MINUTES
LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY SENATE
Volume 15 March 2006 Number 7
1. Call to Order: Mel Corley
The March 27, 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: Debra Blackman, Jon Pratt, Jan Fuller, Rastko Selmic, Chester Wilson, Robert Bremer, and Beverly Johnson.
3. Adoption of Agenda
A motion was made to accept the agenda. The motion was seconded and approved.
4. Adoption of Minutes
A motion was made to accept the February 20, 2006 minutes. The motion was seconded and approved.
5. Announcements
Faculty Advisory Council – Patsy Bourgeois met with the council on February 24, 2006. Among the items discussed were Grambling changing from open to selective admission. ULL presented an Honorary Doctorate to Cecil Picard. Jack Bicknell’s contract was extended 2 years. SGA’s request for a student referendum concerning additional fees to improve parking was okayed.
Administrative and Planning Council Report – Mel Corley stated that there was a training session at the meeting. Dr. Reneau reported on the progression of the 06-07 budget. Governor Blanco has requested a 5% raise for faculty. No other budget or tuition/fee increases are expected nor is it expected that the post-Katrina cuts in the operating budgets will be restored.
Nominations for University Senate Chair and Virgil Orr Junior Faculty awards Everyone should have received the nomination packet. Faculty members were asked to encourage their faculty to nominate someone. Patsy Bourgeois reported that there had been a good response so far.
Comments on Voluntary Remarks – The voluntary remarks part of the meeting should be used as an information platform only. Mel Corley met with Dr. Rea to discuss summer school and how the budgets are decided. Dr. Rea said that he is open to having Senate members study this issue.
Concerns regarding BESE oversight of Louisiana colleges of education – Mel Corley recognized Rebecca Smith, who then gave the floor to Dean Jo Ann Dauzat. Dr. Dauzat discussed a letter recently sent to Tech’s College of Education from BESE regarding the teaching of reading methods. An extensive amount of paperwork detailing the College of Education’s methodology of teaching of reading methods is requested in a short period of time. Failure to comply with BESE may mean denial of certification for College of Education graduates. Dr. Dauzat expressed concern in the manner in which BESE is approaching them and the results that may occur over time if this situation continues. The College of Education has recently been reaccreditated by NCATE. A question and answer period followed.
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 report. Will revisit in April.
Faculty/Staff Benefits Study Committee: Bonnie Gerald, Chair reported that there are no major differences in benefits at state universities. There will be a full report in April.
8. New Business
Nominations for F. Jay Taylor Undergraduate Teaching Award
The following were nominated: James Cochran, Kimberly Kimbell-Lopez, Charles Cicciarella, Wade Meade, Debra Blackman, David Hall, Sim Shattuck Linda Sivils and Freddy Roberts.
9. Voluntary Remarks
Jennifer Byrd reminded everyone of the Big Event this weekend. A Tech student has been nominated for Student of the Year on ESPN.com. Please consider voting for this person by going to the website.
Adjourned at 4:58
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
