Minutes of the Faculty Assembly

September 11, 2003

 

  1. R. Serianz called the meeting to order at 3:10 and led the Assembly in a moment of silence to remember the victims of 9/11 and their families.
  2. R. Serianz introduced the Secretary – Renae Harroun, and the Parliamentarian – Jim Van Speybroeck.  She stated that Jim was unable to attend, and that Ryan Dye would be taking his place today.
  3. R. Serianz introduced Irene Kremer from Information Technology who came to give faculty an update on the recent problems.  Irene stated that they are making progress and are doing everything they can.   Many student computers are still infected.  Website access in an issue with INS.  If there are any problems please notify her.  It was asked to whom the faculty should send messages.  Irene replied that it should be her or Brandi Ahlers.  If there is a problem with Blackboard, the faculty should contact Jill Jacobson or Linda.  A question was asked regarding the work hours of the IT department and Irene stated that they are from 7-5.  It was suggested that there be someone here during the evening and on weekends, and Irene stated that this is being worked on.  It was suggested that there need to be better ways of communication by both email and voice mail.  Irene stated that both an email and a voice mail had been sent today.  Another faculty member suggested that there be a phone number that faculty could call with updates or problems.  It was also asked if Blackboard had a help line, but IT does not provide this service.  Irene emphasized again to please feel free to give her feedback and to ask questions.
  4. R. Serianz made an announcement about at Iowa AAUP Conference – Saturday October 25th regarding  “Is Faculty Handbook Friendly”.  There will be a panel discussion with faculty representing St. Ambrose University and other participating institutions.
  5. R. Serianz asked for approval of the revised minutes for April 10, 2003.  B. Jacobson so moved.  Motion was seconded by R. Kelley.  Motion passed.
  6. R. Dye gave an update on United Way.  Currently we have had 180 contribute with a total of $22,925.  He encouraged us to get 20 more people to contribute which would give us a record.
  7. R. Serianz presented an issue about voting procedures.  Her concern dealt with the concept of absentee voting, about which the present Faculty Handbook is “loudly silent.”  Last Spring absentee ballots were cast for the chair elect.  None of these votes were counted last year and would not have changed the outcome.  There was much discussion about this issue including questions as to whether there is a procedure for a change in the bylaws, or would this be an addition to the bylaws, or has this ever happened before.  A few faculty shared instances from the past in which a ballot was used when a voice was needed from all faculty.  It was decided that this is a faculty handbook revision and should be addressed by that committee for clarification and brought to the Faculty Assembly for a first and second reading.
  8. M. Baldwin and L. Sanborne discussed the New Procedures for Planning.  A handout was given on Strategic Planning and Annual Budgeting at SAU.  They discussed that they are building on the existing model but have added an additional cycle.  When the executive group refines the strategic plan, and prepares models has been moved to October.  In November the full group develops strategies and assigns plans.  At this time they will know the revenues, which will allow for better planning.  They stated that the request for funding needs to allow for growth and also needs to fit in with the university’s long range planning.  It was asked what is the time frame is for long range planning and the reply was 5-10 years.  M. Baldwin and L. Sanborne stated that in April those who receive new funds will have to present a progress report.  Guidelines for submitting proposals will hopefully be available next week.  Also the Strategic Plan will also be made public, hopefully by October 6th.  M. Baldwin stated that the strategic plan is coming from the Vision 20-20.  R. Serianz asked why the Chairs of Faculty Assembly and Staff Assembly were not involved in strategic planning.  The reply was that smaller groups create more dialogue and discussion.  Also it was emphasized that strategic planning is a long term committee and that the rolling off of members would be a problem with stability.  This is why the second loop on the diagram was created.  A faculty member stated that the forum that was held for Vision 20-20 was very helpful and a great way for connection.  It was asked with there were plans for forums in the future as a campus community.  M. Baldwin stated that they are in a process of change and once things are more concrete the next step will be to take strategies to bring more people in.  L. Sanborne then gave the list of those who are involved with the Strategic Planning Team – Executive Members – President, Officers, Deans of 4 Colleges, Dean of Students, Facilitators – Associate Members – Rev. Charles Adam, Sandy Cassady, Art Serianz, Faculty Finance Representative, Faculty Assembly President, Staff Assembly President, SGA (Vice) President, GSGA President, It Director, AVP Enrollment Management, AVP Finance, AVP  Institutional Research, Director or Grants.  L. Sanborne then answered some questions about ACT scores.  He stated that they went up .7 to 22.1 which is a significant growth.  He stated that he did not know what percentage of students were on academic probation or what percent of the freshman class were on restrictions.  The ACT average nationally is 21.8 but it is not known how we compare to other competitive schools in our area.  R. Serianz expressed to M. Baldwin and L. Sanborne our appreciation for all of their work.
  9. K. Trujillo presented the second reading of PTS Revisions for the Faculty Handbook.  The first motion, which would move responsibilities associated with sabbaticals from the PTS committee to the FDC committee, and would increase FDC membership from 4 to 8.  An amendment to the motion was made to keep the membership of the committee the same – remain as a 4-member group with 1 ex officio member from the CTE.  Motion was made to pass the first motion for the second reading.  K. Kelley/G.Bailey.  Question called by A. Lensing.  Motion passed. 
  10. K. Trujillo presented the second reading of motion 2, which would increase the term of elected PTS members from 2 years to 3 years.  Motion was made to pass motion 2 for the second reading.  R. Richards/ G. Bailey.  Question called by R. Richards.  Motion passed.
  11. K. Trujillo presented that motion 3 did not pass for the first reading.
  12. K. Trujillo presented motion 4.  This motion seeks to delete Section 3.3.3.1 of the handbook which states annual progress reports are to be submitted, but these are no longer reviewed, and so the handbook should reflect the current practice.  Motion 4 also seeks to change language related to the review of faculty by PTS, such that PTS could establish and publish their own schedule of review.  Language in motion 4 also included that faculty were responsible for maintaining their own portfolios. It was also amended that the requirement read, “evidence of completed academic work…”  Motion was made to pass motion 4.

            B. Jacobson/D. Stoube.  Motion passed.

  1. K. Trujillo presented the first reading of changing due date of sabbatical applications from January to October 1st.  This change would facilitate planning.  A question was asked if it would make a difference in which semester one would be applying for.  The response was no.  Motion was make to pass for the first reading. A. Lensing/B. Jacobson.  Motion was passed for the first reading.
  2. W. Oberle moved to adjourn the meeting.  B. Miclot seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 4:05 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

R. Harroun