Present: John Whitesitt, Connie Anderson, Wayne Schumacher, Cody Bustamante, Curt Whittaker, Sib Farrell, Alena Ruggerio, Dan Rubenson, Marny Rivera, Zinn, Jean Maxwell, Kemble Yates, A.S. Galvan, Kevin Talbert, Peter Wu, Terry Longshore, Kay Bazylewicz, Jon Harbaugh, John Richards, Lee Ayers, Dale Vidmar, Etsuko Fujimoto, Diana Maltz, Laura O’Bryon, Earl Potter.

Guests: Barbara Scott, Ken Kempner, Ed Battistella, Sue Burkholder, Carl Moody, Ron Bolstad, Diane Brimmer, Laura Jones, Elisabeth Zinser.

I.          Approved Minutes of June 2, 2003

            Motion by John Whitesitt, Second by Dale Vidmar. Approved with no changes.

II.         Announcements

            None made.

III.       Remarks from the Provost

A.     Strategic Planning

1.      UPC endorsed the process on October 6, 2003.

2.      The process is not the beginning, but the next step in planning started two years ago.  The Executive Council set broad goals, and this process identifies further steps to take.

3.      Call for strategic initiatives will be out in approximately one week, with a 2 month planning cycle.

4.      The Provost is available to answer all questions regarding the proposals and will visit any requesting parties for discussion.

5.      Two myths are to be dispelled: 1) There is no punishment if no proposal is submitted, and 2) One’s perceived value does not go up with the number of submitted proposals.

6.      In March and April 2004, AAAC will be giving feedback on Proposals, and in May, a formal review of the process will be undertaken.

B.     Charitable Giving Campaign

1.      Starts October 20^th for four weeks.

2.      This campaign supports the building of campus community and extends commitment of the campus to the wider community.

3.      Departmental representatives will be helping with the campaign.

IV.       Advisory Council Report from the Faculty Senate Vice Chair: Jon Harbaugh

            A.  Areas discussed at the Advisory Council Meeting on September 29^th included:

1.  Credit hours for lab courses, with a consideration of having a formal working session with a representative from the Academic Standards and Curriculum Committees, and to review other COPLAC institutions as models.

2.  Need for grade grievance policy.

3.  Outcomes model relative to strategic initiatives.

4.  Student learning and institutional vitality.

5.  Continued dialog between the Faculty Senate and the Provost and President.

V.        Remarks from the Student Senate Representative: Angela Galvan

A.  Diversity is something that is ongoing, not just a “staff assignment,” and should be a University wide effort.

B.  There has been a problem with not enough seats to meet graduation requirements in the past (in reference to Synthesis and Applications General Education courses) and some courses were “written off” last year.  This diminishes the value of those courses.

C.  If the University makes a statement that a program is valuable, and then cuts it, it is a mixed message.

D.  The Student Senate is seeking participants, as there may be some resignations at the October 7^th Senate meeting.

E.  The Queer Resource Center was very active over the summer with a skeleton crew.

F.  The Student Senate is seeking input on the new design for the Stevenson Union.

VI.       Action Items

A.     Faculty Senate Goals for 2003-04

1.      The Faculty Senate Strategic Plan for 2002-03 and the results of the Faculty Senate Survey for 2003-04, administered at the Faculty Senate Orientation on September 16, were distributed.

2.      Discussion was held on a template that identified University Distinctiveness, Student Learning and Organizational Vitality in relation to the following areas: Faculty Senate Process, Faculty Expectations, Resource Development and Deployment, Strategic Planning and Communication, Curriculum, and Teaching & Learning. Senators were offered the opportunity to rank individual priorities, which will be tabulated and reviewed at the next Senate meeting on October 20^th.  

VII.      Reports

A.     Information on the “Adopt a Hall” Faculty Partners 2003-04 Program was distributed.

1.      Senator Wayne Schumacher and Ruth Stoddard, Director of Residential Life, invited in approximately 25 student to represent the residential student population in support of faculty participation in this program.

2.      Zack Frederickson, Residential Assistant for Wellness Halls stated: “We endorse this program. Students get benefit from faculty conversations on their home base. Come and see what they are all about.  Students get more comfortable, and it builds community and a nurturing environment.”

3.      Ashlee Marston, Residential Assistant in Greensprings Hall, stated: “You will not be invading our privacy.  Students would enjoy it, getting into personal relationships with faculty members. Don’t be afraid to hang out with us.”

4.      Spike Huntington, Residential Assistant in Forest Hall Cascade, stated: “This summer, the hall flooded. But to get past the situation, we had a Velveeta and pork rinds party.  We got a social experience with a math professor, Nancy Imig, who joined our party.  Then, when I started my math class, she was my teacher! Please come and join us in the residence halls!”

5.      An invitation was expended to share hobbies and interests with the students through this program. Options include giving presentations, having dinner, or doing an overnight stayover, as well as attending events and parties. Contact Ruth Stoddard if interested in participation.

VIII.     Adjourned approximately 5:30 pm.