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UWA FACULTY SENATE MINUTES
Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 3:30 p.m.
Wise Conference Room - Wallace Hall 213
I.
Roll Call
Dr. Richard Schellhammer called the meeting to order
at 3:33 pm. Members present were Dr. Lesa Shaul, Dr. Barry Green-Burns, Dr.
Lauren Wells, Dr. Donald Salter, Dr. Thomas Ratkovich, Mr. Mark Brothers, Dr.
Manly Blackwell, Dr. Joy Cauthron, Mr. Jim Todd, Ms. Carol Webb, and Mr. Bill
Lemming.
II. Approval of September 21 Minutes
Several changes were made. Dr. Wells motioned that
the minutes be approved as amended. The motion was seconded by Dr. Green-Burns
and was approved unanimously.
III. Old Business
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Alabama Teachers Retirement System
Dr. Schellhammer noted that anyone retiring in
the next year or two should schedule an appointment with the Retirements
System of Alabama. They should apply online. Dr. Shaul expressed concern
about US Airways impending bankruptcy and its effect on the RSA, a major
investor. In a related note, Dr. Schellhammer reported that a
representative from VALIC made a visit to campus on November 16 and they
would allow walk-ins. For any further information contact
jeff_hall@aigvalic.com.
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Merit Pay
Dr. Shaul reported that the faculty, as a whole,
had thus far voted overwhelmingly against merit pay. She believed there
could be a final tally within days. Several questions were raised as to
from where the money would come, because the University is on a very tight
budget. Dr. Schellhammer argued that faculty salaries should at least be up
to the state average before any merit pay proposals should be considered.
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Other
Student Fees – Dr. Shaul reported for Dr. Tina Jones
that student graduation fees would “roll over” if they graduate in a later
semester than the one they paid their fees. Previously, students were billed
for each semester they applied.
IV. New Business
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Report
from AAUP
Dr. Wells explained a questionnaire containing
“talking points” on faculty concerns should be ready for distribution by the
first of November. It may be downloaded or, if you wish not to be tracked,
mailed upon request. The next University AAUP meeting is October 28.
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Senate President’s/Vice-President’s Report
Dr Shaul reported on the Dean’s Council meeting as
follows:
The strategic plan for the next five years was
approved. It is less wordy and more readable than its predecessor.
The ACE program, a recruitment option for high
school seniors based on the Federal Trio Programs is being considered. The
Deans have concerns about the requirements of this program.
The Maternity Leave Policy is still being examined.
Mr. Frank Whidden stated turnitin.com is available
for faculty.
The Provost is interested in starting a lecture
series for the university and general public.
The Provost is also interested in participating in a
nationwide teleconference on freshman studies.
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Other
Dr. Schellhammer reported that textbooks for the
“Books for Baghdad” program were driven to JSU by himself and Drs. Tom Gonzalez
and Lesa Shaul. Dr. Green-Burns mentioned that basic school supplies for Iraq
are being collected through Livingston Jr. High and sent to Iraq via the
Demopolis National Guard Unit. He said that any help would be appreciated. Dr.
Schellhammer stated that he would email the faculty about this project.
Dr. Schellhammer noted that the AASCU National
Faculty Development Initiative – Incorporating Japanese studies into the
undergraduate curriculum has Sasakawa Fellowships available for faculty. For
more information contact
www.aascu.org/programs/jsi/
V. Adjournment
Dr. Blackwell motioned that the meeting be
adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 pm.
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