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April 23, 2018 – Minutes

  1. Call to Order – The April 23, 2018 meeting of the University Senate was called to order at 4:02 p.m. in University Hall, Room 111, by President Ernest Rufleth. 
  2. Roll Call – Alicia Kimbell – A quorum was met.
  3. Approval of Minutes – March 2018 – approved on a Crook/Stevens motion
  4. Business
    1. Old Business
      1. Updates on Existing Committee Topics
        1. CADS is still reviewing the sub-committee’s revised office hours policy and will respond to the senate at a later date. This policy was last revised in 2012. 
        2. The updated policy for electronic student evaluations was presented to CADS on April 17th; however, this issue was pushed back to the May meeting.  The senate plans to contact the Provost directly next week to follow up with the proposed electronic evaluation’s progress. 
      2. F. Jay Taylor Undergraduate Teaching Award Updates
        1. Voting for this award took place at the April senate meeting.  Paper ballots were used and a manual count was completed right away.  
        2. There was a clear winner with no need for a run-off.
    2. New Business
      1. Work Life Policy Committee
        1. Melinda Bryan contacted the senate for support on this policy before it is presented to the Provost. 
        2. This policy will enhance protection for employees seeking modified duties due to personal or family issues that may not be covered under FMLA. 
      2. ALFS
        1. Jim Henderson, President of the UL System, spoke about the future of funding for universities and TOPS.  His message was upbeat and indicated that there should not be any further cuts this year. 
        2. Marsha Hardy, professor at NSU, gave a presentation about the leadership of university senate.  She stated that if the point of the senate is to advocate for constituents around the university, then there should be an investment in leadership training for the individuals that serve as officers. 
        3. The new Commissioner of Higher Education, Kim Hunter Reed, will be speaking at the opening meeting of ALFS next fall. 
      3. APC
        1. COES recently hosted a signing day for incoming Engineering majors.
        2. Harper Hall will be decommissioned this term and will come down next summer.
        3. A presentation was given by Curtis McGiffin from LTRI.
        4. Brooks Hull gave a report on where the foundation is headed.  He mentioned that students are handwriting thank you notes to donors. 
      4. Nominations for Open Senate Positions
        1. The following positions are open next year to members of the senate: parliamentarian, treasurer, and vice-president.  
        2. President Rufleth asked for nominations from the senate floor and also encouraged those interested to contact him after the meeting. 
      5. Creation of Standing Committee for Awards – President Rufleth discussed the need for the creation of a standing committee to work on the senate awards throughout the year and asked for senate members to consider being a part of this committee next year. 
      6. Committee Notes for Next Year – President Rufleth asked each committee to prepare a write-up detailing what they covered this year as well as information that can be given to the new committee members next year so that active initiatives may not lose momentum. 
  5. Voluntary Remarks and Reminders
    1. May Meeting: Monday, May 14th, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., Press Box at the stadium.  After a tour of the new press box, Dr. Guice will address the senate. 
    2. Voting for senate awards will take place at the DAC during the remaining time of the meeting. 
  6. Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 4:47 p.m.