Faculty Senate Meeting
November 13, 2001 3:30 PM
Library Multi-Purpose Room

President Teresa Davidian called the meeting to order at 3:30 P.M.

Eighteen senators were present or represented. There was no representative from Agribusiness, Animal Sciences, Curriculum or English.

I. The minutes of the October 9, 2001 meeting were approved.
II The treasurer reported a balance of $3952.42.

III. Piper Award
A vote was taken to select the Senate candidate for the Piper award. The candidate's name will be forwarded to the President.

IV. Calendar Committee
Sue Cullers presented the proposed academic calendar for 02-03 and requested feedback. Major change includes the continuation of restricted activities through the end of finals period.
Comments/questions/complaints
Can make-up labs occur during restricted activities?
A two-year calendar would be nice.
Variety in the time of exams would be nice.
Problems with considering a week based on M-F

The senate voted to accept the calendar with the following suggestion on wording:
Restricted activities be limited to the two days that occur now. Restrict student activities, but do not restrict the faculty as far as make-up exams or papers which may be due during finals.
Motion from Janis Petronis. Passed unanimously.

V. Announcements
A. Senators Appointed to Committees
    Richard Sales - Diversity Advisory Committee
    George Mollick - Distance Learning Advisory Committee
B. December 6 Senate Meeting at 3:30 PM
C. Professional Development Program
      The senate recommended including the Professional Development Policy in the Faculty Handbook.

VI. Selection of New Committees
A. Faculty Achievement Grant Committee
not needed, only 1 applicant
B. Merit Plus Committee
Business Administration: Dan Dudley, Alt: Janis Petronis
Science & Technology: Javier Garza, Jim Kirby
Education: Janet Whitley, Alt: Joe Priest
Liberal and Fine Arts: Chris Guthrie, Alt: Jonathan Hooper
Agriculture & Human Sciences: Mary Ann Block, Alt: Sandy Johnson

VII. Faculty Feedback
A. Faculty Development Leave Policy
      Most universities do not include non-tenure track in their policy
      Solicit comments on policy, send to Linda Duncan
      Vote next meeting
B. Excellence in Scholarship Awards (Jones)
      Send comments by Nov 27 for revision

VIII. University Committee Reports
A. Academic Council (Davidian)
Presentation and approval of course changes
Koy Floyd, Centennial Campaign, $38.4M out of a goal of $40M
B. University Calendar Committee (Davidian)
C. Curriculum Committee (Petronis)
D. Benefits Committee (Nelson) did not meet
E. EEO/AA Committee (Davidian) did not meet

IX. Committee Reports
A. Constitution and By-laws Committee (Atkinson) did not meet
B. Committee to Review Changes in Criteria for Promotion (Davidian)
      This is under consideration in the Provost's office
C. Faculty Load Committee (Petronis)
Surveys were received, largest complaint - contact hours, # of course preps
Committee has reviewed other universities policies as well
Problem noted with inconsistency with evaluating load
D. Evaluation of Administrators Committee (Mollick)
     The committee has reviewed policies of other universities, the policy is almost ready for review

X. Other Reports
A. Texas Council of Faculty Senates (Weissenburger) Tabled
B. Senate Luncheon (Atkinson) Tabled
C. Student Evaluation of Faculty Form (Davidian)
The form should be ready for use next semester.
Question on the DL evaluation, George Mollick will follow-up.

XI. New Business
A. Grievance Procedure (Davidian)
Potential candidates for this committee were identified. Teresa Davidian will ask.
B. Summer Teaching Policy (Jones) Tabled
C. Other
1. Question on why rappelling no longer allowed, question referred to Joe Standridge
Possibility of using alternate facilities near farm
2. Problem with Parking, suggestion to increase fine to keep students from utilizing marked spaces.