Members present:  Wilson, Harp, Miskevich, Starnes, Ballotti, Creider, Hendricks,  Espinoza, Vinaja, Dang, Smith, Horton, Mahan, Seminet, Odom, Dorsett, Druhan, West, Herndon, Schroeder, Sun, Singh (President), Openshaw & Hammack (Secretary)

President Jones reported on the University’s Legislative Priorities for the 81st Session.  These include: start-up funds for a B.S. degree in Construction Engineering, The Rayburn College for transfer students, and the College Readiness Academy.  Tuition Revenue Bond projects include: renovations to the university library, and the E&G Buildings. 
President Jones is creating a Budget Development Committee which will include faculty member to strengthen the connection between planning and operations. Planning for 2009 budget begins in September 2008. 

Interim Provost Hendrix reported that the Tenure Procedures will be made consistent with the A&M System Tenure Policy. 
She also reported that the Deans are meeting about a proposed two class days per week schedule M, W 8-9:15-3:30-4:45p.m. and Tues., Thursday format.  Three day per week schedules will still be considered if the discipline can justify it.  Schedule change may be implemented in the spring.  This change will not alter the schedule for evening and weekend classes. 

The committee will report back to the Faculty Senate once they have written the questions.

Approval of Minutes from June 24, and July 15 meetings

New Business:

Dr. Singh explained that Serge von Duvillard had resigned as Senate President because of health reasons.  Dr. Singh who was President-elect will assume the role of president this year. 

Elections for President-elect

Election of Budget Development Committee Members

Faculty Senate Committees have been named. All senators must serve on at least one senate committee.  Chairs may add other members if they so choose to do so.

Amber Malloy is serving as GA for the Senate. She can be reached at (903) 249-3254 or at amaloy@leo.tamu-commerce.edu

Both sets of minutes were approved.

Senator Hendricks nominated John Smith for president-elect.  Second: Senator Openshaw.  John Smith was elected as President-elect for 2008-09.
Budget  Development Committee members  from Faculty Senate are: Philippe Seminet-Lit & Lang., Lavelle Hendricks- COEHS, Randy Odom-CBT, (Alternate-Tim Wilson-CBT)

Old Business

Communications

Dr. Singh will send a report from the Students' Evaluation Committee-- Appointed-July 2008.  The Committee members were Chair: R.N. Singh, Kathryn Jacobs, Linda Openshaw, and Tim Wilson. 

R. N. Singh, on behalf of Dave Crenshaw, attended a meeting with the Chancellor, Frank Ashley, and senate presidents from nine A&M System schools.  A discussion of system-wide evaluation of teaching by students occurred.  In the forthcoming Spring semester, all campuses will reward good teaching with monetary rewards.  The legislature is looking at the tenure system and there is a move toward all faculty being responsible for a strong research based publishing agenda, and receipt of external funds through grants.  Tenure issues may be addressed at the next legislative session. 

The Committee sent to Frank Ashley a list of ten evaluation questions that could be used as students evaluate faculty.