Minutes for October 6, 1997

The Faculty Senate of Eastern Kentucky University met on Monday, October 6, 1997 in the South Room of the Keen Johnson Building. Senate Chair Karen Janssen called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

The following members of the Senate were absent:

^*denotes prior notification of absence to the Faculty Senate Secretary

Visitors to the Senate were: Ms. Jeanie Carman, Allied Health, and Nursing and Dr. Gil Smith, Art

Approval of the Minutes

Senator Janssen called for additions or corrections to the minutes. There being none, the minutes were approved as distributed.

Report from the President: Senator Funderburk

Senator Enzie reported on the Governor's Conference for Trustees for President Funderburk. It was a two-day workshop for new Council on Postsecondary Education board members and University Board of Regents and Trustees. The Conference took place in Louisville and most of Eastern's board members were there. The governor attended most of the two days and met privately with various groups. On Sunday the governor addressed the group and was given the OAK award for his support of higher education. The award was given by the Advocates on Higher Education.

In the public meetings, the main discussion centered around the things the Council on Postsecondary Education needed and wanted to do as a result of Higher Education Reform in Kentucky. In the next two months, a lot of decisions will be made in Frankfort that will have a long-lasting impact on Higher Education in Kentucky and EKU.

Eastern has acquired videotapes from the conference. One in particular is the keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Hooker, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He came to the conference on the recommendation of the governor. The tape is being played on the campus network and is also available through Instructional Media in the library.

The Council has scheduled three meetings in October with the first task of identifying criteria for incentive funds.

Report of the Executive Committee: Senator Janssen

The Executive Committee met on September 22, 1997. The committee discussed the charge for the Ad Hoc Committee on Child Care Services on Campus with Paula Kopacz, who is chairing the committee.

The flow of information related to the Presidential Search was discussed. The Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, Mr. James Gilbert, will speak to the Faculty Senate at the November meeting.

A discussion took place concerning state senator Tim Philpot's push for post-tenure review. At an October 2 meeting of the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education and the Teaching Profession of the Interim Joint Committee on Education in Frankfort, university representatives spoke for the review process being left in the hands of each university. Senator Philpot was not present. The subcommittee voted to "pass over this one."

The responsibilities of the Committee on the Budget were reviewed with the Chair of that Committee.

A discussion took place regarding the possibility of studying disincentives for nontraditional students such as advising schedules and times at which required classes are offered.

Lastly, the acoustics of the room in which Faculty Senate meetings take place were discussed.

Report of the Faculty Regent: Senator Freed

Senator Freed reported he had good news and bad news. The good news was there is more emphasis on working together, change is in the air, and Kentucky universities may stop competing as vigorously as they have in the past. However, no one has any idea how long this atmosphere will last nor where we may end up. Gary Cox is leaving the council on October 15th.

Concerning presidential search information, Senator Freed emphasized that the search is an "OPEN" search. Although rumors are expanding daily, there are no candidates at this point. The consultant involved in the search process has emphasized that it is an open search! An ad will be placed and information will be put on our Web site. The ad and accompanying information will contain a description of the university, the community of Richmond, and the desired characteristics of the President. The thirteen desired characteristics have been circulated in FYI. Nominations are welcome.

Report from the COSFL Representative: Senator Sowders

COSFL met on Saturday, September 13, at the University of Kentucky for its first meeting of the academic year. Loys Mather, COSFL chair, began the meeting with a review of the past year, which he called an "extraordinary year" for higher education. Merl Hackbart of the University of Kentucky has been named as the faculty representative to the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). The faculty will now have a means of input to the CPE.

Merl Hackbart gave a report about the activities of the CPE. Of immediate interest to the CPE is the discussion of guidelines for the allocation of funds from enhancement monies for 1999 and 2000. A second issue is the virtual university. Hackbart indicated that he felt that the CPE will want to set a state-of-the-art model and will think futuristically.

Other concerns discussed were: the competitive nature of the allocations, problems with state-wide degree programs and the choice of a president for the CPE.

MOTION

Senator Sowders moved that an ad hoc committee be appointed to study and make recommendations regarding post-tenure review.

Senator Rink asked why we needed this committee. Senator Sowders responded that if we don't begin a review ourselves, one may be imposed upon us.

The motion was approved.

Report from the Student Senate: Ms. Lisa Smith

Ms. Smith, vice president of the Student Senate, reported that the student senate is looking into campus lighting with a Student Safety Walk. Dr. Whitlock has helped the students with the Lancaster Avenue project. An engineer with the transportation cabinet is coming on Thursday to evaluate the possibilities for a cross-over or cross-under on Lancaster Avenue at the student parking lot.

Reports from Standing Committees

Senator Janssen spoke with committee chairs prior to the Faculty Senate meeting. There were no committee reports for this meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Report from the Council on Academic Affairs: Senator Enzie

Senator Enzie moved approval of a new degree program--Bachelor of Science in Computer Electronic Networking in the Department of Technology. The motion was approved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Senator Freed asked about the noise in the open area near the Chapel of Meditation. A recent concert disrupted classes in Wallace Building. Student Senator Lisa Smith responded that the musicians should have faced Powell Building and instead set up toward Wallace. She apologized and said the students didn't mean to cause a problem. Senator Freed suggested that better coordination of these events might help.

ADJOURNMENT

Senator Enzie moved that the Senate adjourn. It adjourned at 4:10 p.m.

____________________________
Margaret Muncy Willingham for
Charles C. Hay III
Faculty Senate Secretary