Time: 3:30

Presiding: Dr. R.T. Floyd

Secretary: Dr. Manley Blackwell

Present: Mr. Donnie Cobb (for Mr. William Lenning), Ms. Shannon White (for Dr. Neil Snider), Mrs. Nancy Kudlawiec, Dr. Gerald Jones, Dr. Sheri Baggett-McMinn, Dr. Richard Schellhammer, Mrs. Tricia Taylor (for Mrs. Sylvia Homan), Dr. Mike Reekie, Mr. Richard Thurn, Dr. Janis Beaird, Mr. James Todd, and Mrs. Beth Springer.

I. Call to Order by Dr. Floyd

II. Roll Call by Dr. Blackwell

III. Presentation by Dr. Ed Roach, President and Dr. David Taylor, Provost

Dr. Roach began with some opening remarks. He shared his desire for an exchange of ideas between the President’s office and the Senate. He also commended Dr. Taylor for his credentials and previous accomplishments. Dr. Roach and Dr. Taylor then opened the floor for questions and guided the discussion according to various topics.

A. Lap-Top University

Dr. Roach is interested in implementing the "Lap-Top University" concept. Students would be required to purchase or lease a P.C. with particular software. Faculty members would be equipped with the same software. Technology could then be incorporated into instruction and study. Students would learn about technology, and communication would improve among all involved.

A steering committee is currently studying this possibility. After a proposal is complete, Dr. Roach will approach the Board of Trustees and the U.W.A. Foundation for support. Faculty members will also be asked for input.

B. Faculty Salaries

A question was asked concerning faculty salaries. Dr. Taylor reminded Senate members of decisions from the last Salary Study Committee meeting. (This information is included in the minutes for the June 17, 1998 Faculty Senate meeting.) The Salary Study Committee will hold another meeting soon.

C. Distance Learning and Alternative Scheduling

A question was asked about distance learning and alternative scheduling. Dr. Taylor reported that distance-learning possibilities are being explored by an ad hoc committee. He feels that distance-learning classes are, for the most part, more appropriate for graduate students than for undergraduates. He is also hopeful that its implementation will complement the efforts of departments which offer graduate-level classes away from campus.

Dr. Taylor reminded members that the University has an active schedule of night classes. Night classes at our institution are more popular with graduate students than undergraduates. The desire for night classes by undergraduates is lessened because our area is sparsely populated. The idea of "weekend" classes is also an ongoing topic of discussion.

D. Post-Tenure Review

The final topic of discussion was post-tenure review. During September, 1997, a question concerning this matter came from the Board of Trustees. Many elements of post-tenure review are already in place, but the Board asked for a special section on this item in the next revision of the Handbook for Faculty and Professional Staff. A proposal is being draughted by a special committee. When it is complete, a copy will be sent to all deans and faculty members. Everyone will have an opportunity for input. Dr. Roach emphasized that the concept of post-tenure review should not be viewed as a threat. It is the desire of the committee to design a process which is developmental in approach rather than punitive.

IV. Old Business

No old business was brought before the Senate.

V. New Business

A. Meeting Day and Time

After some discussion, Dr. Reekie moved that the Senate meeting day and time be changed to the third Tuesday of every month at 3:30, beginning next quarter. The motion was seconded and approved.

B. Adjournment

The motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Todd and seconded by Dr. Jones. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.