Minutes for the Meeting of the Faculty Assembly

November 14, 2002

 

  1. L. Brown called the meeting to order at 3:09pm.  Fr. Bud Grant then led the Assembly in two prayers – the first for guidance, the second for Ann Freeburg.

 

  1. J. Van Speybroeck made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 10, 2002 meeting.  R. Serianz seconded.  Motion was carried.

 

  1. Jim Brady from United Way, presented St. Ambrose University with a Bronze Award attesting to per capita giving of $57 during the 2002 campaign.  R. Serianz accepted the award on behalf of the University.

 

  1. L. Brown updated the Assembly on the work of the University Planning Committee and made a request that items needing to be brought to the attention of Planning at the upcoming December and January meetings be given to her.

 

  1. J. Barr reported on the work of the Faculty Finance Committee stating that the President has appointed a task force headed by D. Osberger to investigate the matter of rising health costs and appropriate University responses.  Issues discussed included 1) tax savers plans already submitted, 2) whether or not money had been set aside to cover the anticipated 25% cost increment, and 3) the possibility of hiring a health care consultant.

 

  1. T. Schlabach asked the Assembly for input regarding the General Education Themes proposal slated to be voted on by the Educational Policy Committee.  Issues discussed included 1) the method through which courses became included in themes, 2) whether or not the proposed themes with their multifarious inclusions of courses satisfied the hope that themes would give students a sense of coherence in their general education, 3) whether sufficient openings exists in courses to accommodate students who needed to complete general education during freshman and sophomore years, 4) how assessment of student perception of continuity among courses would be assessed.  In response to a query by A. Ambrose, T. Schlabach stated that the discussion had given her the input she had been seeking.  Faculty were urged to contact their College EPC representatives should they wish to give additional input.

 

  1. L. Brown stated that midterm committee reports would be deferred until the next meeting.

 

  1. A move to adjourn was made by J. Van Speybroeck, seconded simultaneously by many present, and the meeting adjourned at 4:27pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Rachel Serianz