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University Senate
MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 21, 2001
TO: The Academic Community
FROM: James M. Anthony, Secretary
SUBJECT: September 10, 2001 Meeting of the University Senate
The first regular meeting of the University Senate met on September 10, 2001 in Rooms 314-316 of the University Union Chairperson Fruchtman called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.
Professor Nelson was excused.
Chairperson Fruchtman welcomed the Senators back and gave a special welcome to President Mark L. Perkins. The Senators all introduced themselves.
The minutes were approved as corrected.
COFAC Dean Maravene Loeschke distributed a survey for the Search Committee for the Vice-President and Chief Fiscal Officer.
Provost Jones had no announcements. Vice-President Parker had no announcements.
AGENDA
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Election of Officers
Professor Anthony nominated Ms. Berlanstein as Member-At-Large. There being no further nominations, Ms. Berlanstein was elected.
Professor Vatz nominated Professor Anthony as Secretary. There being no further nominations, Professor Anthony was elected.
Professor Sullivan nominated Professor Stein as Vice-Chairperson. There being no further nominations, Professor Stein was elected.
Professor Vatz nominated Professor Holter as Chairperson. There being no further nominations, Professor Holter was elected.
Professsor Anthony nominated Professor Whitman as Parliamentarian. There being no further nominations, Professor Whitman was elected. Professor Fruchtman turned the podium over to Professor Holter. She thanked the Senate for the confidence they had placed in her.
Professor Holter introduced President Mark L. Perkins to make some remarks. He thanked Professor Fruchtman for his service and congratulated Professor Holter in her new position.
He began his remarks by discussing the comments solicited from the University Community about the direction the institution is or should be moving. He stated that Academics would be placed first under his administration. He will organize the administrative system around this concept and will be making some changes in the Provost's office. Research is important as well. Provost Jones will work with the deans to focus on the system of learning at the University.
He sees an expanded role for the deans beyond academic management. They will be asked to work on integrating the roles of their colleges with other areas of the University and serve as bridges to the outside world. They will serve as partners in fund raising.
He stated that the President will be the official voice for the University.
He wants to move the business of the University more to the background and learning to the foreground. This will require competent leadership at all levels. There will be no secrets in this adminstration.
He reaffirmed that governance and collegiality are hallmarks of this University and are synonyms for civil engagement and interchange between all members of the University Community. Those who are effected by decisions should have a share in making those decisions.
He feels that Vice-Presidents should serve as non-voting members of committees to provide advice.
He sees the role of the Senate to be providing advice to the President, but that he doesn't necessarily feel the President should be a regularly attending member of the Senate. He would hope to be invited to bring issues to the Senate.
He distributed copies of the University's resource requests for FY 2002-2003 and stated that we will not plan to take action based on resources we do not have. He noted that we are in a high risk position in the area of chillers. He also spoke of the need for enhancement of the library.
He spoke about the renovation of the Center for the Arts, stating that it would take place in the same footprint in order to save money and preserve greenspace. This is a different kind of project than it was when it was conceived.
We will take a look at the allocation of all resources especially any in unbudgeted liabilities.
He thanked the Senate for their support.
Pres. Perkins took questions from the floor.
Question regarding the status of the new stadium. Answer: We need to raise approximately $7 million that was not incorporated into the Capital Campaign. Some of this will come from private sources, e.g. Pepsi pouring rights, but this shortfall must be resolved before any other major fund raising projects are undertaken.
Question regarding Pres. Perkins's intention of not attending Senate meetings regularly. Answer: The Vice-Presidents will represent the administration and it is better for the President to be spending his time off campus. We must be as effective as we can.
Question regarding "speaking with a single voice"Ņis this an authoritarian view? Often we speak with different voices. Answer: When we are speaking with legislators we must speak with one voice.
He will be working to set core values with the Deans and will ask the Deans to lead this discussion.
Question regarding increased parking fees and no new parking facilities. Answer: This is an example of not having sufficient information made public.
He also mentioned some problems with recent new curricular programs. He is concerned about resources for these new programs.
Question as to whether some of these new programs will not be implemented. Answer: They seem to be succeeding, but this incurs obligations.
Professor Holter thanked President Perkins.
There was a motion to adjourn. The Senate adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
The next meeting will be Monday, October 1, 2001.
Respectfully submitted,
James M. Anthony, Secretary