Louisiana Tech University - University Senate::University Senate Meeting Minutes September 2007

LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY SENATE

Volume 17 September 2007 Number 1

1. Call to Order - Aziz Saber
The September 17, 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: Sally Thigpen, Amy Vessel, Andrei Paun, Bill Deese, Chester Wilson, Kate Perot,
Jackie Stevens, James Webb, Rick Simmons, Richard Hutchinson, and Kevin Merritt.

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

4. Adoption of Minutes - May 14, 2007:
Since the May minutes had not been placed on the University Senate Web page, Aziz Saber requested that the May minutes
be approved at the October meeting along with the September minutes.

5. Announcements:

            ● Louisiana Campus Compact (of the UL System) - Louisiana Tech Emergency Management Team - Dean Linda Griffin
                Dean Griffin stated that Dr. Reneau has formed the Louisiana Tech Emergency Management Team. This team has been given
               the task of identifying team members, obtaining the appropriate technology, and developing emergency protocol.
                She explained that the university does have an Emergency Preparedness Plan but not one that brings all entities working
                together. The team has already looked at vendors who offer emergency alert systems. The University of Louisiana system is
                also looking at an alert system to be used for all schools. If this happens, it seems that the UL system would pay for the first
                year's service charges for the alert system.

            ● Administrative and Planning Council -
                        - Whistleblower Protection Act - Posters for this act are to be posted in all buildings on campus which house 10 or more
                           employees.
                        - Absence from Campus - all faculty and staff must complete an absence form prior to taking leave/travel. This form is to
                           be submitted to your department head/chair prior to travel. The form must state where you are going, provide contact
                           information, and indicate class arrangements.
                        - Vehicle Use Policy - Aziz suggested that all faculty and staff should read the new state travel regulations regarding
                           vehicle use. This policy pertains to the use of a Tech vehicle, personal vehicle, or rental vehicle.
                        - Service Learning Presentations - in Wyly Tower Auditorium 8- 2 on Tuesday Sept 18, Ms. Margaret Alexander will be
                           conducting a session on "how to write proposals for service learning" will be at 10:30. If you would benefit from this
                           service, please make an effort to attend

            ● Faculty Advisory Council - Dr. Debra Blackman has agreed to serve as the University Senate's representative. She will attend
               the next council meeting on October 26 in Baton Rouge. If you have any items of concern, please share those with
               Dr. Blackman prior to that date.

6. Treasurer's Report: Ron Cathey

a. Brian Etheridge gave an overview of last year's budget and final balances for the 2006-2007 year.
b. Adoption of Budget for 2007- 2008 - The budget for 2007 - 2008 was adopted as presented by Ron Cathey.

7. Unfinished Business:

            a. Turnitin - Aziz stated that this is a software teaching tool which is available to all faculty. The software allows the students to
                 learn how to cite and how to write - it is a teaching tool with many educational benefits. The university has approved the
                 purchase, a contract has been signed, and the next step is implementing the software. There will be two training sessions
                 - September 20 at 10:15 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. in Wyly Tower Auditorium. Aziz asked all senate members to spread the word to
                their co-workers. The faculty should use and support this product. The administration will have access to data to determine
                which faculty are using the software and how often. Please encourage everyone to support this effort to provide faculty with a
                much needed tool.

            b. Blackboard:
                        The university is negotiating the process of upgrading Blackboard. The Enterprise version is what we are seeking. This
                        version is hosted by Blackboard themselves rather by Tech's system.

8. New Business:

University Senate representatives are needed for the University Grievance Committee from the College of Applied and
Natural Sciences and the College of Administration and Business. Larry Jarrell volunteered to represent the CAB.

9. Voluntary Remarks:

Aziz Saber thanked all of those who worked diligently in gaining the Turnitin software package for the faculty and students.

The meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

Marie Pipes, Recording Secretary