President Gene Atkinson called the meeting to order at 3:30 P.M.

Twenty senators were present or represented. Senators Janis Petronis and Sandy Johnson were absent.

1. Approval of Minutes
Upon motion by Linda Duncan, the Senate approved the minutes of the November 2000 meeting.

2. Treasurer's Report.
The Treasurer reported a balance of $2767.47.

Upcoming expenditures will include representation at the Texas Council of Senates

Upon a motion by Richard Sale, the Senate approved an expenditure of $250 for inflatable toys for the May barbecue.

3. Committee reports

A. Academic Council Meeting was cancelled

B. Developmental Leave Committee
The meeting was snowed out. Linda Duncan spoke about the need to get faculty energized on this issue so that it does not die from inattention. She will meet with Dr. Alexander and discuss possibilities to better involve faculty, perhaps a task force.

C. Campus Bookstore Advisory Committee
There was agreement with Hastings to develop a 12 station learning laboratory. This has not yet been done although a letter has been sent to Hastings to initiate the process. A representative from Hastings will be invited to the February meeting.

D. By-laws committee:
The committee consists of Teresa Davidian, Dennis Jones, and Gene Atkinson. They have not yet met.

4. Other Reports:
A. Consideration of Senate meeting dates for March
The March meeting was re-scheduled for March 6th, 2001.

Old Business:

5. Arthur Award - Teresa Davidian
Applications are due March 1st. Further information will be forthcoming in the mail. The senate discussed the meaning behind the phrase full-time faculty with no administrative duties. It was suggested that administrative duties could refer to an appointment or position appearing on the University organizational chart.

6. Review of new student evaluation forms - Gene Atkinson
There was no action on this. Evidently there is delay in finding a vendor capable of doing the forms as desired.

7. Faculty loads - Carol Thompson
Two copies were handed out which contained the recommendations from the self-study pertaining to faculty loads and the response to the issues raised. This pertains to a variety of issues - graduate classes, advising, course development, and laboratory instruction. This is another area where faculty involvement, particularly senior faculty, is needed. It was decided to address this in an open forum and panel discussion in April to which Dr. Alexander and Dr. McCabe will be invited. It is hoped that senators will discuss this in their respective departments. We need data on economic impact and stats from departments on overall effect.

New Business:
8. Faculty advising
David Weissenburger was made aware of a potential impact on faculty advising. There were complaints received that faculty were not available for advising when the SIS is open for registration. For instance, in January students could register from Jan 3rd till the 12th. There was some indication that faculty may be required to be present during all times SIS registration is available.

9. Distance learning task force
The report of this committee was due by December 15th. It was requested that the Senate get a copy for review.

The meeting adjourned at 4:40 PM.