I. Minutes of previous meetings
II. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson
Dr. Börger-Greco distributed a draft of the university mission statement as updated by the University Planning Council to align with the university vision statement. [see Attachment #1] She encouraged senators to inform colleagues of the opportunity to share feedback with the UPC via an online forum. It was stated that additional information would follow.
Dr. Böger-Greco reminder senators that any department wishing to present faculty for emeritus status should submit an electronic copy to Senate and should also draft an abbreviated version for the Council of Trustees.
III. Report of the Student Senate President
IV. Report of the Graduate Student Organization
V. Report of the Administrative Officers
President McNairy emphasized that there has been no change to the actual mission of Millersville but that the language of the mission statement has been refreshed to highlight the unique traits of Millersville. She clarified that a vision statement states what we aspire to and strategic directions are the concrete steps we are taking towards that vision.
Dr. McNairy gave a cautiously positive report on education funding within the Governor’s budget proposal as presented but reminded faculty of high expectations from the public as well. She shared that the proposed increase of 3.0% for PASSHE, although lower than requested and less than inflation, is greater than increases for State-Related Universities. To meet the expected PASSHE budget of $39 million, $14.5 million would come from the Governor’s budget while $24.5 million would need to be covered in other ways. A tuition increase of 3.5% is expected. Performance funding will remain the same. A question was raised about a recent report in the Chronicle of Higher Education, ranking Pennsylvania 47th among the 50 states for support of public education. It was noted that Pennsylvania gives a lot of money to private institutions, including the State-Related institutions, placing it 3rd in support of private schools.
Provost
Provost Prabhu indicated that Institutional Planning and Assessment will send e-mail to faculty and other constituents with information about responding to the updated mission statement. He reminded faculty that this is a critical document for the Middle States self study process.
Associate Provost for Academic Administration
Associate Provost Burns shared that the University Honors and Awards Convocation has been scheduled for April 26. Information for nominations will be coming out soon and is due by February 14 so that voting may occur in early March. Dr. Burns noted that several departments had contacted him regarding departmental awards. Although he is still waiting for numbers, he indicated that amounts from last year could be used as a guide.
Dr. Burns reported that the Middle States Steering Committee has been meeting and putting together working groups. A general invitation was issued to any faculty interested in serving on these groups.
Dr. Burns specified that courses scheduled for W review this year should be sent electronically to Dr. Janet White. He also reminded faculty of W-course training sessions on February 11 & 14 and D-course workshops on February 8 and following. It was noted that the form for these reviews was sent to department chairs and can also be found on the General Education website. A question was raised about whether departments should submit all their courses together. In response, Senator White indicated that it is preferable for each course to be submitted independently.
Comments were made regarding the University Theme Committee. Banners have been mounted around campus to help raise awareness of the academic theme and marketing ideas for informing students and faculty have been discussed. The importance of faculty encouragement of attendance at related academic events was highlighted based on student responses to a survey. A question was raised about external communication to make other constituents aware of events. The UTC has struggled with the best approach to this but is considering options. One suggestion given was for faculty to inform their own community connections about events. It was also pointed out that initially efforts have been focused on getting students and faculty excited about opportunities. However, events are posted to campus calendars and are linked to the Development Office and Communications and Marketing.
A follow up was requested on the issue of various versions of documents relating to academic honesty. Senator West indicated that Academic Policies will be bringing this to Senate soon.
Interim Assistant Provost Redmond
Interim Assistant Provost Redmond from the Division of Academic Support Programs and Learning Services reported that the Carnival of Majors is scheduled for March 26. He highlighted the opportunity for departments to provide information for exploratory students or students seeking a second major or minor.
VI. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
Senator Mollah-Hardy distributed a memo regarding the functions of the FSAC. [see Attachment #2] She commented that there is a need to reactivate this committee and to review its functions. The reorganization of the Athletic Department and hiring of the new VP of Student Affairs may significantly impact proposed changes. Senator A. Miller noted that the Bylaws Committee plans to work with committee chairs to bring proposals of updates to Senate and APSCUF for approval. In response to a question about intramurals, it was stated that this committee focuses only on intercollegiate athletics.
Educator of the Year Award Selection
Dr. Sepi Yalda reminded senators about the establishment of the Educator of the Year Award to recognize excellence in teaching and mentoring and noted confusion regarding its implementation. Discussion was held regarding a need for continuity in oversight of the Selection Committee, including convening the committee annually and assembling relevant nomination forms and documents. Details regarding organization of this committee will be reviewed.
UCPRC
(1) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
WSSD482: Coaching Effectiveness, 3 credits. Proposal to create a course to introduce the fundamental principles and basic techniques used by athletic coaches.
(2) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
CHEM, minor: Environmental Chemistry. Proposal to create a minor focused on environmental aspects of chemistry.
(3) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
CSCI395: Computer Networks. Proposal to add the W designation to the existing course.
(4) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ENGL. Proposal to make ENGL110 a pre-requisite for all 300- and 400-level English courses and ENGL110 or 110H a pre- or co-requisite for all 200-level courses except ENGL220 and ENGL230.
(5) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ENGL. Proposal to make ENGL237 a pre-requisite for all 400-level literature courses except those designated P or G1.
Discussion was held regarding the electronic distribution of curriculum proposals. Senator White indicated that courses should be submitted by the preceding Friday to allow distribution and she will summarize the list of courses under consideration by Senate. GERC
Dr. Ward reminded senators that deadlines for submitting W (February 28) and D (April 1) proposals apply to the half of departments scheduled for the review in 2007-2008. The remaining departments will undergo similar review next year. Self-evaluation documents can be obtained from the General Education Program website and should be submitted electronically to UCPRC Chair, Janet White. Work is also being done on governance language relating to the new curriculum.
VIII. Proposed Courses and Programs
IX. Faculty Emeritus
X. Elections of Senate Officers
Election of officers for Senate was moved to the next meeting.
XI. Other/New Business
Meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Secretary of the Senate