Faculty Senate Minutes 2012-2013
Western State College of Colorado Faculty Senate Minutes
Monday, April 22, 2013
The Western State Colorado University Faculty Senate met on Monday, April 22, 2013 in the University Center. The meeting convened at 4:15 p.m., chaired by Roger Hudson.
Attendees
Faculty Senate
Dan Cress (BASS)
Christina Buchanan (RESS)
Roger Drake (Senator-at-large)
Shannon Eagles (LIB)
Kimberley Fix (MCIS)
Roger Hudson (BAE, Chair)
Scott Lazerus (BAE, Clerk)
Jack Lucido (CALL)
Veronica Mendez-Maqueo (CALL)
Jason Mullins (NES, Vice-Chair)
Jim Stewart (BASS)
Allen Stork (NES)
Ken Todd (MUS)
Tim Wawrzyniec (Senator-at-large)
Jim Woytek (TEP)
Absent: Don Seastrum (ART)
Others in Attendance
Maria-Claudia Tomany (Associate VPAA), Dale Orth (Faculty Trustee), Chris Luekenga (Associate Vice President for Student Affairs)
The agenda was unanimously approved. The minutes were unanimously approved.
Provost’s Report (Maria-Claudia Tomany)
· The Provost will remain away for at least two more weeks.
· The Board approved all personnel action items (tenure, promotion, emeritus, new positions).
Faculty Trustee Report
· Wheless was tentatively chosen as the search firm for the Presidential search. The timeline is to begin the search in August, anticipating a hire by February. Ultimately, the final decision is up to the Board of Trustees. Todd Wheeler (Board Chair) was chosen to chair the Search Committee, which will include other Board members, representatives of the local community (business, government, etc.), two faculty members, a student and a staff member. Additional faculty input into the process will be solicited by way of individual interviews.
o Cress brought up the possibility of suggesting more faculty representation, as well as asking that the search process itself be assessed, in light of the difficulty of bringing outside candidates into positions in Colorado. Will the investment in a national search pay off?
· The initial budget proposal presented to the Trustees includes a three percent increase to the faculty salary pool, and a 5.4% increase for classified personnel (which includes an increase at the bottom end of the classified salary structure).
o A 2.5% vacancy savings is being assumed.
· The Trustees received the amorous relationship and faculty leave policies from the faculty. The next step is for the administration to add their input.
· The May meeting will be focused on the budget, and take place by conference call.
Vice-Chair’s Report on Elections
· All departments but BAE have reported election results. Additional nominees are still being solicited for the Assessment Committee. Friday is the deadline for voting on campus-wide positions.
Handbook Committee
· Work continues on updating handbook policies, following the submission of drafts of the amorous relationship and faculty leave policies.
Old Business
· After a first reading at the April 6, 2013 Senate meeting, the motion to make the GE Council a standing committee of the WSCU Faculty Senate by amending the Faculty Bylaws may be voted on. A redline version of the Bylaws was previously submitted. Since this is a change to the Bylaws, a two-thirds majority vote is required for passage.
o The previously submitted proposals have been narrowed down to one asking that the GE Council be made a standing committee. The associated proposals related to the Assessment Committee are being postponed for the time being.
o Stork pointed out that, given that the GE coordinator is a position appointed by the provost, the committee should include a “representative of Academic Affairs,” as opposed to specifying the GE Coordinator specifically, in case the GE Coordinator position is altered or eliminated at some point in the future.
o The motion passed, nine in favor, four opposed.
New Business
· Chris Luekenga described the second year sophomore experience to the Senate and asked for feedback.
o The Sophomore Experience is designed to overcome the “sophomore slump” that can occur during the year when students may no longer be excited by the newness of the university experience, but have not yet become strongly engaged in their majors. Students who make it through the sophomore year generally go on to graduation.
o Faculty presentations will be part of the Spring Semester activities. Faculty will be asked to present information about their departments and majors, as well as individual research and interests, and information about career opportunities.
Announcements
· The final Senate meeting will be held on May 6, in the University Center South Conference Room.
· Celebration of Scholarship: Thursday, 4/25.
· Art Sale, Wednesday, 4/24.
· Student Film Night, Wednesday, 5/1.
· Arabian Nights opens Wednesday, 4/24.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Scott Lazerus, Senate Clerk
Monday, April 8, 2013
The Western State Colorado University Faculty Senate met on Monday, April 8, 2013 in the University Center. The meeting convened at 4:15 p.m., chaired by Roger Hudson.
Attendees
Faculty Senate
Roger Drake (Senator-at-large)
Roger Hudson (BAE, Chair)
Scott Lazerus (BAE, Clerk)
Don Seastrum (ART)
Ken Todd (MUS)
Jim Woytek (TEP)
Veronica Mendez-Maqueo (CALL)
Dan Cress (BASS)
Kimberley Fix (MCIS)
Jason Mullins (NES, Vice-Chair)
Shannon Eagles (LIB)
Tim Wawrzyniec (Senator-at-large)
Jim Stewart (BASS)
Christina Buchanan (RESS)
Allen Stork (NES)
Absent: Jack Lucido ((CALL)
Others in Attendance
Maria-Claudia Tomany (Associate VPAA), Dale Orth (Faculty Trustee), Heather Thiessen-Reilly (G.E. Committee), Haleigh Hanifen (SGA President), Phil Crossley (Assessment Committee co-chair)
The agenda was unanimously approved with one addition. The minutes were unanimously approved.
Provost’s Report (Maria-Claudia Tomany)
· It currently looks like the budget will remain stable next year, with FTE, at 115, also remaining constant.
· Two initiatives for increasing enrollment, where faculty involvement is important to their success:
o Admitted Student Day, April 19
o Celebration of Scholarship
· Online evaluations greatly increased the response rate on administrative evaluations.
o Cress asked why the administrative evaluations are not public, as faculty evaluations are. Tomany responded that traditionally, these evaluations have been shared with supervisors, in part to protect the evaluations respondents’ anonymity, and that this process itself is open to reevaluation.
· Dan Cress (Honors), Veronica Mendez-Maqueo (Graduate Dean), Jack Lucido (General Education Coordinator were appointed for next year.
Faculty Trustee Report
· The next Faculty Trustees’ meeting is Friday, April 19.
· Bids are being accepted for a search firm to run the Presidential search, which could be chosen at the April 19 meeting or soon thereafter.
· Orth has assurances from the Trustees that the faculty input into the administrative evaluations will be used in guiding their decisions.
· President Helman asked Orth to remind the faculty that he may be contacted directly with any concerns, and does not want to be perceived as a “lame duck” president.
Vice-Chair’s Report on Elections
· The deadline for reporting the results of departmental elections is April 19.
· Nominations for campus-wide elections are still open for
o Three Graduate Council positions
o Three Assessment Committee positions
o Faculty Liaison to the Foundation
o Faculty Trustee
Handbook Committee
· A draft of the new amorous relationship policy is now available. The parental leave policy draft is still in the works. Feedback from faculty is requested.
o Hudson pointed out that these changes are being made to the Trustees’ handbook. The Trustees have invited the faculty to contribute the draft of the requested changes, but if we do not provide drafts by April 19, the Trustees will probably come up with their own policies that the faculty will have to abide by.
o Orth asked whether it would be possible to send current policy drafts to the faculty, in order to facilitate discussion at the next faculty meeting. This should be possible with the amorous relationship policy, if not the parental leave policy. If these policies are not available to be considered by the faculty within the next couple of days, it may be too late to get faculty input into this process.
Old Business
· A first vote regarding changes to the Bylaws took place at the last meeting, so these changes can now be voted on. Based on the motions made after the first reading, the voting process has been broken into two separate votes. The first vote includes all of the redline changes except those shown in Section 11.2 All of the changes under consideration in the first vote deal with names changes and the Senate’s involvement with associations from the old State College System days. The second vote includes redline changes in Section 11.2. These redline changes place a representative from Athletics on the Academic Policies Committee as an ex-officio, non-voting member.
o The motion to accept the redline changes related to the name change passed unanimously.
o On the motion to add a representative from the Athletic Department as a non-officio (non-voting) member of the Academic Policies Committee, the vote was 9 to 4, with 1 abstention. A two-thirds “yes” vote is required to pass a change in the Bylaws, so the motion failed with 64% voting yes.
· The G.E. Coordinator and co-chair of the Assessment Committee presented two potential proposals for consideration by the faculty, both designed to better coordinate the duties of the Assessment Committee with the Curriculum Committee, and to create a permanent role for a General Education (G.E.) Committee, that would in turn coordinate with Assessment and Curriculum, avoiding duplication of effort and streamlining the curriculum process, while ensuring that the faculty have an ongoing role in designing and monitoring the G.E. curriculum.
o One option is to make Assessment and G.E. into subcommittees of the Curriculum Committee
o The second option is to make G.E. into a Standing Committee of the Senate, while making additional changes to the Bylaws in order to clarify the duties of the Assessment Committee and the Curriculum Committee.
o Stork pointed out that it needs to be ensured that the stated duties of the Assessment Committee be consistent with current University needs in regard to accreditation, since the Higher Learning Commission mandates certain roles for the Assessment Committee within the University structure.
o Discussion can take place at the Faculty meeting next week, allowing for a vote at the next Senate meeting (April 22).
Announcements
· The next Senate meeting will be April 22, in the University Center South Conference Room.
· The next Faculty Meeting will be April 16 at 12:30 in the University Center Ballroom.
· April 22, 7:00: “Bag It” at Prosser Theater.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Scott Lazerus, Senate Clerk
Monday, March 25, 2013
The Western State Colorado University Faculty Senate met on Monday, March 25, 2013 in the University Center. The meeting convened at 4:15 p.m., chaired by Roger Hudson.
Attendees
Faculty Senate
Roger Drake (Senator-at-large)
Roger Hudson (BAE, Chair)
Scott Lazerus (BAE, Clerk)
Don Seastrum (ART)
Ken Todd (MUS)
Jim Woytek (TEP)
Veronica Mendez-Maqueo (CALL)
Dan Cress (BASS)
Jack Lucido (CALL)
Kimberley Fix (MCIS)
Jason Mullins (NES, Vice-Chair)
Shannon Eagles (LIB)
Tim Wawrzyniec (Senator-at-large)
Absent: Christina Buchanan (RESS), Allen Stork (NES), Jim Stewart (BASS)
Others in Attendance
Maria-Claudia Tomany (Associate VPAA), Dale Orth (Faculty Trustee), Heather Thiessen-Reilly (G.E. Committee), Cindy Drexel (Curriculum Committee)
The agenda was unanimously approved. The minutes were unanimously approved.
Provost’s Report
· Jack Lucido has been chosen as the new G.E. Coordinator, effective this July.
· An offer has been made to a prospective online education coordinator.
· November 11–15 has been designated for discussion of strategies around international students and programs.
New Business
· Woytek moved to recommend Nella Bea Anderson for Emeritus status, Mendez-Maqueo seconded the motion. The Senate voted to recommend Nella Bea Anderson for Emeritus status, with one no vote and one absention.
· General Education Committee: Report by Heather Thiessen-Reilly. (The proposal was prepared in conjunction with Phil Crossley, co-chair of the Assessment Committee.)
o The following proposal was distributed to the Senate: “The WSCU Faculty Senate creates two Standing Sub-Committees, the Assessment Council and the GE Council, underneath the Standing Committee of the Curriculum Committee.” The proposal includes a rationale, possible committee make-up, and duties.
o Thiessen-Reilly pointed out that a GE Council will ensure that General Education remains under the control of the faculty, and that the program will benefit from ongoing evaluation in relation to state guidelines (gtPathways) and University goals, as opposed to previous repeated (and repetitive) GE discussions mostly in reaction to specific events or criticism.
o Drexel pointed out that formalizing the connection between GE and Curriculum could streamline the curriculum process and help ensure that GE proposals have been vetted by faculty members who have interest in and oversight of the program.
o NES still has concerns about empowering a committee to recommend changes before the faculty as a whole has weighed in on the long-term direction of GE.
o Hudson suggested a formal proposal/motion be submitted at the next Senate meeting, with a final vote on the May 6 meeting, leaving ample time for discussion.
Announcements
· The next Senate meeting will be April 8, in the University Center South Conference Room.
· The next Faculty Meeting will be April 15 at 12:30 in the University Center Ballroom.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:29 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Scott Lazerus, Senate Clerk
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Western State Colorado University Faculty Senate met on Monday, March 11, 2013 in the University Center. The meeting convened at 4:15 p.m., chaired by Roger Hudson.
Attendees
Faculty Senate
Christina Buchanan (RESS)
Roger Drake (Senator-at-large)
Renee Barney (for Shannon Eagles) (LIB)
Roger Hudson (BAE, Chair)
Scott Lazerus (BAE, Clerk)
Don Seastrum (ART)
Allen Stork (NES)
Ken Todd (MUS)
Jim Woytek (TEP)
Veronica Mendez-Maqueo (CALL)
Dan Cress (BASS)
Jack Lucido (CALL)
Kimberley Fix (MCIS)
Jason Mullins (NES, Vice-Chair)
Absent: Shannon Eagles (LIB), Jim Stewart (BASS), Tim Wawrzyniec (Senator-at-large)
Others in Attendance
Maria-Claudia Tomany (Associate VPAA), Haleigh Hanifen (SGA President), Dale Orth (Faculty Trustee)
The agenda was unanimously approved. The minutes were approved pending a change in the Faculty Trustee’s Report. The increase in the University’s contribution to the health insurance benefit is two percentage points, not 2.5 as noted.
Provost’s Report
· During the Provot’s leave, Maria-Claudia Tomany will attend Senate meetings. Tomany, Bill Niemi and Kevin Nelson will carry on Academic Policies business during this period, with faculty searches being a top priority.
Faculty Handbook Committee Report
· The Handbook has proven to be a major undertaking. Family leave and, at the request of members of the Board of Trustees, amorous relationship policies, will to be dealt with first. The amorous relationship policy will be designed to clarify a prohibition on amorous relationships between people with a professional relationship.
Faculty Trustee Report
· The Trustees are having a teleconference tomorrow to discuss university branding and logo proposals.
New Business
· The Graduate Studies Council is in need of a new member to fill a vacancy prior to the election for next year’s committee. Given that this is a replacement that will only last for the rest of the current semester, and that the normal election process would take up most of the remainder of the semester, Lucido moved that the Senate offer the position to Jeff Sellen, who came in third in the January election held to fill two positions on the same committee. The motion passed unanimously.
· Revisions to the Faculty Bylaws were presented for a first reading. The revised document was distributed to Senators prior to the meeting.
o Hudson apologized for misrepresenting the Academic Policies Committee in regard to voting membership for Athletics on the Committee. The A.P. Committee did not take a position on whether such a member should be ex officio or a full voting member.
§ CALL would prefer not to add representation from Athletics on Academic Policies.
§ BASS supported an ex officio role for Athletics, though similar concerns raised by CALL were expressed. A slim majority in NES came to the same conclusion, as did MCIS.
§ ART supports voting membership, because voting membership formalizes accountability for positions taken in regard to A.P issues. Having them at the table also helps prevent a more conflictual relationship from developing. TEP also supports voting membership for Athletics.
§ Stork pointed out that A.P. dealing with issues related to Athletics is a potential sign that this committee is taking on issues beyond its remit, and that the Senate might want to look at the reasons for this. Tomany pointed out that, not having an ongoing Strategic Planning Committee, some of the issues that might be looked at by such a committee are falling to Academic Policies.
o CALL would like to separate the various proposals for Bylaws changes, in order to allow each to be voted on separately.
o Both the General Education Committee and the Celebration of Scholarship Committee would like to be made permanent Senate subcommittees.
o The Assessment Committee would like to see their current duties better reflected in the Bylaws.
Announcements
· The next Senate meeting will be March 25, in the University Center South Conference Room.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:12 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Scott Lazerus, Senate Clerk
Monday, February 25, 2013
The Western State Colorado University Faculty Senate met on Monday, February 25, 2013 in the University Center. The meeting convened at 4:15 p.m., chaired by Roger Hudson.
Attendees
Faculty Senate
Christina Buchanan (RESS)
Roger Drake (Senator-at-large)
Shannon Eagles (LIB)
Roger Hudson (BAE, Chair)
Scott Lazerus (BAE, Clerk)
Don Seastrum (ART)
Allen Stork (NES)
Ken Todd (MUS)
Jim Woytek (TEP)
Veronica Mendez-Maqueo (CALL)
Dan Cress (BASS)
Tim Wawrzyniec (Senator-at-large)
Jack Lucido (CALL)
Heather Thiessen-Reilly (BASS)
Absent: Kimberley Fix (MCIS), Jason Mullins (NES, Vice-Chair)
Others in attendance
Patricia Manzanares-Gonzales (Provost), Haleigh Hanifen (SGA President), Dale Orth (Faculty Trustee), Scott Cohn (Academic Policies Chair), Greg Waggoner (Athletic Director), Jason Carmichael (Associate Athletic Director)
The agenda and the minutes were unanimously approved.
Provost’s Report
· The status of the HLC report, and the calendar, were discussed at the last Coffee with the Provost session. The first phase of the process is now complete, but the initial report cannot be made public until it has been reviewed by a second HLC group, prior to its final submission.
· Concurrent enrollment is up from 63 last semester to 98 this semester. Concurrent enrollment has been shown to boost later college performance, GPA, and other performance measures for the students who take advantage of it. There is anecdotal evidence that some of these concurrently enrolled students will enroll at WSCU upon high school graduation.
· Thus far, WSCU has graduated 34 masters degrees.
· Faculty involved in Preview Day is commended.
· The Masters in Environmental Management program was approved by the CCHE.
· Faculty Professional Activity Fund proposals can still be submitted. $9,000 is available.
· Priorities for the capital campaign are currently under discussion.
· WSCU is the first school in the state to sign its new performance contract.
· 15 faculty searches are underway. Faculty members involved are commended.
· The search for a Graduate Dean is underway.
· Dan Cress has accepted the position as Honors Director.
· 360 students are graduating this spring, with 300 participating in the graduation ceremony.
· All sabbaticals and curriculum proposals were approved by the Board of Trustees.
Chair’s Report
· During the curriculum approval process we discovered considerable differences in how department chairs interpret the signature form attached to each curriculum proposal. In addition, the original hardcopy signature form has not been attached to proposals forwarded to the Senate. The Senate Chair and the Curriculum Committee Chair have agreed to revise the signature form to reduce misunderstandings and electronic signatures will be used so that the signature form, which is supposed to indicate department support or lack of support, can be included with proposals considered by the Senate. In addition, curriculum votes at the Senate should be up or down, with no amendments, since any changes enacted at the Senate will require reconsideration by departments and the Curriculum Committee.
o Hudson and Cindy Drexel (Curriculum Chair) will be working on improving the form and signature process for curriculum changes.
· WSCU values identified at the February 12 Faculty Meeting were shared with the Board of Trustees on February 22, 2013
Faculty Trustee Report
· At Friday’s Board of Trustees meeting, Orth expressed the faculty’s desire for involvement in the search process, and pushed to get the search process started as soon as possible. The faculty values derived from the last faculty meeting were shared with the Board. The tradeoff between maintaining these values, and considering new directions for the University, was considered, with the Board seeming to lean toward the former.
· In discussion of the curriculum proposals, the importance of an ethical component to the curriculum was emphasized.
· The sexual harassment policy was approved, and the Board indicated that updating the “amorous relationship” guidelines in the faculty handbook should now be a priority. They would like to see a proposal by April, in order to approve it this year.
· A 2.5 percentage point increase in the University’s health insurance contribution was approved, along with a $500 bonus for faculty and staff this year. Next year’s budget is likely to include a 2–3% salary increase. The developments are due to enrollment targets being met, and the budget being healthier than anticipated.
· Tuition and room/board rates were set for next year, allowing for the budget planning process to go forward: In-state increase: $998, out-of-state increase: $1,070. The room/board rate is being held constant.
· In response to ongoing discussion of the University’s branding, Brian Barker has been doing focus groups with high school students and others. The Foundation is looking at improving their logo, and the Board has directed the University to considering going in the direction of what the Foundation is doing.
· The President announced that a $7.5 million renovation of the Mountaineer Bowl will be a fund-raising priority.
o Cress raised a question about the suddenness of this commitment. Given the funding that has gone toward buildings over the last few years, could it be time to prioritize academic needs and program-building? Several faculty expressed reservations in regard to this priority, and the status of the Foundation’s previous statement in regard to leveraging the new University status to raise funds for academic centers and endowed chairs. Hudson suggested discussing this issue with departments, with the possibility of a motion expressing the faculty’s concerns.
· The next Board of Trustees meeting is at WSCU in April, with budget as a priority.
Faculty Handbook Committee Report
· The committee would like feedback on how small programs deal with sabbatical leaves, as part of the consideration of parental leave policy.
New Business
· A motion from FPAC to grant emeritus status to Jim Stewart was passed unanimously. A motion from FPAC to grant emeritus status to Roger Drake passed unanimously. These motions are in accordance with departmental and FPAC recommendations, and constitute a Senate recommendation to grand emeritus status, which is now forwarded to the President.
· Potential Faculty Constitution and Bylaws revisions were submitted by Hudson prior to the meeting, consisting mostly of institutional name changes. A motion to submit the changes to the faculty for a final vote in thirty days was passed unanimously.
· Along with cosmetic and name changes, Hudson, in consultation with the Academic Policies committee, is proposing changing the makeup of Academic Policies to include a representative from the Athletics Department. Cohn (Academic Policies chair) pointed out that many of the issues coming before that committee involve issues related to Athletics. Waggoner expressed the opinion that, given the effect of academic changes on compliance with NCAA rules, and other impacts of academic policies on athletics, both academics and athletics could benefit from the resultant discussion. Cohn agreed, based on the fact that more timely interaction with athletics would help the committee make better decisions. Hudson’s current proposal adds the Assistant Athletic Director as a voting member of Academic Policies, but this language can still be altered should the faculty desire. Hudson suggested departmental discussions by March 6 in regard to the desirability of Athletics representation on Academic Policies, as well as the possible subsequent question of whether such representation ought to be ex officio or full membership with voting rights.
Announcements
· New officers must be elected by departments in time to be announced at the May 6 Senate meeting. Hudson also raised the possibility that a May 6 meeting might not be needed (May 6 is the last teaching day of the semester), in which case departmental elections would need to be done prior to April 22.
· Hudson announced that he will not be running for Senate Chair next year, so faculty should begin considering possibilities for this position.
· The Subcommittee on Benefits and Incentives has been analyzing faculty survey data. Tomorrow at 12:30 and Wednesday at 4:00, this data and the potential recommendations will be discussed with interested faculty.
· The Faculty Trustee’s position will also be up for election this semester.
· Senate meeting, March 11, 2013 in the South Conference Room
· Senate meeting, March 25, 2013 in the South Conference Room
· Senate meeting, April 8, 2013 in the South Conference Room
· Senate meeting, April 22, 2013 in the South Conference Room
· Senate meeting, May 6, 2013 in the South Conference Room
The meeting was adjourned at 5:56 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Scott Lazerus, Senate Clerk
Monday, January 28, 2013
The Western State Colorado University Faculty Senate met on Monday, January 28, 2013 in the University Center. The meeting convened at 4:15 p.m., chaired by Roger Hudson.
Attendees
Faculty Senate
Christina Buchanan (RESS)
Roger Drake (Senator-at-large)
Shannon Eagles (LIB)
Kimberly Fix (MCIS)
Roger Hudson (BAE, Chair)
Scott Lazerus (BAE, Clerk)
Jason Mullins (NES, Vice-Chair)
Don Seastrum (ART)
Allen Stork (NES)
Ken Todd (MUS)
Jim Woytek (TEP)
Veronica Mendez-Maqueo (CALL)
Dan Cress (BASS)
Heather Thiessen-Reilly (BASS)
[note: JIm Stewart and Dan Cress are replacing Susan Coykendall and Caroline Mitchell, with Heather Thiessen-Reilly occasionally filling in for Stewart]
Absent: Tim Wawrzyniec (Senator-at-large), Jack Lucido (CALL)
Others in attendance
Patricia Manzanares-Gonzales (Provost), Haleigh Hanifen (SGA President), Dale Orth (Faculty Trustee)
The agenda and the minutes were unanimously approved.
Provost’s Report
· The music faculty is commended for its extracurricular activities, as well as other faculty involved in such important outreach efforts.
· The Provost will be making classroom visits as part of the evaluation of tenure and post-tenure review faculty. So far, the impression has been positive.
· The new Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs will be presented at the next Faculty Senate meeting.
· The academic calendar for next fall will start one week earlier than planned, providing an opportunity for J-term scheduling. Departments are encouraged to consider the potential for J-term activities.
· Six faculty members have received $1000 in professional development funds based on grant and contract activity. This incentive is available to faculty applying for grants of at least $100,000.
Chair’s Report
· A proposal to make the General Education Council a Senate Committee is being considered, with a motion forthcoming.
· The first two chapters of the Faculty Handbook are currently under review by the subcommittee formed for the purpose of Handbook revision.
Foundation Report (Allen Stork for Rob Fillmore)
· There was discussion on branding related to the University’s name change.
· The transfer of land near the Aspinall-Wilson Center, as part of the Gunnison Rising proposal, has been completed.
· The possibility of stadium renovation is being discussed.
· The new memorandum of understanding between the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board is being implemented.
· This year’s $3 million dollar fundraising goal is a little less than halfway toward being achieved.
Old Business
· The next Faculty Meeting will February 12 at 3:30. The role of the faculty in the Presidential selection process will be on the agenda. Orth pointed out that the Board of Trustees will be considering the process at their February meeting. Hudson added that we could recommend that the Faculty Trustee (Orth) might be involved in this process. Stork suggested that this would be an important first step, and that it would be a good idea to maintain a line of communication between the faculty and the ongoing search process, and that a meeting between the faculty and the search firm, should one be engaged, be requested. Such contact could involve focus groups, surveys, or an all-faculty forum. The Provost pointed out that a search firm engaged for a Presidential search she was previously involved in was very inclusive in gathering input from the entire campus, and formed a strongly representative search committee. Todd suggested soliciting input from individual entities (departments, etc.), as well as looking at macro issues of concern to the campus. Hudson pointed out that articulating the selection criteria, and evaluating candidates based on these criteria, is bound to be a challenge, so keeping in mind the ways that these processes can go wrong can be a helpful way to evaluate them. Mullins suggested that it would be helpful to hear from President Helman in regard to how he sees the job. What exactly does a University President do, both on- and off-campus? Cress asked the faculty to keep in mind that articulating our values in relation to the “bigger picture” will be important, that there are longer-term concerns that supersede the needs of the moment, and that sometimes we lose sight of these longer-term consideration when focusing on short-term needs. In relation to values, Todd would like us to consider the role of the liberal arts as the University evolves. Having been considered a “liberal arts college,” where will the liberal arts stand as the college evolves into a university? Eagles: A way ought to be found to aggregate the faculty’s opinions, so that the loudest voices are not the only ones heard. Thiessen-Reilly pointed out that the random group discussions organized to consider the University’s name change might be a model. Orth: February 12 will be the first meeting on this issue, but not the last, and the discussion thus far has helped him consider how to present the faculty’s views to the Trustees. A search firm may devise other ways to solicit faculty feedback going forward.
New Business
· The WSCU Faculty Constitution and the Faculty By-Laws need revisions to incorporate name changes and, if approved, to add GE as a Senate Committee.
o Should we form an ad hoc committee to make name change revisions or should the chair undertake the responsibility for name change revisions?
o Amendments to the Constitution are governed as described below:
ARTICLE VI AMENDMENTS
Amendments shall be initiated by a two-thirds vote of the Senate at any meeting where a quorum is present or by a petition signed by at least twenty percent (20%) of the faculty. Proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be presented in writing to the members of the faculty at least thirty (30) days prior to a vote of the faculty.
Ratification of constitutional amendments will require an affirmative vote by secret ballot of a simple majority of the faculty casting ballots. Constitutional amendments ratified take effect immediately, subject to acceptance by the President and the Board of Trustees; except that bylaws ratified by the Faculty but not by the President may be submitted to the Trustees for their consideration should the Faculty or Senate request.
Amendments to the Faculty Bylaws are governed as described below:
AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
Section 1
An amendment to the Bylaws may be initiated by any member of the Senate by presenting it in writing to the Senate.
Section 2
Proposed amendments to the Bylaws must be presented in writing at least one meeting, regular or special, prior to the Senate meeting at which the vote is taken.
Section 3
The Bylaws may be amended by a 2/3 affirmative vote of the Senate at any meeting. Voting shall be by ballot.
o Drake moved that Hudson be charged with proposing a set of changes to the Faculty Constitution and Faculty Bylaws for approval by the Senate upon completion. The motion passed unanimously.
o Stork wanted to ensure that there is time for discussion in regard to the direction of the GE Committee before changes in the Bylaws pertaining to it proceed further. Hudson suggested that, once a draft motion has been prepared, we get feedback from the Assessment Committee, Curriculum Committee, Senate, and Departments, allowing for potential revisions. Thiessen-Reilly (GE Coordinator) agrees that the faculty needs to be educated about the state-level parameters and other issues around GE, before they can buy into any proposal relating to a committee, or modifications to GE. Hudson responded that a process to bring the faculty into this discussion will be worked on.
Announcements
· Faculty Meeting February 12
· Board of Trustees Meeting February 22
· Faculty Art Exhibit February 7
· The Masters of Environmental Management proposal is a consent item on the agenda for the next CCHE meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:22 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Scott Lazerus, Senate Clerk
Monday, November 5, 2012
The Western State Colorado University Faculty Senate met on Monday, November 5, 2012 in the Aspinall-Wilson Center. The meeting convened at 4:15 p.m., chaired by Roger Hudson.
Attendees
Faculty Senate
Christina Buchanan (RESS)
Susan Coykendall (BASS)
Roger Drake (Senator-at-large)
Shannon Eagles (LIB)
Kimberly Fix (MCIS)
Roger Hudson (BAE, Chair)
Scott Lazerus (BAE, Clerk)
Jack Lucido (CALL)
Caroline Mitchell (BASS)
Jason Mullins (NES, Vice-Chair)
Don Seastrum (ART)
Allen Stork (NES)
Ken Todd (MUS)
Jim Woytek (TEP)
Absent: Tim Wawrzyniec (Senator-at-large), Veronica Mendez-Maqueo (CALL)
Others in attendance
Patricia Manzanares-Gonzales (Provost), Haleigh Hanifen (SGA President), Cindy Drexel (Curriculum Committee), Mark Todd, John Hausdorfer, Jeff Sellen, Dan Cress
The agenda and the minutes were unanimously approved.
Trustee’s Report
Proceedings of the most recent Trustees’ Meeting: The appointment of the new VP of Enrollment Management and Director of Marketing were announced. Brad Baca presented an optimal enrollment model helping clarify the effects of enrollment changes on marginal costs and revenue for the university. The Trustees understood that increasing enrollment is not always optimal, depending on the cost effects. Orth continues to be impressed by the Trustees’ concern for the welfare of faculty
Provost’s Report
o AVPAA candidates have started to arrive for campus visits, and the dedication of the faculty has been remarked upon by the candidates, and is appreciated by the Provost.
o The retention rate has now increased to 64%, compared to a national average around 40%. The next step is to drill into the rates for individual disciplines and rates for different educational stages (e.g. freshmen-to-sophomore, sophomore-to-junior, etc.).
o A personnel issue related to Dr. Stark was addressed by the administration and the Trustees in public session, related to a disciplinary decision which was being appealed by Stark. The suspension from campus that was decided on last spring was upheld by the Trustees.
o Discussion with chairs has been reopened in regard to potential administration reorganization, as proposed for consideration in the last strategic plan.
o Seventy faculty have participated in the first three Coffee with the Provost sessions. More sessions will be scheduled, with attempt to hold them at during a variety of time slots.
o Academic Affairs would like information on faculty scholarly and community accomplishments for distribution in a newsletter.
o President Helman and the Provost have begun a practice of campus “walkabouts” to increase regular interaction with the campus.
o The work of the AVPAA search committee was lauded.
o Indicators of educational progress for the institution are in the process of being finalized, in order to recommend specific indicators for the CCHE Master Plan.
o In mid-November, there will be an opportunity to fact check the initial findings of the Higher Learning Commission, as part of the accreditation process.
Old Business
· Consideration of curriculum proposals approved by the Curriculum Committee and previously forwarded to the Senate for consideration. These two proposals were distributed prior to the October 22 Senate meeting. There is a motion on the floor to pass these proposals today.
o Master in Fine Arts curriculum revision proposal:
Mark Todd reported that the graduation rate is currently 85%. The current revisions are based on an ongoing assessment process of the still-new program, with the results incorporating many revisions, in order to avoid sending a series of individual smaller changes to the Curriculum Committee. A motion to approve the revisions to the MFA program was passed unanimously.
o Master in Environmental Management proposal:
Stork: The administrative questions related to a new program of this type, which has not been tried before at Western (but which is not directly a curricular issue), is the source of concern from NES. The potential costs and benefits are unclear, which is a cause for concern to some within the faculty. The Provost pointed out that there is a “leap of faith” that must be taken in order to begin a new program, but the MEM program, like the other graduate programs, is cash-funded through enrollment, and if the enrollment does not pan out, the program will not be able to continue. Todd pointed out that the MFA program had to make a similar leap, but Stork pointed out that the MFA program is much more modular—hiring adjunct faculty course-by-course using a distance-learning approach—as opposed to the MEM proposal to bring new faculty to campus in order to start a program. Hausdorfer sees three outstanding questions related to the proposal: 1) How to deal with the start-up costs. By the time that faculty searches are finalized, we will already have a sense of what enrollment is likely to be, since the program will not begin until the following year. If applications are too low, the process can be cancelled or postponed. 2) The issue of tenure-track graduate faculty will have time to be ironed out in the Graduate Council during this extended time frame as well. This is an issue that must be decided transparently and carefully. 3) The benefit to program enrollment of finding ways to keep tuition down has been recognized, and ways to do this are being explored with the finance staff. Cress pointed out that he has been convinced through his involvement in the process that the Environment Studies Program has shown the ability to grow, and is the right program to take the University’s first step into a residential graduate program. Lucido pointed out that, based on his experience with the MFA program, the initial marketing expenditure and strategy will be crucial. Hausdorfer responded that there is a $10,000 commitment from Extended University, and private Clark Fund monies are also available for this purpose. If the proposal is passed, getting started on the marketing is the next step. Mullins suggested taking more time to evaluate the concerns raised by the Curriculum Committee, rather than voting today. Hudson pointed out that it would be desirable to have pre-defined “break points” with which to measure success or failure, in order to avoid the temptation to continue incurring costs past the point where it would be rational to do so. Fix pointed out that it would be useful to hear the discussion in the November 8 all-faculty meeting before voting, and Hudson expressed a hope that there could be a vote on the proposal at the November 26 Senate meeting.
New Business
A large number of curriculum proposals have been approved by the Curriculum Committee and forwarded to the Senate for consideration.
First reading of Curriculum Committee proposals: The Chair of the Curriculum Committee has provided a summary of undergraduate curriculum proposals that have been passed or are being considered by the committee. Note for each proposal listed in this summary, the far right column shows the date the proposal was approved by the committee. A blank in this column indicates the committee has not yet voted on a proposal. The Senate should plan to vote on the proposals already approved by the Curriculum Committee at the next Senate meeting, November 26.
Announcements
· The November 8, 2012 Faculty Meeting to be held from 12:30 pm to 1:45 in the Quigley Recital Hall.
· Candidates for director of the PLRM program (Moncrief Chair) will be on campus next week. Public presentations will be Monday at 3:30, and Thursday at 12:30, and all input is appreciated.
· Next Senate meeting is November 26, 2012 in the South Conference Room, University Center, at 4:15 pm
The meeting was adjourned at 5:36 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Scott Lazerus, Senate Clerk
Monday, November 26, 2012
The Western State Colorado University Faculty Senate met on Monday, November 26, 2012 in the University Center. The meeting convened at 4:15 p.m., chaired by Roger Hudson.
Attendees
Faculty Senate
Christina Buchanan (RESS)
Susan Coykendall (BASS)
Roger Drake (Senator-at-large)
Shannon Eagles (LIB)
Andy Keck (for Kim Fix) (MCIS)
Roger Hudson (BAE, Chair)
Scott Lazerus (BAE, Clerk)
Jack Lucido (CALL)
Caroline Mitchell (BASS)
Jason Mullins (NES, Vice-Chair)
Don Seastrum (ART)
Allen Stork (NES)
Ken Todd (MUS)
Veronica Mendez-Maqueo (CALL)
Tim Wawrzyniec (Senator-at-large)
Jim Woytek (TEP)
Absent: Kimberly Fix
Others in attendance
Patricia Manzanares-Gonzales (Provost), Haleigh Hanifen (SGA President), Cindy Drexel (Curriculum Committee), John Hausdorfer, Jeff Sellen, Kim Gailey (HR), Dale Orth (Faculty Trustee)
The agenda and the minutes were unanimously approved.
Provost’s Report
· Thanks to Dr. Mitchell and the nine students who traveled to New York during the Thanksgiving Break in order to help with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
· There are around 300 non-registered current students, so advisors should still continue encouraging these students to register as soon as possible.
· The third AVPAA candidate is on campus.
· Sabbatical decisions will be sent out on Thursday.
· Administrative assistants have training on December 3.
· Celebration of Scholarship will take place next week: Oral sessions are in the Prosser Theater on Monday at 12:30, and the Poster Session will be on Thursday.
Old Business
· Consideration of the Master in Environmental Management (MEM) proposal approved by the Curriculum Committee and previously forwarded to the Senate for consideration. The MEM received a first reading and was discussed at a second meeting.
o Seastrum: Art supports the program and wants to see it advanced, but wants to reemphasize the need for a graduate policy framework. If is inappropriate to vote against a proposal due to this lack of policy, but this is not meant to minimize the need to formulate these policies.
o Keck: MCIS also approves of the proposal, but wants to be careful about ensuring that specific aspects of this proposal not be considered to be policy precedents.
o Buchanan (RESS) and Lucido (CALL) added their concerns about the graduate policies surrounding the proposal. Hudson added that these concerns indicate an uneasiness about some issues in the proposal, given the lack of policy guidance.
o The proposal to pass the MEM proposal passed 11–2, with one abstention.
o The Provost assured the Senate that the policy issues of concern will be addressed by the administration.
· A second batch of proposed curriculum revisions received a first reading at the November 5, 2012 Senate meeting and are ready for final consideration by the Senate. Individual proposals are summarized in detail in the attached file, “Curriculum Committee and Senate Journal, November 26, 2012.” For your convenience, curriculum proposals to be voted on at this meeting are highlighted with a yellow fill in the far right “Approved Date” column and include proposals approved by the Curriculum Committee between October 9 and October 17, 2012.
o The curriculum changes that have passed the Curriculum Committee were passed collectively by the Senate unanimously.
· At the prior meeting there was some uncertainty about the curriculum approval process and timetable. As shown in the Western State Colorado University Curriculum Committee Handbook for Curriculum Change, page 6: “Any new degree programs, new submajors, and programs with substantive changes such as changes in emphases or increased number of credits in emphases are forwarded to the Board of Trustees (Western State Colorado University Board Policy Manual, Section 5.2).” Curricular changes will be considered by the BOT at the February 18 meeting and proposals need one month lead time to be placed on the BOT agenda. The last Senate meeting at which curriculum proposals may be passed and meet the BOT deadline is January 14, the first Senate meeting of spring semester. We are currently on track to conclude consideration of curriculum proposals at the December 10 meeting, the last Senate meeting of fall semester.
New Business
· As explained by Kim Gailey, HR Director, “The University needs to update our sexual harassment policy to be in compliance with the latest guidance from the Office on Civil Rights, related to Title IX. Currently, our sexual harassment policy is incorporated in the anti-discrimination policy. The sexual harassment policy is being separated so that compliance is more readily achieved. Consequently, the anti-discrimination policy has to be amended to remove references to sexual harassment there. The draft sexual harassment policy itself it fairly short and applies to all campus constituents. The procedures for handling complaints are just as important, but do not require Board of Trustees approval, and are not ready for review yet.” The Senate does not approve changes in the Appendices as these are Board of Trustee Policies; these changes are being brought to our attention and to solicit our feedback in the interest of shared governance.
o According to Gailey, the proposal involves separating sexual harassment policies and procedures from the overall anti-discrimination policies with which they are currently included. The definition of sexual harassment has been modified to clearly prohibit workplace environment harassment and “quid pro quo” behavior, and adding language to the effect that sexual violence and sexual assault are included under sexual harassment prohibitions. Retaliation in response to sexual harassment allegations will be treated as a separate sexual harassment complaint. Documents laying out the precise proposed changes were distributed to the Senate, and will be taken for approval to the Board of Trustees at their December meeting.
o Hudson asked how “welcome” relationships are dealt with in the policy. Gailey replied that this would not be sexual harassment, but such issues are dealt with in a separate “amorous relationship” policy in the faculty handbook, which will also be reviewed at the request of the Trustees.
· The Graduate Studies Council and the Academic Policies Committee may have a proposed change to graduate curriculum policies ready for introduction by the time the Senate meets.
o The Academic Policies Committee has submitted a mtion to change the catalog as follows:
§ Currently the catalog reads: “Any individual holding a baccalaureate degree who does not wish to pursue a master’s degree may be permitted to enroll in selected graduate courses when approved by the respective department chairperson and the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies. Non-degree seeking students may enroll in graduate credits for the purposes of continuing education and professional development (typically courses numbered 500-599).”
§ The revision reads: “A non-degree seeking student holding a bachelor’s degree may be allowed to complete up to nine credit hours of 600-level graduate coursework at WSCU before formal admission into a graduate program. Non-degree seeking students must obtain graduate program director approval prior to registration. Courses, graded B- or higher, may be applied to a graduate degree at WSCU upon approval by the Chair/Director of the program. Registration for graduate level courses does not constitute or imply admission into a graduate program, as the candidate must meet the program admission requirements. Coursework completed more than five years prior to being admitted into the graduate program shall be evaluated by the major department as to current relevance and applicability to the degree requirements.”
o The motion was passed unanimously, with the exception of one abstention.
· A third batch of proposed curriculum revisions has received Curriculum Committee approval and are presented to the Senate for a first reading. Individual proposals are summarized in detail in the attached file, “Curriculum Committee and Senate Journal, November 26, 2012.” For your convenience, curriculum proposals presented for a first reading are highlighted with a green fill in the far right “Approved Date” column and include proposals approved by the Curriculum Committee between November 6 and November 15, 2012. It is expected that these proposals will receive a Senate vote at the December 10, 2012 meeting.
o Seastrum (Art) pointed out that an Art course currently included in the change to the Latin American Studies minor will need to be dropped from the proposal, which may be dealt with as a Senate amendment after all involved parties are consulted.
o The addition of an Environmental Studies course to General Education, which violates the policy that drove the last GE revision, led to a discussion of whether this policy has changed at the state level, or in regard to accreditation.
o A couple of other minor questions about specific proposals were brought up for clarification, and these questions will be addressed to the proposals’ authors prior to the Senate’s vote on the proposals.
· The Curriculum Committee has issued its Fall 2012 report, which includes two issues for Senate consideration. One issue deals with the approval of General Education courses (also brought up in the previous item), and the second deals with minors that do not require upper division courses.
· Eagles moved to send a thank-you letter to Ann Weigert thanking her for her service upon her retirement. The motion was passed unanimously.
· Academic Policies Committee has asked the Senate to charge AP “with exploring best practices for a SYE with an emphasis on evaluating the importance of faculty involvement. AP will also remain eavailable to provide additional comments, updates, and suggestions on this and all other issues of academic policy at Western.”
o Drake pointed out that this request may be premature, given that the administration should be driving this policy prior to the faculty becoming involved. The Provost assured the faculty that the administration and those involved in the First Year Experience welcome the input from Academic Policies.
o The motion passed with no votes against and three abstentions.
· CALL had previously requested a motion asking the administration to address the graduate policy issues discussed above in the first item of new business. Lucido agreed with the Provost to leave this motion aside for now and express the faculty concerns for consideration by the Graduate Council as a more appropriate starting point for the discussion.
Announcements
The next Senate meeting will be on Monday, December 10.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Scott Lazerus, Senate Clerk
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Western State Colorado University Faculty Senate met on Monday, December 10, 2012 in the University Center. The meeting convened at 4:15 p.m., chaired by Roger Hudson.
Attendees
Faculty Senate
Christina Buchanan (RESS)
Susan Coykendall (BASS)
Roger Drake (Senator-at-large)
Shannon Eagles (LIB)
Kimberly Fix (MCIS)
Roger Hudson (BAE, Chair)
Scott Lazerus (BAE, Clerk)
Jack Lucido (CALL)
Caroline Mitchell (BASS)
Jason Mullins (NES, Vice-Chair)
Don Seastrum (ART)
Allen Stork (NES)
Ken Todd (MUS)
Tim Wawrzyniec (Senator-at-large)
Kimberly Fix (TEP)
absent: Jim Woytek (TEP), Veronica Mendez-Maqueo (CALL)
Others in attendance
Patricia Manzanares-Gonzales (Provost), Haleigh Hanifen (SGA President), Cindy Drexel (Curriculum Committee), John Hausdorfer, Jeff Sellen, Dale Orth (Faculty Trustee)
The agenda (with the addition of a Faculty Trustee’s Report and Chair’s Report) and the minutes were unanimously approved.
Provost’s Report
· The faculty is encouraged to visit the art display at the Academic Affairs office, as well as to attend upcoming theater productions, athletic events, and other extracurricular offerings, in support of our students.
· The faculty is invited to consider (through discussion with department chairs) critical investment needs that could potentially be funded out of savings in this year’s budget. (See Chair’s Report below.)
Faculty Trustee Report
· At the next Trustee meeting, the Trustees will consider a presidential succession plan in executive session. Orth is waiting for a decision as to whether he will be able to attend this session.
· The Foundation and the University have been working on a revised agreement of understanding, which may involve changing policy so as to no longer allow joint University/Foundation employee appointments.
· Discussion items will include sexual harassment policies, the Gunnison Rising proposal, the investment of budget savings, and a presentation on the Celebration of Scholarship.
· The faculty salary report will be submitted to the Trustees, showing a further small erosion of salaries relative to peer institutions.
Chair’s Report
· The $725,000 anticipated fiscal deficit for the current year has turned out to be less than this, in part due to lower than expected scholarship payments. Instead, the shortfall is expected to be $250,000. There is also the possibility of vacancy savings that are likely to be over $300,000. Assuming this money does become available, the faculty has been asked to consider options for its use, with an emphasis on one-time investments. There is an important distinction between one-time investments and salary increases or other costs that would have to be built into future budgets.
o Coykendall asked for consideration of whether there are particular critical needs at the moment. Stork responded that adding dollars to particular categories (e.g., temporary staffing, physical staff, etc.), as opposed to individual items, could then be used based on current prioritization.
o There was a consensus to include the possibility of faculty salary increases in this discussion.
Old Business
· A third batch of proposed curriculum revisions has received Curriculum Committee approval and was presented to the Senate for a first reading on November 26. Individual proposals are summarized in detail in a document distributed to Senators. There have been at least three subsequent minor changes to proposals included in this batch, which can be reviewed in the previously mentioned document. The three changes are found under the Latin American Studies Minor, Political Science and Music.
o Mitchell raised concerns about the issue of “hidden prerequisites” in the Latin American Studies minor, since Spanish 101 and 102 are not required, but higher-level Spanish courses are. Orth pointed out that this is a typical practice in languages. Seastrum moved to approve a change requested by the originators of the proposal, asking for a change in the language requirement. The motion passed with seven in favor and six absentions. Coykendall moved that the Latin American Studies proposal be separated from the rest of the package and voted on separately. This motion passed with two abstentions.
o Stork asked the Senate if they had received feedback in regard to the question of reopening the General Education Liberal Arts curriculum to disciplines that have been disallowed for most of the last decade. Lazerus pointed out that, if these restrictions are no longer in effect, we currently have no guidelines in regard to which disciplines are appropriate within the three areas of general education, since all disciplines not currently in the program were summarily banned from GE in 2003 as part of a restructuring presented by the administration at the time as a demand of NCA and CCHE, and that the faculty has not had time to consider the ramifications, as this change was not formally announced. The contention in 2003 that was that the program was academically unsound, due to the fact that there was no guidance for students as to which combinations of courses to take (resulting in a so-called “smorgasbord” approach), and that it was possible to meet GE area requirements without taking core discipline courses in those areas (e.g., a student could complete Area 1 Social Science without taking a course from a social scientist.) Do we want to open the GE program to disciplines that have been excluded for most of the last decade? If so, based on what principles? Stork raised the possibility of pulling the G.E. designation out of these proposals until the issue can be further discussed and other disciplines can be invited to submit courses. The motion failed: 4 in favor, 5 against, 3 abstentions. The package of proposals under consideration then passed unanimously.
o Coykendall moved to table the outstanding motion on the Latin American Studies minor, until the 101–102 prerequisite issue can be addressed and clarified. Stork pointed out that the motion may have to be brought back to the Senate via email prior to the next meeting, to avoid missing the opportunity to pass it in time to make next year’s schedule.
New Business
· Two new curriculum proposals have been forwarded to the Senate. One is from ROE and the other is from CIS. This is the first reading of these proposals.
· The Intercollegiate Athletics Committee has presented its Fall 2012 Report to the Senate. IAC recommends to the Senate that athletes be allowed to register for classes prior to other students so that class schedules create less conflict with practice and travel schedules.
o Discussion ensued around the practical and cultural issues surrounding prioritization of athletics, and Senators asked for more clarification as to the number of students having problems getting into classes, and how big of an impact this would have. Discussion will continue next semester, with the intention of deciding on this proposal prior to spring registration for fall semester.
· The Graduate Studies Council will have two temporary vacancies spring semester and has asked that the Senate appoint two temporary replacements. Dr. Nella Bea Anderson and Dr. Jeff Sellen have been nominated and both are willing to serve.
o A motion to accept these two nominations did not pass: five in favor, five opposed, two abstentions.
o Nominations for the Graduate Studies Council will be solicited, with another vote being held in January.
Announcements
The next Senate meeting will be on January 14, 2013 .
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Scott Lazerus, Senate Clerk
Monday, January 14, 2013
The Western State Colorado University Faculty Senate met on Monday, January 14, 2013 in the University Center. The meeting convened at 4:15 p.m., chaired by Roger Hudson.
Attendees
Faculty Senate
Christina Buchanan (RESS)
Susan Coykendall (BASS)
Roger Drake (Senator-at-large)
Shannon Eagles (LIB)
Kimberly Fix (MCIS)
Roger Hudson (BAE, Chair)
Scott Lazerus (BAE, Clerk)
Jack Lucido (CALL)
Caroline Mitchell (BASS)
Jason Mullins (NES, Vice-Chair)
Don Seastrum (ART)
Allen Stork (NES)
Ken Todd (MUS)
Jim Woytek (TEP)
Veronica Mendez-Maqueo (CALL)
Absent: Tim Wawrzyniec (Senator-at-large)
Others in attendance
Patricia Manzanares-Gonzales (Provost), Haleigh Hanifen (SGA President), Dale Orth (Faculty Trustee)
The agenda and the minutes were unanimously approved.
Provost’s Report
· An ad hoc committee of chairs are gathering data and considering possible reorganization of Academic Affairs. A report is forthcoming.
· At the next Coffee with the Provost, there will be an opportunity to discuss the HLC report, as well as the academic calendar.
· WSCU is expecting over 100 concurrently enrolled students this semester, which would almost double the number from last semester. Success in this area has been attributed to a level of service not offered by community colleges and other schools.
· Approximately seven countries will be visited by students as part of Maymester travel plans, including possibly Egypt and Nepal.
· Plans for faculty searches are being finalized.
· There are currently international students at WSCU from thirteen countries, several students are currently studying abroad, and more efforts are being made to work toward further internationalization of Western students’ experience.
· The HLC report is taking longer than expected, but indications thus far are positive. The report is expected in April.
Chair’s Report
· The committee currently working on the Faculty Handbook revisions has begun evaluating the document, and will be looking to the Senate for assistance on particular points.
· The role of the General Education committee is being looked at with an eye toward formalizing its role in the curriculum process.
Faculty Trustee Report
· The Trustees met in December, where President Helman announced his resignation effective June 2014. The Board wants the faculty to help consider the presidential succession issue. Hopefully the next all-faculty meeting will be a forum for developing a set of principles in regard to the search, to be communicated to the Trustees at their next meeting.
· The marginal cost model was presented, indicating that around 200 more students could be added before there would be a need for a net increase in faculty or staff.
Old Business
· A proposal to create a Latin American Studies minor was tabled at the previous Senate meeting to allow more time to consider the implicit inclusion of Spanish 101 and 102 as prerequisites. Coykendall mentioned that previous concerns over this issue had been satisfactorily addressed. The motion to approve the Latin American Studies minor was reintroduced. There was no discussion. The measure was passed with two opposed.
· The proposal to change the prerequisites for ROE 189 to include instructor permission was passed unanimously.
· The proposal is to accept CIS 150 as an Area I General Education course was considered. Discussion continued in regard to the appropriateness of the course for the Social Science area, but the main issue of discussion came down to desire for a set of principles, presumably to be developed by the GE subcommittee, in order to evaluate what courses are appropriate in each area, and whether the proliferation of courses from outside of the traditional disciplines currently included in each area ought to be managed so as not to compromise the overall goals of the General Education program, with the recognition that it was this type of course proliferation that previously led to criticism of Western’s G.E. program from accreditors and state higher education authorities. It may now be possible to relax the restrictions on disciplines within each Area put in place in 2003, or make other changes to the General Education program, but there has as yet been no faculty discussion about the desirability of doing this, or a set of principles around which such changes can be evaluated. The motion to accept the proposal failed, with three in favor, seven opposed, and five abstentions.
· The Graduate Studies Council has two temporary vacancies and has asked that the Senate appoint two temporary replacements selected from nominated faculty. Mark Stiger and Nella Bea Anderson were elected to the Graduate Council, with Anderson’s filling a one-semester replacement position.
New Business
· The next Faculty Meeting will be held on February 12, 2013 from 3:30 to 4:45 in the South Ballroom of the College Center. Recommendations for additional topics for the agenda are welcomed by the Senate Chair.
· Hudson reiterated Orth’s earlier request for more input from faculty in regard to issues appearing before the Trustees.
· Todd Wheeler, the Board of Trustees Chair, has expressed an interest in engaging the faculty regarding the presidential selection process. The next board meeting is February 22 and Hudson would like to present recommendations from the faculty to the BOT about the role of the faculty in the selection process. Hudson solicited feedback on how to reach some sort of consensus to present to the Trustees in regard to the selection process. Fix and Eagles pointed out that an all-faculty meeting may not be the right forum for reaching such a decision, since not all faculty can be there, and of those there, not all will necessarily be heard. Orth suggested presenting the faculty’s view on the strengths and weaknesses of different possible processes. Seastrum suggested that the meeting could be a starting point for the faculty to get an understanding of how the process might work, rather than trying to reach a conclusion at that point. The Provost pointed out that a search firm may be engaged to guide the process (though this has yet to be decided), which could in part determine the faculty’s role in the search, but that it is not too soon to begin a discussion of what the faculty would prefer to do. Stork pointed out that the process ought to find a way to get the entire faculty’s input into what they believe should be the preferred qualities for a president that would be most beneficial to the University at this time. Hudson suggested taking this question to departments for feedback, prior to the next Senate meeting.
Announcements
· Drake announced Wednesday’s CTE “ice-breaking” event on Wednesday.
· The next Senate meeting will be on January 28, 2013.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:32 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Scott Lazerus, Senate Clerk
