Site Index

Alligood read a resolution commending and thanking the past-president, Dhyana Ziegler, and then presented a framed copy to Ziegler. Alligood also presented Ziegler with a plaque-mounted gavel. Alligood next asked the new senators to stand and then welcomed them. She also asked the chairpersons of the Senate committees to stand and be recognized as she read the list of committees.

Alligood reported that she has asked each Senate committee to consider the effects of the budget shortfall and to review the powers and duties of the Senate as described on the first page of the Faculty Senate Bylaws. She noted that 1997 will be the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Faculty Senate. She asked each senator to think about how the Faculty Senate can be more effective and to participate in their committees and in the Faculty Senate meetings. She expressed her desire that the Senate be active as well as reactive. She noted that her comments will be posted on the Faculty Senate Homepage.

With the correction that "position" should be "portion" in the first paragraph under UT System President's Report, the minutes of the Faculty Senate meeting of May 6, 1996, were approved. Minutes of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting of August 26, 1996, were approved with the corrections that "past-present" be "past-president" in line 3 under President's Comments and that line 9 of item 4 should read "... a variety of activities. He also commented that it has been...." Minutes of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee emergency meeting of May 1, 1996, were approved without change.

Information Technology Policy Statement of Responsible Use of Information Technology (G. Graber)
Graber noted that the committee was appointed last spring by Vice Chancellor Jose-Marie Griffiths and then read the list of committee members. The committee was charged to develop overall policies for use of information technology across the campus. A model that is educational rather than punitive was desired. Such a model was found at Lewis and Clark College. Graber then reviewed the committee's adaptation of that model and asked for comments on the policy during fall term. In response to a question about the policy item stating that no one else should be allowed to use one's account, Graber noted that the concern was that a degree of anonymity is thereby given to the one allowed to use the account. D. Birdwell noted that no one from Engineering or Computer Science was included on the committee and asked why that situation happened. Graber noted that he could not speak for Griffiths, who appointed the committee. Alligood suggested that S. Mettlen, Griffiths' replacement, may want to appoint additional members since she is newly appointed and persons from those areas might offer to serve in that capacity.

Senate/Chancellor Committee on Campus Cultural Life (P. Phillips)
Phillips asked Vice Chancellor Scheurer to join him and then noted that the committee was formed because students get so much of their education outside the classroom. Scheurer noted that several activities have been started even though there are severe budget constraints. He also reported that several campus problems have been identified by the committee and improved. Phillips also noted that new efforts are being made to inform the campus community of cultural events. Phillips asked that anyone with ideas or comments contact him, Scheurer or one of the subcommittee chairpersons.

Budget Committee (M. Peterson)
Peterson reviewed the document " 1996-97 Budget Reduction Impact Statement" (distributed at meeting) and activities of the Budget Committee. A primary concern of the Budget Committee is having faculty input in the budget process.

Library Lending Policy for Faculty: Proposed Change (S. Riggsby)
Riggsby reviewed two proposed changes in the Library Lending Policy: (1) a straight 365-day loan period for faculty loans and (2) limiting telephone renewals of bound journals to one (in-person renewals would not be limited). T. W. Wang suggested that all renewals be limited to one, so that materials would be available to more individuals. B. English noted that many departments cannot afford the copying that only one renewal might force on faculty. Dean Kaufman noted that the Library still will be able to use a fixed due date for all books loaned to a faculty member. Alligood clarified that this policy is not to be voted on in this meeting but will come for a vote in October.

Post-Retirement Service Program for Tenured Senior Faculty (J. Peters)
Peters reported that the Board of Trustees approved the Post-Retirement Service Program for Tenured Senior Faculty. He stated that interested faculty should contact their college offices.

Family Care Policies for Faculty (L. Maxson)
Maxson reported that the Family Care Policies for Faculty (distributed at meeting) will be considered by the Board of Trustees at its October meeting. Comments and suggestions are welcome. The policies will be reviewed by the Faculty and Staff Benefits Committee and later revisions will be possible.

Advisory Committee for Planning and Budgeting (B. Snyder)
Snyder recalled that a recommendation from the last SACS review, namely that the institution have a committee for long-term budgeting and planning, has been implemented. He reviewed several matters that are to be addressed by the Advisory Committee and promised to provide a corrected copy of his handout for distribution with the next Faculty Senate meeting agenda. (Insufficient copies were available at the present meeting.)

Alligood noted that some copies of the booklet "Five-Year Plan" would be available as senators depart. She also expressed appreciation to Snyder and other administrators for their efforts to facilitate communication and encouraged everyone to publicize and attend the upcoming Vice Chancellor's fall semester lunch discussions and the Chancellor's conversation with the faculty on September 30.

President's Report
Alligood introduced two students from the National Bone Marrow Registry Drive. They made an appeal for minorities to register October 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in 226-27 University Center.

Alligood then briefly previewed the agenda items and introduced Susan Mettlen, the new Vice Chancellor for Information Infrastructure.

Minutes of the Faculty Senate Meeting of September 16, 1996, and of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee Meeting of October 7, 1996, were approved unanimously.

The Chancellor's Advisory Committee for Planning and Budgeting (B. Snyder)
Snyder provided (for the minutes) a summary of comments made at the recent Faculty Convocation. He emphasized that mid-year budget reduction is only a possibility and that financial planning needs to be considered several years at a time. He next introduced the chairpersons of the five task forces: Institutional Values and Mission, Kathy Bohstedt, Chair; Criteria and Process for Program Evaluation, Hap McSween, Chair; Budget Analysis, Greg Reed, Chair; Process for Campus Dialogue, Dhyana Ziegler, Chair; Options for Restructuring, Marla Peterson, Chair.

Bohstedt briefly reviewed a draft statement "Reaffirmation of Institutional Values" (distributed at meeting). She invited comments on the document.

McSween reported that his committee has not reached agreement on many matters. They are trying to create a process for program evaluation that can be used in good and bad times. He emphasized that program evaluations probably will not be reduced to numbers that then will trigger budget decisions; however, quantitative data probably will play an important role. The committee will report its positions when it has reached agreement on these very difficult matters.

Reed briefly discussed financial matters and the THEC formula. He emphasized that his task force is looking at expenditures, rather than budgets. He also reviewed a draft statement (distributed at meeting) from the Budget Expenditure Analysis Subcommittee. He invited comments on the document.

Peterson reviewed a document (distributed at meeting) from her task force. She emphasized that the document is a progress report, not a final set of recommendations. She invited comments on the many matters discussed in the document.

Ziegler reported that her task force has recommended a multi-layered mode of communication, i.e., the transmission of information through a variety of media and a variety of formats. She invited comments on how the dialogue can be enhanced.

Library Committee (S. Riggsby)
P. Kaufman reported for Riggsby. The Library is gathering information on practices at other libraries. The current recommendation calling for a one-year faculty loan policy and for limiting telephone renewal of bound journal loans to one time was approved.

University Employment Protection Against Liability (C. Thompson)
Thompson reported on the policy (distributed with agenda) and asked for comment and dissemination. A. Burstein noted that the policy does not describe the employees to whom it applies. Thompson agreed that the policy should include a statement describing the employees to whom it applies.

Discussion of Faculty Senate Sponsored Faculty Forums for Communication and Faculty Input in the Restructuring Process (M. Alligood)
Alligood read a resolution (distributed at meeting) calling for the Faculty Senate to take responsibility for communication between the budget and planning task groups and the faculty. It was noted that the document does not address the possibility of the Faculty Senate evaluating proposals from the task forces. Alligood noted that the present resolution is specific to communication, but this participation assumes discussion of the content of the reports and does not limit the Faculty Senate's activities. Furthermore, Alligood noted that the Senate might want to take concerted action later, but at this point it is important to participate and facilitate total faculty participation in the initial process. D. Birdwell asked whether the bylaws cover this kind of action without a resolution. The parliamentarian responded that resolutions may reaffirm functions already performed by the Faculty Senate and may serve to focus attention on current concerns. It was moved that the resolution be amended to read in line 2 of the first paragraph "... for deliberation and communication ..." and in line 2 of the last paragraph "... for deliberation and for providing...." The amendment was seconded and approved. The amended resolution was then approved.

Alligood next urged each senator and each caucus to call faculty attention to the work of the task forces and to distribute the information distributed at today's meeting. Several faculty forums are to be held if the Faculty Senate approves the concept. It was suggested that the first forum occur no sooner than two weeks from now to allow time for distributing information. The first forum is to focus on the Reaffirmation of Institutional Values Statement. All the material distributed at the meeting will be posted on the Faculty Senate Home Page, but it also will be distributed in other ways. Alligood noted the benefit of faculty attending forums and exchanging ideas with the wider campus community. D. Kelley moved that information be disseminated in each college and unit before the next Faculty Senate meeting. The motion was seconded and approved.

President's Report
Alligood reported on the Chancellor's breakfast meeting she attended in October. A fact sheet distributed at the meeting listed exact numbers for many facts about the university, but not for the faculty. Alligood is trying to obtain accurate numbers over a period of years for a variety of faculty categories. She also attended the recent Board of Trustees meeting and the Roddy Luncheon.

Alligood noted that the Faculty Senate Bylaws do not address specifically the matter of faculty welfare. She is discussing with various groups, such as the Executive Committee, whether an existing committee should be charged with being proactive in regard to faculty welfare or a new committee for that purpose should be created.

Alligood then emphasized the importance of faculty participation in shaping the University and encouraged everyone to participate in the forums being held to discuss draft reports of the task forces associated with the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Planning and Budgeting.

Minutes of the Faculty Senate Meeting of October 21, 1996, and of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee Meeting of November 4, 1996, were approved without change.

Budget Committee (M. Peterson)
Peterson reported that Mark Miller has been elected vice-chair and will chair the committee next year. She next reviewed the committee's response to G. Reed concerning the task force on budget analysis. Among other matters, the committee noted that not only the UT System and UTK have failed to plan adequately, but also various units of state government responsible for managing parts of higher education. The committee also has sent to all non-academic vice chancellors letters noting that some deans are doing cost analysis studies, asking whether the vice chancellors are doing such studies, and inviting them to attend the next committee meeting to discuss budget analysis. In response to a question, Peterson said that the committee is talking about both short-term and long-term changes with an emphasis on the latter. T. W. Wang raised the question of how units should balance the matter of maintaining the quality of the student pool and the matter of declining enrollments. Wang asked specifically whether any group is discussing this concern. Alligood responded that maintaining quality has been a major topic of discussion in many groups, although no answer for all situations has been found or is likely to be found.

Educational Policy Committee (M. Papke)
Papke reported that the committee has approved the Graduate Council minutes of 20 June 1996, the Undergraduate Council minutes of 19 September 1996 and the Graduate Council minutes of 12 September 1996. She also called attention to the policy requiring "culminating experiences" in each Master's degree program. Possible experiences are included in the material distributed with the agenda. The report was accepted with three votes in opposition.

Academic Vice Chancellor's Report (L. Maxson for J. Peters)
Maxson reported that the Deans' Council has been discussing possible changes to the Faculty Handbook. In particular, the current version discusses dismissal for adequate cause, but does not address what can be done if a faculty member is performing poorly, but not so poorly as to be dismissed. The Deans' Council is proposing the addition of the following: "Such action may include reducing faculty salary proportional to the reduced faculty work or under-performance with respect to departmental norms and requirements. Department heads will need to document behavior leading to disciplinary action and provide faculty opportunities to improve performance and address shortcomings outlined in their annual performance evaluation." Maxson noted that requests from department heads prompted the discussion and proposal. B. McConnell noted that punitive actions also need to be taken toward department heads who are not performing adequately. Maxson agreed. Alligood reminded everyone that the proposal will go through the usual approval procedures.

Maxson next called attention to proposed changes (distributed at the meeting) in the Undergraduate Catalog concerning changes in registration and withdrawing from the university. This proposal also will go through the usual approval procedures and deserves full faculty discussion.

Chancellor's Report (B. Snyder)
Snyder noted first that the duPont Corporation is sending to campus some of its people who have had experience in "downsizing." He next noted that there are 140 units at UTK which have more than 90% of their budgets in salaries and, hence, cannot absorb a 10% reduction (as proposed in the budget task force draft report) without eliminating positions or reducing salaries.

Snyder also reported that he and Peters are meeting with the faculty of each college to discuss the budget situation, a convocation with the staff is being planning, and various other means are being used to facilitate discussion. Finally, he reported that he has no news on an impoundment, but planning for the worst case expected is proceeding.

Alligood noted that S. Mettlen asked Alligood to nominate two faculty for an advisory group she is convening to deal with the new technology fee. Alligood has nominated B. Blass and M. Katz.

President's Report
Alligood announced that John Snider, professor and former head of Industrial Engineering, was killed in a flying accident yesterday. She extended condolences to his family and called for a moment of silence.

Alligood next reported that J. Peters would provide later in the meeting a preliminary report on the number of faculty at UTK. She reminded everyone of the vital role the Senate had in the chancellor's advisory planning and budgeting process. She noted that names of faculty to be considered for service on the Academic Program Evaluation Committee (APEC) have been forwarded to the chancellor from the Executive Committee. Chancellor Snyder will present this draft report for budget planning later in today's meeting.

Minutes of the Faculty Senate meeting of November 18, 1996, were approved unanimously. In response to a question concerning a reference in those minutes to a proposed addition to the Faculty Handbook, J. Peters commented that the proposal from the Dean's Council has not yet been taken by him to the Faculty Senate Executive Committee; the announcement of the proposal was made simply as a matter of information. Senator English noted that he had prepared written comments in response to the proposed addition. Alligood and Peters said they would like to receive a copy of such comments. Minutes of the Faculty Executive Committee of January 13, 1997, were then approved unanimously.

Athletics Committee (D. Kelley)
Kelley offered to respond to any questions about the material (distributed with agenda) provided by the Athletics Committee and then read several paragraphs about Athletics Department contributions to the university. She noted that D. Dickey and J. Cronan, as well as H. Denton, regularly attend Athletics Committee meetings. Dickey and Denton were present to answer any questions senators might have for them. There being none, she expressed willingness to invite anyone who is interested to attend the committee's meetings.

Nominating Committee (P. Fisher)
Fisher identified members of the Nominating Committee and invited senators to make nominations for president-elect. In response to a question from B. Blass, Fisher reported that there currently are twelve nominees. She read their names and noted that not all have agreed to stand for election. F. Davis nominated Matt Murray. Fisher and Alligood noted that a nominee must have been a senator in the last five years. Ahmad Vakili also was nominated. Fisher reported that eligible nominees will be asked to provide "position" statements and vitae which will be used by the committee to select the slate of two. It was moved and approved that nominations be closed.

Educational Policy Committee (M. Papke)
Papke reported that the undergraduate withdrawal policy revision reported by L. Maxson at the last Faculty Senate meeting has been rejected by the Educational Policy Committee. She reported that comments may be directed to her or to L. Tober.

Chancellor's Report (B. Snyder)
Snyder encourage everyone to get a copy of the draft report "Institutional Advancement in a Changing Fiscal Environment" (distributed at meeting). He then reviewed some recent history of efforts to involve more faculty (and others) in planning and budgeting in response to a SACS recommendation. In particular, in July, 1996, the Advisory Committee on Planning and Budgeting was charged with identifying strategies for dealing with a shrinking budget. In response, five task forces were formed to address different aspects of the problem. Snyder synthesized their reports and circulated his document to the task forces for comment. The current draft is roughly the eighth and will appear in CONTEXT by mid-February.

Snyder commended the ACPB for taking a wide view and said he would hold at least one campus-wide meeting to discuss the report; this colloquy probably will occur in late February. In response to a question, Snyder said that the current process will not replace the existing academic review process. F. Davis asked where and how new ideas for restructuring the institution and creating "new products" enter the process. Snyder agreed that part of the process does amount to re-shuffling, but innovative ideas already have emerged and the administration is open to more. In response to a comment from T. Heffernan, Snyder noted that he tries to use every forum available to him to communicate the effectiveness of the university and its needs. Others asked what the system-level administration does to assist UTK. Snyder responded that efforts are made and described various difficulties that have arisen in trying to educate legislators and others.

D. Birdwell then expressed frustration with program duplication in Tennessee. Snyder agree currently is inadequate state control of program proliferation. In response to a question, Snyder said that academic program evaluations will occur every five years and non-academic program in evaluations will occur every three years. D. Birdwell noted the need for the university to have a system place for responding rapidly to opportunities. Snyder agreed, but noted that fiscal flexibility is necessary to respond quickly. C. Thompson noted the need to expand summer school for academic and fiscal reasons. Snyder agreed. He also expressed hope that the governor might learn about UTK's evaluation and restructuring efforts and encourage other state institutions to do the same.

Report and Discussion of Faculty Senate Role in the Process (M Alligood)
Alligood reminded everyone that three of the five task forces are chaired by former Faculty Senate presidents and that several current senators are involved in advising the chancellor. She also reminded everyone that the Faculty Senate sponsored the faculty forums on the task force reports. The Faculty Senate Executive Committee also has provided nominations for the evaluation committees. B. Blass noted that there will be a great demand on the time of faculty serving on the committees and expressed the opinion that some sort of consideration should be given those committee members.

Election of New Senators (B. Blass)
Blass and Alligood reported that the process of electing new senators has begun and that college deans should be asked for support in the process.

Academic Vice Chancellor's Report (J. Peters)
Peters expressed appreciation for faculty efforts in the planning and budgeting process. He then turned to the matter of how many faculty are at UTK. He noted that the number varies daily. He announced that from now on once a year there will be a report on the number of individuals in various categories. There will be both head count and FTE data. He said the Senate should thank their president for her role in getting the faculty counted. It may not be possible to get such data for past years. He feels certain that the data will raise many questions, but that there are answers.

President's Report
Alligood announced that Charles Jackson, former associate dean in Arts and Sciences, recently died. After a moment of silence, she noted that both the chancellor and the chair of the Budget Committee would report on the budget situation. She reported that eighteen names of faculty were submitted to the chancellor for possible inclusion on APEC and NAPEC. She commended the chancellor for his efforts to include faculty in budget considerations and also commended Vice Chancellor Peters for his efforts in counting the number of faculty and staff.

Minutes of the Faculty Senate meeting of February 3, 1997, were corrected to show the correct date and then were approved. Minutes of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee of February 17, 1997, also were approved.

Alligood next announced that the May 5, 1997, meeting of the Faculty Senate will begin with a reception at 3:00 p.m. to recognize the 25th year of the Faculty Senate. She plans to ask President Johnson to attend the reception and to stay for the Faculty Senate meeting.

Budget Committee (M. Peterson)
Peterson read part of a letter of commendation from the committee to Chancellor Snyder. Copies of the letter were distributed with the agenda. Snyder, Alligood, Peterson and R. Hamilton met last week to discuss the budget. They will have more meetings. Due to reduced support and unavoidable increases in expenses, the campus probably will face an expenditure reduction for next year of approximately $9.4 million.

D. Kelley referenced three guiding principles listed in a recent issue of "Academic Notes." One of these principles is to preserve strong graduate programs. Kelley is concerned that, if the ratio of graduate enrollments to undergraduate enrollments is maintained, then undergraduate programs might suffer. Peters reiterated his support for a strong undergraduate program.

Peterson encouraged anyone with suggestions about how the Budget Committee should proceed to let her know. Looking hard at all non-academic administrative positions that have appeared in the last ten years is one idea discussed at a Budget Committee meeting today. D. Dobbs noted that the research component of the faculty's activities must not be forgotten or targeted if UTK is to maintain its role as the state's flagship institution. In response to a question from D. Wilkerson, Peterson noted that the Budget Committee already has discussed the idea that taking funding from an open position may be the easiest, but not necessarily the wisest, action for meeting budget needs. F. Davis noted that many programs or units lack a critical mass and that some way must be found to have such programs or units interact with other appropriate units to reach critical masses. K. Misra noted that the Budget Committee could help units by suggesting ways to be more efficient.

To facilitate the budget discussion Alligood next called for the chancellor's report.

Chancellor's Report on Budget and Family Care Policies
Snyder reported that the Family Care Policies are now being implemented. He then reported that he has sent letters to twelve people to ask them to serve on APEC. After they respond, he will select members for NAPEC. Snyder next noted that $20 million has been removed (impounded) from the state-wide higher education budget. Earlier actions to hold funds at UTK provided sufficient money to meet UTK's share. Snyder them stated that the governor's proposal to reduce state funding for higher education by $40 million next year is based on the budget before the $20 million impoundment. He then described planning to meet various contingencies which currently are estimated to total a $9.4 million (6.44%) reduction on a base of $152 million appropriated by the state. The total budget is approximately $248 million. The $9.4 million reduction does include this year's $3.2 million impoundment. He noted that, as a matter of principle, there must be administrative cuts. In response to a question from D. Wilkerson, Snyder said that it is unknown how large an increase in tuition the Board of Trustees might approve, but planning must proceed with an assumption of a tuition increase of about 3%.

Alligood next resumed the standing committee reports.

Educational Policy Committee (M. Papke)
Papke noted that copies of the report were distributed with the agenda. The committee did not approve a new policy on withdrawals, but a new proposal concerning withdrawals is being developed. Papke's report was approved.

Nominating Committee (Dwight Aarons for Pat Fisher)
Aarons reported that Dennie Ruth Kelley and Mark Miller are the two proposed nominees for president-elect. The nominations were seconded and the report was approved. Ballots and brief resumes will be distributed.

Vice Chancellor's Report and University Employee Protections Against Liability
Peters called attention to the latest issue of "Context" which has a statement from the General Counsel's office on employee protections against liability. C. Thompson noted that the statement should be included in the Faculty Handbook. Peters agreed.

Peters next observed that the letter of commendation to the chancellor from the Budget committee came at a good time and was much deserved. He particularly noted the value of the chancellor's having anticipated the impoundment. He agreed with the chancellor that the time has come for serious budget decisions. He said there can be no waste and it is time to end across-the-board cuts. He noted that Academic Affairs accounts for about $110 million of the $152 million state appropriation. He estimates that only about $5 million can come from vacancies. He noted that UTK has an obligation to provide a reasonable lower division and upper division general education program, quality undergraduate major programs, and quality graduate programs. It also must maintain the library and, he thinks, faculty development funds.

B. Blass reported that some are conjecturing that programmatic decisions will be driven by student credit hours and suggested that such simplistic approaches should be disavowed now. Peters suggested that Blass might assist him and Snyder to prepare an appropriate statement. In response to another comment, Peters noted that financial exigency has not been declared and that the Faculty Handbook is fairly explicit about what happens to faculty in programs that are eliminated. in general, he expects mergings rather than eliminations.

Election of the Committee on Committees (B. Blass)
Blass and Alligood asked senators to cast their ballots (distributed at meeting) for members of the Committee on Committees before departing.

President's Report
Alligood expressed her appreciation for the work of the Faculty Senate committees. She noted special actions and activities of several committees, including Athletics, Faculty and Staff Benefits, and Student Affairs. She also commended those Faculty Senators who are completing their periods of service this year, those student leaders who are taking an active role in response to budget cuts, Peyton Manning on outstanding student and athlete, and Coach Pat Head Summitt whose Lady Vol basketball team won the national championship and thereby brought positive national attention to UTK. She commended the editors of Tennessee Alumnus for recognizing the vital role of faculty to the University. One of the leaders of Students Against Cuts in Higher Education, Damian Pitt, spoke briefly about the student rally planned for April 21 in Nashville. He also provided flyers which he asked those attending to post.

Minutes of the Faculty Senate meeting of March 3, 1997, were approved unanimously after deletion of "from D. Wilkerson" in line 10 of the paragraph titled Chancellor's. Report on Budget and Family Care Policies. Minutes of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting of March 17, 1997, were approved unanimously after the change from "It's" to "Its" in the first line in item 2.

Report on Review of Administrators (M. Alligood)
Alligood reported for L. McIntyre who could not be present. She read part of the relevant section of the minutes of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting of March 17, 1997. Alligood noted that the reviews are ongoing and are on schedule and she commended McIntyre and his committee for their work. Riggsby noted that the Department of Microbiology is omitted in the Report on the Review of Administrators (distributed with agenda).

Budget Committee (M. Peterson)
Peterson reported on the committee's meeting March 10, 1997, with Snyder and its letter to him on March 12, 1997. For example, the committee is asking for budget material at least a week before hearings and for sufficient lead time, so that all members of the Budget Committee can arrange to attend the budget hearings.

Teaching Council (F. Shrode)
Shrode summarized the Council's annual report (distributed with agenda). She and L. Bensel-Meyers will meet with L. Maxson to see if there are units/activities about which the Council might provide advice now that its similar role with respect to the Learning Research Center is concluding.

Educational Policy Committee (M. Papke)
Papke reported that the EPC has approved the minutes of the Graduate Council meeting of March 6, 1997, and of the Undergraduate Council meeting of March 20, 1997. In particular, the EPC approved the new withdrawal policy. In response to a question, Papke read the newly approved policy on withdrawals. E. Clark noted that late withdrawals currently are handled by the colleges' advising centers and that under the new policy individual faculty will handle them. L. Tober noted that responsibility now will lie with the student, although faculty will decide whether a student wishing to withdraw is failing or passing. In response to a question from D Birdwell, Papke listed several deficiencies with the late withdrawal policy that has been in effect. She also noted that a WF will be averaged in a student's GPA as an F. There was much spirited discussion about the subjectivity inherent in the new policy, various ways in which the new policy will be harsher than the one that has been in effect, and the likelihood that the number of requests for late withdrawals will increase. A motion to approve the new policy passed; there were six negative votes and two abstentions. The new policy is to be effective fall, 1998.

Athletics Committee (D. Kelley)
Kelly introduced C. Asp, the UTK Faculty Athletics Representative to the NCAA. Asp reviewed the duties of faculty representatives and the topic of academic integrity. He emphasized that academic decisions about athletes are made by academic components of the institution. He noted that the NCAA "academic clearinghouse" simply checks an athlete's record to see whether it meets certain requirements. Individual institutions are responsible for questioning the accuracy and validity of an academic record. Moreover, the institution and any conference to which it belongs may have academic requirements that are stiffer than those of the NCAA. He also noted that any school which attempts to recruit an athlete does so considering that person's academic record.

Nominating Committee (P. Fisher)
Fisher announced that Mark Miller is the new president-elect.

Resolution Proposed by Faculty and Staff Benefits Committee (J. Sutter and F. Leuthold)
Sutter reported on the committee's activities regarding the "Post-Retirement Service Program for Tenured Faculty." A slightly revised version of the resolution distributed with the agenda was distributed at the meeting. The resolution endorses and encourages the UT Board of Trustees to continue the program. Leuthold spoke in support of the resolution. The motion that the resolution be approved was seconded and then passed.

Chancellor's Report
Snyder reviewed the process of finding members for APEC and NAPEC. He reported that APEC is now fully constituted. A few positions for NAPEC are still open. He hopes to announce both committees next week.

Snyder next reported that the budget hearing will be April 21. The information for the hearing will be provided to the Budget Committee at least a week before the hearing. He cautioned that any proposed budget must be provisional until the state determines its budget. In response to a question, Snyder described how each academic program will be identified and described from the program up, and how APEC will review reports and make recommendations on what should happen with each program.

Vice Chancellor's Report
Peters talked about his attempts to count, in order to have an accurate read of the numbers of faculty and administrators in those University roles, and noted Alligood's persistence in this determination. He noted that it might be necessary to "fractionalize" individuals to reflect their various roles. He expressed the administration's support for continuing the Post-Retirement Service Program for Tenured Faculty and complimented C. Asp for his work as our NCAA Faculty Representative. He next commented on the Undergraduate Research Fair held last week and recognized L. Maxson who organized it with little financial support.

Alligood asked Faculty Senators to complete the committee preferences form (distributed at meeting) and reminded them that the May 5 meeting will begin with a reception at 3:00 p.m.

President's Report
Alligood thanked the chancellor for the reception held before the meeting to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Faculty Senate. She then reviewed some of the Faculty Senate activities and roles in the year's fiscal considerations. She made a plea to Chancellor Snyder and Vice Chancellor Peters that this be the last year that vacant faculty positions be eliminated to meet budget needs, and she drew an analogy between the importance of faculty to a university and the importance of the heart to an individual.

Chancellor's Report
Snyder read a statement, a copy of which is attached as part of these minutes.

Comments from the President
Johnson noted some positive aspects of UTK, such as the quality of its current freshman class, the increase in external funding, the quality of the faculty, fund-raising successes, the new building for the College of Law and the new Science and Engineering Building. He next turned to the funding situation and noted that state spending has increased more than state income. He also noted that higher education currently is the sixth-ranked priority for state and must become a higher priority. He observed that the Governor's Council on Higher Education may assist higher education to achieve a higher priority for state funding. He also suggested that fees and tuition should be reviewed, privatization of various functions should be considered, alternative sources of revenue should be sought, and ways to be more efficient should be identified. He also remarked that every recent governor has stated that UTK has a special role among higher education institutions in the state. He reported that he has encouraged legislators to find funding to help institutions that are growing, but also has asked them not to take the funding from the other institutions.

In response to a question, Johnson explained that he spends 25% of his time in Knoxville and travels the remaining time to confer with individuals and groups and to raise funds. He also agreed with D. Cox and M. Papke that budgeted funding for travel and other operating expenses are terribly inadequate and it is necessary to convince Nashville of the real needs and their value.

The minutes of the Faculty Senate meeting of April 7, 1997, and of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting of April 21, 1997, were approved unanimously.

Faculty Handbook Revisions (M. Alligood)
Alligood called attention to the three handbook changes distributed with the agenda. She quickly reviewed each and noted that the third should read as follows: "The tribunal will consist of members of the faculty and administrators with faculty appointment." All three changes were approved.

Budget Committee (M. Peterson)
Peterson noted the statement (distributed at meeting) to Snyder and the university community from the Faculty Senate Budget Committee. She did not review the entire document, but called attention to its praise for administrative cuts and its call for greater administrative cuts, to comments on the danger and damage of eliminating vacant faculty positions, to the statements on the harm done by reductions in graduate student support, and to a list of a few typical examples of "blows" that will affect students and faculty. She also quickly surveyed nine situations the committee urges the chancellor and his staff to reexamine.

Legislative Committee (F. Leuthold)
Leuthold reported on a trip of faculty to meet with legislators in Nashville. The group concentrated on the need to reverse the multi-year decline which UTK has suffered. He expressed his opinion that the legislators understand the problem. He made no conjecture about the problem being addressed.

Athletics Committee (D. Kelley)
Kelley noted that this committee's report was distributed with the agenda.

Development and Alumni Relations (J. Askew)
Askew provided an annual report and a statement concerning "A New Faculty-Hosted Visitation Program" which would allow visitors to visit classes.

Educational Policy Committee (M. Papke)
Papke reported that the committee met today and approved the minutes of the Undergraduate Council meeting of April 24, 1997, and of the Graduate Council meeting of April 18, 1997.

Faculty Affairs (M. Alligood)
Alligood noted that R. Mundy was unable to attend and report, but also noted that the committee's report was distributed with the agenda.

Faculty and Staff Benefits (J. Sutter)
Sutter reviewed the committee's report which was distributed with the agenda.

Library Committee (S. Riggsby)
Riggsby reported that the committee has lobbied for the library and has dealt with several matters the library staff brought to the committee. He also read a recommendation that reducing the size of the committee be considered.

Nominating Committee (P. Fisher)
Fisher briefly reviewed the committee's report which was distributed at the meeting.

Committee on Committees (B. Blass)
Blass reported that the committee had developed a list of committee appointments for 1997-98. He asked anyone who is named as a chair, but who does not wish to serve, to contact him (a few such persons may not have been contacted before the listing had to be printed). M. Papke expressed concern that some senators may have been overburdened. Blass said any such person should contact him. The slate was approved.

Bylaws Committee (B. Blass)
Blass noted that the committee's report was distributed with the agenda. The suggested changes will be voted on at a Faculty Senate meeting in the fall.

Research Council (B. Blass)
Blass referenced the committee's report which was distributed with the agenda and, in particular, called attention to a Research Council proposal for modifying the policy on release of information from the Faculty Information Service. Blass moved acceptance of the proposal, P. Schaefer seconded, and it was approved.

Student Affairs Committee (B. Lee)
Lee noted that the committee's report was distributed with the agenda and then briefly reviewed it. He next discussed a resolution (distributed at meeting) that the Faculty Senate recommend that the Sculpture Tour be reintroduced when possible. The resolution was approved.

All of the committee reports were approved.

A written report from the International Education Committee was not presented, but was distributed and is attached to these minutes.