University Governance
UNIVERSITY SENATESeptember 11, 2008 – 3:30 p.m.
Room #203, Green Hall,
Approved 10/23/08
PRESENT: Faculty – : Mary Berry, Melissa Birch, James Daugherty, Mohamed El-Hodiri, Ada Emmett, Allen Ford, Joe Harrington, Bob Harrington, Doug Huffman,unigov-l Man Kong, Liz Kowalchuk, Alice Lieberman, Charles Marsh, Steve Maynard-Moody, Joyce McCray-Pearson, Brent Metz, Jean Phillips, Barbara Phipps, Gitti Salami, Iris Fischer, Dan Spencer, John Staniunas, Jeff Staudiner, John Stratton, Stacey White, Kelli Thomas, Rodolfo Torres, Donna Tucker, Anthony Walton, Lisa Wolf-Wendel. University Support Staff – Betty Childers, Mary Ann Baker, Unclassified Staff – Jeannette Johnson, Danny Kaiser, Jason O’Connor; Students – Ben Cohen, May Davis, Stacy Elmer, Eric Foss, Mason Heilman, Libby Johnson, Bill Walberg, Elise Higgins, Tonia Salas, JJ Siler, Jason Oruch, Aly Rodeee. Ex-officio - Adam McGonigle, Dennis Constance, Paul Farran.EXCUSED: David Brackett, Matt Burke, Marta Caminero-Santangelo, Ben Eggleston, Mark Ezell, Lisa Friis, Jim Orr, Bozenna Pasik-Duncan, Jean Peterson; Cayla Witty.
ABSENT:
President Mary Berry called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
MINUTES for May 1, 2008 were approved.
REPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY SENATE PRESIDENT
Mary Berry reported that SenEx met three times during the summer to write charges which it tried to keep succinct, for all of the University Senate committees, She noted that she and Faculty Senate president Nancy Kinnersley meet monthly with the Provost and periodically with Mary Lee Hummert and Danny Anderson to keep them apprised of governance activities. She added that KU has a good system of shared governance.
REPORT OF THE FACULTY SENATE PRESIDENT
Nancy Kinnersley reported that the Council of Faculty Senate Presidents (COFSP) will reconvene next week during the Board of Regents meeting.
The changes to Faculty Senate Rules, Art. IV, regarding resident credit for independent study courses taught through Continuing Education have been approved by the Chancellor. Implementation will be delayed to Fall 2009 in order to allow time for the schools to designate courses for independent study.
A task force is being formed to update KU’s conflict of interest policy. Facex wrote charges to the Faculty Senate committees this summer, appointed faculty members to committees, and will receive an update next week from the Task Force on Revising the Faculty Handbook.
REPORT OF THE STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT
Adam McGonigle reported that Student Senate is working on a plan to reduce its election period from six months to six weeks. The Student Senate passed a bill regarding the appeals process for student fees allocated by various Student Senate boards. He is meeting with the consultant, administrators, and Athletics staff about plans for the aquatic center at the Recreation Center. The Student Legislative Awareness Board (SLAB) has already registered 300+ voters and is inviting seven candidates to speak on campus this fall.
REPORT OF THE UNCLASSIFIED SENATE
Paul Farran reported that the Provost will address the Unclassified Senate on 9/24 regarding KU’s budget. The Senate’s bylaws and website are being updated, and the group is planning its annual visit to the legislature next spring.
REPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY SUPPORT STAFF
Reporting for Dennis Constance, Mary Ann Baker noted that the USS Senate’s one-day “Dust Devil” tour of the Salina and Council Grove area is scheduled for Oct. 13th.
CHARGES TO UNIVERSITY SENATE COMMITTEES
Liz Kowalchuk/Jason O’Connor moved to approve the charges to the following committees: Academic Computing, Academic Policies and Procedures, Athletic, Calendar, International Affairs, Libraries, Organization & Administration, Planning and Resources, and Retirees Rights and Benefits. Passed.
No further business.
Respectfully submitted,
Molly Mulloy