At 3:16 p.m. on September 9, 2002, Chair Gates convened the Faculty Senate meeting in the University Conference Room (224 Greer Hall).
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. VISITORS. Gates
asked that senators introduce themselves and then welcomed visitors and
asked that they introduce themselves. (See voting sheet for visitors’
names.)
B. SENATE REPLACEMENT.
Gates noted that there still is a one-year Business seat vacancy on the
Senate and asked for solicitations for the seat.
C. FACULTY SENATE COMMITTEES
SELECTION OF CHAIRS. Gates asked that this be postponed until
later in the meeting.
D. PARLIAMENTARIAN.
Trish Allen will be parliamentarian.
II. VISITORS
RACHEL JOHNSON,
SGA. Rachel Johnson, chair of SGA’s Academic Affairs Committee,
spoke to the Senate regarding the Commemoration Ceremony for September
11th. She invited faculty to come and bring their classes.
III. MINUTES
Simon moved and Allen
seconded to approve the May 6 minutes as written.
VOTE 1 22 yes 0 no 2 abstain The motion passed.
IV. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. AGENDA COMMITTEE
1. FS0203/09-01 - Resolution Regarding 2002-2003 $150 Tuition Increase.
Gates noted that this topic has generated a lot of discussion on campus
and also generated a response from Dr. Durham’s office stating the Administration’s
commitment to using the $150 tuition increase for its intended purpose
of increased faculty salaries and student financial aid. Gates suggested
an amendment to the resolution in paragraph 3 so that it would read, "requests
the Chancellor to work towards his previous commitment...." Gates noted
that the suggested amendment updates the language and reflects where we
are today. Bortz asked if the commitment exists and the additional
tuition money collected, then why has not the money been expended for the
purpose to which it is intended.
Woodworth called for the question on the resolution itself and then discuss the implications of the resolution.
VOTE 2 22 yes 2 no 0 abstain The question passed.
Vote on the resolution as amended.
VOTE 3 23 yes 0 no 1 abstain The resolution passed.
FS02-03/09-01 - Resolution Regarding 2002-2003 $150 Tuition Increase
Because faculty salaries at Appalachian are low by comparison with
our peer institutions, and
Given that the Student Government Association supported a campus-based tuition increase in order to enhance faculty salaries with the goal of attracting and retaining the highest caliber of faculty, and
Given that the administration has repeatedly assured the faculty that the tuition increase money would be used only to enhance faculty salaries,
Be it resolved that the Faculty Senate requests the Chancellor to continue to work towards his previous commitment to use the $150 tuition increase scheduled for the 2002-2003 academic year for the purpose of enhancing faculty salaries and for student financial assistance, and for those purposes only, as he reaffirmed to the Faculty Senate on Sept. 10, 2001.
Discussion followed on the implications of the resolution. Gates
noted that no money has been disbursed on any of the UNC campuses yet
because there is no budget yet. Anderson noted that it seems as though
allocating faculty salary increases by means of the tuition increase is
an independent issue and technically an independent pot of money.
Durham responded that there has been a $200 tuition increase approved by
the Board of Governors but that the money cannot be used for its intended
purpose until after the legislature has decided what the tuition increases
are going to be; the legislature could overrule the Board of Governors
as to the use of the tuition increase. Bortz noted that the
resolution does not address how the money would be distributed to faculty
in the event of a pay raise. Anderson noted that this is not an issue
of faculty being greedy—it is an issue of trying to keep faculty salaries
at a competitive level so that this institution keeps and hires quality
faculty. It was noted that the rumors are not true going around that
if there are going to be faculty salary increases, they will be in the
form of merit. Bortz added that there needs to be a written definition
of merit and faculty equity.
2. FS0203/09-02 - Resolution Regarding Academic Freedom. Truett
noted that the budget cuts may cause faculty to teach in ways they may
not necessarily want to teach. Bush noted that in an USA Today article,
it stated that the number one reason why companies are firing employees
is due to email and internet usage and asked if this university does that.
Gates responded that this is something that the Faculty Senate will look
into this year.
A vote was taken on the resolution as written.
VOTE 4 24 yes 0 no 0 abstain The resolution passed.
FS0203/09-02 - Resolution Regarding Academic Freedom
Be it resolved that the faculty of Appalachian State University
reaffirms the commitment of this community of scholars to academic freedom
and the fair exchange of ideas, as well as our commitment to examining
different cultures and conflicting values, with the confidence that thoughtful
study and intellectual inquiry are fundamental to this University and the
goals of the faculty.
Anderson asked if this resolution evolved because of the UNC Chapel Hill situation and Gates replied yes. Koch updated the Senate that over the summer, there have been changes in the facilities use policies that have opened up a little more free speech on campus.
3.
Resolution
Regarding Support of Staff. Gates noted that this resolution
was not reflected in the agenda. It speaks briefly to the university community’s
concern for staff colleagues who are also in financial straits. Gates
reported that he received an email from Richard Carp stating that IDS,
at their department meeting, passed a resolution supporting staff.
Gates reworded their resolution for the Senate to consider. Gates
reported that he spoke with Len Johnson last week regarding in-range raises
and reclassification of staff positions especially given the Board of Governors
fairly recent decision to restrict in-range adjustments (which is apparently
due to the misdeeds at NCSU and UNC-CH).
Bortz noted that he thought it dangerous for
the Faculty Senate to put the faculty in the role of administrators and
the role of decision-makers. The authority of staff salaries does
not lie within the Faculty Senate; it is not an academic issue. The
current motion sets a dangerous precedent but if reworded, could be one
that the Faculty Senate supports. Koch disagreed noting that the
motion does not go that far. He thought the motion was a benign one
that basically says that if there is something that we can do, we will
help.
Koch moved and McKinney seconded to put the
motion on the floor. After some discussion Moore moved and Hall seconded
to table the motion until the next meeting and have the Agenda Committee
reword the resolution.
VOTE 5 23 yes 1 no 1 abstain The motion passed.
B. FACULTY HANDBOOK COMMITTEE
Update.
Moore reported that the new Faculty Handbook is on-line now in PDF form
however, there is no search engine. Chapter 7 has not changed yet.
Moore noted that the previous Handbook Committee language did not include
the Provost or the Chancellor’s representative to be on the Committee therefore
new language for the restructuring of the Handbook Committee will be forthcoming.
Kathy Simon asked if the restructured Traffic
Committee was approved. Durham responded that it was approved.
Woodworth added that she spoke with Jane Helm who noted that her office
is developing guidelines that are consistent with the Senate’s request
for change.
C. COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES
Report.
Butts noted that several appointments need to be made when the Committee
meets.
D. WELFARE OF STUDENTS COMMITTEE
Report on
Athlete Graduation Rates. Gates reported that Jay Sutton supplied
the Senate, at the request of Muir last May, a detailed report of graduation
rates of athletes by sport.
E. ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE
No report.
F. CAMPUS PLANNING COMMITTEE
No report.
G. BUDGET COMMITTEE
No report.
H. WELFARE AND MORALE
No report.
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. DEANS’ EVALUATION
AD-HOC COMMITTEE. Gates noted that volunteers are needed for
this year to revise the evaluation instrument. Evaluations will resume
next year (2003-2004). Those serving on the committee so far will
be Bortz and Weitz.
B. FS01-02/05-01
RESOLUTION REGARDING BUDGET CUTS. Gates noted that this resolution,
which originated from the Faculty Assembly, was tabled from the May Faculty
Senate meeting because of some of the language. At this point, it
automatically comes off the table but the resolution is probably not up-to-date.
Hall moved and Olson seconded to postpone the resolution indefinitely.
VOTE 6 25 yes 0 no 0 abstain The motion passed.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. FS02-03/09-03
RESOLUTION REGARDING AFFORDABLE FACULTY AND STAFF HOUSING. This
resolution originated from the Ad-hoc Committee on Improving Appalachian’s
Attractiveness which was co-chaired by Carol Truett and Peter Petschauer.
Truett noted that affordable housing does not exist in Boone. Gates
added this is a multifaceted problem and that the resolution is far-ranging
resolution which will not solve everything.
Muir suggested that in point #4, that the
link be to non-profit organizations such as Boone Chamber of Commerce and
High Country Host (and others). After some discussion, it was suggested
that point #5 read, "There is a need to explore employment opportunities
in the region for spousal/partners." Durham added that implicit in
the resolution is the suggestion Appalachian has some sort of Millennial
Campus extensive in acreage when actually it is University Hall and a parking
lot.
Some senators expressed concern that assisting
spouses/partners with finding jobs may appear as favoritism or on the edge
of illegality. After further discussion, McKinney called for the
question and Truett seconded.
VOTE 7 12 yes 9 no 3 abstain The question failed.
Woodworth moved and Arnold seconded to send the resolution back to the Ad-hoc Committee for clarification and further work. Moore amended that the resolution go to the Welfare and Morale Committee. The amendment was rejected by Arnold.
VOTE 8 16 yes 7 no 1 abstain The motion passed.
B. FACULTY CONCERNS.
Bortz noted that in the past the Faculty Senate has had retreats to go
over its list of priorities for the year. He asked about the opportunity
to hear the issues of this year that are concerns of faculty. Gates
responded that faculty will be solicited for their concerns and then distributed
to the appropriate Faculty Senate committees. Bortz noted that his
concern is that there is no policy at Appalachian regarding merit pay.
Gates responded that this issue will be addressed this year by the Welfare
and Morale Committee.
C. POST-TENURE
REVIEW. Koch asked if the process of post-tenure review is in
the process of being changed. Durham replied that the proposed recommendations
by the Post-tenure Review Committee are on his desk right now.
D. PARKING.
Koch asked what the plans are when Whitener lot is closed. Kathy
Simon responded that the graduate students have been kicked out of Raley
(and relocated to Stadium) and that is where those parking in Whitener
will go.
E. SUMMER BUDGET
COMMITTEE. Koch asked what the status is of the Budget Committee
put together over the summer by Durham. Is it permanent or not.
How were the members selected and what is their role and responsibility.
Durham responded that when forming the committee, he looked for representation
from each of the areas, colleges, and schools. Gates and Marking
from the Senate are on the Committee. He added that there are no
chairs or assistant deans on the committee—no administrators. Durham
noted that he put the committee together during the middle of the summer
when he thought we were going to have to make some horrendous budget decisions;
he wanted some faculty input. He charged the committee with giving
input on what needs to be preserved on campus; what can we afford not to
cut. The committee will not be a continuing body although Durham
noted he will probably ask their input once a budget is received.
F. NEW FACULTY
POSITIONS. Anderson commented that there is expected enrollment
increase money and a certain number of new faculty positions. Durham
clarified 20 new positions on campus. Anderson asked what the plan
is for making decisions about the 20 positions and what colleges/school
they will go to. Durham replied that the plan is that same as it
always has been—he will take recommendations from the deans. Anderson
noted that since a budget will probably not come to fruition until November,
by then it would be too late for departments to realistically recruit on
those lines. That means unused salary money that could be used for
reversion if called upon. Durham responded that we could but that
he is holding around five percent of faculty salary money, six percent
of staff money and EPA non-faculty money. The new unused faculty
salary money would give us money in the spring to hire part-time faculty.
Durham updated on the budget noting that House
and Senate reductions are between 2.3 and 3% instead of the expected 8-10%
level. All state agencies would be funded 98% of their salary money.
Anderson asked what would happen if reversions were to come around again
in March and there was no money to give back. Durham replied that
they would treat it like we had overspent our account—they would take it
out of next year’s budget.
Gates asked committees to meet and elect a chair.
Allen moved to adjourn and Simon seconded.
VOTE 9 18 yes 0 no 1 abstain The motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patrick Rardin
voting symbols: Y = yes N - no A = abstain
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2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| ABBOTT, JOHN | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y |
| ALLEN, PATRICIA | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| ANDERSON, STELLA | A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| ARNOLD, CHIP | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y |
| BORTZ, JEFF | A | N | Y | Y | A | Y | A | A | A |
| BUSH, ROBERT | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| BUTTS, JEFF | N | Y | Y | Y | |||||
| GATES, PAUL | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| HALL, KIM | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | A | Y | |
| KENNEDY, KEVIN | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |||
| KOCH, ANDREW | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y |
| LAMBERT, MONICA | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| MARKING, MARTHA | Y | Y | A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| MCKINNEY, HAROLD | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| MOORE, MICHAEL | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y |
| MUIR, KEN | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y |
| OLSON, GEORGE | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
| RARDIN, PATRICK | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
| SIMON, KATHLEEN | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | |
| SIMON, STEVE | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| TRUETT, CAROL | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y |
| WARING, DOUG | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y |
| WEITZ, GAYLE excused | |||||||||
| WHITE, STEVE | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | A | N | |
| WOODWORTH, JOAN | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y |
| YAUKEY, MARGARET | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
VISITORS: Rachel Johnson, SGA; Peter Petschauer, History; Bill Ward, Academic Affairs; Harry Williams, Academic Affairs