-         DRAFT –

(approved 10/01)

MINUTES

 

LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY SENATE

Volume 11       September 2001           Number 1

 

1.                  Call to Order:  Helen Baxter

 

The September 24, 2001 meeting of the University Senate was called to order at 4:00 p.m. in Prescott Memorial Library, Room 334, by President Helen Baxter.

 

2.                  Roll Call:  Rose Butler

 

Senators absent from the meeting were Ram Aditya, Barbara Garner, Bill Ray, Maurice Tassin and Dena Westerfield. 

 

3.                  Adoption of Agenda:  Helen Baxter

A motion was made to accept the agenda.  The motion was accepted and approved.

 

4.                  Adoption of the May 14, 2001 minutes.

 

A motion to accept the minutes was made.  The motion was accepted, and the minutes were approved.

 

5.                  Announcements:  Helen Baxter

 

Helen Baxter introduced the 2001-2002 officers and welcomed everyone. 

 

Helen Baxter asked that the Champion Trophy bill, which was for corrections made on the plaques of past recipients, be paid. The Senate voted to pay this bill.  These plaques will be returned to the Library for display.

 

6.                  Treasurer’s report –Randy Parker

Dr. Parker reported that the budget is in good financial shape.  All bills have been paid with the exception of a $200 bill at Champion Trophies which was for the new plaques for the Virgil Orr and University Senate Chair Award.  This cost includes free engraving for the life of the plaque. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to purchase these new plaques at the cost of $100.00 each.

 

A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s report.  The motion was accepted.

 

7.                  Old Business

 

a.       Plaques  -  Helen Baxter presented the new and corrected plaques that will be exhibited in the Library.  She pointed out the corrections and improvements made to them. 

 

b.      Response to letter about the Blue Ribbon Commission – Helen Baxter reported that the University had received a letter from the Blue Ribbon Commission clarifying one issue.  The Senate was concerned that the education departments in the state universities were going to be penalized for any education graduates teaching in states other than Louisiana.  At this point, the Commission letter stated that the university will not be penalized for education graduates who move out of the State.

 

c.       Teacher Evaluation form revision – Dr. Rea has asked that two University Senate members serve on a committee to finalize the proposed changes to the student evaluation forms of faculty.  Dr. Alan Goldspiel and D’Eane Sheehan volunteered.

 

d.      Parking and Traffic Committee – Rick Simmons reported that fines for illegal parking remain the same as last year.  He will get with Jim King and discuss this issue and report back next month.

 

8.                  New Business

 

a.       University Handbook:  Dr. Rea’s office asked if our constitution needs revising.  Dr. Norman Pumphrey has agreed to head a committee to review the constitution to see if there is a need.  He will report back to the Senate next month.

 

b.      Letter from Joseph Savoie, Board of Regents:  Mr. Savoie has written a letter to all University Senates requesting that the Senate form some sort of response to the attacks in Washington and New York.  Several suggestions were made, and it was decided to table the issue until next month when more information is available.

 

c. Report from the Administrative and Planning Council

1.  Capital Outlay 2002-2003 – Helen Baxter has asked Jerry Drewitt to come to the October meeting and discuss this issue.

2.  Strategic Plan Draft or 2001-2006 – This information will be available on the University Senate webpage.  It is not yet totally approved.

3.  ACT Student Opinion survey – Survey shows that students are still unhappy with parking and food. The Tech Talk will be printing articles from the findings of this report.

4.  SACS Accreditation Visit – Dr. Reneau reported tha the SACS accreditation committee has asked that their visit be postponed until 2005.

 

9.         Other

a. Student Membership on Search Committees – All committees shall have students on future search committees on dean’s levels or higher.  It is required that the student must be in the college where there is an opening, in an honorary society or SGA. 

 

A motion was made to adjourn.  Motion passed, and the meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Rose Butler,  Secretary