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

December 2, 2008 minutes as distributed.

Moved by LaVelle Hendricks.

Guest Speakers:

President Dan Jones

Dr. Gary Peer, Interim Provost

Announcements:
Money for Me campaign was successful. There was a 5% growth in spring enrollment and a 178% growth in the winter-mini enrollment.

Reorganization:
Dr. Peer is our new Interim Provost for Academic Affairs.  The Provost search is underway and should be completed in mid-April.  Dr. Hendrix is the permanent Vice President of Student Access and Success.
The interview for Vice President for Institutional Advancement is the weekend of February 6, 2009 and the interview for College of Arts and Sciences Dean will be announced soon.
Programs that are fifty percent or more online need approval from Board of Regents.

Construction:
Dedication of the Sam Rayburn Student Center occurred January 30, 2009.
Music Building ground breaking is February 06, 2009 after the President’s Inauguration.

Budget:
There is a shortfall of one million dollars in lost investment earnings.  Prepare for possibility of a 10 percent reduction in next year’s budget.  We may consolidate classes in fewer buildings and close some of the buildings to save costs during the summer.

Summer School:
Looking at the trend of summer SCH production and instructional cost, there will be an increase in the number of students required to make a course for campus, online courses, and off-campus delivery.
Summer 2009 budget may be the same as the 2008 budget.

Provost Search:
On February 10, 2009, the search committee will meet and go through the process to select the group for face-to-face interviews.  There will be three to four individuals selected for on campus interviews and the Senate will be allowed to interview candidates.

Communication
Senate President RN Singh

Dr. Singh made the following announcements: 

There is a state Faculty Senate meeting in Austin, March 6 & 7.  Senate President RN Singh and Senator Tim Wilson are our representatives.

University handbook is being revised and edited by the Academic Life Committee.

ID cards can be used to open door to faculty lounge.  Contact Mark Giossi if your card does not work.

Committee Reports

Academic Life:
Committee will draft ideas to present at the March meeting for post tenure review.  Both the President and Provost favor a five year comprehensive review for tenured faculty.
Academic Practices:
Survey was sent to faculty via listserve concerning summer school practices
Budget:
Tuition increase hearing is scheduled for Tuesday February 10 at 9:00 a.m. and Wednesday February 11 at 2:00 p.m. on campus.  The metroplex meeting is the Wednesday February 11.
Curriculum:
Online approval of courses and programs is in process.
Faculty Awards:
Deadline for nominations for 2009 faculty awards is February 20.  New committee rules:  If you are serving on this committee and are nominated for an award you can either resign from the committee and accept the nomination or decline the nomination and remain on the selection committee.  Awards luncheon is set for April 14.  Request department heads to submit the number of faculty attending the luncheon to ensure adequate food is ordered.
Facilities & Scheduling:
Summer is now a five-day week instead of a four-day week.  If buildings are closed to conserve energy where will the staff be assigned and what about telephone calls?  Will buildings be closed to faculty also?
Senator Ballotti clarified laboratory requirements for Speech courses:
Speech 111 & 245 with .001 section numbers must have a lab.  Speech 111.002 (Honor’s course) does not have a lab.
This committee is checking into tuition remission for faculty families.