University Senate Minutes

Memorandum

Date:                    September 13, 2006

To:                       The Academic Community

From:                   Jennifer Ballengee, Secretary

Subject:              September 11, 2006—Meeting of the University Senate

The first regular meeting of the University Senate was held on Monday, September 11, 2006, at 4:00 p.m. in Rooms 314-315 of the University Union. 

Prof. Sullivan called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. Absent were Senators Debye, Little, Moore, and Vaughn-Smith and President Caret and Vice-President Sheehan.

Prof. Vatz suggested that it would best if we could all find out the results of University Elections sooner. Also, information on retirees should be disseminated in the spring.

Prof. Siegel suggested that all University committees should be chaired by Faculty members.

Prof. McLucas mentioned the lack of administrative support of elections. While the Administration may offer some support in the future, this would need to be implemented carefully, in order to preserve the nature of shared governance.

Prof. Ballengee suggested that some of the above problems with communication might be alleviated by the creation of a Faculty Listserv.  Prof. McLucas agreed.

Reports of Ex Officio Officers of the University Senate followed the approval of the agenda.

Prof. Sullivan began by reaffirming the importance of shared governance, and by voicing his intentions to have a strong Senate this year.  Some items the Senate should address this year are: Intentional Advising, Workload, P and T, COLA and Compression, Better Benefits for Lecturers, and the Academic Calendar.  He reminded Senators that the Senate should take an active role in advising on Policy.  The Senate should also encourage free and open debate, and promote shared governance and Academic Freedom.

CUSF Report, Prof. Siegel:

CUSF will meet on campus on Thursday, Sept. 14, in ADMIN 424.  CUSF has been discussing retirement programs.  The new chair of the Board of Regents is Cliff Kendall, who is the person who developed the Board of Regents’ popular Efficiency and Effectiveness program.

AAUP Report, Prof. McLucas:

The AAUP is kicking off the year with a big Membership Event:  A Faculty and Friends Crab Feast/Bull Roast is scheduled for Friday, September 29, from 7-11 p.m.  All faculty are urged to attend, enjoy the company of fellow workers, and join the AAUP.  Student Affairs has been an enormous help in pulling this important function together.

REPORT OF THE PROVOST:

As of this morning, Towson has 832 more FTE students than last year.  Towson now has approximately 19,000 students.

Prof. Siegel asked if there is any rise in students going into Developmental classes.  Provost Brennan replied that those numbers have decreased because some of those students have been mainstreamed.

Prof. Roberge asked who is in charge of the Top 10% Program, and if there have been any changes to it.  The Provost replied that Barry Evans is in charge of the program.  Changes in the program have been related to preparing students more effectively for university work.  One solution has been to dual-admit some students to TU and to CCBC or to BCCC.

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS:

Vice President Moriarty discussed the welcome and orientation programs for students, which focused on “Principles of Community.”  All students made the Tiger Pledge and received a Daily Planner.  There is also a reception for graduate students scheduled.  Student Affairs has also developed a new Policy on Disorderly or Disruptive Behavior for off-campus students.

Prof. Roberge asked if the numbers were far off for Labor Day Weekend events.  Vice Pres. Moriarty replied that more students stayed around campus, though they didn’t go to the game because of the rain.

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT:

Vice President Rubin thanked faculty for their fundraising help.  There have been many significant gifts given to Towson recently, but there is always a need for more.  Towson needs faculty to help identify gift-givers, and to give more money themselves.  He encouraged faculty to join the Founder’s Society.

• NEW BUSINESS

Prof. Sullivan noted that a new University Senate representative is needed on the PTRM Committee. There will also be an Ad Hoc Committee on Compensation. Prof. Sullivan will announce the members of that committee at the Sept. 18 meeting.

1.  Election of New Officers.

Prof. Vatz, chair of the Ad Hoc Nomination Committee, ran the elections for officers of the Senate.  Results were:

Parliamentarian:  The only nominee was Darren Goins, who was elected unanimously to the position.

Member-at-Large:  Jay Zimmerman and Goran Trajkovski were nominated.  Prof. Zimmerman won the vote and was elected to the position.

Secretary:  The only nominee was Jennifer Ballengee, who was elected unanimously to the position.

Vice-Chair:  Jonathan Leshnoff and Nordulf Debye were nominated.  Prof. Leshnoff won the vote and was elected to the position.

Chair:  The only nominee was Tim Sullivan, who was elected unanimously to the position.

Senate will reconvene on Monday, September 18, 2006, at 4 p.m. in Rooms 314-315 of the University Union.