MINUTES
LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY SENATE
Volume 14 December 2004 Number 4
1. Call to Order: D’eane Sheehan
The December 13, 2004 meeting of the University Senate was called to order at
4:00 p.m. in Ropp Center, Room 105, by President D’eane Sheehan.
2. Roll Call: Rose Butler
Senators absent from the meeting: Paul Murray, David Mills, Jan Fuller, Jeff Walczyk, Lamar Wilkinson, Pauline Leonard, Gail Clark, Barry Morales, Tim Morse, and Amy Stegall.
3. Adoption of Agenda
A request was made to add a proposal to the agenda. A motion was made to accept the amended agenda. The motion was seconded and approved. The proposal was put under New Business as item B.
4. Adoption of the November 15, 2004 minutes.
A motion was made to accept the minutes. The motion was seconded and approved
5. Announcements
A. Ruston Convention and Visitors Bureau – Preston Friedley
Preston Friedley, of the Ruston Convention and Visitors Bureau, addressed the Senate. He explained the purpose of the Bureau and how it works. He asked the Senate members for assistance in helping him inform the Tech faculty of what the Bureau does. The Bureau will have a grant workshop on January 26th at 9:00 a.m. at the Ramada Inn. The Bureau has money to assist those who bring groups to Ruston. However, to get this money, attendance at this meeting is mandatory. There is $500-$5000 for organizations who bring in visitors to Ruston. This is a free service supported by the motel/hotel tax and is located in the Chamber of Commerce office.
B. Faculty Advisory Council – Patsy Bourgeois
Patsy Bourgeois reported that she had attended the 2nd meeting of the Council. Sally Clausen addressed the group. Her main topic was about graduation rates and retention.
Senate members were encouraged to communicate any issues to Patsy Bourgeois so that she can bring them up at upcoming Council meetings.
C. Administrative and Planning Council – D’eane Sheehan
Tech received one new endowed professorship in honor of three board members of Ruston Building and Loan.
The 1.7 million dollars left over from the Hale Hall renovation will be used to renovate the 2nd, 12th and 15th floor of Wyly Tower.
6. Treasurer’s report – There was no report.
7. Unfinished Business
A. Bookstore policy – A motion was made to postpone this discussion to a future meeting. This motion was seconded and approved.
B. Retirement seminar – A seminar is scheduled for Wednesday, January 19, 2005 at 3:00 pm and Thursday, January 20, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. More information will be emailed to the faculty/staff. Please email any questions you wish to be addressed to Rose Butler, University Senate secretary.
C. Large Format Printer – Tech is willing to purchase this printer. Its use would have to be only for academic purposes. A question was asked as to how many students actually need access to a large format printer. It was suggested that the Senate members ask those in their areas if they require posters to be done by students. Members were asked to email this information to Rose Butler.
8. New Business
A. Amended Budget – D’eane Sheehan proposed amending the budget to increase the travel budget to $1,600. A motion was made to amend the budget, and the motion was seconded and approved.
B. Phone system – Dave Anderson
A need for an improved phone system was addressed. Party lines need to be discontinued and voice mail made available. A discussion followed concerning costs. A need for a written comprehensive plan was suggested. To write this plan, a committee was chosen to obtain information and then submit a proposal for changes and improvements in the phone system.
9. Voluntary Remarks - none
A motion was made to adjourn, motion seconded.
