The meeting was called to order at 4:11 p.m. All departments were in attendance except Interdisciplinary Studies and Nursing.
I. Minutes of previous meeting
II. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson
III. Report of the Student Senate President
IV. Report of the Graduate Student Association
V. Report of the Administrative Officers
Provost Prabhu encouraged faculty to participate in public forums on the budget and stressed the importance of two-way communication in trying times. Dr. Prabhu indicated that the administration wants to work with departments to make the strongest case possible for the importance of low-enrolled programs. A question was raised about the idea of cooperation among PASSHE schools. Dr. Prabhu noted that PASSHE is supporting and encouraging collaborations and partnerships within the system.
Dr. Prabhu responded to a question about the role of the Chancellor’s Office in increasing enrollments, noting that PASSHE supports individual institutional goals like small classes and internships provided that these initiatives can be funded. Concerns were raised again about the quality of education that can be offered with over-enrolled classes and no adjunct instructors. Dr. Prabhu stated that there has been an administrative decision to avoid any retrenchment in faculty for 2010-2011. However, he stressed that leaves, adjuncts, and staff positions will need to be trimmed to fund this and that departments need to provide feedback on how to best address budget constraints. Dr. Prabhu emphasized the intention to deal with the current crisis with minimal impact on students and possibly indentify more efficient ways to meet outcomes.
The future of Blackboard at Millersville was questioned. Dr. Prabhu indicated that MU is involved in helping shape this choice and intends to facilitate a smooth transition if a new system is implemented.
Associate Provost for Academic Administration
Associate Provost Burns commented on a positive response from the October 30 visit by the Middle States Site Visit Chair and thanked the many persons across campus who met with Dr. Farish. Dr. Burns also thanked faculty across campus for providing feedback on the draft document that is being incorporated as appropriate.
Assistant Vice President for Academic Services
Vice President Redmond reported on the upcoming orientation for students admitted for spring and requested representatives from departments to provide advisement on December 5.
VI. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
Senator Edeh Herr distributed proposed changes to three graduate policies. [see Attachment #1] The Course Repeat policy change was recommended to fit with PASSHE commonalities and also to remain consistent with the MU policy that graduate students are dismissed on earning a third C. The policy on Advisement was modified to better refer to the variety of graduate programs on campus. The Withdrawal from a Course policy addresses the existence of out-of-term courses.
VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees
VIII. Proposed Courses and Programs
IX. Faculty Emeritus
X. Other/New Business
Meeting was adjourned at 5:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Secretary of the Senate