1. Call to Order - Aziz Saber
The December 10, 2007, meeting of the University Senate was called to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Ropp Center, Room 105, by President Aziz Saber.

2. Roll Call: Marie Pipes
Senators absent from the meeting: Larry Jarrell, Amy Vessel, Mihaela Paun, Andrei Paun, Chester Wilson, Kate Perot, Alicia Ball, Rick Simmons, Laurie Stoff, Kevin Merritt, and Debra Blackman.

3. Adoption of Agenda:
A motion was made to accept the agenda. The motion was seconded and approved.

4. Sounds of the Season - The Louisiana Tech University Low Brass Ensemble performed several holiday musical numbers for the senate members.

5. Adoption of Minutes - October 15, 2007:
A motion was made to accept the October 15, 2007 and November 12, 2007 minutes. The motion was seconded and approved.

5. Announcements:
• Administrative and Planning Council -
The council will meet next Thursday so Aziz Saber will report on this meeting in January.
• Faculty Advisory Council (FAC) - Ms. Debra Blackman
The appointment of Dr. David Gullatt as Dean of the College of Education was approved by the Board of Supervisors and is effective January 1, 2008. One university in south Louisiana is having difficulties with students receiving too many "W" Grades and those grades still being on their transcript at time of graduation. The university is proposing to adopt a policy whereby freshmen and sophomores are limited to two "W" grades during their first two years of college and one "W" grade each consecutive year thereafter. Dr. Joe Savoie who was the Commissioner for Higher Education has accepted the position of president at the University of Louisiana - Lafayette.

7. Treasurer's Report: Ron Cathey
The budget for November 2007 was adopted as presented.

8. Unfinished Business:
a. Turnitin - Aziz announced that faculty who are using Turnitin should have received an update to this software.
b. Blackboard Feedback - Debra Blackman provided information from the November 30th meeting of the Blackboard Committee. These are attached to the minutes for your review. Aziz stated that Microsoft Office upgrade is available and faculty should contact the Technical Services representative for their area to have it installed on office computers.

9. New Business: none

10. Voluntary Remarks:
Health News and Tips - Dr. Tabbeth Dobbins provided a handout from WebMD regarding the "Top 9 Jobs Where Bacteria Thrive". Teacher is ranked number one. Tabbetha encouraged everyone to be mindful of washing your hands often throughout the day to keep bacteria and spread of germs minimal.

The meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.

Marie Pipes, Recording Secretary