts (as written).
VOTE 7: Called for the question.
VOTE 8: FS02-03/02-04-The Faculty Senate calls on the University Administration to remove from The University's web pages all privately operated web sites
VOTE 9: FS02-03/02-05-The DPC shall consist of the department’s tenured faculty.

VISITORS: Dr. Frank Borkowski, Chancellor; Dr. Bill Ward, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Harry Williams, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Diversity, Academic Affairs; Brad Miller, President of the Graduate Student Association; Len Johnson, Director of Human Resources; Dr. Peter Petschauer, Director of Faculty & Academic Development for the Hubbard Center and Division Director for the History Department.

Winston-Salem Journal Article
Sat, February 8, 2003
ASU board OKs plan
Stadium, gym would be redone
By Jim Sparks
JOURNAL REPORTER
BOONE
The Appalachian State University Board of Trustees overwhelmingly approved a $32 million plan yesterday to upgrade Kidd Brewer Stadium, expand Owens Field House and convert Varsity Gym into a multipurpose indoor-practice complex.
The board also approved increasing student-athletics fees to help pay for the renovations despite widespread opposition among faculty and students.
The $55 increase will produce about half the money needed for the project. The rest will be raised through private donations. The increase is subject to approval by the University of North Carolina board of governors.
The board also passed a motion that students would not be asked to pay for any more of the project.
Senior Allison Laffin, 23, of Boone was among about 10 students at the meeting to protest the plan.
She said she was disappointed that trustees approved the increase but was thankful that they capped the amount that students would pay for the project.
"At least they agreed not to come back to students if funding isn't found," Laffin said.
The plan was based on the recommendations of a 30-member committee of alumni, students, faculty and friends of the university who studied the school's needs for more than a year.
Stadium improvements include new artificial turf, a new lighting system, skyboxes and suites, a covered upper deck for the east grandstand, increasing the seating capacity from 16,500 to 21,000, and renovating the press box, concession stands and restrooms on the stadium's west side. Owens Field House will be expanded to include new locker rooms, more office space and a larger weight room. Varsity Gym will become a multi-purpose indoor-practice complex for football and other sports.
The issue has been a hot topic of conversation on campus for months.
Many students believe that their views carried less weight with university leaders than those of alumni and athletic boosters who supported the plan.
Students who attended yesterday's meeting said that they opposed the plan because it would benefit primarily a small number of students. They also said that the fee increase would be an additional burden in difficult economic times.
Ryan Eller, the president of ASU's student Government Association and the student body's representative on the board, cast the sole dissenting vote among the 12 members who voted on the proposal.
"It's a question of necessity," Eller said. "A Hall of Fame room, a letterman's lounge ... most people would consider those a luxury."
Paul Gates, a nonvoting member of the board representing ASU's Faculty Senate, said he is afraid that the move represents a shift away from the school's academic mission.
"The faculty is concerned that spending this amount of money in this manner would signal a reorientation of priorities," said Gates, a professor of communications. "This may not be the time to pursue this project."
Chancellor Frank Borkowski said that although the timing of the fee increase is unfortunate, the improvements would benefit a large number of students because nearly 80 percent of the student body participates in intramural athletics.
Because much of the learning that occurs in a university setting takes place outside the classroom, ASU has a responsibility to provide places for that growth to occur, Borkowski said.
"Learning takes place in a variety of different venues," he said. "Our concern should be to become a model of optimum learning environments."
o Jim Sparks can be reached in Wilkesboro at (336) 667-5691 or at jsparks@wsjournal.com

The Graduate Student Association Research and Travel Endowment
Objective:

The Graduate Student Association Research and Travel Endowment was established by the 2002-03
Graduate Student Association Senate (GSAS) in order to award grants to graduate students enrolled in
the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School. The endowment will provide funding for graduate student
research and travel to scholarly conferences.
Challenges:
The advantages of obtaining an advanced degree at a comprehensive university such as Appalachian State
include a dedication to instruction and a more intimate relationship with both the faculty and fellow
students. Graduate students at Appalachian State University have very active roles in directing their
research and obtaining funding for the advancement of their project proposals. In addition, students must
find funding to travel to professional conferences and symposiums in order to stay at the forefront of
their field of study. The competition for external funding is fierce and can be a daunting challenge for
anyone. The Graduate Student Research and Travel Endowment has been established by and solely for
ASU graduate students, and will serve as an internal source of financial support.
Awards:

Annually GSAS awards approximately $8500 through the GSAS Research and Travel
Grants. These grants are open to all graduate students at ASU and grant amounts are
typically $150. In addition to these biannual grants, the Graduate Student Research
and Travel Endowment will award grants and certificates of recognition to one or more
outstanding graduate students of Appalachian State University. These competitive
grants will acknowledge the scholarly works of exceptional graduate students, and
further support their research and travel. In time as the endowment grows, it will add
significantly to all GSAS grants, including the Graduate Student Research and Travel
Endowment Grant.