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University Senate
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 25, 2002
To: The Academic Community
From: James M. Anthony, Secretary
Subject: February 18, 2002 - Continuation Meeting of the University
Senate
The University Senate was called back to order on February 18, 2002 at 4:09 p.m. by Chairperson Holter.
Professors Blake, Chen, Davani, Gallagher, Gissendanner, Sullivan, Tabak were absent; Professors Stevens-Ratchford, Vatz and Vocke and Vice-President Parker were excused. Student members Main, Stuckey and Zimmerman were absent.
Since there was no quorum, it was agreed to meet as the Committee of the Whole for discussion on the Committee structure and responsibilities.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Provost Jones announced that Professor Martha Siegel (Delegate to CUSF) has indicated that policies regarding part-time and non-tenure track faculty are being discussed through the System.
There is a question of further budget cuts to this year's operating budget. Towson miscalculated the amount to be reverted in December. We may also have to revert a percentage of the final budget. We are trying to hold back money for this possibility.
President Perkins and other presidents are voicing strong opposition to moves to make Harford Community College a baccalaureate degree granting institution in areas of critical need and to allow Anne Arundel Community College to offer teaching certification for retired professionals.
Mr. Crusante (SGA) asked about the governor's proposal to increase tuition. Provost Jones said that Towson University is proposing a 3.8% in-state tuition rise and a 4% out-of-state increase. There is talk of an additional 1.2% USM system-wide rise in tuition.
Dean Hinkle noted that MHEC is probably not involved with the Anne Arundel Community College issue, but will write some strong language on the Harford Community College issue. He anticipates that neither of the bills will pass.
Chairperson Holter announced that 49 of the Towson University student athletes have earned a place on the Academic Honors Roll of the American East Conference. The Senate offers it congratulations to these students.
The Senate then moved into a Committee of the Whole for discussion of the Senate Committee structure and responsibilities.
Chairperson Holter distributed Professor Vatz' revised versions of the questions to be sent to the committees regarding the committees' duties and responsibilities:
1. What does your committee do and not do consistent with its charge? 2. What limits and/or additional responsibilities would you recommend for your committee? 3. What changes would you recommend for the current committee structure?Professor Christian asked about the context in which the questions would be asked and suggested that we accompany the questionnaire with a copy of the constitution. Chairperson Holter said that they will be presented in person and the committees will be asked for discussion.
Professor Zimmerman asked about issues of communication by committees with other areas of the University: departments, other committees, etc.
Ms. Berlanstein (MAL) noted that there is often some confusion between departing chairs and new chairs and the duties.
Provost Jones stated that perhaps we need to review the operating procedures-some are in the Faculty Handbook, but they may not cover everything.
Professor Christian asked how some committees came to be appointed by the AAUP-Faculty Association and some were elected.
Provost Jones noted that some universities have a different governance structure so that different colleges are organized differently, but that Towson has determined that the governance structure would be university wide.
Professor Christian asked about the procedures for appointments to committees and it was explained that nominations will come from the college council to the AAUP president for recommendation to the president. Chairperson Holter stated this mechanism will hopefully encourage more volunteers to serve on committees.
Provost Jones said that there is an advantage to having certain committees appointed because they get people with more interest in those particular areas.
Professor Stein said that he hopes the college councils will help make the process as fair as possible.
Professor Christian asked about the mechanism for self-nomination and it was explained that the colleges would notify the faculty in that college of vacancies as they occur.
Chairperson Holter also stated that Professors Sullivan, Zimmerman and Holter will be visiting every committee this spring.
Professor Zimmerman asked about the procedure for making at-large appointments. The question was not answered since Professor Sullivan was absent.
Professor Anthony suggested adding a fourth question to the questionnaire: What changes in operating and communicating procedures do you recommend?
Professor Stein asked about the time frame for getting this information from the committees. The ad hoc committee on rewriting the constitution needs a deadline for receiving back the information.
Professor Christian asked about the lack of representation from the College of Liberal Arts on the newly formed Budget Committee. Chairperson Holter stated that the reason was that no one from that college responded to the solicitation for representatives.
It was decided to add a fourth question:
What changes in membership, operating procedures (e.g. establishment of meeting times, number of meetings, subcommittees), reporting procedures (points of contact), and communication (where do you send your reports and where should you be sending your reports) do you recommend?
The Senate adjourned at 5:30 p.m. until March 4, 2002.
Respectfully submitted,
James Anthony, Secretary
The University Senate usually meets the first Monday of each month during the fall and spring semesters. The Executive Committee of the University Senate invites all interested parties to attend the meetings in the University Union.
Copies of documents relevant to agenda items are available at the Faculty Reserve Desk in Cook Library. Recordings of meetings are located in the Cook Library in the Media Resource Services area on the second floor.