East Carolina University
FACULTY SENATE
FULL MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
The first regular meeting of the 2002-2003 Faculty Senate was held on Tuesday, September 3, 2002, 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 23, 2002, and April 30, 2002, were approved as distributed.
Agenda Item III. Special Order of the Day
A.Roll Call
Senators absent were: Professors Griffin (Education), Watson and Wilentz (English), Gares (Geography) and Vice Chancellor Feldbush.
Alternates present were: Professors Rothman for Holmes (Economics), Estes for Glascoff (Health and Human Performance), Chandler for Markowski (Human Environmental Sciences), Droes for Tranbarger (Nursing), Knickerbocker for Martinez (Foreign Languages and Literatures), and Aeby-Carpenter for Ferreira (Social Work and Criminal Justice Studies).
B. Announcements
1. The Research/Creative Activity Grants Committee has revised the funding information for the 2003/2004 Research/Creative Activity Grants. It is now noted that summer stipends will be equivalent to the prevailing compensation for full-time teaching in one summer session. Except in highly unusual circumstances, stipends are allocated in the first summer session. Project expense funds should also be expended or encumbered by the end of the 2003 fiscal year otherwise; funds may not be available in the following fiscal year.
2. Faculty members are reminded of the grants proposal deadlines as follows:
Research grants are due Monday, September 16, 2002, in the Faculty Senate office. http://www.ecu.edu/fsonline/AcademicCommittees/rg/proposal.htm
Teaching grants are due Tuesday, October 1, 2002, in the Faculty Senate office.
http://www.ecu.edu/fsonline/AcademicCommittees/tg/teachinggrants.htm
3. The Chancellor has acted on the following resolutions from April 23, 2002, Faculty Senate meeting:
Granted approval on May 8, 2002
02-14 Revised 2002 Fall Semester University Calendar
02-15 2003-2004 University Calendar
02-16 Revised Guidelines for Scheduling Lecture and Discussion Classes for Fall and Spring Semesters and Summer Sessions
02-17 Revised ECU Faculty Manual, Appendix I. ECU Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment *Final approval from the Office of the President on July 20, 2002.*
02-18 Revised ECU Faculty Manual, Part VII. Research Information, Subsection III. Copyright Procedures *Final approval from the Office of the President on August 6, 2002.*
02-20 Endorsed the Committee’s report to oppose the proposed Student Computer Requirement until various issues could be addressed by administration.
02-21 Curriculum matters contained in the April 11, 2002, University Curriculum Committee minutes
02-22 Selection Procedures for the Max Ray Joyner Award for Faculty Service Through Continuing Education
02-23 Revised Student Scholarships, Fellowships, and Financial Aid Committee’s Charge
02-24 Resolution on Health Insurance
Denied approval on June 11, 2002
02-19 Vote to keep the three secondary education BS degree programs in the College of Arts and Sciences and not move them to the School of Education
4. All Faculty Senate materials (agendas, minutes, announcements) will be distributed via a Faculty
Listserv that has been established. 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. Paper copies of the various
documents will be available in the Faculty Senate office.
5. 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.
6. Faculty members are reminded of the Monday, September 16, 2002, deadline for submission of nominations for the University-wide Teaching Awards. Information was forwarded to all Unit Code Administrators and Department Chairs in late April and again in early August. The winners of these awards will be recognized in the spring. Please call Dorothy Clayton in the Center for Faculty Development at ext. 6470 if you have questions.
7. The last University Curriculum Committee meeting at which proposals will be considered for inclusion in the 2003-2004 University Undergraduate Catalog is February 27, 2003. All course materials must be received by the Committee Chair, Professor Dale Knickerbocker, no later than February 13, 2003. Additional information to assist departmental curriculum committee chairs has been forwarded via email to all academic unit administrators.
8. The full minutes of the Division of Academic Affairs’ Deans and Directors Administrative Council meetings will be available on the Academic Affairs web site at: http://www.aa.ecu.edu/news/calendar/index.html.
C. William Muse, Chancellor
Chancellor Muse indicated that the new academic year was under way in good fashion, and that so far we had been able to accommodate record enrollments. Two new Vice Chancellors were introduced; Dr. William Swart, Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Dr. Michael Lewis, Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences. Chancellor Muse thanked those involved in the search process that led to the attraction of candidates with such extensive experience and solid academic credentials. Kathryn Yandell was appointed Interim Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement. A search committee will be formed in September, and hopefully this position can be filled by next July. Scott Wells was appointed Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations, replacing J. Phillip Horne. Dr Muse noted that Facility Services reports the completion and occupation of the new bioenergetics building, adjacent to Minges Coliseum, which will be the new home to the biomechanics lab. They also reported improvements to Blount Field and the Minges Tennis Courts. Chancellor Muse stated that the budget for 2002-2003 is still being debated in the General Assembly. Both the House and Senate Bills have been referred to Conference Committee for reconciliation, hence, the budget may not be adopted until mid-October. In the meantime, the Chancellor indicated that the campus is operating under restricted cash allotments, maintaining vacant positions to accommodate necessary budget reductions, and is responding to a variety of legislative requests for information. We were able to submit our 2003-2005 expansion budget to the Office of the President, and Dr, Muse indicated four priorities: 1. Securing Enrollment increase funding 2. Establishing a Dept. of Dentistry in the School of Medicine 3. Increasing current library collections and 4. Information technology initiatives. Excluding the enrollment increase portion that will be calculated using final enrollment numbers, ECU’s total request was for $4.75 million. An updated 6-yr. Repair and Renovation budget request was also submitted in excess of $51 million. Chancellor Muse was pleased that both the House and Senate versions of the budget still retain enrollment increase monies, given that these funds are critical in terms of maintaining the ability to accommodate increasing enrollment. The bad news is, that reversions or cuts in various portions of the budget could total 5% or more. The Chancellor indicated that we will have to wait until the budget is approved to determine the net effects to the University. He felt that at this point it appears that our proposal for an increase in campus-based tuition will be included, which may lead to some dollars for salary improvements after that budget is approved. Chancellor Muse was pleased to see that the Speech-Easy-Anti-Stuttering Device, built by our faculty in the School of Allied Health Sciences and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, continues to ride a wave of national media coverage on ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, People Magazine, Fox, and the BBC. The Medical School Department of Family Medicine has been recognized by the American Academy of Family Physicians for having the highest percentage of graduates selecting Family Medicine residency programs for the years 1999-2001. Over 27% of ECU’s medical graduates chose family medicine during this period. Chancellor Muse stated that during the last meeting of the spring, the Faculty Senate recommended that teacher education programs in English, Social Studies, and Mathematics not be transferred from the College of Arts and Sciences to the School of Education, as had been proposed by the Deans of the two units involved. After careful consideration and review of relevant documents, and discussions with the two Deans as well as the three Department Heads affected, the Chancellor decided that the central question was who should be administratively responsible for the 3 teacher education programs. Given the high priority placed on teacher education at this institution and the expectations for leadership in the School of Education, he concluded that the responsibility for administrative leadership should rest with the School of Education. That decision was communicated to the units involved and to the Faculty Senate leadership in June. Dr Muse hoped for a smooth transition for the departments affected and expressed appreciation for what the transition committee is doing toward that objective. He indicated great respect for the Faculty Senate and stated that he would always consider their recommendations carefully and hoped not to disagree with Senate conclusions very often.
Professor Pravica (Math) stated that he was disturbed that conversations were held with Deans and Chairs but not with faculty. He quoted a 1966 statement from the “Statement on Governance of Colleges and Universities” as formulated by the AAUP, American Council on Education, and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges: “The faculty has primary responsibility for such fundamental areas as curriculum, subject matter and methods of instructions, research, faculty status, and those aspects of student life which relate to the educational process.” “On these matters the power of review or final decision lodged in the governing board or delegated by it to the president should be exercised adversely only in exceptional circumstances, and for reasons communicated to the faculty.” “It is desirable that the faculty should, following such communication, have the opportunity for further consideration and further transmittal of its views to the President or board.” “Budgets, personnel limitations, the time element, and the policies of other groups, bodies, and agencies having jurisdiction over the institution may set limits to realization of faculty advice.” The Chancellor was asked to either rescind the decision related to moving the programs under discussion or explain how the decision does not violate the 1966 conclusions sited above. Chancellor Muse reiterated that the fundamental issue involved the assignment of administrative responsibility and that there are no proposed curriculum changes. He believed that the submitted documents were complete, and sensitive to the relevant arguments. He reviewed this material and then made the decision that he felt was best for the institution.
Professor Rigsby (Geology) asked that, given the large number of those that disagree with this decision, would a report detailing the changes be forthcoming? The Chancellor stated that he probably could not explain in any greater detail the rationale, but would be happy to answer specific questions concerning results, as that information becomes available from the Transition Committee and other sources. He stated that we would have a greater idea of the steps to be taken when this committee finishes its work.
Professor Ferrell (History) voiced a concern that the Transition Committee might not be actively involving the departments in this process. He was also concerned that students from the last several years are covered under the old catalog and changes to the programs that occur “quickly and deeply” might be breaking a catalog commitment. The Chancellor responded that he had not seen any proposed changes to curriculum requirements.
Professor Knickerbocker (Foreign Languages and Literatures) noted that obviously we are not in agreement and stated that the AUUP documents mentioned by Professor Pravica set up a procedure to be followed in the case of such a disagreement. He moved that the faculty senate charge the Educational Policies and Planning Committee to appeal this decision to the Board of Trustees. Following a standing vote of the body, the motion failed.
Professor Ferrell (History) moved that the Faculty Senate ask the Provost to review the Transition Committee’s response to the Chancellor’s letter of June 11, 2002. Following a standing vote of the body, the motion failed.
Professor Hall (Psychology) asked if there were still plans for the creation of a School of Pharmacy at ECU. The Chancellor stated that we had submitted a request for permission to plan such a unit but that a Senate Bill had indicated plans for this School to go to Elizabeth City State. He knew of no outcome as of yet resolving the matter.
D. William Swart, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Provost Swart reports that he has invited Dr. Morrison to sit in on the Academic Deans and Directors meetings so that he can hear and participate in deliberations. Dr Swart stated that all of our objectives are the same, and should focus on the realization of the full potential at ECU, which is best served by having our students succeed, both at ECU and in Life. To do this we must be able to create conditions that motivate and inspire students to devote time and energy to educationally relevant activities both inside and outside the classroom. In line with these objectives, Dr Swart has asked Dr. Garrie Moore to assign one senior member of the Student Life team to each School and College. These individuals will work with faculty to develop and implement plans that facilitate the integration of objectives of the Division of Student Life and Academic Units. Fall semester has seen our population exceed 20,000 students, and Dr. Swart feels that we must aspire not only for more students but also for better students. To begin this process, he has asked all units to create programs that will attract better students; not just new programs, but new combinations of programs. As an example, new students could be offered the option of enrolling in a 5-year integrated BS/MS program, which could be in the same or related fields. Dr Swart mentioned that recent market research data acquired by the University indicated that parents and counselors don’t appear to know how good we really are. They only know when we tell them. Hence, he has asked each school and college to appoint a marketing coordinator and to develop a marketing plan in conjunction with the University Marketing Department. Dr Swart will also be working with the Faculty Senate on defining scholarship past its traditional boundary of research to include the scholarship of teaching and engagement. If we propose what we hope to achieve as a research hypothesis, design appropriate experiments, collect data, and publish the conclusions, then we have begun to engage in the research of teaching and learning. Dr. Swart also plans to work with the Faculty Senate to review our General Education requirements, exploring how we can focus our students to solve community problems. He suggests, that one way this can be done is the development of a Senior Capstone course as part of the new General Education requirements, which could lead to the formation of interdisciplinary teams of students actively engaged in real-world community problems.
Professor Rigsby (Geology) asked Dr Swart to comment on the Institute for Advanced Studies.
Professor Swart indicated that this group has met three times, and provides an exceptional way to achieve one of the chief objectives in the strategic plan; that of enhancing research productivity of faculty, students and staff. The Georgia Tech Research Institute and the Stanford Research Institute are both well known nationally and could provide us with good models.
Professor Knickerbocker (Foreign Languages and Literatures) inquired about the sources of funding for the Institute for Advanced Studies, wondering if monies were to be internal, “robbing Peter to pay Paul”, or if alternative funding models had been examined. Dr Swart stated that he was equally concerned and suggested that perhaps we could use one-time funds to set up an investment fund rather than to use enrollment increase monies.
Professor Wall (Philosophy) asked Dr Swart to make additional comments concerning the scholarship of teaching in relation to more tradition research and teaching objectives. Provost Swart commented that the success of any organization is predicated on improving its basic product. The basic product of the University is our graduates. He feels that it is important for us to be continually focused, regardless of discipline, on how effective we can be in facilitating the teaching and learning process. He believes that this endeavor constitutes legitimate research. The primary focus of teaching is to improve learning of our students and to do so in a research based methodology. When we apply experimental methodology to improve the teaching and learning process, then in fact, we are engaging in traditional forms of scholarship.
Pravica (Math) expressed the concern that in order to acquire good people, departments might often be required to sign elaborate contracts. He asked to what extent the University Administration was going to recognize these contractual agreements. Dr. Swart indicated that contractual agreements were always subject to provisions of the faculty handbook, and that the bottom line is, that the University would always honor its commitments.
E.Bob Morrison, Chair of the Faculty
Professor Morrison stated that over the past couple of years we have been talking about faculty roles and rewards and how these change in a changing university like ECU. He noted that we have talked about a community of scholars and about Boyer’s expanded definition of scholarship, and he mentioned that last year Charles Glassick, author of Scholarship Assessed, came to help us understand how to evaluate the various forms of scholarship. Morrison stated that, in addition to the traditional scholarship of discovery, we have also been interested in the Scholarship of Teaching and the Scholarship of Engagement, because these two reflect our commitment to teaching and our commitment to the economic development of the region. Morrison reported that Provost Bill Swart discussed the scholarship of teaching and the elements that must be present to evaluate it at the last Deans and Directors meeting, and that Dr. Swart also incorporating these ideas into the criteria for evaluating proposals for teaching grants at the organizational meeting of the Teaching Grants Committee. The Teaching Grants Committee then briefly discussed changing the criteria, and will consider that in more detail after this year’s round of proposals has been reviewed and recommendations for funding decisions have been made. Morrison reported that we received a report from the consulting team that reviewed the enhancement report of the SACS self study, and quoted from their observation Number 5. “We observed that ECU should revisit faculty roles and rewards policies. We think ECU should reconsider ideas related to differential faculty workload and expanded definitions of scholarship if it wants to encourage new patterns of faculty behavior.” The SACS Education and Research Committee posed a number of questions to the consulting team. One of them was “What changes in faculty roles are appearing nationwide and may seem particularly appropriate for our campus?” In their response, the committee reported that, “Nationwide, faculty roles are changing slowly, but the changes are profound. The image of the university … where the function of professors is to ‘profess’ is giving way to a much more sophisticated view of faculty work. Two key ideas – the ‘scholarship of teaching’ and the ‘scholarship of engagement’ – are central to understanding these trends. … These trends have obvious implications for universities like ECU. ECU must view faculty as models of learning rather than models of erudition; it must regard both teaching and scholarship as intellectual work; it must recognize that one of the most exciting and challenging endeavors for a university is where it connects with its community; it must acknowledge the enormous challenges of doing research on teaching and to engage in applied research with community partners.” Based on discussions with Provost Swart, Morrison stated that a task force would be appointed to begin the process of determining how an expanded definition of scholarship, that includes the scholarship of engagement and the scholarship of teaching, might be implemented at ECU. He anticipated that the task force would be appointed within the next two weeks and that it would report to the Faculty Senate in April.
F. Mike Hamrick, Director of the University Athletics Department
Mr. Hamrick stated that this past year was our first full year in Conference USA, and that we have gone from a regional athletic program to national athletic program. He noted several highlights, such as competing in our third straight bowl game, five national TV appearances last year in Football, key victories in our Basketball schedule (e.g., Marquette, & Louisville), and a Conference USA championship in Baseball, under very tough circumstances. He also stated our hopes and prayers go with Coach Keith LeClair. Mr. Hamrick noted that NCAA re-certification was accomplished this year with the support of many faculty and staff. The preliminary report indicated some work still to be done, but Mr. Hamrick feels that this is normal. He indicated that the National Consortium for Academics in Athletics honored us for the third straight time for our degree completion program and our community service program for student athletes. The football team was one of twenty-five teams recognized by the American Football Coaches Association for having a graduation rate of 70% or above. The University was mentioned in a Chronicle of Higher Education Article that stated that we were one of 45 schools complying with Title IX rules covering scholarship funds allocated to female athletes. Our exit interviews indicated that over 90% of student athletes were satisfied with the academic situation at ECU
Professor Tovey (English) noted that we are all probably aware of the conflict [concerning High School Football schedules] associated with Friday-night Football games. She wondered if this was going to become an even bigger problem. Mr. Hamrick stated that he hoped not, but that we had little control over the situation, and that there is one game in December that minimally affects High School Football schedules. He indicated that this was something that we hoped could be solved in the future.
Professor Conner-Kerr (Allied Health) stated that ‘ “you should be congratulated on your academic honors”. She also noticed from the provided statistics, that many of the athletes were female, and asked about the exact percentages of male versus female athletes. Mr. Hamrick stated that he thought that males represented about 62 or 63% of the athletic population. What we have done in our NCAA Certification is to actually cap the number of student athletes on the male side, and encouraged participation on our female side. He stated that we have also put together a gender-equity plan that will continue to add, every year, additional scholarship dollars to our female side to get those numbers way up.
G.Trenton Davis, Chair of the University Athletics Committees and Academic Integrity Subcommittee
Dr. Davis reported that the subcommittee is composed of faculty, and meets at least once a semester to review student athlete’s records, progress toward a degree, academic eligibility and probation. Committee members have access to the total academic record of student athletes. Professor Davis discussed data contained in the subcommittee report and outlined the interactive role committee members play in fostering an academic support network for the student athlete. He also noted the role played by subcommittee members in emphasizing the excused absence policy and the need for student athletes to be on campus when they are not representing the University in some competition.
H.Brian McMillen, Co-Chair of the Task Force on Reducing the Impact of Alcohol and Drugs at ECU
Dr. McMillen reporteded that the current task force is comprised of more than 80 people representing, faculty, students, administrators, parents, alumni, law enforcement, and etc. Highlights of committee activities include, completion of several faculty and student surveys, development of a two-hour module on alcohol related issues and a safe jogging brochure, strengthening of ongoing relationships with neighborhood groups through the distribution of posters and door hangers, and work leading to improved campus lighting.
Professor Scott (Academic Library Services) asked what was being done to inform students who live off campus about underage drinking. Dr. McMillen indicated that door-hangers were being used as well as other methods to provide such information. Also, independent from our efforts, the Greenville Police and Greenville Utilities have sent out a letter to the University neighborhood stating a zero-tolerance policy concerning noise and violations of property codes.
I. 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.
Professor Pravica (Math) asked Dr. Lewis (Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences) to talk about the relationship between the east and west campuses and how we might enhance quality. As mentioned during his address at the convocation, Dr Lewis noted that he and Dr. Swart hoped to be able to decrease the physical and cooperative distance between the two campuses. He mentioned that we were in the early stages of developing what is being called the “Learning Village” in Health Sciences on the west campus, which will move Nursing and Allied Health into closer proximity with the Teaching Hospital, the School of Medicine, and the Health Sciences Library. An offshoot of this undertaking would lead to a stronger relationship with the east campus.
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 Curriculum Committee
Dale Knickerbocker (Foreign Languages and Literatures), Chair of the Committee, presented the curriculum matters contained in the committee minutes of April 25, 2002. There was no discussion and the minutes were approved as presented. RESOLUTION #02-25
B.Committee on Committees
Henry Ferrell (History), Chair of the Committee, presented first the nominee for a Faculty Assembly Delegate vacancy. There were no other nominations from the floor. Professor Brenda Killingsworth (Business) was elected by acclamation.
Professor Ferrell then presented the nominees for the Administrative Copyright Committee. There were no other nominations from the floor. Professors Beth Winstead (Academic Library Services), George Bailey (Philosophy), Scott Thomson (Education), Jeff Shinpaugh (Physics) and Sherry Cox (Medicine) were elected by acclamation.
Professor Ferrell then presented a resolution on the Enrollment Management Council that read as follows:
The Committee on Committees recommends to the Chancellor that five faculty members serve as additional members to the Enrollment Management Council. Three faculty members will serve as regular members with vote and will be elected each year by the Faculty Senate. Two faculty members will serve as ex-officio members with vote and will be the Chair of the Admissions and Retention Policies Committee, or designee and the Chair of the Faculty, or designee.
There was no discussion and the resolution was approved as presented. RESOLUTION #02-26
Professor Ferrell then presented the nominees for the Enrollment Management Council. Professors Nancy Moss (Nursing), Katie Walsh (Health and Human Performance), and George Williams (Education), were elected by acclamation.
C.Educational Policies and Planning Committee
Bob Morrison, Chair of the Faculty and a member of the Committee, presented a brief report on the immediate transfer of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Safety from the School of Industry and Technology to the School of Health and Human Performance. The Committee met over the Summer to discuss this move and was allowed to act on the request at that time. No further action was required by the Faculty Senate.
Agenda Item VI. New Business
Ralph Scott (Academic Library Services) offered a resolution reaffirming the commitment of ECU to academic freedom that read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED at the August 19, 2002, Faculty Convocation that the Faculty of East Carolina University reaffirm the commitment of their university to academic freedom and the fair exchange of ideas as well as their commitment to the understanding of different cultures and conflicting values of all kinds with the confidence that thoughtful study and intellectual inquiry are fundamental to this University and the goals of the Faculty.
Professor Eribo (Communication and Broadcasting) moved to have the word “conflicting” deleted from the resolution. The motion passed. Professor Scott (Academic Library Services) offered an editorial motion to delete the words “at the August 19, 2002, Faculty Convocation”. The motion passed.
Professor Ferrell (History) read as information a proposed addition suggested by Dr. Palmer (History): “The faculty of East Carolina University also acknowledges that academic freedom, as is the case with all freedoms, must be exercised, both individually and collectively, in a responsible fashion.” No motion to include this text was offered from the floor.
Following discussion, the resolution reaffirming the commitment of ECU to academic freedom was approved as amended. RESOLUTION #02-27
The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
John G. Cope Lori Lee
Secretary of the Faculty Faculty Senate office
Department of Psychology
FACULTY SENATE RESOLUTIONS APPROVED AT THE SEPTEMBER 3, 2002, MEETING
02-25 Curriculum matters contained in the April 25, 2002, University Curriculum Committee minutes.
Disposition: Chancellor
02-26 Membership on the Enrollment Management Council to include five faculty members to serve as additional members to the Enrollment Management Council. Three faculty members will serve as regular members with vote and will be elected each year by the Faculty Senate. Two faculty members will serve as ex-officio members with vote and will be the Chair of the Admissions and Retention Policies Committee, or designee and the Chair of the Faculty, or designee.
Disposition: Chancellor
02-27 Resolution reaffirming the commitment of ECU to academic freedom that read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Faculty of East Carolina University reaffirm the commitment of their university to academic freedom and the fair exchange of ideas as well as their commitment to the understanding of different cultures and values of all kinds with the confidence that thoughtful study and intellectual inquiry are fundamental to this University and the goals of the Faculty.
Disposition: Chancellor
