Faculty Senate
March 2, 2000
SC117
3:00-4:30 p.m.

ATTENDANCE

Present: Grant Richards, President Romesburg,, Ron Hammond, Sandy Vogel, John Balden, Larry Holt, Cameron John, Karin Davidson, Christopher G. Jones, Damon Bahr, Kirk Rasmussen, Laurie Wood, Bryan Eldridge, Lori Richards, Doug Miller, Brian Birch, Elaine Byrd, K.D. Taylor, Forrest Williams, Jill Jasperson, Lynn Turnquist, David Brandt, Denza Bruss, Kathie Debenham, Keith Snedegar, Paul Bean, Eldon Greenhalgh, David Manning, Tom Perkins, Gary Noll, Renee Van Buren, Lowell Glenn, Nolan Lickey.

. Absent: Max Christofferson, George Hickman, James Callison, Nate Oldham, Gary Griffin, George Hickman, Dennis Lisonbee

Excused: Lucille Stoddard, Malcom Crawford, Luis Arzola

Guests:

CALL TO ORDER

Grant Richards called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

February 8, 2000: David Manning moved to accept the minutes, with the amended name correction, and it was seconded by Eldon Greenhalgh.

November 23, 1999: Each senator received copies of the November 23^rd transcript prior to the meeting. Paul Bean moved to approve the minutes from the November 23^rd meeting, with the recommended changes made in the December Senate meeting. (The proposed changes made by George Hickman would not be considered in this approval.) Bryan Eldridge reminded Senators they could refer to the recorded tape if they needed to. David Manning called for the question. Voting was unanimous to approve the minutes.

INFORMATION ITEMS

Report on Higher Education Rally: Grant Richards told Senators there was a large turn out at the rally. He said UVSC had a greater faculty representation than any other school. He passed out copies of the response he received from sending an e-mail to his legislator and encouraged everyone to e-mail their representative.

Report on Legislative Session & Regents' meeting

Pres. Romesburg said 6 leaders primarily handle the budget, so many legislators are completely unaware of the situation with higher ed funding. He and Grant both strongly recommended FS members email or call today since decisions are being made at this time. The Pres. said they may use one-time money, so we will do better this year. The concern would be for subsequent years when one-time money isn't an option. He reiterated that it's been helpful to "stir things up" and get some attention on this matter, especially since the "pie" will be divided tonight. While higher ed is currently receiving a 2% increase after benefits, state employees are receiving 4%+ benefits, and public ed is receiving 5%+ benefits (for a total of 7.4%), which is not equitable, yet some legislators feel that higher ed is "discretionary," that we can always raise tuition to cover benefits increases. However, according to the President, we already must raise tuition by 4.4% without increasing further for benefits. This, he said, is a form of taxation of a select group who for the most part, given their age, are voiceless and powerless (and are not viewed as a voting force, according to the Governor). Ernie Carey stated that some faculty talked to a legislator who said there is actually $4.3 million available. Ernie also said that there are two bills dealing with corporate tax (bills 197 & 198) that could, if passed, generate another $8 million. The President said these bills probably will not come out of committee since it's an election year. The President indicated that we'll likely get $4 million, which is about 5% compensation, rather than 4%. There is really $13 million available, which is held until the last day of legislative session to use for special projects or "pork," but we won't get that. The President said he was amazed that the vote on our student center, which is financed completely by students and passed with a 67-4 vote, was opposed by 3 of our 4 Utah County legislators (Way, Rowan, and Wright)! We need to continue to educate our legislators to gain their support, particularly in our own county. Grant appealed to the Faulty Senate to start now on this for next year if we want to be successful.

Faculty Senate Election Report

Laurie Wood asked who was replacing Elaine Byrd (Stacie Waddoups), Keith Snedegar (not chosen yet), Eldon Greenhalgh (not chosen yet), Chester Heath (not chosen yet). Laurie asked if we really need the Merit Committee anymore, which has 7 members. Doug Miller said he doesn't really see a continued purpose for a large committee given changes to the merit process. Laurie will contact people who volunteered for Merit and ask if they'll switch over to another committee. Some faculty wondered if the Constitution allows for making changes to the makeup of committees. Ernie Carey stated that this is dealt with in the by-laws, not the Constitution itself, which makes it easier for the Senate to control the makeup of the committees. Laurie made a motion not to elect new members of the Personnel & Merit Committees. Forest Williams seconded the motion. Forrest said we need committees that better suit our needs, such as political action committees, and Ernie responded that the revised Constitution will allow for the Faculty Senate to create the committees as needed. The vote was unanimous.

Laurie then mentioned that three committees have retiring chairs-Budget (have 1 nominee, need 1 more), Tenure (have 1, need 1), & Academic Standards ( need 2). She needs the nominees by Friday, so she can have the ballots ready for next meeting. Michaela will send emails to remind, so we get a legitimate election of chairs.

Budget Report

The Committee met and looked at options for insurance plans, including EMIA, United, Blue Cross, Altus. EMIA & United were presented as best options. As far as cost, United is best at a 13% increase, with EMIA coming in at 23%. However, United is not as accessible since they don't use IHC hospitals. We need to weigh cost vs. accessibility. All are one year proposals. EMIA made a presentation to the committee claiming improvements in customer service. President Romesburg asked how we use the plan-if we use catastrophic more, we could get alternate plan for this and cheaper one for low-end benefits. Keith was unsure and said they would study this. Keith announced an opening on the EMIA Board of Directors, which several colleges have representatives on but who aren't even using EMIA, so he encouraged representation from UVSC. Bryan Eldredge asked if the coverage would be the same, and Keith affirmed it would be. Some faculty commented they've heard from health care workers that EMIA is best, and other indicated it might be worth higher costs to keep the same providers and services. Grant requested people send ideas and suggestions to Keith.

Name Change for BSA

Karin Davidson explained that BSA will now be called Business Systems Administration (BSA). Grant asked why the change, and Karin explained they had researched and found other colleges' programs had made the change because the term "office" in the title of the degree limits graduates in positions/salaries.

Fall Senator Training

Ron Hammond told those who volunteered to be on a committee to give input on the training session that they will meet Feb.28 at 3pm in BU128b.

Status of Degree in Progress

Pres. Romesburg indicated that the 4 year degree in English has moved from the Board of Trustees to the Regents and will be on the agenda at the next meeting in March. He said with Weber State's support, who has currently been working with UVSC to offer the degree, he's optimistic the proposal will be successful.

Academic Policy Report

Jill Jasperson reported that Ellen Hall & Hugh Rode, students at BYU law school, as part of a project for a class on Alternative Dispute Resolution, will spend 50 hours each to examine our grievance policy at UVSC and provide suggestions and feedback.

Academic Standards

Dave Manning said he had no new information at this time.

Curriculum Committee Report

Chris Jones informed the senate that they have a meeting next week to discuss secondary ed, which is not a degree but a series of courses connected to a major and leading to a license. They will be going to the Regents with a number of 4 year degree programs, along with the secondary ed program, as a package. The question was asked how many credits the secondary ed. certificate required. Karl Worthington said 30 credits. Pres. Romesburg responded that we want to take a number of programs at once rather than one at a time. 7 areas, which will be part of the secondary ed. package, have 4 year programs in place or are preparing proposals to take to Trustees, including Biology, English, Psychology, Sociology, Music, PE, and Health. Chris Jones mentioned that an Earth Science degree is in the works too. Much coordination is required to create this secondary ed package.

Faculty Merit Report

Doug Miller announced the Feb.28 deadline for merit and asked senators to remind their chairs.

Tenure

Kirk reminded everyone of the tenure workshops to be held Feb. 23 & 24 at 3pm in PE 107.

Constitution Report

Ernie Carey indicated that he had no further comments beyond his earlier remarks.

Faculty Evaluation Report

Damon Bahr said faculty had gone to conferences recently and received interesting information, such as formative and summative being kept as separate processes. He warned that as UVSC moves in the direction of a university our faculty evaluation procedures will become dated and require reevaluation.

Upcoming Dates

Grant reminded everyone of the important events coming up. Jack Zenger will meet with the Faculty Senate on March 28^th to discuss improving effectiveness of the senate. Kirk asked if our final senate meeting on April 25^th, during finals week, will still be at 3pm, and Grant indicated it will be.

Forrest Williams reminded senators about the tenure workshops on February 23 and 24^th in PE107.

Renee Van Buren told the senators the wetlands project would be postponed until March 25^th.

Larry Holt informed everyone our colleague Verl Morgan passed away. Funeral services were scheduled for March 23 at 1:00.

ADJOURNMENT

Kirk Rasmussen motioned to adjourn, and Paul Bean seconded it. The meeting adjourned at 4:10pm.