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University Senate
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 16, 2003
To: The Academic Community
From: James M. Anthony, Secretary
Subject: April 7, 2003-Meeting of the University Senate
The seventh regular meeting of the University Senate was held on April 7, 2003 in the University Union, Rooms 314-316. The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. by Chairperson Norma Holter.
Professors Chen and Whitman, Vice President Parker, and Student member Hutchinson were absent. Professor Gissendanner was excused.
The agenda was amended to delete Special Item # 1, the Update from the Presidential Search Committee.
The Minutes were approved as distributed.
REPORTS BY EX-OFFICIO SENATORS
Interim President Jones expressed his relief that the Presidential search is over. Speaking of the choice of President Robert Caret, he said we are bringing back a friend, who is a deep part of our culture and who is returning because he loves Towson University.
In terms of the USM budget, President Jones stated that we are anticipating a $4.7 million cut to the System instead of the $37 million. There were, however, 450 positions cut from the System and another $5 million in cuts. Everyone expects the Governor to veto the budget bill. If this happens, he has 45 days to make further cuts and may take another $10 million. We may be looking at a total of $20 million as a worst-case scenario.
He also noted that all language affecting faculty tuition remission benefits is out this year.
Interim Provost Leather announced that we had received permission to fill all 32 vacant faculty positions as well as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. Dr. Christopher H. Spicer has been appointed Dean of COFAC.
The Board of Regents Educational Policy Committee met to discuss programs. It came to the conclusion that we are lower in the number of programs we offer for a school our size. At the end of the "Echo Baby Boom" we will have more students than we have now. There is a belief that we can propose more programs as long as we can afford them. We especially need programs in Education, Technology, Health Science and Bio-Technology. We are working on a doctorate in Applied Information Technology. We are also proposing a Bachelor of Professional and Technical Studies in Information Technology and another in Allied Health and a Masters in Accountancy (already passed by the Senate). We are also working with Baltimore City to develop a Leadership Institute.
There will be a new rule to require faculty who teach at other institutions in the USM to get approval from their home institution.
Provost Leather is working with Vice President Harnage on identifying our needs for staff positions.
Vice President Harnage reported on the recent pivotal meeting with the Capital Budget Committee. The Governor has advised us to develop lists of our capital needs and enrollment projections. We presented a convincing package for capital projections including existing space deficiencies, the quality of our buildings, and space for enrollment growth. Vice President Harnage noted that at this meeting everyone defended our capital needs and he didn't have to try to convince them. These needs represent $750 million over ten years. While this is expensive, we are in a good position and have important people supporting us.
Vice President Rubin reported that the general fundraising efforts are on track and we are ahead of where we were last year. The capital plans give the Development Office opportunities. The Asian Arts and Culture Center recently held a reception honoring its donors and celebrating the acquisition of two major collections, one valued at $300,000 and the other at $60,000.
He also announced that the fundraising for the stadium project is moving along and there will be a dedication of the new Field House on April 26.
There will also be a Distinguished Alumni Event on April 25.
Professor Siegel (CUSF) thanked the people who went to Annapolis to talk to legislators about funding for the USM. We were treated very graciously.
CUSF is looking at the issue of benefits for significant others and evaluation of administrators.
Dr. Siegel is serving on the Search Committee for the Associate Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the committee is about ready to make a recommendation to the Board of Regents.
Professor Sullivan (AAUP-Faculty Assn.) announced its spring meeting on May 7 at 3:30 p.m.
He thanked Professor Siegel for her efforts and stated that our lobbying efforts need to continue.
He also announced that faculty could still pay their annual dues. Only paid-up members will be eligible to vote at the spring meeting on May 7.
The Association is gearing up for the annual faculty elections. There will be three at-large Senate seats up for election. He asks that we encourage our colleagues to nominate themselves for vacant positions.
Chairperson Holter announced that there are also two Senate positions from the College of Education to be filled (1 two-year position and 1 three-year position), as well as Professor Gissendanner's position in the College of Liberal Arts. She noted that Professor Gissendanner is excused at this point after undergoing serious knee surgery.
Ms. O'Connell (SGA) announced Tiger Fest to be held on May 3 and the SGA elections that will be held April 22-23.
SPECIAL ITEMS
1. Update from Presidential Search Committee. Withdrawn.
2. Professor Vocke announced a campus memorial service for Dean Dennis Hinkle to be held Wednesday, May 14 at 6:30 P.M. in the Stephens Hall Theater.
He also read the following resolution into the record:
Whereas, Dr. Dennis Hinkle served as Dean of the College of Education at Towson University with professionalism and distinction for ten years; and
Whereas, a respected educator, Dr. Hinkle fostered a strong relationship with the Maryland State Department of Education; and
Whereas, an accomplished professional, Dr. Hinkle represented the College of Education as a member of the Deans and Directors of the Maryland Association of Colleges of Teacher Education and as a leader of prestigious state and national forums on teacher education; and
Whereas, Dr. Hinkle developed collaborative efforts among Towson University and local education agencies through Professional Development School efforts; and
Whereas, Dr. Hinkle was a leading scholar in the field of educational statistics; and
Whereas, Dr. Hinkle was an advocate for students and student organizations in the College of Education, and
Whereas, a caring teacher, Dr. Hinkle tutored elementary students at local schools weekly,
Be it resolved that the University Senate of Towson University expresses its profound sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY SENATE
Chairperson Holter announced that there are to be five commencement ceremonies this spring and she thanked all the members of the Senate who have agreed to represent the Senate at those ceremonies.
Ms. Berlanstein had no report.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Professor Gallagher moved, Professor Forbes seconded an amendment to the proposal to award concurrent degrees to undergraduate students [Motion 02/03-22].
The amendment includes the following changes of language to the requirements as listed:
Students proposing to earn concurrent degrees must:
1. Complete a minimum of 150 credits.
2. Complete a minimum of 60 credits in residence at Towson University.
3. Delete: Complete both programs of study, with the two programs of study centered in different colleges.
4. (becomes 3) Complete at least half of the hours required in each major in residence at Towson University.
4. Have no more than 12 credits overlap between each major, including program core and program electives.
5. Complete an appropriate advanced writing course for each of majors.
6. By letter of request to the Secretary of the Academic Standards Committee, fully explain how the two degree programs differ substantially from each other. This request must be made one year before the expected date of graduation.
Considerable discussion ensued.
Professor Zimmerman asked if the amendment had been shared with the Academic Standards Committee.
Professor Johnson (Chair, Academic Standards Committee) said that this one of the versions they had considered.
Professor Siegel asked if there are differences between this proposal and the procedures at College Park and UMBC.
Ms. O'Connell asked what the difference between this and the current "double major" is.
Provost Leather answered that one difference is the requirement for 150 credits.
Professor Siegel suggested that the first sentence of the original item # 3 must be restored: Complete both programs of study.
Professor Siegel also stated that she feels that the wording "substantially different" in the general description is ambiguous and feels that the Academic Standards Committee would have to draw that distinction.
Professor Siegel moved, Professor Gallagher seconded a friendly amendment to item # 7:
"By letter of request to the Secretary of the Academic Standards Committee and both departments, the student shall fully explain how he/she will satisfy the requirements for the concurrent degrees." The friendly amendment was accepted by the subcommittee members.
Ms. Deems (Secretary, Academic Standards Committee) asked for a clarification on the requirement for the second writing course(s).
It was suggested that item read as follows: "Complete, where required, an advanced writing course for each of the majors."
The question was called on the amended motion. There was an objection. The vote on calling the question was taken. The motion passed 16/3/1.
The question was called on the amended motion. It was agreed that the precise wording of the introductory paragraph would be worked out by Professor Gallagher and Mr. Reuling.
The final amended motion read as follows:
Occasionally students simultaneously pursuing coursework in two different programs of study may wish to earn two different degrees (e.g., BS and BFA concurrently and receive two diplomas. Because the academic degree represents the culmination of an extensive program of study, the University believes that concurrent degrees should be awarded only when the student has completed two such programs in essentially non-overlapping areas. In such cases, the Academic Standards Committee will consider requests from students wishing to receive two concurrent degrees.
Students proposing to earn concurrent degrees must:
1. Complete a minimum of 150 credits.
2. Complete a minimum of 60 credits in residence at Towson University.
3. Complete both programs of study.
4. Complete at least half of the hours required in each major in residence at Towson University.
5. Have no more than 12 credits overlap between each major, including program core and program electives.
6. Complete, where required, an advanced writing course for each of the majors.
7. By letter of request to the Secretary of the Academic Standards Committee and both departments, the student shall fully explain how he/she will satisfy the requirements for the concurrent degrees. This request must be made at least one year before the expected date of graduation.
[The language concerning receiving Latin Honors remains the same as it was in the original proposal.]
The motion passed 19/1/0.
There was a motion to adjourn.
The next meeting of the Senate will be held on Monday, May 5, 2003 at 4:00 p.m. in the University Union, Rooms 314-316.
Respectfully submitted,
James M. 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 the meetings are located in Cook Library in the Media Resource Services area on the second floor.