East Carolina University
FACULTY SENATE
FULL MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2001
The first regular meeting of the 2001-2002 Faculty Senate was held on Tuesday, September 4, 2001, in
the Mendenhall Student Center, Great Room.
Agenda Item I. Call to Order
Bob Morrison, Chair of the Faculty called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m.
Agenda Item II. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of April 24, 2001, and May 1, 2001, were approved as distributed.
Agenda Item III. Special Order of the Day
A.Roll Call
Senators absent were: Professors Watson (English), Gares (Geography), Markowski (Human Environmental Sciences) and Ciesielski (Industry and Technology).
Alternates present were: Professors Eribo for Godbold (Communication and Broadcasting), Spickerman for Tabrizi (Computer Sciences), Rothman for Schumacher (Economics) and Jones for Bass (Social Work and Criminal Justice Studies).
B. Announcements
1. The Chancellor has approved the resolutions from April 24, 2001, Faculty Senate meeting.
2. All Faculty Senate materials (agendas, minutes, announcements) will be distributed via a Faculty
Listserv that was established last summer. All materials will be emailed to faculty via the
Microsoft Exchange mail system. Faculty choosing to opt out of the Faculty Listserv will continue to
be able to access the materials via the Faculty Senate website. Actual paper copies of the various
documents will only be available in the Faculty Senate office.
3. Faculty interested in periodically receiving past copies of "The Chronicle of Higher Education" are asked to call the Faculty Senate office at ext. 6537 and place their name on a list for distribution.
Research grants by 12:00 noon Monday, September 17, 2001
Teaching grants by 12:00 noon Monday, October 1, 2001
5. Faculty members are reminded of the Monday, September 17, 2001, deadline for submission of nominations for the three University-wide Teaching Awards. The winners of these awards will be recognized in the spring.
C. William Muse, Chancellor
Chancellor Muse stated that he was glad to meet with the Faculty Senate today. He said that his first month had been busy, but that he appreciated the support he had received from throughout campus – it was a warm welcome. He is in the process of visiting units across campus. It is a time consuming process, but he believes that it is the best way to get acquainted with faculty personally and to learn about faculty aspirations and the obstacles they face. He was pleased to read about active role that faculty play in the university governance structure. He has been a long-time supporter of shared governance (both at Auburn and at Akron) and has maintained good and long-standing working relationships with faculty. He stated his belief that shared governance is essential to building a university of quality and national stature. He is often faced with difficult decisions with both advocates and opponents, and he believes that the best way to make the best decision is to provide opportunity for input so that all are heard. Chancellor Muse also stated that he was pleased to note the active role that ECU faculty have played in the UNC Faculty Assembly. Henry Ferrell chaired the Assembly 1974-76 and is also still a member of the current Assembly. Jim Smith from Philosophy, who is currently a valued assistant to the Chancellor, also served as chair of the Assembly, as did Ken Wilson in 91-93. ECU plays an active role in that body and contributes much. Alan Rosenberg is current Vice Chair. Chancellor Muse stated that his first meeting with the Board of Trustees went well, with committee meetings and a board meeting and a retreat, which provided the opportunity to share expectations and other issues. One of his objectives is to enhance communications with the Board so they can perform their responsibilities in an effective way. He has been able to develop a good understanding of their role in the University system. Chancellor Muse stated that he has inherited a budgetary problem and that the General Assembly still hasn’t adopted a budget for the coming year but has adopted an interim resolution to operate at current levels with some money for enrollment growth. He hopes for word of a final decision shortly. Chancellor Muse also commended the University Budget Committee for their work. Their suggestions and recommendations for reallocations were very reasonable and can be followed. He is also considering ECU’s organizational structure and whether appropriate changes should be made, especially in academic affairs, including the issue of a creating the position of Provost and having a single Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences/Dean of the School of Medicine or separate positions. He wants to finish the process this semester in order to start searches (if necessary) at first of year. Faculty members are urged to provide input about administrative structures. Chancellor Muse is pleased with ECU’s strong undergraduate programs and effective teaching and stated that this will continue to be a strong function of faculty here. The emergence of new doctoral programs and institutes reflect a desire to strengthen ECU as a research university. Faculty are urged to participate in dialogue about the Community of Scholars ideas included in the SACS self-study. He stated that a broadened definition of “scholarship” is necessary – the mission for teaching, research, and service may be in the same proportions for units as a whole, but individuals should be able to emphasize those things they do best. The SACS self-study, which is nearing completion, is coming at an ideal time. It provides us with the opportunity to examine concepts like the Community of Scholars, to look at what are we accomplishing within the goals we have set, and to consider the issue of assessment, a big issue currently. At the same time we’re doing NCAA certification, focusing on the importance of maintaining a strong, viable, productive athletic program that is consistent with goals of university. Chancellor Muse stated that it will be a busy year for all of us as we examine these important questions and that he appreciates our input and guidance.
Ferrell (History) asked whether any proposed administrative/departmental changes include academic programs, such as taking programs from one department to another without faculty input. Chancellor Muse stated that the only thing he was aware of was the proposal to consolidate programs from the College into Education and that there would be plenty of opportunity for faculty input.
D. Vice Chancellor’s Report
Bob Thompson, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, discussed current enrollment. ECU met and slightly exceeded its enrollment targets this year, in part because distance education enrollment was higher than projected. Total enrollment is over 19,000, making this our highest year. Since we don’t yet have a budget, interim VCAA Thompson stated that it is hard to plan for the spring semester. He thanked departments for finding seats. He also stated that the block system of registration this summer worked to create what was probably the smoothest registration in anyone’s memory. He also announced that the Chief Academic Officers from the UNC System would meet at ECU on September 5th. Thompson advised the Senate of his discussions with Deans Sheerer and Sparrow concerning their proposal to relocate three programs now located in the College of Arts and Sciences to the School of Education. Once they provide him with something to go forward with, faculty in involved units will have time to discuss their proposal. VCAA Thompson stated that the process in Appendix L will be followed, and that it allows ample faculty input.
Pravica (Mathematics) stated that faculty in his department are very concerned with comments from the Chairperson that he is 95% certain that the move will take place by January 1, 2002. Vice Chancellor Thompson responded that Appendix L does allow for a less-than-one-year process, and that it is conceivable that the move could take place as early as January 1 if all units move rapidly. He also stated that at this point there is no agreement with the Deans on how to go forward, and that while he can’t comment on the 95% remark, he wants to emphasize that this is not yet a “done deal”.
Thomas Feldbush, Vice Chancellor for Research, spoke on SACS re-accreditation. He said that there is both an enhancement portion and a compliance portion. He chairs the Committee on Research Management under the enhancement portion of the self-study. Their draft report is scheduled to be on the website on September 11, and Vice Chancellor Feldbush stated that he would appreciate it if senators reviewed that document. One proposal is to establish an Institute of Advanced Studies at ECU. Forums will be held on the action plan, and he encourages faculty, and, most importantly, senators to provide input.
E.Bob Morrison, Chair of the Faculty
Professor Morrison stated that the Faculty Senate Agenda Committee has added a report from the Chair of the Faculty on Board of Trustee meetings and other relevant issues, as well as a question & answer period at the end of the Special Order of the Day. Morrison stated that he now makes regular reports to the Board about Senate Activities. Two previous Faculty Chairs, Don Sexauer and Brenda Killingsworth, had urged the Board of Trustees to invite the Chair of the Faculty to be seated at the table and allowed to participate in discussion at regular Board meetings. The Executive and Audit Committee at the September meeting 2000 recommended that Chair of the Faculty give reports at regular Board meetings immediately after the Chancellor’s report, which he has done since. Morrison stated that he believes that reports from the Faculty Chair have worked out better than a seat at the table. Most of the business is discussed in committees, which then make reports to the full Board. But often most of the Board members will attend all the committee meetings and there is often little need for additional discussion at the Board meeting itself. He believes that the separate report from the Faculty Chair is more effective than a seat at the table. Professor Morrison stated that he has discussed the Faculty Senate committee structure and changes that we’ve been making; the role of tenure and the increasing use of part-time and non-tenure-track faculty; and the role of the Faculty Governance Committee. At the last board meeting he spoke about faculty roles and rewards, much as he did at the Faculty Convocation. The Board of Trustees met July 20 and elected Charles Franklin, chair, James Talton, vice chair, and Steve Showfety, secretary. The Board met again August 16-17. The Board committees met all day on August 16. It is Morrison’s goal to attend every committee meeting, except for closed sessions. The business was routine business with financial statements from the School of Medicine, theathletic programs and the current status of budget. The Board members talked about the buildings that are being built or are in the planning stages. They talked about the new strength and conditioning center, and the campaign for a new baseball stadium. They also discussed buildings that will be built or renovated with the 190+ M dollars the university received from last year’s bond referendum. They discussed the new Science and Technology building, which is in the beginning stages, and the Rivers building addition, which is at the design stage. This new building will be located between the Speight Building and the Rivers Building. There was lengthy discussion about the design because several of the trustees were unhappy with the current proposed appearance of the building after going through two design cycles. The Faculty Senate office is now keeping copies of the minutes of the Board of Trustees meetings as well as minutes of Board of Governors meetings. Morrison also stated that members of the Board of Trustees have approached him several times about revising the Appendix L section that deals with appointment of administrators, except the vice chancellors. Appendix L states, “The committee shall determine by secret ballot that the nominees are acceptable to a majority of the permanently tenured faculty of the school, department, or college.” This Appendix L issue is also business carried over in the Governance Committee thisyear and we’ll try to set up a Governance Committee meeting with the Chair of the Board’s Academic Affairs Committee. Morrison stated that for a number of years ECU has given three teaching awards sponsored by the Alumni Association. One of those is from an endowment for a distinguished professor teaching award. The other two were funded on a year-to-year basis, but have not been funded the last couple of years. Instead, the funds have been coming out of the Alumni Association’s operating budget. The Alumni Association Executive Board this past summer voted to put a moratorium on those awards until endowment funds can be obtained to secure the awards. This decision was just communicated to the Faculty Chair last week. Chancellor Muse has agreed to fund those awards this year, though we probably will want to rename them.
F. Brenda Killingsworth, Director of the SACS Self-Study
Killingsworth stated that compliance reports are being prepared for placement on the web site. The drafts are complete. She asked that faculty take time to review the reports as they are posted and give input. The Enhancement Task Force will hold forums for faculty to respond to the recommendations in their report. In addition to the Community of Scholars, they are looking at ways to incorporate technology into the classroom, enrollment management, and support for the project increases in numbers of students. She strongly encouraged faculty participation in forums. The final reports are to be submitted to SACS self-study team by the end of the semester, and the SACS on-site review will take place March 24-27. They will interview faculty, students, and staff.
Glascoff (Health and Human Performance) asked where these reports could be found on the web. Killingsworth gave the website as www.ecu.edu/sacs. As reports are available, they will be found under Reports and under the minutes of committees. Scott (Academic Library Services) asked if there were any procedures set up for minority reports. Killingsworth responded that the Logistics Committee would meet soon and that she would make sure such procedures were in place.
G. Mike Hamrick, Director of University Athletics
Mr. Hamrick stated that this was his 7th year to visit with us. He reviewed some of the outstanding achievements and highlights of the ECU’s athletic programs, including ECU’s bowl victory over Texas Tech. For second year, the National Consortium for Academics recognized ECU for degree completion and service. ECU student athletes worked with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Boys’ and Girls’ Club. Over 300 student athletes earned academic honors; half earned a 3.0 or above in the fall, 46% in the spring. Overall GPA for student athletes was 2.86. Mr. Hamrick also mentioned the NCAA certification. He stated that he feels very positive about the athletics programs at ECU, especially with regard to their commitment to rules, integrity, and student welfare He ended by stating that student athletes emphasize the importance of the word “student” by their academic achievements.
Ferrell (History) remarked about a recent comment by in the Raleigh News and Observer that ECU was “full of non-qualifiers”. He asked what a “non-qualifier” is. Mr. Hamrick responded that this is an athlete who doesn’t meet one or more of the academic requirements. For example, the football program takes a limited number of non-qualifiers. Prior to this year, there have been a total of 16, or 2 per year who have been classified as “non-qualifiers”. Of those, 13 have either graduated or are currently in good academic standing. He added that this is not something for us to be ashamed of. Non-qualifiers spend their first year completely on academics, with no participation in sports. After completion of 24 hours with a 2.0, they can play. Rosenberg (Medicine) complemented the program on its academic progress and asked if Mr. Hamrick could compare last year’s graduation rates to those from previous years. Hamrick stated that he didn’t have the numbers with him, but that for the 93-94 and 94-95 entering classes, student athlete graduation rates were 12% higher than the overall rate for students. He also stated that student athletes who leave ECU or who stay and don’t play, count against the athletic program. He said that if you look at those who stay in the program for 4 or 5 years, over 90% graduate.
H. Carroll Varner, Director of Academic Library Services
Dr. Varner reported about Mrs. Joyner Langford’s bequest of about $8 million that will be used to purchase materials and equipment for the Joyner Library. He encouraged faculty to visit the Joyner Library web page to see more about these funds. The primary points about the endowment are that Mrs. Langford wanted it to reach every student so it will be used to buy materials that students will use and appreciate. It will provide about $200,000 this academic year. The budget from the state of North Carolina is about 2.7 million, and the legislature has stopped funding inflationary costs for libraries. Mr. Varner emphasized that they don’t want to use the Langford money to make up for money that should come from the state. They plan to use the funds for four specific areas: 1) to buy books that will be used by students, especially freshmen and sophomores; 2) to significantly add to the collection on NC or NC history that will contribute to the community at large; 3) to increase the depth of the library research collections, the heart of need for faculty research, targeting areas in which research is being done here; and 4) to assist students in sciences, especially ECU students who will go from freshmen to Ph.D. at ECU.
Rosenberg (Medicine) stated that the on-line survey would soon be posted on the Faculty Senate web page. He also asked for input from faculty on library issues. Wall (Philosophy) asked about the extent of journal cuts and whether departments are being kept informed of what is being cut and given the opportunity for input. Dr. Varner responded that the process of identifying journals began last February, and that the library currently has greater access than before, but that much of the increase is electronic, not print. He also stated that this is a national trend. Over 1000 are being cut in print copy but are available electronically. This is a national trend. There has been a lot of discussion with departments. Several new journal data bases are being added that will reduce the impact further. ECU will be joining the Center for Research Libraries in Chicago, with over 3.5 million research titles (www.crl.org).
I. Brian McMillen, Co-Chair of the Task Force on Reducing the Impact of Alcohol and Drugs at ECU
McMillan described the process by which this task force was established. There is a Steering Committee and there are several sub-committees, including assessment and evaluation, safety, and planning. Last year there were over 500 code violations at ECU involving drugs and alcohol. While we’re at the national average, this is still too high. Binge drinking has increased. McMillan stated that a questionnaire was to be distributed to faculty and staff in a few weeks and encouraged all to complete the survey. He reminded faculty that for every 15 freshmen who leave ECU because of drugs or alcohol, we lose a faculty member. He added that social pressure is the most effective way to produce change, so students must be involved. The Task Force is conducting focus groups, using a marketing approach, to learn how students are thinking about these issues. ECU is one of 10 NC campuses to be awarded grants from the North Carolina Institute on Alcohol and Substance Abuse. These funds are to provide seed money for long-term projects to promote change. McMillan stated that there is a PowerPoint presentation about the use of drugs and alcohol at ECU. He ended by stating that data on drug and alcohol use in high schools collected by the Centers for Disease Control is not too different from where ECU is now, suggesting that these drinking patterns are established before the students come here.
Rosenberg (Medicine) asked if the data could be posted on a website? McMillan replied that it would be placed on the Faculty Senate website. He added that raising the drinking age has changed where students drink (fewer go downtown) and that even 17 year olds in Greenville have no trouble getting beer. Professor L’Esperance (Education) asked why the Steering Committee doesn’t have students if student involvement is important. McMillan responded that the Steering Committee is a permanent group, but that students are involved in all other groups and occasionally with the Steering Committee. McMillan also stated that even in orientation those who want to drink go downtown. By the first week of school, freshmen already know where they can purchase alcohol. The Task Force is also looking at community outreach/coalition, to convince the community to participate in the drive to reduce drug and alcohol use among students. Jones (Social Work and Criminal Justice Studies) stated that he is glad that athletics are included in the Task Force and that the problem isn’t just students – look at the intersection of Charles St. & Greenville blvd after a football game – the drinkers are middle aged. Jones also asked about involving pirate club? McMillan responded that the president of the ECU Alumni Association is currently involved and that the committees are considering issues about tailgating, special occasions, etc. Toppen (Industry & Technology) suggested that someone count the number of empty bottles after a Pirate Club function. Glascoff (Health & Human Performance) stated that the Greenville police are no longer patrolling the stands; because they were enforcing the laws, they were asked to leave. Hall (Psychology) asked if there was any indication of when they start drinking? McMillan replied “by age 13 or younger”.
Morrison welcomed Phyllis Horns as Interim Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences.
J. Question Period
Faculty are encouraged to participate in the Question Period of the Faculty Senate meeting. This period allows faculty an opportunity to ask questions of administrators and others present relating to activities of the administration or Faculty Senate committees.
Rosenberg (Medicine) commented about the importance of telling assembly delegates about problems here at ECU. President Broad has been very open with the delegates and very receptive to their input. Rosenberg stressed again that faculty contact the delegates about issues or problems.
Morrison asked Interim Vice Chancellor Thompson about the status of the weekend university. Thompson replied that it is being phased out. They are working through student programs to do the phase out and may continue some classes through June. Most of the courses that students want are available on-line or at night.
Scott (Academic Library Services) asked Interim Vice Chancellor Thompson about the street between Speight and the Rivers building. Thompson responded that the street will not be there. The intention is to eliminate the street. The intention is to add the building on the lawn and use the street as a pedestrian walkway.
Engel (Medicine) asked Interim Vice Chancellor Horns about the necessity for a Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences as well as a Dean of the School of Medicine. Horns replied that she had been in the role not quite 8 weeks. The School of Medicine is young but complex, both because of its geographic location and its affiliation with PCMH. Horns added the Vice Chancellor’s role is probably largely one of advocacy, policy, and communication with the university, region, and hospital. She feels that the work load for the three deans would make channeling interests and needs without a Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences would be difficult, if not impossible.
L’Esperance (Education) asked what formal or informal lobbying has the Board of Trustees participated in related to faculty salaries in the State budget debate. Morrison responded that he would discuss it informally where appropriate.
Cope (Psychology) asked Chancellor Muse about parking. Chancellor Muse replied that he hadn’t had a chance to consider the data, but that the cost must also be considered when considering issues like a parking garage.
Wilentz (English) reported that Interdisciplinary Programs continue to be underfunded, with faculty expected to support these programs in addition to a full job in their primary departments. Also, there are a number of minor programs that require courses that we are no longer able to offer. VC Feldbush responded with comments from the SACS report, specifically referencing an “Institute of Advanced Studies” as possibly being the best way to develop and nurture these programs. VCAA Thompson asked Wilentz to talk to him.
Scott (Academic Library Services) commented that ECU has a long history of parking problems. In 1947, the Board of Trustees received a report that with veterans returning from WWII, parking would be a problem.
Pravica (Mathematics) asked the Chancellor about his consideration of academic structures at ECU and whether he would consider splitting the College of Arts & Sciences into Liberal Arts and Math/Science like Auburn University does. Chancellor Muse responded that he welcomes comments and suggestions about organizational issues and asked that Professor Pravica forward this issue to him.
Rosenberg (Medicine) asked the Chancellor if the Faculty Senate could get reports from the ECU Foundations about the merit scholars now being supported from the Campaign for Scholars last academic year. Faculty Chair Morrison stated that this request should be given to the Agenda Committee.
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.University Budget Committee
Professor Rick Niswander (Business), Chair of the Committee, discussed the University Budget report forwarded to the Chancellor in June 2001 and included in the Faculty Senate agenda as attachment 1.
The purpose of the report to the Senate was to flesh out the report, provide information on current status, and answer questions. The committee began its work in May. Two forums were held for input from the ECU community. There were many positive comments, and the current draft reflects those comments. Niswander made several points. The committee has gained a much greater understanding and appreciation of the challenges and uncertainties of the budget at this point in time. It will be a tough budget year, and we will all be impacted by the budget crisis. At that point, there was no final approved budget. The House and Senate had competing plans, both of which will reduce funds for the UNC system. In July, the House proposed not funding faculty salaries at full amount, but the Senate bill did not include this. We will have a 1.5 M shortfall this year for utilities. The projected cut is for 2M for academic affairs and less for health sciences. In all it could be 2-2.5 M from ECU’s budget. The House bill could also provide us with last of the Doctoral II funding. The estimates are that the total impact for ECU could be as low as 1.5M and as high as 6-7M dollars. Flexibility will largely be gone this year. We were able to cover the utilities costs last year with funds from unfilled positions. We won’t be able to do that this year. ECU is a complex institution, and there are many constraints and regulations about the use of university assets. Much of the budget is inflexible; 80% of budget goes to salaries. It is all interrelated, and the bottom line is that it’s a zero-sum game. As the budget gets tighter, the possibility of trade-offs gets harder and harder. People on the committee have developed a great appreciation of the need for due deliberation and consideration. The comments of faculty have helped with library issues in positive ways. Niswander stated that the report is broad because you can’t anticipate everything. The target is constantly shifting, and there will likely be little or no time to deliberate between finalization of budget and responding: we may have only 2-3 days to tell GA where we want to be cut. Niswander also said that the picture is not all bleak: the budget should be better next year, as enrollments are higher, and the general budget improves.
Martinez (Foreign Languages) commented that faculty are worried about travel reductions. With so many searches for new faculty, travel funds must be available. However, this means great restriction of travel funds to faculty who are here. For those on tenure track, contacts made at conferences are essential. Searches may eliminate those contacts. Martinez said that it is a grave situation. Niswander responded that he agrees that this is serious problem. He suggested going up the line to see where the decision about cutting travel funds was made.
Ferrell (History) commented that he appreciates chair’s leadership. He stated that we must consider what we should be doing anyway. Reductions can’t just be across the board. Some areas may have to take a bigger hit than others.
B.University Curriculum Committee
Dale Knickerbocker (Foreign Languages and Literatures), Chair of the Committee, presented the curriculum matters contained in the committee minutes of April 26, 2001. There was no discussion and the minutes were approved as presented. RESOLUTION #01-28 Professor Knickerbocker also expressed the Curriculum Committee’s appreciation for the work done by Sharon Bland on the university catalogs.
Agenda Item VI. New Business
There was no new business to come before the Faculty Senate at this time.
The meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Allred Lori Lee
Secretary of the Faculty Faculty Senate office
Department of Psychology
FACULTY SENATE RESOLUTION APPROVED AT THE 4 SEPTEMBER 2001, MEETING
01-28 Curriculum matters contained in the April 26, 2001, University Curriculum Committee minutes.
Disposition: Chancellor
