Bozorth Hall Auditorium Attendance: Herb Appelson, David Applebaum, Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, Lorin Arnold, Joseph Bierman, Greg Biren, Lori Block, Carl Calliari, Bruce Caswell, Julie Chang, Jay Chaskes, Joe Davey, Gini Doolittle, John Gallagher, Senate Secretary Dorie Gilchirst, Erick Guerra, Tom Hamer, Harriet Hartman, Cindi Hasit, Donna Hathaway-Cook, Jim Haugh, Joanne Scott (for Luke Holbrook), Judy Holmes, Don Stoll, Jennifer Kay, Lee Kress, Paul Laumakis, Terri Lehr, Denyse Lemaire, Phillip Lewis, Janet Lindman, Mary Marino, Jeff Maxson, Stuart McGee, Sandy McHenry, Eric Milou, Janet Moss, Senate Vice President Past Mosto, James Newell, Ojusegun Ojewuyi, Joe Orlins, Anne Phillips, Robi Polikar, Nick Schmelz, Karen Siefring, Kathleen Small, Ed Smith, Sonia Spencer, Lori Stephans, Robert Sterner, Winifred Still, Susan Taber, Skeffington Thomas, Sandy Tweedie, Senate President Cindy Vitto, Hal Vogel, Paris VonLockette, Stephanie Weidman, Barbara Williams, Abe Witonsky, Tricia Yurak, Fay Zhu Not In Attendance: Julie Peterson, Marian Stieber Note: If anyone was omitted from attendance list, it indicates that you did not sign in. If this is the case, notify the Senate office and the minutes will be corrected. Sabbatical Leave: Martin Itzkowitz Call to Order: President Cindy Vitto called the meeting to order at 11:00 AM Motion to approve agenda, seconded and carried. Motion to approve minutes of May 15, 2002, seconded and carried. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Ellen Farish. Report of President Farish: -President Farish expressed his gratitude for the support he has received during his traumatic time of loss, and indicated that it has been gratifying and heartwarming to have such support to sustain him through this difficult time. -The University is still dealing with the budget situation and is expecting level funding from the state for this year. The Governor's office has been informed that a university the size of Rowan cannot sustain itself on further budget decreases. The University is not expected to experience any further decreases in its budget. Faculty and staff are urged to ignore any rumors that may persist on campus. -Retention of last year’s freshmen has increased this year by three percent, which is a large increase in one year. This increase has placed a burden on some programs, but the revenue has helped to alleviate some of the budget problems. -The campus building Master Plan includes issues such as how the campus will appear after it has been "built up," where the buildings will be located, what the buildings will contain, how the buildings will relate to each other. These issues will expand the first version of the master plan that was reviewed over two years ago. The architect's version is now more detailed, and many decisions still need to be made, but the plan needs to be shared with the campus community so we can all arrive at broad and general support. -A Master Plan Committee will be created, which will include members of the University community and the Senate. It is hoped that this committee will be a focal point for various discussions regarding these plans. The President will be presenting the Master Plan to the campus community at the upcoming University Assembled. Networks for feedback will be arranged to filter this information either directly to the President or to the Master Plan Committee. It is expected that at least two open hearings will be conducted over the course of the year regarding the Master Plan, and it is hoped that at least some of the major decisions can be made by the end of the academic year. -The architect's plans will not predetermine what will take place on campus. The President has already determined that some things in the Master Plan are not acceptable, and he feels that most of the campus community will agree on these points. -The President will be meeting with each College this fall and also with the President's Advisory Council, on which the Senate president and the three union presidents now serve, with the SGA president to be invited as well. -The addition of academic buildings means that we will need additional faculty and staff, and discussion about the possibility of new programs as well. -The President has authorized forty-five new searches for the year 2002-2003, with the most essential position searches having priority for implementation. -In response to a question, President Farish stated that there are no plans to double the size of the student population by the year 2005. This misconception may have resulted because of the recent acquisition of more property for campus expansion. We will not experience an enrollment increase unless we have corresponding funding from the State. Report of the Senate President: -Cindy Vitto expressed her gratitude to those who have completed their terms on the Senate Executive Committee, and those who have recently been appointed. Many members contributed numerous hours over the summer in meetings with various administrators. -Cindy is preparing a campus-wide message for volunteers to serve on the Campus Master Plan Committee. In order to keep the number of committee members at a reasonable level, applicants are requested to put in writing a statement of why they would like to serve on this committee (no more than 150 words). It is expected that this committee will involve a two-year commitment, and that committee members will be investing much time and energy as committee members. Cindy urges those considering volunteering to take this into consideration. -The Middle States Accreditation Report is due in 2004. Beginning in mid-to late spring of 2003, the Senate will assist the Provost with the Middle States assessment of the Academic Affairs division of the University. -The Senate officers have met with Phil Tumminia and discussed plans for the Rowan Foundation’s capital campaign, which will be made public in October. Phil will be asking for a 30% faculty participation rate, recognizing that large amounts of money are not expected. What is most important is the gift of faculty and staff participation. Senate Liaisons for Deans The following faculty and staff will serve as liaisons to the College Deans:
- College of Business, Karen Siefring
- College of Communication, Sandy Tweedy
- College of Education, Janet Moss
- College of Engineering, Joe Orlins
- College of Fine & Performing Arts, Skeff Thomas
- College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Paul Laumakis
- Dean of Students, Lori Block
- Dean of Library, Judy Holmes
- Dean of Graduate Studies, Cindi Hasit
Determining Priorities Senate officers are compiling a list of Senate priorities. Current items include:
- clarify shared governance and facilitate better campus communication
- work with the President on defining a campus master plan
- work with the Provost on finding ways to encourage assessment, to identify what is already being done, and to share information about exemplary assessment models.
- refine the curriculum process
- begin the process of revising the Senate Constitution
Report of Dr. Helen Giles-Gee, Provost -Dr. Giles-Gee reflected on the institutional goals that had been articulated to her as she interviewed for her current position, information she gathered at various college and department meetings and from reading institutional reports. From all the issues that needed to be addressed, the Academic Affairs Action Plan was created, and work with the Deans on the University Five-Year Plan and strategic objectives has also been completed. Dr. Giles-Gee sees the past year as one of great accomplishment. With the assistance of the Senate, she will be seeking an opportunity to present to the campus community an overview of the accomplishments of the academic division with regard to the strategic objectives of the University. --Thanks to the work of the Task Force on Summer School, the University anticipates initiating a pilot program this summer. The President's Cabinet has approved the concept of revenue sharing of funds (10%) earned in the Summer sessions for courses taught from a list of courses determined to be in high student demand. -The Grants Office has been instrumental in facilitating a vast amount of funded projects, resulting in very positive benefits to the institution. Because of the increase in work that this office has generated, the Cabinet has authorized a search for a full-time grants writer. -A reorganization of the Graduate School has resulted in moving sponsored research programs to the Graduate division, and a new title has been created for the person in charge of that office: Associate Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School. There will be a search for this position, as well as for the Dean of the College of Education, an Associate Dean, and a Planetarium Director. -The Faculty Staffing Plan is critical as we begin to plan the best use of new academic buildings. Department chairs and Deans have copies of the faculty staffing plan. An Administrative Staffing Plan is being prepared as well. -A priority on this campus is technology. A new technological infrastructure is needed with appropriate levels of staff support and training to move us forward. -It is the goal of the Provost to move the university forward with a range of carefully selected academic programs. A way must be found to clearly define what academic programs will be appropriate for the institution in the future. -The role of the University continues to change as it assumes its role as a major player with a variety of outside communities, including the State. The Provost must advocate that all voices are heard as the institution meets its mandate of change. -The Provost was asked if the funds targeted for the Camden Project would be sufficient. Her response was that when we decide what the building will be, we will know more about the funding. Tentative plans include ideas such as a combination of retail space, classrooms, community use, etc. -The Provost, impressed by the way faculty and staff work together, encourages continued collaboration in advocating ideas in order that efforts can be made to find and use resources for the Camden Project. Unfinished Business Career Development Committee Report from May 15, 2002 -$40,000 was appropriated; 28 individuals were reviewed for funding,
including library staff. -Professional staff were not notified of deadlines and process in a timely manner; therefore, many did not have the opportunity to request funding for development. Those that were not notified in time will be eligible to apply this year.
Motion to approve, seconded and carried. World Education Council Recommendations from May 15, 2002 -Recommendations submitted by the World Education Committee will be incorporated into the Task Force recommendations that will go to the Provost. It is to be determined how the Task Force and the Senate Committees will be working together, but the Provost has indicated that once she receives recommendations from task forces, she will forward recommendations as necessary to the Senate for appropriate action. Regular Business: Committee on Committees: There has been exceptional participation from faculty and professional staff. Seventeen faculty and professional staff members volunteered for four or five committees, but were not selected to serve. Twelve who volunteered for one or two committees were not selected. This is a concern due to tenure and recontracting processes, since serving on one or more committees is a factor in this process. Janet Moss hopes to include those not chosen in the near future as opportunities arise, and we will also send letters thanking volunteers for their willingness to participate, even though they were not chosen for committee service. We will also investigate revising the initial committee selection form to make it clear that membership on many committees is limited because of required representation from various constituencies. Due to the many changes since committee members were originally chosen, a final notice will be sent to committee members confirming their assignments.
Motion to approve, seconded and carried. Academic Policies & Procedures: no report Campus Aesthetics & Environmental Concerns: no report Career Development: no report Curriculum: Phil Lewis has met with the Provost and the Associate Provost over the summer months. There is a Curriculum Committee meeting scheduled on Thursday, September 19, 2002 to discuss changes to the curriculum process, and questions presented by the Provost. Intercollegiate Athletics: no reportLearning Outcomes Assessment: no reportProfessional Ethics & Welfare: no reportPromotion: A workshop schedule regarding the promotion process will soon be posted.-There is concern from faculty about the Provost’s request that departmental promotion criteria be reviewed and updated by September 15. Cindy Vitto will request that the Provost make it clear to Deans and department chairs that the criteria are not to be completely reconstituted but merely "fine tuned." If departments make the effort to review and update promotion criteria on an annual basis each spring, we will not experience the current problem of meeting an early fall deadline for revisions. It was also suggested that departments may wish to post promotion criteria on their homepages. Recruitment, Admissions & Retention: no report Research & Technological Resources: no reportSabbatical Leave: no reportStudent Relations: no reportTenure & Recontracting: no reportUniversity Budget & Planning: no reportNew Business:-Several problems have arisen with the Bookstore. Senate officers will check with Eileen Morrow, Bookstore Director, to make her aware of the nature of the complaints. Everyone is encouraged to submit complaints so that they can be compiled and categorized for more efficient resolution. Announcements: - Convocation has been scheduled for October 10, 2002, in Pfleeger Concert Hall, located in Wilson Hall, at 11:00 AM. - The first meeting regarding shared governance is scheduled for October 31, 2002, in Campbell Library, Room 126, at 11:00 AM. The President, President's Cabinet, Deans, Senate Executive Committee, and the SGA President will be invited to attend. - The Senate Executive Committee is tentatively scheduled for dinner with the Board of Trustees on the evening of December 11, 2002. - Departments need to be reminded that beginning Fall 2003, we will be implementing a new class schedule. The new grid will be distributed by the Registrar's office in early October. Departments and Colleges may wish to schedule their own "open period" for meetings. Motion to adjourn at 12:30 PM, seconded and carried. |
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