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August 16, 1999 August 30, 1999

October 4, 1999 November 1, 1999 January 24, 2000

February 21, 2000 March 13, 2000 April 17, 2000

MINUTES
Faculty Senate Executive Committee Special Meeting
August 16, 1999

Members present: Mary Papke, Sam Jordan, Marla Peterson, Bob Glenn, Jesse Poore, Lorayne W. Lester, Suzanne Kurth, Betsy Postow, Linda Bensel-Meyers, Katherine Greenberg, Norma Cook, F. Michael Combs, Johnie Mozingo, Bill Park

M. Papke called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

Papke asked those present to identify themselves and to tell why they are members of the committee. After the introductions she reviewed the reasons for the meeting and suggested that a letter to the Chancellor might be prepared to provide the Executive Committee's reaction to the revision of the UTK Five-Year Plan. She noted that some have expressed concern about the plan's lack of priorities, estimates of financial requirements and ideas on how to obtain funding.

She then asked for remarks from others. In response to a comment that sabbaticals are not included in the wish list, it was noted that "faculty leave awards" and "research semesters for deserving faculty" do appear in item 6.3.5. It also was pointed out that Goal 6.7 concerning "thematic areas" has several objectives listed with it, but they are not complete and include "references to Prosolvia, Inc. and to the Joint Institute of Neutron Sciences" which should be deleted.

Papke reported that she already has talked with the Chancellor about the reference to CTEP in Objective 5.1.1. CTEP currently is being reviewed by the Faculty Senate. M. Peterson noted there is nothing in the document truly emphasizing the importance of graduate education at UTK and the need for better support of its graduate programs. An entire section on such matters seemed appropriate to the committee.

B. Glenn noted that Objective 1.1 concerning shared governance does not reflect the Faculty Handbook which devotes about twelve pages to the role of faculty in governance. He provided Papke with a possible statement for the proposed letter to the Chancellor. Papke noted that with the Faculty Senate's new list-serve the letter can be a collaborative effort of the Executive Committee.

It was noted that Goal 6.6 should include "creative activities" as well as "research discoveries" since the objectives for that goal include "creative activities" and "creative achievements." The meaning of "compensation rationalization" in Objective 3.1.1. also was questioned, as was the use of "human resource" in the first sentence of the document (under Designation of Responsibility). "Human capacity" was suggested as a possible substitute.

B. Glenn suggested that Goal 3.1 concerning "faculty of distinction" should have an objective to reduce the reliance on part-time faculty and also to improve their employment. J. Poore cautioned that saying too much weakens the impact of each statement. L. Lester expressed concern about including an imprecise statement about part-time faculty, because many are crucial to graduate programs and research efforts. Peterson noted that how badly faculty are underpaid does not come through the wording of the document.

B. Glenn also noted that Goal 3.2 addresses service, but no objective for that goal includes service. He expressed his hope that objectives concerning service would be added. He noted that giving greater value to service might help the recruiting of minorities. Lester noted that this goal deals with hiring and few faculty are hired with service as a primary duty.

Papke then reviewed the concerns which had been expressed. M. Combs suggested that alternative wording should be provided with any comments about existing wording. It also was suggested that substantive suggestions occur first in the letter and that wording changes occur later in the letter. Glenn pointed out that, since suggestions had not been voted on, the letter should state that it is reporting on points of discussion which the Chancellor might wish to consider.

Peterson noted that objectives under Goal 2.4 mention the wellness program, a new Black Cultural Center, University Housing, a new parking garage, campus beautification and green space, but not instructional facilities. She and others commented that instruction and faculty, in general, receive little emphasis in the document.

The meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.



MINUTES
Faculty Senate Executive Committee
August 30, 1999

Members present: Mary Papke, Sam Jordan, John Nolt, Marla Peterson, Bob Glenn, Jesse Poore, Lorayne W. Lester, Suzanne Kurth, Betsy Postow, Linda Bensel-Meyers, Katherine Greenberg, Norma Cook, F. Michael Combs, Johnie Mozingo, Bill Park, Toby Boulet, John Peters, M. Mark Miller, Joe Trahern

M. Papke called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

The meeting began with introduction of the members. Papke then distributed copies of the letter concerning the Five-Year Plan; she said she delivered it to the Chancellor in person. Papke next reported that K. Bohstedt has resigned as chair of the Standing Committee to Oversee the Evaluation of Administrators. Randall Bresee will replace her as chair. Papke next asked when past-president M. Miller and past-parliamentarian D. Dobbs should be recognized for their work; it was decided to wait until the October meeting. She next reminded everyone that a document on a new information security policy is being circulated on campus. She then noted that M. Combs will report on the review of the CTEP and on a meeting of the Legislative Committee with B. Atchley.

B. Postow introduced J. Nolt who distributed a proposed resolution on the bridge to connect the agriculture campus and the main campus. The resolution calls for abandoning plans for a four-lane automotive connector and for planning and building a connector with access only for pedestrians, bicyclists, trolleys and/or emergency vehicles. The proposal is in agreement with the campus planning document. J. Peters suggested that the latest version of the plan should be ascertained. The resolution was approved unanimously.

Papke next reported that during the summer K. Bohstedt reported to the Executive Council on recommendations of the Standing Committee to Oversee the Evaluation of Administrators. It was decided then to establish an ad hoc committee to review certain proposals in the report. Papke asked for suggestions of people who might serve on the ad hoc committee. Miller noted that the Chancellor should be asked to suggest names. L. Lester suggested N. Shover from the Department of Sociology. Miller suggested P. Phillips from the College of Engineering. Peters said he would provide the names of members of a committee which helped to restore the program after its moratorium. Papke asked for other names to be sent by email. J. Poore reiterated his view that the program is not worth revitalizing. Papke indicated that one option to be considered is ending the program.

Papke reported that the Board of Trustees at its June, 1999, meeting passed a policy allowing each campus to name as many as three individuals each year to receive honorary degrees. The policy calls for Faculty Senate involvement in the selection process on each campus. She needs to confer with the Chancellor about the matter and intends to argue that there should be strong faculty representation in the process. Miller served on the Board of Trustees committee which considered the matter and said that strong faculty involvement was expected. B. Glenn suggested having a Senate committee begin considering criteria to be used in judging candidates for the honorary degrees and the degree categories that might be conferred. Papke asked for suggestions of people to serve on various committees associated with the process. Peters said that, from his experience elsewhere, the nomination process must be broad-based, the selection committee should have representatives from across campus, and only the successful nominees ever should know that they have been considered.

A wide-ranging discussion of international education and distant learning led to a decision to postpone consideration of bylaws changes proposed by the International Education Committee and to a decision that Papke should establish a committee to deal with distant learning issues.

Papke next turned to the topic of election of caucus leaders. Miller suggested including an article on the matter in a newsletter. Papke reported that there had been difficulties last year in at least one college with the process of electing new senators.

Peters distributed a list of the members of the Library Dean Search Committee. There is a target date of January 2000, and Peters expressed some preference for an external candidate. Names of possible candidates should be submitted to M. Moffett. Peters next reported that total enrollment as of August 27 was 25,778 as compared to 25,086 at the corresponding time a year ago. Undergraduate enrollment as of today is 20,270 as compared to 19,404 a year ago. Total enrollment is expected to increase a little. Graduate enrollment is down to 5,508 from 5,682 a year ago. As of today the number of first-time freshmen is 4,237 as compared to 3,814 a year ago.

Peters then distributed copies of the still confidential implementation plan for the new admissions policy, which is to be effective for students entering fall term, 2001, and thereafter. He asked for editorial comments and then briefly reviewed the document. Better management of enrollment is expected to improve minority enrollment. A major goal is maintaining a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,000 students.

The meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.



MINUTES
Faculty Senate Executive Committee
October 4, 1999

Members present: Mary Papke, Sam Jordan, Marla Peterson, Bob Glenn, Jesse Poore, Lorayne W. Lester, Suzanne Kurth, Betsy Postow, Linda Bensel-Meyers, Norma Cook, F. Michael Combs, Mike Devine, Bill Park, Toby Boulet, M. Mark Miller, Joe Trahern, Bill Blass, Burton English

M. Papke called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

President's Report (M. Papke)
Papke announced that N. Cook will chair the ad hoc committee concerning the review of administrators, M. Peterson will chair the ad hoc committee concerned with electronic technology and teaching and J. Trahern will chair the ad hoc committee concerned with the awarding of honorary degrees. She also reported that she has distributed the resolution concerning the proposed bridge to connect the agriculture campus with the main campus. She will speak briefly to the Board of Trustees at its next meeting. M. Miller said he found it useful to attend the Board's special meetings to see which topics were of most importance to the Board. B. Blass said he found the opportunity to speak to the Board to be beneficial for informing the Board about the state of the faculty. Papke next reported that D. Dobbs would be recognized at the next Faculty Senate meeting for his service as parliamentarian.

Chancellor's and Provost's Reports (M. Devine)
Devine said that work is proceeding on how to select faculty to be reviewed under the new cumulative review policy. Work also is proceeding on the funding of focus groups.

Bylaws Committee Report (B. Glenn)
Glenn reminded everyone that proposed bylaws changes will be distributed with the agenda of the next Faculty Senate meeting, but will not be acted on until the following Faculty Senate meeting. He then recommended that minutes of meetings of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee be approved by that committee rather than the full Senate, most of the members of which do not attend the Executive Committee's meetings. The Senate still would be asked for comments regarding the minutes. Papke noted that N. Cook has suggested a way for the Senate to have general discussions. There were not serious objections to Glenn's proposal.

Glenn next briefly discussed a memorandum distributed at the meeting from the Bylaws Committee. One item concerns a resolution that the Faculty Affairs Committee should comprise only faculty. Miller noted that since the intent of the resolution is to exclude administrators, the wording of the resolution should be changed; many administrators are faculty. Blass commented that there has been some value in having administrators on the Faculty Affairs Committee and suggested that a resolution of the nature of this one should come from the Faculty Affairs Committee. Papke asked whether there might be wording that would allow a member who is an administrator to participate in some activities, but not all activities. The current membership structure includes the Provost as a voting member of the committee. It was pointed out by Cook that the resolution might be amended to read "... comprise only elected faculty." It was decided to hold this matter until more work can be done on the resolution.

The next three items in the memorandum deal with "housekeeping" matters. The fifth item would revise the bylaws by allowing discretion to deviate from the ordinary schedule of Faculty Senate meetings. The sixth item charges the Executive Council with the responsibility to plan the business of the Senate, outlines a planning process, and provides for review and approval by the Executive Committee and the Senate. The seventh item lists two matters the Bylaws Committee is contemplating and asks for the advice of the Executive Committee. One matter would change the composition of the Executive Committee to include the chairs of all standing committees of the Senate. The other matter would revise the descriptions of all standing committees (except the Executive Committee) according to a certain set of principles. It was decided that the committee members should send comments and questions to Glenn. The second through sixth items were approved.

International Education Committee Report (M. Papke)
It was agreed that Papke should include a report from this committee in the material distributed with the next agenda.

Report on CTEP Evaluations by Teaching Council (M. Combs and W. Park)
Combs said he would report on the survey of faculty concerning CTEP. A summary of the survey results will be distributed with the agenda for the next Senate meeting. Park reported on activities of the Teaching Council, which has three recommendations for the Senate. They concern continuing student input regarding teaching, educating new faculty about teaching and its evaluation, and establishing a faculty committee to oversee the evaluation program (but not to be a grievance committee). Questions were raised about endorsing any recommendations before the written material that prompted the recommendations is available. Combs said the extensive material would be provided to anyone who requested it. It was decided that Combs would report on the data at the next meeting and Park would report at the following meeting after supporting material has been provided.

Discussion of Academic Integrity in the Athletic Program (L. Lester)
Lester said her office is concerned about some newspaper articles which suggest that a faculty member is a villain for calling attention to a possible academic problem involving one or more athletes. She also noted that some are asserting that the tutoring of student athletes is strictly the concern of the Athletic Department and the system administration. Glenn introduced an Executive Committee resolution in support of L. Bensel-Meyers, a faculty member frequently mentioned in newspaper articles about this matter. The resolution was approved unanimously. It was suggested that the Chancellor be asked to meet with the Executive Committee to discuss matters which arose during his trip to Japan. There was extensive discussion of how tutoring of athletes is handled, the role of faculty in academic integrity matters, institutional organization, etc.

Faculty Affairs Committee on Evaluation Manual (B. Glenn)
Glenn noted the importance of the manual in shaping the professional lives of faculty and reminded everyone that assurances were given last spring that a number of Faculty Senate concerns would be addressed in the manual. Papke expressed concern about exactly what a resolution might say, the fact the Faculty Senate has not been involved in the manual's previous versions, and the fact the manual theoretically is an implementation document, not a policy document. She also pointed out that the document is expected to continue to evolve. There was considerable support for the idea of preserving the ability to have faculty input as opposed to approval rights. Papke suggested asking C. Woods to speak to the Faculty Senate and to answer questions about the manual. Glenn agreed that such action would be helpful, but expressed concern that administrators might claim the Faculty Senate had approved the manual, when, in fact, it had not had that opportunity.

The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.



MINUTES
Faculty Senate Executive Committee
November 1, 1999

Members present: Mary Papke, Sam Jordan, M. Mark Miller, Marla Peterson, John Peters, Bill Park, Joe Trahern, Suzanne Kurth, Jesse Poore, Bill Blass, Johnie Mozingo, Clifton Woods, Philip Scheurer, Lorayne Lester, Katherine Greenberg, Bill Snyder, Mike Combs, Norma Cook, Burton English, Bob Glenn

M. Papke called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

President's Report (M. Papke)
Papke reported that she received some responses to the Faculty Senate's resolution on the proposed bridge to connect the two parts of campus. She also reported she had met with President Gilley and recommended that faculty not be organized to go en masse to Nashville for the special session of the legislature, since faculty are so busy. She also noted that she has been asked to suggest faculty to assist with a review of the Athletics Department's activities. Four faculty members are to serve on an Academic Integrity Committee and three other committees.

Papke also noted that she and Gilley discussed his establishing a committee on "streamlining" administration and that Gilley had expressed his willingness to appoint some faculty to the committee. Phil Scheurer read the list of eight committee members already appointed; Bill Rice is the chairperson. An interim report is due December 1 and a final report is due by January 15, 2000. M. Miller suggested that a member of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee should be on the committee. Papke said she would send a copy of Gilley's letter to each member of the Senate Executive Committee. How matters on campus are handled also will be studied to seek potential efficiencies.

Bylaws Committee Report (B. Glenn)
Papke reminded everyone that there will be a vote on recommended changes at the next Faculty Senate meeting.

Teaching Council (B. Park)
Park reminded everyone that at the last Faculty Senate meeting, M. Combs reported on a survey of CTEP. Park (through Papke) provided a report from the Teaching Council recommending continued use of the current form of CTEP, creation of a regular program to orient new faculty and to remind other faculty about CTEP policies, procedures and options, and the establishment of a CTEP subcommittee of the Teaching Council's Assessment Committee to implement the proposed program, to consider marginal changes to CTEP policies, procedures and options, and to address questions and concerns raised by teachers and students.

J. Poore then discussed a handout he provided at the meeting. It contains a resolution that the Faculty Senate Executive Committee withdraw its endorsement of CTEP and recommend that the Faculty Senate withdraw its endorsement of CTEP and recommend that the administration discontinue use of CTEP. It also contains supporting memos from Poore and from J. B. Conway, Head of the Department of Mathematics. Poore believes that CTEP should be shown to be reliable before it is used to assess and reward faculty performance. He is concerned about design, control, and analysis as well as use of the data.

M. Combs commented that the survey on CTEP was meant only to obtain some general ideas about CTEP and noted that the Teaching Council and Poore have reached essentially the same conclusion: there are problems with CTEP. He also noted that department heads and other administrators must understand the limitations of CTEP results. Miller expressed concern about the Teaching Council's recommendation for indefinite use of the current CTEP form. J. Peters noted that student opinion of teaching must be sought through some form and that tenure and promotion documents rely on more than CTEP results to assess teaching. Several noted that there is a commitment to the students to have student evaluation of teaching. Blass also noted the use of an assessment form that has not been validated in any matter leading to a negative decision about a faculty member could lead to legal difficulties.

Papke asked whether a compromise resolution might be possible. Miller noted that action is not necessary today, only this year. Poore noted that attacking CTEP on statistical grounds is easy and that he is concerned that CTEP will define good and bad teaching. Papke suggested including in any resolution the concerns about how CTEP results should be used. There was general agreement with her proposal and the two items from Park and Poore were withdrawn. Combs asked for permission to improve CTEP while a new resolution is being developed. It was agreed that the Teaching Council is authorized to take such action. Park expressed concern that much faculty time and effort might be expended without a significant outcome.

Athletics Committee (B. English)
English distributed copies of the unapproved minutes of the committee's October 18, 1999, meeting. He briefly reviewed the activities of the committee. J. Peters said he will conduct an "academic program review" of the tutoring program for athletes and wants to work with the Athletics Committee in the review process. Papke suggested that English report to the Faculty Senate how data is obtained. In response to a question from J. Trahern, it was clarified that faculty chairs of subcommittees involved in the NCAA Certification process are appointed by the campus administration, not the Athletic Department.

Legislative Committee (M. Combs)
Combs reported on the main activities of the committee. He noted that a meeting with F. Cagle, Knoxville News-Sentinel editor, was worthwhile and interesting.

Ad Hoc Committee on Technologically-Enhanced Instruction (M. Peterson)
Peterson reported that the committee has a large collection of references and documents related to technologically-enhanced instruction. Miller suggested providing the web addresses on the Senate list-serve. Snyder described five initiatives concerning information technology that the Division of Information Infrastructure is proposing and Blass distributed a proposal for a faculty computer workstation program. (Blass also distributed copies of the draft "acceptable use policy" for technology resources and asked for responses to it.)

Faculty Evaluation Manual (C. Woods)
Woods reported on the history of the manual, which covers annual evaluation of probationary faculty, tenure and promotion considerations, and annual and cumulative reviews of tenure faculty. A revised version of the manual is to be available on the Academic Affairs web site tomorrow. It contains some changes made in response to comments from Faculty Senate committees. Papke noted that the Senate needs to identify its concerns and continue to discuss them and to continue to have a dialogue with the administration on what the manual says. Woods will report to the Faculty Senate at its November 15, 1999, meeting.

Provost's Report (J. Peters)
Peters reported that Snyder informed him two weeks ago that Snyder would retire as Chancellor on December 31, 1999. President Gilley then asked Peters to serve as interim Chancellor, probably for six to nine months. Peters then noted that it is time for SACS reaccreditation. It and the NCAA Certification will occur simultaneously. The five-year plan also must be updated. Finally, funds soon will be distributed to the thematic groups.

The meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.



MINUTES
Faculty Senate Executive Committee
January 24, 2000

Members present: Mary Papke, Sam Jordan, M. Mark Miller, Marla Peterson, John Peters, Bill Park, Joe Trahern, Suzanne Kurth, Jesse Poore, Charles Thompson, Philip Scheurer, Lorayne Lester, Katherine Greenberg, L. Bensel-Meyers, Betsy Postow, Mike Combs, Norma Cook, Burton English, Bob Glenn

M. Papke called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

President's Report (M. Papke)
Papke asked for and received approval of minutes of the Executive Committee meetings of October 4, 1999 and November 1, 1999. She then briefly described the open forum (sponsored by the Faculty Senate) on administrative streamlining. She next reported that she has appointed one senior senator from each division as caucus leader for that division. She also reported that she has sent a copy of the Faculty Senate resolution regarding an employee's taking a lump sum payment of retirement funds to the State Senate & House Finance Committees' members. She also has asked the Faculty Affairs Committee to consider establishing a committee to oversee on a continuous basis the Manual for Faculty Evaluation, which is supposed to be an evolving document.

Ad Hoc Committee on Technologically-Enhanced Delivery of Instruction (M. Peterson)
Peterson distributed a written first report and spoke briefly about it. This report concerns information on faculty playing major leadership roles in and campus units and committees dealing with technologically-enhanced delivery of instruction.

Faculty/Staff Benefits Committee (C. Thompson)
Thompson distributed copies of the resolution (already passed) on lump sum payments of retirement funds. He reported that bills concerning the matter are not being reported out of committee. A representative from Nashville will attend a committee meeting on February 1, 2000, to discuss the matter. Thompson hopes that senators will ask their faculty to ask legislators to get the bills out of committee. Thompson also distributed minutes of the committee's meeting of December 7, 1999, and a new resolution concerning retirees' opportunities to purchase insurance coverage for drugs without losing current state subsidies.

Legislative Committee (M. Combs)
Combs reported that State Senator R. McNally probably will attend one of the committee's meetings, and efforts are being made to get other legislators to attend meetings.

Teaching Council (B. Park)
Park reported that the Council is looking more closely at the responses to its survey of faculty attitudes, reviewing various evaluation instruments, learning more about the University of Washington's evaluation forms and program, and seeking student input on evaluation of teaching. The Council's next meeting will be January 26, 2000; a firm timetable for its actions will be adopted at that meeting. Combs reported that the Committee for Student Evaluation of Teaching is working hard to give everyone an opportunity to comment on student evaluation. At least one forum will be held. He distributed packets of material related to the committee's work. Neither Park nor Combs will report at the February Senate meeting.

Provost's Report (J. Peters)
Peters reported that the Governor's State of the State address will be January 31, 2000. President Gilley, Peters and others will represent the University of Tennessee. Peters reported that the administration is confident that the university's case is being made. A historic trustees meeting will occur in Memphis in early February; there will be a report from the Futures Committee, which is "blue-skying" what the institution should be like in twenty years. He reported that Gilley is convinced that the institution will have a bright future only if technology is emphasized. It is expected that the Governor will attend most of the trustees meeting and also will host a statewide forum on higher education in Tennessee.

Peters reported that Gilley has asked each unit of the University of Tennessee to prepare two-or three-page statements about the strategic position the unit is striving for. Peters distributed copies of Gilley's request and expressed interest in receiving comments on the matter. Peters will write the statement for this campus.

Peters next distributed copies of a memorandum from his office to deans, directors and department heads on computer connectivity charges. Part of the tuition increase is being used to reduce connectivity charges. It is hoped that the $1.3 million of tuition being used this way will be sufficient on an annual basis for at least three years. J. Poore cautioned that current methods of communication may be replaced by wireless communication in the next few years. He also noted that it is necessary to allow for the rapidly increasing bandwidth needs of individual users. Peters noted that the $1.3 million has not been placed in the base budget of DII, but remains under his control. He also noted that the campus budget hearing will be April 3, 2000.

Administrative Streamlining (P. Scheurer)
Scheurer reported that the committee has proposed ways to cut more than the requested $6-6.5 million per year. He said he is not free to be specific. Several strategies and their consequences were identified by the committee. Structure questions also have been addressed. Scheurer noted that it has been decided to commit to the SAP business program. J. Trahern noted that the implementation of the final streamlining plan will occur July, 2001. Peters pointed out that the realignment will reach down to the dean and department levels.

The meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.



MINUTES
Faculty Senate Executive Committee
February 21, 2000

Members present: Bob Glenn, Sam Jordan, John Peters, Charles Thompson, Bill Blass, Philip Scheurer, Mike Combs, Johnie Mozingo, Joe Trahern, Linda Bensel-Meyers, Marla Peterson, Toby Boulet, Norma Cook, Suzanne Kurth, Lorayne Lester, Katherine Greenberg, Bill Park

B. Glenn called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

President's Report (B. Glenn)
Glenn reported on behalf of Papke that he and she had met with President Gilley and K. High. They discussed several matters including the need to revise the Faculty Handbook, faculty representation at the annual SACS meeting, and the case of the Pediatric Department at University Hospital.

Discussion of Athletics Committee Proposal (B. Glenn)
Glenn said the committee has asked the Executive Committee about the idea of having the Faculty members on the Athletics Board be members of the Athletics Committee. J. Trahern expressed his opinion that the Faculty Senate also should have the opportunity to suggest who should be the institution's NCAA representative. No one objected to the proposed change in the selection process.

Bylaws Committee (B. Glenn)
Glenn distributed copies of a set of proposals. The first is a resolution to begin a thorough revision of the Faculty Senate Bylaws. The rewriting process would require considerable time. The remainder of the distributed material consists of proposed specific changes to the Bylaws. Glenn reviewed the nature of the proposed changes. The proposals will be put before the Faculty Senate at its next meeting.

International Education Committee Bylaws Proposal (K. Greenberg)
Greenberg distributed copies of a statement being proposed as a replacement of the statement concerning the International Education Committee in the current Faculty Senate Bylaws. The proposal states what the committee believes its purposes and activities should be. T. Boulet suggested that the first sentence of the proposed statement may be interpreted as a requirement by the Faculty Senate that the chair be a member of the Council for International Education. After some discussion it was decided the sentence is essentially acceptable.

Ad Hoc Committee on Evaluation of Administrators Process-Interim Report (N. Cook)
Cook distributed copies of the interim report and briefly reviewed it. She also asked for comments on whether the committee is headed in the correct direction. K. Greenberg noted the need for adequate support staff. The report will be posted on the web.


OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS

Faculty and Staff Benefits Committee (C. Thompson)
Thompson distributed copies of a letter from him to President Gilley. The letters lists four items which the committee wished to discuss with Gilley. Thompson reported that the committee has met with Gilley and Gilley has stated his support for all the items.

Budget Committee (T. Boulet)
Boulet reported that the committee hopes to approve a resolution next Monday and, if it does so, he will bring copies of it to the next Faculty Senate meeting.

Research Council (B. Blass)
Blass reminded everyone that a request for SARIF proposals has gone out. He also noted that a subcommittee of the Council will be considering the nominations for faculty research awards (formerly, Chancellor's Research Awards).

Provost's Report (J. Peters)
Peters noted that more information on streamlining the administration is available on the president's web site. He briefly reviewed the changes already made and some of the changes being discussed. At this time, there is not expected to be a third round of changes. Peters also said he has been directed by the president to streamline the Evening School. A small team is working on the matter. In addition, he expects to be asked to streamline Student Affairs. Also, there are requests to converge the functions of the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School and the former Office of Academic Affairs, to merge the undergraduate and graduate admissions and records functions, and to give admission functions to the professional colleges. Work already is proceeding on how to create a budget. Blass noted that the Research Council has concerns about the separation of research function from academic functions. Peters responded that the Council should make its views known to the correct individuals.


OTHER BUSINESS

Glenn announced that President Gilley will come to the March meeting of the Faculty Senate and will be available to answer questions.

The minutes of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting of January 24, 2000, were approved without change.

Glenn then called for nominations for secretary. S. Jordan was the only one nominated. Glenn turned next to membership of the Committee on Committees. He distributed ballots which were to be marked (two names in each division) and tabulated. The results will be reported to the Faculty Senate at its next meeting. Those selected will be nominees for the Committee on Committees. Glenn next asked whether any further action regarding the Pediatrics Department should be taken. He noted that three faculty in that department already have committed to other employers for next year and first-year students have been advised to go elsewhere. He also stated that Papke and he stressed to Gilley the need for quick action. There has been essentially no response from the administration.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.



MINUTES
Faculty Senate Executive Committee
March 13, 2000

Members present: Mary Papke, Bob Glenn, Sam Jordan, John Peters, Charles Thompson, Philip Scheurer, Mike Combs, Joe Trahern, Linda Bensel-Meyers, Toby Boulet, Norma Cook, Suzanne Kurth, Lorayne Lester, Jesse Poore, Bill Park

M. Papke called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

Minutes (M. Papke)
Minutes of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting of February 21, 2000, were approved.

President's Report (M. Papke)
Papke reported that she has sent to President Gilley the Faculty Senate's latest resolution on the closing of the Pediatrics Department. She also moderated a faculty forum with President Gilley at noon today. She reported that the crowd was small, but the interaction was good.

Budget Committee Resolution (T. Boulet)
Boulet distributed copies of the report, asked that it be distributed with the agenda for the next Faculty Senate meeting and asked that it be voted on at that meeting. He reported that the faculty involved in certain programs change each semester or year, so that identifying those programs with one or two faculty members whose salaries greatly exceed those of the other faculty is not feasible in some cases.

Bylaws Committee (B. Glenn)
The proposed changes to the Bylaws, which were distributed with the agenda for the last Faculty Senate meeting, will be voted on at the next meeting. The proposed change of the statement on the International Education Committee also will be voted on.

Teaching Council (B. Park)
Park discussed the Council's report on the current student review of teaching program. He recently mailed the report to committee members and it will be distributed with the agenda for the next Faculty Senate meeting. The report contains recommendations on the name of the system, the forms to be used, the nature of the reports of results, and implementation /administration of the system. L. Lester asked whether consideration has been given to dealing with the problem of something being done to the data after the instructor has left the room. Park said the matter would be considered. J. Poore indicated that he would prepare a counterresolution concerning the validity of the data and its use. J. Peters commented that students should have the opportunity to comment on instruction, but those responsible for personnel decisions must realize that student evaluations are only part of the whole picture. Poore agreed, but noted that everything involved in the process varies and the reports do not account for that fact.

Ad Hoc Committee on Evaluation of Administrators Process (N. Cook)
Cook distributed copies of the committee's report and briefly reviewed the proposed changes. The report will be distributed with the agenda for the next Faculty Senate meeting and a resolution for approval will be presented for a vote. There will be a meeting with President Gilley to determine whether he supports the program.

Provost's Report (J. Peters)
Peters said that President Gilley testified at the state budget hearing last week. Articulation among state-supported higher education institutions is a current concern in Nashville. Time-to-degree is another issue receiving some attention. He also noted that a list of faculty who have left UT in recent years, together with their old and new salaries, was provided to legislators and seemed to have the desired effect. The budget process on campus is about half completed. The last candidate for Dean of Libraries is interviewing today, so a decision should be announced in three to four weeks.

Peters next yielded the floor to Phil Scheurer. Scheurer reported on the recent Living-Wage Teach-In. He spoke for about an hour with a delegation from the group. He characterized the meeting as not adversarial. President Gilley will meet with another delegation later. Scheurer turned next to the TDOT public hearing on the proposed bridge; the hearing is scheduled for Thursday of this week. It is strictly on the current bridge design, not the appropriateness of having the kind of bridge that has been designed. He next reviewed capital projects including a new warehouse facility on Middlebrook Pike obtained in a deal with the city, the "gulch" between "the hill" and the railroad track through the former World's Fair Site, a new large garage at the corner of 11th and Cumberland where the child-care facility has been (there will be a pedestrian bridge to the hill), new skyboxes on the east side of the stadium which are to be completed by football season, the completion of the addition to and renovation of Claxton, the new geography building which is to be completed in a month, the Alumni Gym renovation which includes an auditorium with a capacity of 900 to 1,000, the Hessler project which requires building two new facilities for current occupants of Hessler, development of the pedestrian mall including removal of the street, a $20 million student fitness center, a garage on Lake Avenue to be completed by August 15, 2000 and a new Black Cultural Center. Scheurer also discussed the topic of classroom cleanliness and pointed out that janitorial service is low on everyone's priority list. Several committee members described atrocious conditions in buildings they must use.

The meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.



MINUTES
Faculty Senate Executive Committee
April 17, 2000

Members present: Mary Papke, Sam Jordan, Suzanne Kurth, Bill Park, Katie High, John Peters, Johnie Mozingo, Joe Trahern, Mark Miller, Burton English, Bill Blass, Bob Glenn, Linda Bensel-Meyers, Norma Cook, Jesse Poore, Mike Combs, Philip Scheurer, Lorayne Lester, Clifton Woods, Marla Peterson, Kathy Greenberg

M. Papke called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

President's Report (M. Papke)
Papke asked for and received approval of the minutes of the March 13, 2000, Senate Executive Committee meeting. She then reported that she has spoken several times with President Gilley about revision of the Faculty Handbook. He has suggested that the Faculty Senate begin the process. She and Bob Glenn will do so. Papke next distributed copies of the report on the Pediatric Residency Program in Knoxville and Gilley's response which accepts and endorses the conclusions of the report.

Papke then turned to the article in the Knoxville News-Sentinel this morning that the university is considering establishing a new college to be based on the internet. She reported that she already has stressed to Gilley the need for faculty involvement in any such project. L. Lester said that one plan she has heard moves the Evening School and the College of Continuing Education to the new college. Several individuals noted that academic programs, academic credit and other such matters are at the heart of faculty responsibilities. B. Blass expressed his view that with the end of the systems administration the creation of a new college by the University of Tennessee is the proper concern of the faculty at all the locations of the university. M. Miller cautioned that we must support delivering higher education to the residents of the state, but doing so in an educationally sound manner. Papke reminded everyone that the only information we have now is from the newspaper article and said that she has asked Gilley to report the facts to the Faculty Senate. S. Kurth noted that any statements must call for faculty participation in all activities related to the new college. J. Poore noted that the position of the Knoxville campus is not particularly strong, since it has not done a great deal with outreach. Blass emphasized his concern that the new college is separate from existing units. It was agreed that the proposals presented at the last Faculty Senate meeting by the Ad Hoc Committee on Technologically-Enhanced Instruction should be revised to reflect this new development and be presented at the next meeting. Poore noted that there is a market for distance learning and we need to decide whether we want to participate and, if not, wish success to those who do. Blass commented that we need to emphasize the difference between education and training.

Athletics Committee (B. English)
English distributed two reports, one dealing with academic matters and one dealing with a financial review of the construction and operation of the Thompson-Boling Assembly Center and Arena. He briefly reviewed the reports. After some discussion it was realized that a recommendation about where tutoring should occur needs to be reworded. English said he would do so and provide the revised report the next day. He also said he would remove a recommendation that the heads of men's and women's athletics meet with the head of the Department of English. L. Bensel-Meyers then distributed a "counter-report" which will be distributed with the agenda for the next Faculty Senate meeting. She also distributed some sample student-athlete academic records demonstrating some problems. For privacy reasons those records will not be distributed.

Research Council (B. Blass)
Blass said there would be a report available for the next Faculty Senate meeting. He then described various funds for the support of graduate students and faculty and for research awards for faculty. He noted that there is a faculty workstation refresh program; others indicated that continued funding of the program is not yet in next year's budget, but they expect it to be proposed.

Teaching Council (B. Park)
Park reminded everyone that the committee's recommendations were reported at the last Faculty Senate meeting. Prompted by Poore, Park said that it is his understanding that the University of Washington requires each faculty member to have student evaluations done for at least one course each year. Poore then distributed a memorandum on the report of the Teaching Council. It includes a resolution calling for the Executive Committee to withdraw its endorsement of CTEP and to recommend that the administration discontinue mandated use of CTEP in personnel decisions. Poore briefly discussed the memorandum, which lists many criticisms of the Teaching Council report and the mandated use in personnel decisions of CTEP data which has not been shown fit for that purpose. After some discussion Papke noted that there is a need for some form of student evaluation because of the agreement with the students and that there is a problem with the mandate to use the evaluations in personnel decisions. She said she would have to support the Teaching Council report, but would like to see the Teaching Council continue to work on the process and to try to address the shortcomings of CTEP. J. Peters suggested the focus should be on how faculty instruction is evaluated and that much more than student evaluation should be involved. After more discussion, Poore's resolution was voted down, 6 to 4.

Ad Hoc Committee on Honorary Degrees (J. Trahern)
Trahern reported that the committee needs more time because of three ambiguous sentences in the Board policy and because of a confidentiality problem with the process.

OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS

Committee on Committees (B. Glenn)
Glenn reported that committee assignments will be announced at the next Faculty Senate meeting.

Provost's Report (J. Peters)
Peters noted that the budget hearing will occur tomorrow and the search for a new Library Dean is progressing.

The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

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