Minutes of the Faculty Senate Meeting
December 8, 1998
Agenda Items
President Lamb called the Senate to order at 3:30PM with seventeen senators present. Benedda Konvicka attended for Marilyn Robitaille. Sens. Pippin and Rosiere were absent. On motion of Charles Howard the minutes of the November meeting were approved.
Sen. Howard introduced Dr. Bert Little, Assistant Vice-President for Grants and Sponsored Research.. Dr. Little explained that only nineteen percent of the Tarleton faculty had responded to his survey for research interests but that he was trying to match federal grants available with those individual projects. In addition, he is assisting two individuals with manuscripts; getting into print, he said, is often an excellent introduction to future funding.
As long-range assistance, Dr. Little is seeking incentives for faculty to pursue research interests. To overcome difficulties in obtaining release time, he recommends using grant money for teaching assistants, to hire visiting faculty, or to employ post-doctorate substitutes. Such tactics permit a researcher to cover classes, utilized grant money for the purpose, and often help the substitute with teaching experience useful for a resume.
Dr. Little offered to conduct workshops or assist individuals, by department or through retreats, with only the slightest advance notice.
The Senate discussed possible advantages and funding sources for faculty developmental leave. On motion by Howard, the Senate will form a subcommittee to investigate the matter and report on completion of their efforts. The motion passed and the subcommittee will consist of Sens. Duncan, Howard, Hall, and Low.
Senators reported much concern among faculty regarding the recent administration of the evaluation forms. Departments appear to have received different instructions, deadlines seemed unduly short, extra handling is involved, and some requirements are yet vague. Sen. Howard moved that President Lamb inquire of the VPAA abut the process on this occasion and policies for the future. Motion passed.
Sen. Johnson moved that the senate work toward producing a new, improved evaluation form and procedures. Motion passed. A committee of Sens. Johnson, Beaty, Walker, Williams, McKay, and Whitecotton will report when the form is complete.
President Lamb reported that the Academic Council accepted the Senate recommendation on reporting "K" grades and agreed that the Humanities section of the new core curriculum will only include literature.
Sen. Williams reported that the Merit Plus Committee had sixteen applicants and $20,000 available. The committee decisions have already been made and forwarded.
Sen. Duncan is still exploring the ramifications of the UCT assimilation with her counterparts but there remain more questions than answers.
The January Senate meeting will seem to hit early. It comes on the first Tuesday of classes in a new semester. The Executive Committee will meet prior to the Christmas holidays to set an agenda.
Senate adjourned at 4:40PM.