President Linda Duncan called the meeting to order at 3:30 P.M.

Nineteen senators were present. Senators Dayton Hall and Marilyn Robitaille were absent.

Agenda Items:

1. Report from Provost.
Provost B. J. Alexander proposed a revision to the Faculty Handbook to allow persons who complete at least 60 graduate hours, including an advanced degree in a discipline appropriate to their teaching area, to achieve tenure or be promoted to the rank of associate professor. He indicated this proposal would be discussed in the October Academic Council meeting and voted on in the November meeting. Noting this proposal represented a compromise between widely differing philosophies regarding promotion and tenure, Alexander indicated he would only take the proposed modification before the President if given a mandate by the Council. Following Dr. Alexander's report, Senator Weissenburger moved to oppose the modification. Following a spirited discussion, the senate supported the motion unanimously. Senator Lamb then moved that the senate reaffirm its support of the Blue Ribbon Committee's recommendation that certain degrees (JD, MFA, MSW) be treated as terminal for promotion and tenure purposes and that certain certification programs (CPA, CCP) be used in lieu of master's degree plus 30 hours for promotion to assistant professor. The motion failed on a 6-5 vote with 3 senators abstaining. Senator Sudman then moved the senators be allowed to study the committee's recommendations in greater detail, discuss them with their constituents, and re-vote the question via email by Monday, October 18. This motion passed by a 12-3 margin.

2. Approval of Minutes and Treasurer's Report.
Upon motion by Gene Atkinson, the minutes of the September meeting were approved as corrected. The Treasurer reported a balance of $3,984.79.

3. Appointments to Faculty Advisory Council (alternates).
Acting on a recommendation from the Executive Committee, Gene Atkinson moved to appoint Sherill Easterling as alternate representative for the College of Arts and Sciences and Craig Clifford as alternate representative at large to the Faculty Advisory Committee. The Senate approved this motion.

4. Merit Plus Committee Appointments.
Senator Johnson moved to table the proposed appointments to the Merit Plus Committee pending the call for Merit Plus applications. The motion carried.

5. Faculty Achievement Awards Committee Appointments.
Acting on a recommendation from the Executive Committee, Holly Lamb moved that Michael Wade represent the College of Agriculture and Technology, that Pat Zelman represent the College of Arts and Sciences, that Sam Hazen represent the College of Business Administration, and that Bill Larmer represent the College of Education and Fine Arts on the Faculty Achievement Awards Committee. The senate passed this motion.

6. Report on Piper Professor Award.
Senator Atkinson reported that forms had been distributed to department heads soliciting nominations for the Piper Professor Award. Upon receipt of nominations from departments, names will be forwarded to senators on November 1 for voting at the November 9 meeting.

7. Report on Faculty Survey Committee.
Because of a shortage of time, Linda Duncan postponed the faculty survey report until the November meeting.

8. Report on Central Texas Center Representation.
Senator Weissenburger indicated he had nothing new to report this month.

9. Report on Sam's Wholesale Club Membership.
Speaking on behalf of Senator Freed, Dan Dudley reported inquiry was progressing on this project.

10. Report on Change in Insurance Enrollment Date.
Richard Winton reported the results of a meeting with Ralinda Stone, Benefits Representative in the Human Resources Department. In Stone's opinion, the re-enrollment date for insurance could not be changed due to legislative constraints. She did note, however, that telephone registration is available for faculty members who are out of town during the second summer session.

11. New Business.
a. President Duncan announced the Senate would vote on the proposed university calendar in the November meeting.
b. Richard Winton reported the Student Government Association is actively discussing the publication of faculty evaluations on the internet as well as ending "staff" designations in printed class schedules. Following a short discussion, the Senate reached a consensus that nothing should be done until a formal recommendation is made. Winton said he would continue to monitor the situation.
c. Speaking on behalf of the Bookstore Committee, Holly Lamb noted Hasting's provides a percentage return on all sales to Tarleton, while Rother's does not. She expressed her opinion that, because of this contract provision, Tarleton instructors should encourage their students to purchase their books from Hasting's. She went on to announce Hasting's decision not to support all packages assembled by vendors because these packages may interfere with the company's efforts to provide as many low-cost used books as possible.
d. Senator Pippin moved to support Dr. Alexander's proposed 60-graduate hour provision for promotion to assistant professor (rather than the current 30 hours past the master's degree). The motion failed.

President Duncan adjourned the meeting at 5:15 P.M.