Faculty Senate Minutes September 21, 2006

Senators: Barbara Borst, Ellie Baldwin, Bill Tiernan, Judy Goodhart, Bill McCracken, Joshua Butler, Doug O'Roark, Steve Werman, Jane Arledge, Maureen Neal, Tim Casey, Tim Hatten, Keith Fritz

Minutes Secretary: Jessica Cowden

Guests: Carol Futhey, Joseph Richards, Pat Hampton, Shannon Robinson

I. MINUTES APPROVAL

The motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve the Curriculum Committee minutes from August 24, 2006. (Werman/Tiernan)

The motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve the Faculty Senate minutes as amended from September 7, 2006. (Casey/Neal)
The one amendment was a correction of the spelling of Judy Goodhart's name.

II. NEW PROCESSES FOR PROGRAM REVIEW

Tim Casey brought up an issue concerning new processes for program review being instituted outside of the realm of the Curriculum Committee and did not recall the Senate approving of said policy changes. Joe Richards reminded Casey that the new process actually did come from the Curriculum Committee and was approved by the Senate last year.

Casey was also concerned that, while there is an external reviewer, there does not appear to be any representation from the department being reviewed. Carol Futhey informed the Senate that the external reviewer works very closely with the department under review throughout the process. They both agreed that the policy should be clarified to reflect that fact.

III. GRADE CHANGE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Tim Hatten briefed the Senate on a recent incident that is still under review, whereby a student's grade had been changed from an "F" to a "W" by someone other than the faculty member in charge of the course. The Senate asked Pat Hampton for clarification on how such a thing could occur. Hampton informed the Senate that the only way to change a grade, other than through the appeals process, is for medical reasons. In this instance that was the case, but he couldn't comment much further as the grade change took place while he was gone on medical leave. He did, however, assure the Senate that he could not recall ever having granted a student a grade change in just one course even for medical reasons nor has he ever changed a grade from a "C" to an "A," for example, only from "F" to "W." Casey inquired as to whether or not the faculty are notified when a grade change has taken place. Hampton said that every attempt is made to notify them when a grade has been changed through the appeals process, but that they are not generally informed when grades have been changed for medical reasons. Casey asked if the policy could be amended so that the faculty are informed. Hampton agreed to do so from this point on, but it would not be possible to do so retroactively.

IV. NEW APPROACHES TO THE DISCUSSION OF MINUTES OF ACADEMIC COUNCIL

Casey respectfully requested that the Academic Council keep minutes of their meetings and make them available to the faculty. Futhey argued that minutes are not necessary as the Academic Council is not a policy making body. Casey brought up the fact that in the past the Presidential Council used to supply the faculty with an agenda and minutes from their meetings and that it helped keep the faculty up-to-date.

The motion made and seconded that the Faculty Senate respectfully request that there be minutes taken at the Academic Council and provided to the faculty. (Arledge/Casey)

The motion was then tabled until the next Faculty Senate meeting to allow time to confer with constituents.

V. INITIATIVES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Tim Hatten updated the Senate on a new committee being formed to look at ways to enhance teaching and learning at MSC. Carol Futhey is still looking for members as well as input. This is a multi-year initiative with no set budget.

VI. STANDING COMMITTEE UPDATE

Bill Tiernan is still looking for a couple more members to serve on the Sabbatical Committee.

Marueen Neal asked if the standing committees couldn't possibly be utilized more to fulfill the duties and purposes of the ad-hoc committees. Futhey pointed out that in many cases, including her aforementioned ad-hoc committee, the duties and concerns are not aligned with those of any particular standing committee. Hatten suggested that if the purpose of an ad-hoc committee continued on, perhaps a standing committee could be formed on a more permanent basis.

VII. OLD BUSINESS

Casey reviewed this year's census numbers with the Senate. Enrollment is down for first-time freshmen and transfers, but up for continuing students as well as re-admittance. Futhey reported that enrollment is down statewide.

VIII. NEW BUSINESS

Hatten gave a brief update on the new academic building. It will be three stories tall and ready by fall 2008.

Meeting adjourned at 5:03 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Jessica Cowden
Minutes Secretary