MINUTES
LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY SENATE
Volume 15 January 2006 Number 5
1. Call to Order: Mel Corley
The January 30, 2006 meeting of the University Senate was called to order at 4:00 p.m. in Ropp Center, Room 105, by President Mel Corley.
2. Roll Call: Rose Butler
Senators absent from the meeting: Paul Murray, David Mills, Sumeet Dua, Andrei Paun, Chester Wilson, Barry Morales, Beverly Johnson, Vince Miller, and Susan Roach.
3. Adoption of Agenda
A motion was made to amend the agenda by adding to New Business a discussion about freshman and sophomore students no longer being able to take 300 and 400 level classes without special permission. The motion to amend the agenda was seconded and approved. The amended agenda was seconded and approved.
4. Adoption of Minutes
A motion was made to accept the December 19, 2005 minutes. The motion was seconded and approved.
5. Announcements
American Heart Association – Amy Vessel gave information regarding the upcoming walk on February 18. She asked that Senate members inform their faculty and let them know that anyone may participate. The walk begins at 9:00 a.m. and will start and end at Railroad Park.
Faculty Advisory Council Report – No report
Administrative and Planning Council Report – Mel Corley attended the last meeting. Hollis Downs spoke about Louisiana’s recovery from Katrina and Rita and showed a slide presentation.
Also discussed was the inventory control. Inventory is not being located, and this is a problem which is being addressed by the university.
6. Treasurer’s Report – Gene Johnson
A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report. The motion was seconded and approved.
7. Unfinished Business
Telephone System Improvements – No further information at this time.
Volunteers for Faculty/Staff Benefits Study Committee – Three Senate members have volunteered to be on this committee. Mel Corley asked for someone to volunteer to be the Chair of the committee.
8. New Business
Report from Award Eligibility and Procedures Committee – Patsy Bourgeois
The committee has met twice. The charge of this committee is to 1) address award eligibility and 2) Senate President voting in case of a tie. A discussion followed on the committee’s wording of the proposed changes. Members were asked to take these proposed changes to their faculty and find out if these changes are acceptable. If approved by Senate members at next month’s meeting, these proposed changes will be taken to Dr. Reneau for approval as required by the Constitution. If approved, the Tech faculty will vote to accept or not accept. Once this is done, elections for University Senate Chair and Virgil Orr will proceed.
300 and 400 level classes for freshmen and sophomores
Faculty expressed concern over a recent memo stating that freshmen and sophomores may not take 300 and 400 level classes without obtaining special permission. Many classes designed for lower level students are 300 and 400 level classes. In order to allow the students to take these classes, a great deal of paper work must be done. Concern that it will affect students’ ability to register on BOSS was discussed. Mel Corley will visit with Dr. Rea at the earliest possible time to discuss this subject.
9. Voluntary Remarks
Trey Gibson reported that the SGA is working on a recommendation to allow the faculty/staff to use the Natatorium and Lambright Center without having to pay a fee.
Adjourned at 4:45
Rose Butler, Recording Secretary
Louisiana Tech University
University Faculty Senate
Estimated Receipts, Budgeted Disbursements, and Estimated Fund Balance
Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2006
Beginning Balance (actual) $ 83,486
Receipts (estimated):
University Pool $1,000
AG Edwards 1,000 2,000
Total Available 85,486
Disbursements (budget):
Payroll 2,500
Award 2,000
Travel 1,000
Refreshments 600
Trophies 200
Supplies 100 6,400
Ending Balance $ 79,086
