University Governance

UNIVERSITY SENATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

September 23, 2008

Provost’s Conference Room – 3:30 p.m.

Approved 10/21/08  
PRESENT:  Mary Berry, Liz Kowalchuk, Nancy Kinnersley, Lisa Wolf-Wendel, Ben Eggleston, Lisa Friis, John Staniunas, John Stratton, Mary Ann Baker, Dennis Constance, Paul Farran, Eric Foss, Adam McGonigle, May Davis, Bill Walberg

 EXCUSED: Danny Kaiser

 ALSO PRESENT: Molly Mulloy

           SenEx chair Mary Berry called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

MINUTES for August 26, 2008 were approved.

CONVERSATION WITH THE PROVOST

           Mary Berry welcomed Provost Richard Lariviere, who led a wide-ranging discussion and answered questions on issues including: 1)  the status of KU’s budget with the Regents and the Governor, 2) the aggressive reorganization of Information Services and needed infrastructure upgrades and campus re-wiring, 3) the possibility of outsourcing to improve technical support and service, 4) the centralizing of campus-wide computer purchases in order to obtain much larger discounts, and 5) free software packages for all students.

In response to questions about qualified admissions, the Provost commented that the Regents support the idea of the legislature giving them (BOR) the authority to define admission standards. He pointed out that 1 out of 5 freshmen fail; he urged that admissions criteria assess whether a student can succeed at KU and not be based solely on test scores, high school GPA, etc. He noted that diversification of faculty and students is going slower than he wished; more efforts are needed to recruit the growing Hispanic population in western Kansas.

            SenEx members thanked the Provost for taking the time to meet with them today.

 STANDING REPORTS

University Senate President

            Mary Berry reported that members of Vice Provost Denise Stephens’ Information Management Work Group, on which she serves, have suggested many innovative ideas to improve technical services on campus.

Faculty Senate President

            Nancy Kinnersley reported that the Regents have invited the Council of Faculty Senate Presidents (COFSP) to a breakfast meeting next month to discuss the BOR’s “five strategic questions.”  The BOR budget recommendation sent to the Governor last week includes a 4% cost of living increase.  She emphasized that accountability and affordability will be underlying issues for the BOR this year.

Student Body President

            Adam McGonigle said that Student Senate is moving forward with its recommendation to expand the student recreation center and will be meeting with 30 different focus groups to discuss the various options.

            A bill will be presented to the Senate this week asking that all instructors post mid-term grades in their courses. The Student Legislative Awareness Board (SLAB) has registered over 500 voters this semester.  The Campus Fee Review committee is reviewing mandatory campus fees. Legislation is expected later this month that will limit campaign timelines and spending for Student Senate elections.

Unclassified Senate President

            Paul Farran reported that the Provost will speak to the Unclassified Senate members at their meeting tomorrow. The Unclassified Senate will have a recommendation by 02/01/09 concerning a proposed document repository. He thanked Mary Berry for speaking at the last Senate meeting about her role as University Senate President and invited Dennis Constance and Nancy Kinnersley to meet with the group in the future.

University Support Staff President

            Dennis Constance reported that the USS Senate is busy finalizing plans for its “mini-Wheat State tour” on October 13th.

NEW BUSINESS

            Bill Wallberg invited members to the SUA (Student Union Activities) carnival this Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Recreation Center parking lot.

No further business.

Respectfully submitted,

Molly Mulloy