LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY SENATE
Volume 22 October 17, 2011 (Approved) Number 2
1. Call to Order:
The October 17, 2011 meeting of the University Senate was called to order at 4:03 p.m. in the Ropp Center, Room 105, by President David Szymanski.
2. Roll Call: Sandi Richardson
Senator absent from the meeting and without proxy: Nazir Atassi, Adam Collins, Daniela Mainardi, and John Martin
3. Adoption of Agenda:
A motion to accept the agenda was made by Jeff Yule and seconded by Tammy Schilling; the agenda was approved without change.
4. Adoption of Minutes: May and September 2011
A motion to accept the May and September 2011 minutes was made by Marilyn Robinson and seconded by J Bennett; the minutes were approved without change.
5. Guest Speakers:
- Mr. Sonny Dykes, Head Football Coach for Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- Summarized the strategy of balancing the athletic endeavor with the pursuit of academic excellence.
- Stated three priorities: Welfare, Education, and Football
- Student athletes are required to participate in 8-hours of study hall each week
- At recruitment a pledge is made to the mothers: "We will do everything possible to ensure they graduate."
- Expressed a willingness to work with the professors across campus to assist the academic efforts of student athletes.
6. New Business/Announcements:
- Executive Committee members were recognized: Jeff Yule (ANS), J Bennett (Business), Kimberly Kimbell-Lopez (Education), Heath Tims (Engineering), Rita Franks (Library), Marilyn Robinson (Specialized Services), and Saul Zalesch, Liberal Arts.
- Importance of Communication and Robert's Rules of Order: Latoya Pierce
- The chief purposes of Roberts Rules of Order are threefold: (1) to give each member a voice, (2) to keep the meeting moving, and (3) to establish the proper protocol for acknowledgement, discussion, and vote on items of interest.
- Board of Supervisor's Meeting - David Szymanski
- At the September meeting, the purpose and composition of the board was explained. The board is composed of 14 members appointed by the governor as well as representatives from each university in the UL system. They report on audits, facilities, and committees. As relates to Louisiana Tech University, a Bachelor of Science degree in cyber-engineering was approved, a Doctoral degree in Molecular Science and Nano-technology was approved, Hideaway Park was renamed as Garland Gregory Hideaway Park, and Dean Kaczinsky was affirmed as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. The next meeting is 10/28
- Faculty Advisory Council - David Szymanski
- Southeastern University had three professors dismissed with a program dissolution; University of Louisiana at Lafayette had one tenured faculty and one tenure-track faculty given a 2-year notice with program discontinuance. The dismissal at Southeastern has resulted in a law suit.
- University Communications CommitteeAdministrative and Planning Council
- Association of Louisiana Faculty Senates
- Jim Purcell is visiting all campuses for input regarding governance issues.
- UNO has joined the UL system. With an enrollment of less than 11,000 students, they are excited to have a voice.
7. Treasurer Report: Kathleen Johnston
Kathleen Johnston reported a difficulty in getting accurate figures from the comptroller's office
8. Brainstorm Session Results:
Four new temporary committees were formed:
- Technology Committee [Scope]:Larry Jarrell, Mary Margaret Livingston, Andrei Paun, Alan Chiu, and Brian Camp
- Benefits Committee [Scope]:J Bennett, Mary Margaret Livingston, Mike Swanbom, and Kerry Munn
- Policies & Procedures Committee [Scope]: Marilyn Robinson, Kim Theodos, Jean Gourd, and Kim Barlow
- Campus Committee [Scope]: Heath Tims, Julie Holmes, Tammy Schilling, Heather McCollum, Kate Perot, and Irene Casas
9. Unfinished Business:
- Temporary (T) and Standing (S) Committee Appointments
- Committee on Early Testing and Online Reporting (T) A motion to dissolve this committee was made by David Szymanski and seconded by Tammy Schilling; the vote was unanimous.
- Fee Committee (S): Latoya Pierce
- Grievance Committee by College (S)
- College of Business: Dr. Jim Cochran (Term: 2011-2013)
- College of Engineering & Science: Dr. Kathleen Johnston (Term: 2011-2013)
- Parking and Traffic Committee (S): David Szymanski
- University Tenured Faculty Committee (S): David Szymanski
- UL System Faculty Advisory Council (S): David Szymanski
- University Senate Award Review Committee (S): 1 from each of 7 constituent units to be formed January 2012
- F J Taylor Undergraduate Teaching Award
- Virgil Orr Junior Faculty Award
- University Senate Chair Award
- Athletic Academics would like to be added to "Specialized Academic Services" along with other current groups
- Since they are 100% part of Athletics, it is not possible at this time
10. Voluntary Remarks:
The AAUP is investigating the legality of tenured faculty dismissals resulting from program discontinuance at some Louisiana universities.
11. Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by J Bennett and seconded by Mary Margaret Livingston. The meeting adjourned at 4:56 p.m.
Sandi Richardson, Recording Secretary
