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EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
FACULTY SENATE
FULL MINUTES OF 24 APRIL 2001
The eighth regular meeting of the 2000-2001 Faculty Senate was held on Tuesday, 24 April 2001, in the Mendenhall Student Center Great Room.
Agenda Item I. Call to Order
Bob Morrison (Chemistry), Chair of the Faculty, called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m.
Agenda Item II. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of 20 March 2001, were approved.
Agenda Item III. Special Order of the Day
A. Roll Call
Senators absent were: Professors Albright (Allied Health Sciences), Stanley (Biology), Joyner (Education), Gares (Geography), Lyandres (History), Engel and Meredith (Medicine), Conradt (Political Science) and Karns (Vice Chair of the Faculty).
Alternates present were: Professors Bell for Holbert (Allied Health Sciences), Said for Pravica (Math), Worthington for Cox (Medicine), Gilliland for Fiordalisi (Medicine) and Hanrahan for Wooden (Medicine).
B. Announcements
Bob Morrison, Chair of the Faculty recognized the special guests, including Mrs. Eakin and the former Chairs of the Faculty who served as chair during Richard Eakin’s tenure as Chancellor: Conner Atkeson, Chair of the Faculty 1987-1989; Jim Joyce, Chair of the Faculty 1989-1991; John Moskop, Chair of the Faculty 1991-1993; Patricia Anderson, Chair of the Faculty 1993-1995; Don Sexauer, Chair of the Faculty 1995-1998; and Brenda Killinsgworth, Chair of the Faculty 1998-2000. Chair Morrison noted that shared governance and the Faculty Senate stand tall among the other institutions of the UNC system. It stands tall because of the hard work and leadership of these and other former chairs of the Faculty Senate. He then applauded the former chairs for their leadership.
Bob Morrison, Chair of the Faculty, recognized the many activities of Professor Jo Ann Jones (English/Undergraduate Studies), who is retiring from the University as of May 1st. Morrison stated that Jo Ann had been a Faculty Senate member or alternate for 26 years. He noted that she had served on Admissions and Recruitment, Career Education, Continuing Education, Credits, Educational Policies and Planning, General Education, Readmission Appeals, Teaching Effectiveness, University Curriculum, Due Process, Agenda, and Committee on Committees over the years. Morrison applauded Professor Jones for her dedication and service to the university, stating that she would be sorely missed.
The Chancellor has approved the following resolutions from the 20 March 2001, Faculty Senate meeting:
01-18 Spring 2001 Graduation Roster, including honors program graduates, subject to the completion of degree requirements.
01-19 Revisions to the ECU Faculty Manual, Appendix D. (pending final approval by the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors) and proposed addition to the ECU Faculty Manual, Part XII.
01-21 Curriculum matters contained in the 22 February 2001, and 8 March 2001 University Curriculum Committee minutes.
Applications for the 2002-2003 University Teaching Grants and Research/Creative Activity Grants are now available in the Faculty Senate office for interested faculty. The deadline for each grant is as follows:
Research/Creative Activity Grants 12:00 noon on Monday, 17 September 2001
Teaching Grants 12:00 noon on Monday, 1 October 2001
A call for nominations for the Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching, for the Board of Governors Distinguished Professor for Teaching Award and for the Alumni Distinguished Professor for Teaching Award has been sent to all academic unit heads. Copies of the three different award nominating procedures may be obtained in the Center for Faculty Development (124 Ragsdale). The deadline for all award nominations is Monday, 17 September 2001.
Prior to Dr. Eakin's remarks, Brenda Killingsworth (Business), Past Chair of the Faculty, was recognized, along with the other former Chairs of the Faculty during the "Eakin Era" to present two framed commendations to Dr. and Mrs. Eakin on their activities with East Carolina University. Following remarks, both commendations were approved by the Faculty Senate. RESOLUTION #01-23. (Please refer to the end of this report for the commendations).
C. Chancellor's Report
Chancellor Richard Eakin discussed a recent meeting in Chapel Hill to discuss budget difficulties. Last week President Broad asked each Chancellor to turn back 6.559% of their budget by April 23. ECU would have to turn back $11 million, $8 million from Academic Affairs and $3 million from Health Sciences. If this situation comes to pass, it will reduce services to students and the citizens of eastern North Carolina during a time of enrollment surge. It will result in larger classes, fewer classes, delayed student progress toward degrees, a 20-25% cut in the operating budget, including computer service, curtailed community outreach, 50 fewer spa positions, 30 fewer faculty, a $2 million shortfall in the utilities budget, an enrollment funding decrease, and not receiving the last installment of doctoral funding. The total potential impact of the current General Assembly proposal is $17.3 million. The Chancellor stated that there must be a better way to address the current budget situation than the one that has been proposed by the legislative subcommittee.
Dr. Eakin stated that it would take a longer time to get a budget this year, maybe not until July or August. There is a threat of significant reduction once the budget is adopted. Because of that the University has and will continue to put preventive measures in place. Dr. Eakin suggested that people not "fire off salvos" at this stage, being careful not to come on too strong too early. He will keep us advised of what is going on and how we can be helpful. Dr. Eakin stated that this was the worst budget situation in 14 years.
Cielselski (Industry and Technology) asked if the dean search for Industry and Technology would be adversely affected. Dr. Eakin said no. The University is trying to decide which positions to fill and which not to fill but that the Industry and Technology dean position seemed safe. Preventive measures have been put in place to avoid layoffs.
Allred (Psychology) asked if building projects would be impacted. The Chancellor stated that current ECU building projects, by law, come from separate pots of money. He also noted that the buildings would be here for many years after the budget crunch has come and gone.
Hanrahan (Medicine) asked if the situation would be better in one year, since part of the current problem stem from recent court settlements. Dr. Eakin stated that the current situation is traceable to more factors than the two court settlements; revenue collections are off; the projected shortfall is $800 million to $1 billion. The situation will resolve itself, maybe in two or three years, unless the General Assembly decides to look at ways to generate revenue.
Cope (Psychology) questioned how much the general public knows about the budget situation. Dr. Eakin suggested that faculty members talk with the public let them know what is going on, but suggested delaying any outpouring toward the General Assembly.
Following the discussion Rosenberg (Medicine), made the following motion: "Whereas, access to a quality education should be available to all North Carolina citizens, and Whereas, the requested educational budget cuts for the K-12 programs, Community Colleges and University of North Carolina system necessary to meet the predicted revenue shortfall will significantly restrict the ability for North Carolinians to achieve access to education. The Faculty Senate supports the feeling of "great apprehension" expressed by Chancellor Eakin should these proposed cuts become a reality. The Faculty Senate also supports the Chancellor in his efforts to educate the legislators about the consequences of these educational cuts. Therefore Be it Resolved, that the Faculty Senate support a dialogue between Chancellor Eakin, President Broad and the Board of Governors to recommend to the legislature to study reasonable alternative revenue sources to meet the budget shortfall." The motion passed. RESOLUTION #01-24
D. Vice Chancellor's Report
Bob Thompson, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, thanked the Senate for the opportunity to attend the meeting, and asked for questions. There were no questions.
E. University Athletic Committee
Trenton Davis, Chair of the University Athletic Committee, presented a report on the activities of the Committee and provided the Senate with a report on the Academic Integrity Subcommittee. Dr. Davis distributed a brochure and a written report that provided faculty an idea about his role. Dr. Davis addressed the current budget shortfall and athletics. He noted that funds for athletics come from numerous other sources, including ticket sales and television revenue.
Scott (Academic Library) asked about budget information for women sports. Dr. Davis stated that the program is undergoing accreditation, and one issue that is always examined is Title 9 and gender equity in funding.
Chancellor Eakin stated that successful efforts have been made over the last 10 years to completely separate the athletics budget from the state budgeting process. Dr. Eakin also stated that ECU is well served by Dr. Davis in this role.
F. UNC Faculty Assembly Report
Henry Ferrell (History) presented an overview of the Faculty Assembly meeting held on 20 April 2001, in Chapel Hill. (A copy of his report is available in the Faculty Senate office, 140 Rawl Annex.) Allred (Psychology) added that a Chancellor search resolution was discussed, and that President Broad may instruct that chancellor candidates may be brought to campus as matter of policy from now on.
G. SACS Self-Study
Brenda Killingsworth, Self-Study Director, stated that SACS committees are meeting, and will meet through the summer and provide reports in the fall. The compliance committees will provide areas of concern to the steering committees.
H. Journal Realignment
Carroll Varner, Director of Joyner Library, discussed the Journal Realignment project. The project does not include the Health Sciences library. A handout detailing the project in a memo dated March 9, which was sent to deans, department chairs, Joyner Library representatives, and library faculty. Dr. Varner stated that a paradigm shift needs to occur on the way that publishers release information. Electronic databases rather than printed documents need to become the norm. Libraries are moving from ownership to access, not by choice but necessity. The Library will put a list of cut journals on its web site next week. The cuts will be deeper because of the current budget woes.
Wall (Philosophy) asked for more specifics on journal cuts. Dr. Varner stated that $250,000 is being spent on journals that are accessible electronically. That will be examined first. Also, some journals that have been inflated beyond all reason will be targeted as well. Titles that support undergraduate teaching will be protected. There may have to be cuts in journals that are not offered electronically. But moving to the electronic emphasis may increase access to some journals. All journals that cost $3000 or more will be examined closely. The Library may have to rely on document delivery as an alternative in some cases.
Niswander (Business) asked if the cuts would be reinstated if the budget situation turns out to be not as bad as some are anticipating. Dr. Varner stated that the Library would have a fix it period in the fall, but that he cannot guranteee restoration of cut journals. A statewide sharing arrangement was discussed. Dr. Varner stated that there is no formal arrangement, but efforts have been initiated along those lines. A "last copy in North Carolina" provision will be included.
Summers (Biology) stated that some major journals do not work electronically, and asked if the Library can change or modify these situations that may be unsatisfactory. Dr. Varner stated that the printed titles cut would not take effect until December.
Hanrahan (Medicine) asked if faculty donations could serve as an alternative. Dr. Varner stated that such a practice would not meet with the approval of most professional organizations, because library subscriptions are usually higher than individual subscriptions.
Sargent (Chemistry) discussed the high price of science journals. He stated that the University encourages active research, but that faculty cannot do it without some of the expensive journals. Dr. Sargent stated that document delivery has been a disaster in the past. A "paper trail" of literature review works much better with journals that are on the shelf. He stated that interlibrary loan takes too long for such a paper trail. Dr. Sargent stated that some journals are expensive but necessary to fulfill the University mission to do scientific research. He stated that critical journals are expensive but that bad ones are cheap. Dr. Sargent stated that ECU is positioning itself as junior college by relying on North Carolina State and Chapel Hill to house prime journals. He asked what would happen if electronic access goes away in 10 years or so.
Ferrell (History) stated that the situation is not much different in history. He stated that old journals are useful. Dr. Ferrell stated that East Carolina Teachers College maintained its journal collection during the Great Depression, and that today’s budget problems pale in comparison. He questioned what would happen if the companies that supply electronic journals go out of business. He stated that he would be shocked if the University administration allowed this to happen is shock. Ferrell stated that library resources should not be viewed as "another lawnmower to purchase".
Tabrizi (Computer Science) asked about the impact on new programs that need more resources. Dr. Varner stated that new program needs will be taken into account.
Thompson (Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs) stated that he understands the desire not to cut holdings, but that $500,000 equates to 8 faculty lines, and that it comes to those types of choices. Dr. Thompson stated that we must find longer terms ways of getting access to journals, and that saving cuts this year will not solve the problem.
Wall (Philosophy) requested that the Library contact departments before making cuts. Dr. Varner stated that the Library is in conversation with departments about the cuts, and that the dialogue would continue in the fall.
Rosenberg (Medicine) stated that the Library Committee shares faculty senators’ frustration. He stated that he would bring the results of the library surveys to the Senate, and he invited faculty to share other library issues with the Committee.
Dr. Varner stated that the priority for journal holdings would be, first, those that support undergraduate instruction, second, those that support graduate programs, and third, those that support faculty research.
Agenda Item IV. Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business to come before the Faculty Senate at this time.
Agenda Item V. Report of Committees
A. Educational Policies and Planning Committee
George Bailey (Philosophy), Chair of the Committee, presented for information, the committee's approval of several requests to plan Ph.D. programs in Rehabilitation Counseling and Administration, Counselor Education, and Mental Health and Health Psychology. He also noted a request to establish a Ph.D. program in Nursing. There was no discussion on this report.
B. Faculty Welfare Committee
Beth Winstead (Health Sciences Library), Chair of the Committee, presented a resolution related to the Health Plan Budget Deficit. The proposed resolution was approved as presented without discussion. RESOLUTION #01-25 (Please refer to the end of this report for the full resolution.)
C. Unit Code Screening Committee
Ralph Scott (Academic Library Services), Chair of the Committee, presented revised unit codes of operation for the School of Education and the School of Social Work and Criminal Justice Studies. There was no discussion and the proposed revised unit codes were approved as presented. RESOLUTION #01-26 (Copies of both codes are available for review in the Faculty Senate office, 140 Rawl Annex.)
Agenda Item VI. New Business
Niswander (Business) offered the following motion: "Whereas, the printed and electronic resources of Joyner Library are the lifeblood of the University, and Whereas, the faculty strongly believe a fully functional library is essential to maintaining the research productivity of the students, faculty and the University. Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Faculty Senate strongly urge the University Administration to rescind the proposed and anticipated cuts to the University libraries' periodical and book budget." Hanrahan (Medicine) urged caution because the issue comes down to resource priorities, faculty positions versus library holdings. Gilliand (Medicine) stated that faculty need to look for other ways of raising library funds. Following discussion, the motion passed. RESOLUTION #01-27
There being no further business to come before the Faculty Senate, the meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
FACULTY SENATE RESOLUTIONS APPROVED AT THE 24 APRIL 2001, MEETING
01-23 Commendations for both Dr. and Mrs. Eakin as follows:
WHEREAS, Chancellor Richard R. Eakin has served with distinction and dignity as Chancellor of East Carolina University for fourteen years, from 1987-2001; and WHEREAS, Chancellor Eakin has provided strong vision, leadership, energy, and commitment in guiding East Carolina University to new heights of accomplishment; and WHEREAS, Chancellor Eakin has supported shared governance, actively serving as ex-officio member of the Faculty Senate, collaborating with faculty leaders in critical decision-making areas such as post tenure review and promotion and tenure procedures, and approving 99% of the 577 resolutions proposed by the Faculty Senate during his term as Chancellor; and WHEREAS, through his years of service, Chancellor Eakin has labored tirelessly to achieve excellence in academic programs, strategic planning, research resources and programs, fiscal management, technology-based learning resources and infrastructure, communication among constituencies, and collaboration with faculty, staff, and student leaders; and WHEREAS, under Chancellor Eakin’s leadership, East Carolina University has experienced a 23% growth in on-campus enrollment from 14,459 students to 17,851 students, has improved the average quality of students at admission from a predicted grade point average of 2.25 to 2.66, and the 6-year graduation rates from 46.3% to 51.1%; and WHEREAS, Chancellor Eakin has worked diligently to support unprecedented growth in financial support for East Carolina University, with a 140% increase in total revenue, including a 271% growth in grants and contracts, and a 724% growth in the University and Foundation Endowment Funds; and WHEREAS, Chancellor Eakin has been a strong advocate and mentor for students as exhibited by his support of the Chancellor Leadership program and his inspired passion and strong leadership in a successful merit scholarship campaign that has raised over $15 million; and WHEREAS, these efforts have resulted in East Carolina University’s recognition as a doctoral institution, in its greatly expanded and nationally recognized academic curriculum, and in significant university contributions to culture, economic development, and quality of life in eastern North Carolina; and WHEREAS, as the longest-serving of The University of North Carolina’s current chancellors, Chancellor Eakin has positively influenced system-wide goals and objectives and has served as a strong advocate for East Carolina University and for the region, obtaining approval for numerous academic programs critical to the region as well as admirably leading the region in passage of both the library bond referendum and the University of North Carolina System/Community College bond referendum; and WHEREAS, Chancellor Eakin has demonstrated great leadership and compassion during times of immense hardship in the East, including the Flood of the Century; and WHEREAS, under Chancellor Eakin’s care and attention, East Carolina University’s strategic direction as well as the "Spirit of the East" continue to move forward, positioning the university to meet the challenges facing the university and the region well into the 21st Century. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Chancellor Richard R. Eakin has served East Carolina University, eastern North Carolina, and the State of North Carolina meritoriously during his tenure as Chancellor, awakening the "sleeping giant" of the East; setting high standards, and leaving an impressive legacy of progress and achievement; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate, on behalf of the faculty of East Carolina University, extends its deep appreciation and best wishes to Richard R. Eakin upon his retirement as Chancellor, with gratitude for his fourteen years of exemplary leadership; his unwavering commitment to students, faculty, and staff; and his commendable compassion, dignity, wisdom, fairness, and honor.
WHEREAS, Jo Ann McGeehan Eakin has served with dignity and grace as First Lady and official hostess of East Carolina University for fourteen years, from1987-2001; and WHEREAS, throughout her years of service, Mrs. Eakin has been a gracioushostess for East Carolina University, having hosted numerous functions for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the university; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Eakin has served with passion and commitment as a leader in a major campus beautification initiative that has transformed East Carolina University into an attractive and vibrant campus while preserving its historical charm and small college atmosphere; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Eakin has taken an active leadership role at East Carolina University, serving on the boards of the Friends of Joyner Library, the S. Rudolph Alexander Performing Arts Series, the Friends of the School of Music, and the ECU Art Enthusiasts; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Eakin has admirably served the citizens of eastern North Carolina through her service as a member of the PEO Service League and the Literacy Volunteers Association of Pitt County, and WHEREAS, a strong advocate for students, Mrs. Eakin, with the Chancellor, has been a leader of the merit scholarship campaign, energetically hosting numerous campaign events; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Jo Ann McGeehan Eakin has served East Carolina University, eastern North Carolina and the State of North Carolina, well during her tenure as First Lady and official hostess of East Carolina University; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate, on behalf of the faculty of East Carolina University, extends sincere appreciation and best wishes to Jo Ann McGeehan Eakin, upon her retirement as First Lady; with gratitude for her fourteen years of admirable service, her commitment to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the university, and her commendable dignity, humor, kindness, and personal warmth.
Disposition: Faculty Senate
01-24 Faculty Senate support of a dialogue between Chancellor Eakin, President Broad and the Board of Governors to recommend to the legislature to study reasonable alternative revenue sources to meet the budget shortfall.
Disposition: Faculty Senate
01-25 Resolution related to the Health Plan Budget Deficit as follows:
Be it resolved, that as informed and educated citizens contribute to the cultural and economic capital of the State of North Carolina and as a system of quality higher education provides educated and informed citizens and as health insurance benefits enhance the efforts to attract and employ qualified faculty and staff, individual faculty members contact members of the North Carolina legislature and urge them to find creative ways to eliminate the health plan budget deficit rather than passing increased costs and decreased benefits on to State employees.
Disposition: Faculty Senate
01-26 Revised Unit Codes of Operation for the School of Education and the School of Social Work and Criminal Justice Studies.
Disposition: Chancellor
01-27 Faculty Senate strongly urges the University Administration to rescind the proposed and anticipated cuts to the
University libraries' periodical and book budget. RESOLUTION #01-27
Disposition: Chancellor
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