MINUTES
LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY SENATE
Volume 13 January 2004 Number 5
1. Call to Order: Rick Simmons
The January 26, 2004 meeting of the University Senate was called to order at 4:03 p.m. in Ropp Center, Room 105, by President Rick Simmons.
2. Roll Call: Rose Butler
Senators absent from the meeting: Travis Willis, Tony Grice, Amy Stegall, Bob Burt, Donnie Bell and Alexis Wreden.
3. Adoption of Agenda
A motion was made to accept the agenda. The motion was seconded and approved.
4. Adoption of the December 15, 2003 minutes.
A motion was made to accept the minutes. The motion was seconded and approved.
5. Announcements: Rick Simmons
A. Administrative and Planning Council Update
Dr. Reneau informed the Council that he has been informed of a possible 2.3 million dollar cut in the budget next year. This is not a final decision. However, the deans have been advised to proceed with caution in hiring.
Faculty raises – There is a possibility of a 2% range in raises for the faculty. One possibility is that a check would be given in May.
Conference USA – TCU will join the Mountain West Conference. Louisiana Tech may be asked to join Conference USA.
B. Final Exam Policies– CADS met and fully supported the University Senate’s decision to not support the SGA proposals on final exam policies. Council recommended that posted hours by faculty should be held during finals week. It also recommended that students not wait until finals exam week to confer with faculty.
C. Amendments to the Constitution regarding Senate Attendance – Rick Simmons asked if there was an interest in replacing Senate members who never come to meetings. A majority of the members raised their hands. He then asked members to begin considering what, if any, changes should be made. Ideas and proposals will be emailed before the February, 2004 meeting. At that meeting a discussion about possible changes will be part of the agenda.
6. Treasurer’s report - None
7. Unfinished Business –
Reevaluation of Senate Awards Policies – Rick Simmons reported that he had spoken to Dr. Ken Rea and Gary Stokley, past president of the Senate, about getting a perspective on reevaluating the Virgil Orr awards. Both Dr. Rea and Dr. Stokley stated that the focus of this award was that the recipient would be seen as a role model and considered to be an investment in Tech’s future. Dr. Orr intended this award to be an incentive for the awardee to remain at Louisiana Tech. The Senate was then asked to add this as part of the criteria to be nominated to receive the Virgil Orr award: “The nominee must have a continuing commitment to Louisiana Tech University.
A discussion followed on this proposal. After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to vote on this proposal. With a raise of hands, the motion passed.
8. New Business
Workload/Performance Reports – Charles Robinson asked why this report had to be turned in so early in the quarter. He brought up that, in some instances, additional duties are added to his workload after he turns in this report. Therefore, he does not have an opportunity to add the additional work to this report.
Members discussed issue. Rick Simmons will look into timetable and what is done with these reports.
F. J. Taylor Award – Rick Simmons will ask for nominations at the March meeting. Senate members may nominate whomever they choose. A vote will be held in April, and the award will be given at Spring commencement.
9. Voluntary Remarks
A question was asked as to what to do about last minute out-of-state travel. A suggestion was made to call Sandy Brown in the Comptroller’s office to get a resolution to this problem.
Charles Robinson commended the police in apprehending those responsible for the rash of attacks on students.
A motion was made to adjourn, motion seconded.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:36 pm.
Rose Butler, Recording Secretary
