Site Index

The following announcements were made by Ken Walker:

1. The Senate office has been moved to 1819 Andy Holt Ave. The Senate will share space at this location with The Learning Research Center.

2. The Chancellor's Breakfast for members of the Executive Committee of the Senate will be held on Tuesday, 5 October at 7:30 a.m. in the Executive Dining Room of the University Center. Those planning to attend should contact Sherry McBrayer at 6768.

3. A handout entitled "Summary of Initial Charges to Senate Committees" prepared by Ken Walker has been sent to committee chairs. This handout, which Walker also distributed to members of the Executive Committee, offered suggestions for committee action during the 82-83 school year. Walker is planning to meet with all committee chairs to discuss additional committee concerns.

Don Eastman reported that the Department of Energy has announced that the deadline for submitting letters of interest in managing Oak Ridge National Laboratory is 16 October 1982. Eastman indicated that UTK would submit such a letter. According to Eastman, DOE has not issued further information regarding awarding the ORNL contract, but he assured the Executive Committee that the Senate would be kept informed as developments occur.

Ken Walker announced that he had appointed a committee to study the impact of UTK's management of ORNL on academic programs. David Qualls is chair of the committee. Members are: Pauline Bayne, Kathleen Emmett, Anne Hopkins, Sid Jumper, Mike Pemberton, Fred Venditti. This committee has a dual roll as 1) a part of the ORNL Study Task Force, and 2) a subcommittee of the Senate Executive Committee.

Ken Walker reported that the Board of Trustees have requested a complete financial plan for funding the arena including any projected future operating deficits be submitted by the UT System Administration, The plan, as requested, should include details about funding the building as well as operating funds. Members of the Executive Committee of the Senate were pleased that such a plan had been requested since many of those present expressed concern about the financing of the building itself and the enormous expense of operating such a facility. Presumably, this plan will be available to the Faculty once it is submitted.

Ken Walker met with Ralph Norman and John Prados to discuss revisions in the Faculty Handbook which administrators at the UT systems level did not approve. Walker reported that there were minor problems which he felt were corrected at that meeting. Walter Herndon indicated that, subsequent to the Walker meeting, Ralph Norman began preparing a new draft of the Handbook in which items of concern are highlighted. Norman will present this version to the Senate during Fall Quarter. The Board of Trustees should then be able to act on the Handbook at their Winter meeting.

1. Faculty Salaries

Homer Fisher distributed the results of an informal survey conducted at LSU by Jim Firnberg which was concerned with the percent of salary increase for the 1982-83 school year. Major universities within the South were included in this survey. Based on this study, the average increase for UTK faculty was 9.1 %. Fisher remarked that according to that figure, UTK ranked higher than most other schools represented in the survey. Fisher pointed out that this was considerably better than UTK's ranking for 1981-82 which was reported in the Chronicle of Higher Education and other news media. UTK, as everyone in the room was aware, ranked last in the Chronicle report.

2. Academic Formula

Homer Fisher also distributed a memorandum from Wayne Brown to THEC members concerning the 1983-84 academic formula. Fisher commented briefly on the fifteen page document. The thrust of his remarks were that the slight changes in the formula would benefit UTK.

Ken Walker distributed a paper illustrating enrollment figures for UTK. The figures discussed at the Dean's retreat, at which Walker was present, indicated that enrollment for Fall 1982 would be reduced by 1,293. This included 283 students at the graduate level. Because of the continuing decline in enrollment, recruitment is becoming more of a concern to University officials. Ken Walker is requesting that the Student Affairs Committee investigate means of assisting in the recruitment of qualified students.

Ken Kenney expressed concern that the architect who would be employed to design the addition to Hoskins would not be allowed to hire consultants. The Executive Committee felt consultants were necessary and therefore directed Walker, Graf and Everett to charge the Library Committee to meet with Chancellor Reese as soon as possible to discuss the matter.

1. Ken Walker distributed a copy of the Senate Resolution on Faculty Salaries along with a cover letter which had been sent to Ed Boling detailing the Senate action. Walker's letter explained, among other things, that the Senate would like to cooperate with UTK and System administration in a united effort to upgrade faculty salaries.

2. Walker reported that he had spoken at the Board of Trustee meeting earlier in the day on the faculty salary issue and that he had received a favorable reception from the Board. Walker indicated that he perceived the Board to be sincerely interested in improving the salaries of UTK faculty.

3. Walker read a letter from Lorayne Lester, President of the local AAUP chapter. Lester's letter was sent to inform the Senate that the local AAUP chapter had checked with the National AAUP agency which prepared the faculty salary study and the agency reported that the revision of the UTK data did not affect the ranking for UTK for 1981-82. According to Lester's letter, the compensation (i.e., salary plus benefits) standing of this campus remains at 5,5,5,5.

Discussion of the letter followed. There was some concern among those present that the efforts of the AAUP and the Faculty Senate might appear to be at cross purposes insofar as determining appropriate measures for improving faculty salaries. Because of this concern, the Executive Committee instructed Walker to meet with Lorayne Lester in order to exchange information about the issue.

4. Ken Walker distributed a document entitled Expression of Interest in the Management, Operation, and Maintenance of Various DOE Facilities at Oak Ridge, Tennessee and Paducah, Kentucky. The forty page booklet was addressed to the Department of Energy and details UTK's interest in the management of ORNL. Members of the Executive Committee were encouraged to share their copies with members in their respective units. Interested faculty may also review the document in the Faculty Senate office at 1819 Andy Holt Ave. or contact Don Eastman's office at ext. 2269 for a copy.

David Qualls, chair of the committee, reported that this committee is charged with serving as a "sounding board" for faculty concerns both present and future in regard to the UTK-ORNL relationship. Qualls will, sometime this quarter, publish a Senate Newsletter which will address the issues in detail.

The Executive Committee made the following recommendations in terms of implementing the Senate Salary Resolution:

1. Ken Walker should send, as soon as possible, a cover letter and the resolution to THEC and the Commissioner of Finance and Administration.

2. Following the November election, a cover letter and the resolution should be sent to the Governor and members of the General Assembly.

3. In addition to sending the letter and resolution, the people on "the list" should be asked for specific suggestions for improving faculty salaries and should be requested to reply to Walker.

4. The Legislative, Development and Alumni Relations, and the Faculty Affairs Committees of the Senate should formulate plans for implementation of the resolution. The Chairs of these committees should address the full Senate on this matter in the near future.

It was agreed among members of the Executive Committee that the issue of tax reform could possibly delude the salary improvement issue. Therefore, upgrading faculty salaries should be the immediate goal of the Faculty Senate, whereas tax reform will be considered as a long term objective.

Gary Harmon, President of Student Government Assoc., reported that he had presented the Senate Salary Resolution to the Student Senate and that they voted unanimously to support the resolution and to provide help in implementing it. Ken Walker replied that one way students could help would be to have their parents contact legislators and urge members of the General Assembly to sponsor legislation to raise salaries of UTK faculty.

Fred Venditti moved that, beginning with the next Senate meeting, a one page Newsletter summarizing highlights of the meetings be sent to all UTK faculty. The motion passed. The only dissenting vote was from the secretary!

Ken Walker made the following announcements in regard to faculty salaries and university funding:

1. Anne Hopkins and Ken Walker met with Joe Johnson and Jack Reese on 11 November to discuss strategies for influencing budget decisions and other legislation of concern to UTK. The meeting was positive; the administration is very supportive of faculty efforts to improve funding for UTK.

2. The Legislative Committee of the Faculty Senate is in the process of developing a document which will include the following: a) a statement of goals relative to university funding; b) justification of the stated goals; and c) funding necessary to attain the goals.

3. There is a meeting tentatively scheduled for 19 November with Bill Sansom, Commissioner of Finance. Anne Hopkins and Tome Ungs of the Legislative Committee, along with Ken Walker, are planning to meet with the Commissioner in Knoxville.

4. The Legislative Committee plans to schedule a luncheon meeting with the Knox County Legislative Delegation, and is considering trying to enlarge the concept of "Local Delegation Meetings" to include legislators from other counties near the UTK campus.

1. Research Council Subcommittee Report

Ken Walker distributed a report from the Faculty Senate Subcommittee on Research Relationships with Private Enterprise. The three page report contained additional suggestions which the committee felt should be made on this topic. Original suggestions had been published in the Faculty Senate Newsletter of 28 July 1982. The suggestions contained in the report distributed at today's meeting dealt primarily with policies which should be included in the Faculty Handbook related to: (1) conflicts of interest, (2) patents; and (3) copyrights.

In a discussion of the report, it was noted that the Research Council, as well as the Graduate and Undergraduate Councils, are committees of the Faculty Senate. Due to this fact, all reports should be directed to the appropriate Senate committees and officers. There was some concern that the subcommittee report under discussion had not followed this protocol.

2. Highlights of Faculty Senate Meetings

The Executive Committee had voted at the last meeting to distribute highlights of the Faculty Senate meetings to all faculty. Since the first of these highlights had been distributed following the I November Senate meeting, Walker asked for comments regarding the practice. Although the secretary reported that she had received some negative comments because of extravagant use of paper, other Executive Committee members reported that their constituents were favorably impressed. It was agreed to continue the highlights.

3. Coordination with AAUP on Funding

Walker reported that because of scheduling conflicts he had not met with Lorayne Lester, President of the local AAUP chapter. The Executive Committee had instructed Walker to schedule a meeting in order for the Senate and AAUP to share information regarding UTK funding. Walker assured those present that such a meeting would be held.

In a discussion of other funding matters, it was suggested that a statewide organization of faculty senates might be beneficial in terms of having a united effort to improve state appropriations for higher education. Ken Kenney reported that Pauline Bayne had initiated such an organization during her term as UTK Senate President. Unfortunately, it did not flourish. Kenney's perception was that the benefits were not great enough to warrant the effort it would take to have a viable state wide organization of faculty senates.

4. UTK-ORNL Relationship

The Senate Newsletter of 2 November from the Senate committee appointed to study the UTK-ORNL relationship had requested faculty to express opinions by sending written responses to David Qualls, chair of the committee, by 16 November. Qualls reported that approximately twenty responses had been received.

In the discussion which followed, some members of the Executive Committee felt that open hearings should be held to inform the faculty about the many facets of ORNL. Other members disagreed with this approach, but felt that most faculty needed more information before they could make judgments on this matter. it was finally agreed that Ken Walker should pursue this issue with Don Eastman in order to arrive at the most expeditious manner to inform the faculty.

1. Evaluation of Graduate Programs in Chronicle of Higher Education

Dan Billen expressed concern about the ratings of UTK graduate programs in the humanities as reported in the 10 November issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education. He felt the Senate should rake some action. Executive Committee agreed. Consequently, Ken Walker was instructed to charge the Graduate Council to examine the meanings of the humanities and natural science (which also appeared in an earlier Chronicle) evaluations and to determine the relationship of the evaluations to internal and external reviews which have been conducted in these disciplines at UTK.

2. Senate Meeting of 29 November

It was agreed that the Senate meeting tentatively scheduled for 29 November would not be called.

Ken Walker called a special meeting of the Senate Executive Committee to discuss appropriate action the Senate should take regarding the removal of the Pearlstein art exhibit from the University Center concourse to McClung Museum.

Prior to beginning a discussion of the matter, Walker distributed a memorandum to members of the Executive Committee from Jack Reese. The memorandum dated November 22, 1982 expressed regret that the moving of the Pearlstein exhibit was perceived by some as an act of censorship, and because of this, Chancellor Reese wanted to reaffirm to the Executive Committee the University's commitment to academic freedom.

Some members of the Executive Committee felt strongly that removal of the exhibit was an act of censorship by the administration and violated academic freedom. Other members felt that although removal gave the appearance of censorship, it could still be seen by the public. In any event, most members of the Executive Committee felt the administration should not have removed the exhibit and several members were in favor of demanding that it be restored to the University Center concourse.

After the lively discussion, it was agreed that Ken Walker, with assistance from Lee Humphreys and Fred Venditti, should write a public letter (published in the Daily Beacon) in protest of the removal. The letter was to be written in behalf of the Senate; names of the Executive Committee who agreed with the letter would be included.

The writers of the letter were urged to include in it a commendation to the Exhibits Committee for bringing exhibits to the campus which represent significant movements in contemporary art and to encourage them to continue the practice.

Lee Humphreys reported that the Afro-American collection in the Undergraduate Library was being dismantled. Several people, according to Humphreys, were concerned about this and wanted action delayed to allow for more time to discuss the matter. Ken Walker agreed to call Anne LeClercq, head of the UGL, and request that the collection not be dismantled until the Commission for Blacks and the Black Cultural Center had an opportunity to express their views.

Ken Walker reported that he, Anne Hopkins and Tom Ungs of the Senate Legislative Committee had met with Bill Sansom, Commissioner of Finance, on 19 November in the G & G Building on the UTK campus. Hopkins stated that at the meeting Sansom had been given the document developed by the Legislative Committee which details the UTK funding plan. Hopkins also reported that the meeting was most cordial. Walker concurred.

Walker will share with the Senate a letter he has written to Sansom which expresses appreciation for the meeting and reiterates major concerns relative to university funding. In the letter Walker requests an opportunity to meet with the Governor.

Trudy Banta, Director of the Kellogg project (a grant-funded project whose purpose is to examine means by which testing information may be used for Program improvements), and Ohmer Milton, Director of the Learning Research Center, had been invited to the Executive Committee meeting to discuss a proposal which had been approved by the Undergraduate Council on 18 November 1982. The proposal mandates that all students, if selected, shall Participate in advanced testing programs in general education and/or major field of study.

Banta distributed a statement of the proposal which, if approved by the Senate, would appear in the Catalog. She also distributed information regarding rationale for the proposal.

According to Milton and Banta, passage of the proposal by the Senate at the 17 January meeting, would allow it to be implemented Spring Quarter. In discussing the matter, members of the Executive Committee expressed strong support for advanced testing in general education. However, there was concern with the aspect of the proposal which dealt with requiring students to maintain minimum performance standards on tests in their major field. The Executive Committee felt these were separate issues and should not be included in one Catalog statement. Because of this, Ralph Dimmick agreed to offer an amendment to the proposal at the 17 January Senate meeting which would delete that aspect of the Catalog statement.

Banta and Milton requested that the materials which had been distributed to the Executive Committee at today's meeting be included in the packet sent to all Senators for the 17 January meeting. The Executive Committee agreed to this request.

1. UTK Funding

Ken Walker reported that the Legislative Committee continues to be active in their endeavors to improve funding for UTK. He mentioned the following activities: a) the Legislative Committee and Ken Walker met with the Knox County Legislative Delegation; b) representatives from the Legislative Committee and Ken Walker will meet with a Public Affairs Committee of the Alumni Association on 15 January; and c) a document detailing a preliminary plan for improved funding for UTK has been sent to the Governor, the Commissioner of Finance, and the Knox County Legislative Delegation.

Ken Walker announced that he has written to the Governor, on behalf of the Senate, to express the Senate's deep concern regarding UTK's funding problems. Walker is also in the process of scheduling a meeting with Alexander. The meeting, if all goes according to plan, should take place before the 17 January Senate meeting.

2. National Research Council Ratings of Ph.D. Programs

Ken Walker had been instructed by the Executive Committee to meet with Evans Roth to discuss ratings of Ph.D. programs by the National Research Council which were published in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Walker reported that such a meeting had taken place, and Roth indicated that the UTK data used in the ratings were inaccurate. Consequently, Roth has asked Bud Minkel to look into the matter. Subsequent to Minkel's investigation, Roth and Walker will again confer.

1. Impoundment

Ken Walker indicated that Homer Fisher would be asked to address the Senate at the 17 January meeting in regard to the impact of the recent impoundment.

Several members of the Executive Committee were of the opinion that the Senate should take some other action in order to object strongly to the impoundment. Since consensus could not be reached as to what was appropriate, it was agreed that the Legislative Committee would naturally address the impoundment issue along with other UTK funding insufficiencies. Other Senate action may emerge as a result of the meeting in January. Walker noted that, of course, the subject of the damage the impoundment is doing to UTK programs will be a subject for discussion with the Governor when Senate representatives meet with him.

2. Changes in ORNL-UTK Academic Input Committee

Ken Walker announced that David Qualls, because of illness, had asked to be removed as chairperson of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Academic Impact of ORNL-UTK Relationship. Sid Jumper, Geography Department, has accepted the position of chairperson. William Bugg, Physics Department, has been added to the committee.

3. Interviews for Director of Learning Research Center

Ken Walker encouraged members of the Executive Committee to attend interviews with candidates for the position of Director of the Learning Research Center. Specific candidates and interview dates are as follows: Russell French, January 6; Lee Humphreys, January 18; and Howard Pollio, January 20. All interviews will be held in the Board Room of Andy Holt Tower at 11:00 a.m. Members of the Senate Faculty Development Committee and Faculty Affairs Committee have also been invited to participate.

Ken Walker made the following announcements:

1. Members of the State Legislature have been sent the funding plan developed by the Senate Legislative Committee. The letter, written by Walker, which was sent with the plan was distributed to members of the Executive Committee. The funding plan had been distributed to members of the Senate at the 17 January meeting.

2. Attempts to schedule a meeting with the Governor have not been successful. However, Alexander will be in Knoxville the week of 7 February and Walker is working on scheduling a meeting during that week with the Governor and the following members of the Senate: LeRoy Graf, Anne Hopkins, Ken Kenney, and Ken Walker.

3. The Faculty Handbook revisions will be presented to the Board of Trustees for approval at their meeting on 25 February 1983.

4. As a result of Senate participation in the Alumni Public Affairs Committee, the President of the National Alumni Association has sent letters to all alumni chapter presidents in the state of Tennessee requesting that they contact the Governor on behalf of funding for the University.

In a discussion of this matter, the point was made that both the Senate and AAUP had gone on record as being opposed to the arena. In spite of this opposition, construction is imminent. Based on this reality, several members of the Executive Committee expressed the opinion that the position of the Senate should be to strive for University excellence which would meet the standards of the Athletic Department. This was not made in the form of a motion.

Last year the Senate, after lengthy debate, voted to include in the Handbook revisions a statement to the effect that reasons should be given to faculty oil tenure-tracks whose contracts were not renewed. The administration opposed [-his and consequently the stipulation was not included in the revisions. Lorayne Lester, President of the local AAUP chapter, in a letter to Walker indicated that AAUP felt reasons should be given when contracts were terminated.

After considerable discussion, the Executive Committee instructed Walker to summarize all Handbook revisions at the next full Senate meeting and to ask the Senate Faculty Affairs Committee to pursue the matter of termination of tenure-track faculty.

Walker and Herndon also agreed to remind the Chancellor that the Board of Trustees at the 25 February meeting should be made aware the Senate and administration had disagreed on this issue.

The Faculty Counselors to President Boling will meet on 3 February in Chattanooga. Among the items on the agenda are: 1) a discussion of the need for specific guidelines for faculty involvement in the selection of administrators- 2) discrepancies in salaries and other funding between UT and Board of Regents Schools; 3) impoundment and effects; and 4) salary prospects.

Lee Humphreys, chair of the committee, will be asked to report to the Senate at the 14 February meeting in regard to the status of the semester study.

John Finger observed that the guidelines for promotion and tenure distributed by Ralph Norman's office were not precisely those which appear in the Faculty Handbook. Walker was instructed to investigate the discrepancies and to report to the Executive Committee.

Ken Walker and Anne Hopkins reported that William Sansom, Commissioner of Finance, had just informed them by means of a conference telephone call about some of the particulars of the Governor's proposed budget as it relates to higher education. Significant aspects of Sansom's conversation were as follows:

1. In terms of revenues, there will be a one-half cent increase in the state sales tax effective January 1, 1984. There will be an additional one-half cent increase which will take effect January 1, 1985. This will raise the state sales tax from the present four and one-half percent to five and one-half percent in 1985. There will be additional revenues realized from taxes on video games and insurance premiums.

2. The recommended budget for higher education for Fiscal Year '84 is approximately $425.8 million, a 6.56 percent increase above this year. Over the next four years Alexander proposes to increase the budget for higher education by 41.6 percent.

3. Operating and equipment allocations for higher education will be increased in Fiscal Year '84 by some $12.5 million.

4. The proposed budget includes a 2.5 percent salary increase for state employees for next year. This increase will not take effect until January 1, 1984. However, the legislature may permit flexibility and financial adjustments within the University which could permit UT pay increases to take effect earlier.

Salary increases over the four year proposed budget will be in the 5 to 6 percent range. This is based on conservative revenue estimates. Increased revenues will result in proportionate salary increases.

5. Longevity pay will continue on schedule in September 1983.

6. The $400 thousand in preplanning funds for the library expansion will be released this year. The $24 million necessary for completion of the project will be released in 1984-85.

7. The Centers of Excellence proposed by Governor Alexander will be allocated $2.5 million in Fiscal Year '84. Although details regarding Centers of Excellence have not been determined, Sansom indicated UTK will be involved in the process of establishing the centers.

8. Sansom assured Walker and Hopkins that there would be no additional impoundments of state funds this year.

Jim Kirby, Jonathan Utley, and Doug Wickham had been invited to the Executive Committee to inform the group about recent faculty litigation which seeks to clarify financing of the proposed basketball arena. They began by explaining that the purpose of the litigation was not to delay construction of the arena but rather to force the University to answer certain legal questions related to the financing of the project. Among those questions are: a) Who pays off the bonds if the county does not raise sufficient revenues from the hotel, motel and theater taxes? Could funds be appropriated from UTK academic programs to meet the county's obligation? b) If the arena does not generate enough revenue to support operating costs, where will the University secure the funds? and c) Where will the University secure funds to pay for cost overruns in the construction of the arena? The contract states that UT is responsible for construction costs in excess of $30 million.

In the discussion of the matter it was indicated that AAUP was not directly involved in the litigation, but that they were recruiting faculty to participate in the intervention. Utley then distributed a form to members of the Executive Committee which asked for do- nations to help defray the cost of the litigation.

The position of the Senate Executive Committee was that the Senate should not participate directly in the court proceedings, but Senators should follow the dictates of their own conscience in terms of individual support and/or participation.

LeRoy Graf informed the group that John Finger, chairperson of the Senate Athletics Committee, is in the process of compiling information about financing of the arena. As soon as this information can be disseminated, Finger will release it in the form of a Senate Newsletter. All faculty receive the Newsletter.

Ken Walker and Anne Hopkins have been invited to represent the UTK Faculty Senate at a meeting on March 8, 1983 to discuss the Centers of Excellence. Others invited to the meeting, which has been called by the Governor, are members of the Board of Education, Board of Regents, and Board of Trustees.

Ken Walker will ask Wayne Brown, Executive Director of THEC, to speak to the Senate at the meeting on April 4, 1983.

Ken Walker is pursuing the idea of a meeting with Governor Alexander, Commissioner Sansom and UTK faculty to be held on the Knoxville campus in late March. The purpose of the meeting would be to discuss, among other things, the Governor's total education program.

In response to a question regarding the results of the study to this point, Lee Humphreys reported that the comments he has received have been mixed. Few departments have responded as a group, but several individual faculty have sent responses. Humphreys indicated that he might have something to report at the April Senate meeting, but if not at that early date, there would be some kind of report at the meeting in May.

1. Ken Walker informed the Executive Committee that the Task Force on Institutional Assessment appointed by President Boling had completed its assignment and would submit a report to Reese and President Boling on Thursday, March 30, 1983 at 3:00 p.m. The Task Force report will also be released to members of the Faculty Senate at the time it becomes available to the Chancellor and the President. Senators may obtain their copies from the office of their respective deans. Walker encouraged members of the Executive Committee to read the report carefully and to inform other Senators of its availability.

2. Ken Walker reported that he and Anne Hopkins, at the request of the Governor, had represented UTK at a meeting on March 8, 1983 to discuss the Governor's proposed educational program. Educational problems at all levels were also discussed. In addition to the Governor and the UTK representatives, others in attendance were members of the Board of Regents, Board of Education, Board of Trustees and Senate presidents from UTC and Memphis State.

3. Ken Walker announced that a Senate Newsletter dealing with the academic impact of the UTK-ORNL relationship would be distributed in the near future. Because of the Newsletter, Sid Jumper, Chairperson of the committee to study the relationship, would not make an oral report to the Senate at the 4 April meeting.

4. The Legislative Committee of the Senate, according to Walker, will meet on March 30, 1983. The purpose of the meeting is to draft a resolution which generally supports the Governor's educational program for presentation to the Senate at the 4 April meeting.

5. Walker reminded the Executive Committee to attend a breakfast hosted by Chancellor Reese on 29 March at 7:30 a.m. in the Executive Dining Room of the University Center. President Boling will also be in attendance. The arena will be among the topics of discussion.

As an item of information, Ken Walker reported on a meeting which dealt with what he termed, "the giving of reasons controversy". This controversy is concerned with the Senate position that reasons should be given when tenure-track faculty are terminated. The position of the administration is that specific reasons should not be given. At the most recent meeting to discuss this issue, Doug Wickham, chairperson of the Senate Faculty Affairs Committee, Ken Kenney, past-president of the Senate, and Lorayne Lester, president of the local AAUP chapter met with Ralph Norman. They agreed that administrators should, on a yearly basis, carefully evaluate tenure-track faculty. Results of this evaluation should be- communicated to affected faculty. If this procedure is followed, faculty who are not granted tenure would understand the reasons for denial.

After some discussion, it was agreed that the Senate should continue to negotiate on this matter. Ken Walker indicated that he would request that the Faculty Affairs Committee continue to pursue the issue with the administration and that a proposal reflecting Senate and administration agreement should be presented for Senate action in the near future.

On the subject of faculty morale, Walker mentioned that he was considering appointing a task force to investigate the status of faculty and staff morale. Walker stated that his perception was that morale was extremely low. The Executive Committee generally concurred with this perception, and agreed that the task force approach had merit. However, it was also agreed that professionals should be hired to develop an instrument to assess morale and that any appointed task force should report on the results of the survey as well as suggestions for morale improvement (should the survey support Walker's perception). This report should be given to the Senate no later than Fall 1983.

LeRoy Graf reported that a group of black faculty and staff members had invited him to a meeting to discuss concerns about the lack of black representation in the Senate. In this year's Senate there are no blacks and no blacks are on any Senate committees. As a result of this meeting, a letter was sent to Ken Walker expressing these concerns.

As a partial solution, Graf, as chairperson of the Committee on Committees, requested that a list of black faculty along with Senate committee preferences be sent to him. He gave assurance to the concerned blacks that upon receipt of this information, blacks would be appointed to Senate Committees.

Graf also suggested to the group that they contact their respective Deans and inform them of the lack of black representation in the Senate. Deans should inform department heads and through the election process in individual units, perhaps blacks could be elected to the Senate.

Ken Walker suggested that the Senate bylaws which specify Committee on Committee functions should be changed to reflect the idea that minorities should be represented on Senate committees.

Following the Pearlstein controversy, Ken Walker reported that a few people had mentioned to him that a painting hanging in the Ballroom of the University Center had been concealed from the public. The Marian Greenwood painting, which depicts Tennessee's history, had been vandalized in the late 1960s and had been subsequently covered. After a brief discussion, the Executive Committee agreed not to pursue this issue at the present time.

Walter Herndon distributed a memo which had been sent to Deans, Directors, and Department Heads from Ralph Norman. Ken Walker had requested the memo be sent to inform appropriate administrators of policies regarding part-time faculty which had been approved by the Board of Trustees at its most recent meeting and which would be reflected in the latest revision of the Faculty Handbook.

The memo included general guidelines for part-time faculty in the following areas: 1) hiring; 2) evaluation; 3) departmental life and collegiality; 4) recognition; and 5) salary. There was also a section of the memo which explains the most important policy change, the status of a new part-time category which is called continuing part-time faculty. The section of the Faculty Handbook which includes the details of this new category was included with the memo.

Ken Walker welcomed Jack Reese to the meeting and explained that Reese had been invited to make some comments on the Chancellor's response to the Task Force Report on Institutional Assessment.

Reese indicated that the text of his response was still in progress, but it should be released next week in the form of a Chancellor's Newsletter. He explained that he felt the Newsletter was the most appropriate method of releasing his response since it was distributed to all faculty. However, this approach posed some problems since everyone had not read the original Task Force report and the Newsletter response would necessitate, to some extent, brevity.

Reese continued by stating that he considered the mission statement included in the report to be the most important aspect and that his response would deal extensively with that topic. Reese concluded by commending the members of the Task Force for submitting a good report and by expressing the desire to produce a response which would be well received by the faculty.

Ken Walker announced that he had called an open meeting of the faculty for tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the University Center. The purpose of the meeting is to allow faculty discussion of the funding crisis at UTK. Walker urged the Executive Committee to encourage all faculty to attend.

After a lengthy discussion, it was generally agreed that the format of the meeting should be as follows: a) summarizing by Walker of Senate involvement in attempting to secure funds for UTK; b) providing specific proposals by Walker and Anne Hopkins for future Senate and faculty involvement; and c) allowing opportunity for an open discussion of UTK's funding problems.

Ken Walker distributed a letter from Alexander Van Hook, chairperson of the Research Council, which dealt with several policy issues which affect research at UTK. Since the Executive Committee had not had sufficient time to study the content of the letter, it was decided to delay consideration until the next Executive Committee meeting.

Ken Walker distributed a memo from Lee Humphreys, chairperson of the Educational Policy Committee, which had been sent to LeRoy Graf, chair of the Senate Bylaws Committee. Humphreys requested in the memo that Graf and his committee draft bylaws changes which would reflect a change in the chairing of the Graduate and Undergraduate Councils from administrators to faculty. Walker instructed Graf to present the proposed changes at the 2 May Senate meeting.

Anne Hopkins moved that the portion of the Task Force Assessment Report under the heading Proposed Statement of UTK Mission be submitted for Senate action at the 2 May meeting.

LeRoy Graf seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

The secretary was instructed to include the mission statement information in the packet of materials for the 2 May Senate meeting.

There was a brief discussion concerning the controversy reported in a recent Daily Beacon article dealing with faculty involvement in student government elections. The Executive Committee agreed that it would be most inappropriate for the Faculty Senate to endorse particular candidates in student political races.

Homer Fisher distributed two handouts which illustrated the following: 1) a summary of budget planning for UTK for FY 1984; and 2) a pro-rata sharing of the FY 84 shortfall. Fisher explained that the budget summary paper indicated a shortfall of around $658,000 for FY 84. The second handout illustrated the amount of money various units would be assessed in order to accommodate the shortfall. As was illustrated, Academic Affairs was assessed the least amount and the unit of Business, Planning and Finance was assessed the most.

In terms of salary, Fisher made the following points: a) there will be no faculty salary increases at this time; b) faculty who are promoted will not receive additional salary, but as soon as possible retroactive increases will be given; c) UTK and UT System administrators will not receive salary increases; d) the earliest possible time for salary increases would be November. This could happen if the conditions for the 3 percent increase are met and if the Governor does not veto this rider to the appropriations bill; and e) January or February is probably a more likely date for salary increases provided the next session of the Legislature approves the funding.

LeRoy Graf reported that the Planning and Budget Coordinating Committee, chaired by Homer Fisher, had made the following changes in the new UTK Mission Statement which had been approved at the 2 May Senate meeting:

Page 1, No. 2, Inserting the word vigorous for pro-active. It would read: "Enforcing a vigorous affirmative action policy," etc.

Page 1, No. 3, Altering that statement by inserting an additional qualification after the word standards. It would read: "whose qualifications indicate that they can meet the performance standards and also contribute to the academic excellence of the University with emphasis (the word emphasis replaces priority) on increasing the percent of highly qualified students in all educational programs;"

Page 2, No. 6, line 5, Substituting the word appropriate for rigorous. It would read: ". . . who have completed an appropriate two year program at a community or junior college."

Page 2, a new No. 7 would be inserted. It would read as follows: "7. Conducting basic and applied research which leads to new knowledge."

There was some discussion over the proposed changes in No. 8 (which is No. 9 in the revised edition). The Planning Committee suggested that it be changed to read: "Interacting with, the local, regional and statewide communities in a variety of activities that enhances cultural, economic, and intellectual life;"

Ken Walker suggested it read as follows: "Fostering a variety of activities that enhances cultural, economic, and intellectual life;"

The Executive Committee, on behalf of the Senate, approved the new Mission Statement as altered by the Planning Committee and as amended by Ken Walker. The statement will be sent to the Board of Trustees for action at the June meeting.

Ken Walker read a letter from Ralph Norman in which Norman made suggestions regarding changes in the Senate bylaws which will stipulate that faculty rather than administrators chair the Graduate and Undergraduate Councils. The suggestions were: 1) the chair of the Council(s) should serve for two years or more following either and/or both earlier experience as a Senator or Council member and 2) have the Vice Provosts serve as executive secretaries or coordinators to the Council.

Walker gave the letter to LeRoy Graf, chair of the Bylaws Committee, so that the committee could consider the suggestions.

Ken Walker distributed to the Executive Committee, prior to today's meeting, a letter from Lorayne Lester, President of the local chapter of AAUP, in which Lester had requested Senate support in encouraging the appointment of a task force to study the UT System.

After considerable discussion, the Executive Committee generally agreed to endorse in principle the concept that a task force, similar in nature and scope to the UTK Institutional Assessment Task Force, should be appointed at some propitious time to serve the same function at the Systems level as was provided for the UTK campus.

The Executive Committee approved unanimously the following resolution submitted by Mary Sue Younger.

The UTK Faculty Senate would like to commend outgoing Student Government Association President Gary Harmon for his conscientious and effective leadership of SGA during 1982-83. In addition, we would like to express our appreciation for the concern he has shown for campus-wide issues and his cooperation with the Senate. Gary's presence, as well as his influence, on campus will be missed.

Nancy Lay was nominated to serve as secretary for the Faculty Senate for the 1983-84 school year. Lay, despite having severe secretary burn-out, agreed to be nominated for a final term.

Anne Hopkins, chair, reported that the packet of information which had been prepared as a result of requests emanating from the open faculty meeting would be distributed within a week or two. The packet of materials is quite extensive, but it should provide adequate information for the general faculty to use in soliciting funds for UTK.

LeRoy Graf, chair of the Committee on Committees, reported that it was very difficult to make committee assignments when colleges did not hold Senate elections in accordance with Senate bylaws. According to the bylaws, elections should be held and results reported to the Senate secretary in February of each year. Deans of all colleges are notified of this stipulation and most cooperate. However, colleges who do not report Senate elections cause problems. At this time, the Colleges of Liberal Arts, Business, and Law have not submitted names of new Senators.

Ken Walker had distributed, prior to today's meeting, an information item which detailed the settlement of the arena lawsuit. Walker explained that the Athletics Committee would be responsible for relaying appropriate arena funding information to the Executive Committee and to the full Senate. John Finger, chair of the committee, will make a preliminary report on this matter to the Senate at the 30 May meeting.

The Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate has been invited to participate in the interview process for the Dean of Admissions and Records. The committee is scheduled to meet with each candidate from 1:30 to 2:30 P.M. in room 216 of the University Center on the following dates: June 28, July 1, 6, 8 and 12.

Ken Walker will distribute the vitae of the five candidates to those members of the Executive Committee who will be available for the interviews.

The Graduate Council has requested names of Senators who would be willing to serve on a board which is being appointed to hear a special case concerned with alleged improprieties in the writing of a dissertation.

Dan Billen and Arthur Echternacht volunteered to have their names submitted and indicated they would be willing, if appointed, to represent the Senate.

Ken Walker read a report from the UTK-ORNL Academic Programs Impact Study Group. The report will be distributed to all Senators with the packet of materials for the 11 July Senate meeting. Sid Jumper, chair of the group, will also be on the agenda for the July meeting.

Ken Walker read a letter which he wrote to the Senate concerning changes in Senate bylaws approved at the 30 May Senate meeting. The letter will be included in the packet of materials for the 11 July Senate meeting.

Two reports from the Fringe Benefits Committee which dealt with actions of the State Insurance Committee were highlighted by Ken Walker. John Finger, who had attended the Fringe Benefits Committee meeting where the reports were considered at length, indicated that Henry Fribourg, chair of the committee, felt that the full report should be distributed to the entire faculty. After some discussion, it was agreed to distribute the full report in the form of a Faculty Senate Newsletter. The second report, an excerpt of the one to be distributed to all faculty, will be sent to Senators in the packet of materials for the 11 July Senate meeting.

Ken Walker reported that he had met with President Boling on 6 June. Among the topics discussed were lobbying for funding for higher education and the possibility of assessing the UT System. Since the latter topic was unresolved, it will continue to be a source of discussion.

Ken Walker informed the group that the Senate Executive Committee has been invited to participate in the interview process for the selection of the Provost. The committee will be invited to luncheons on the third day of a three day interview. Dates have not been finalized, but the tentative schedule is to have all candidates on campus between July 18th and 30th.

Ken Walker reported that several faculty had called him to inquire about an article in a local newspaper which indicated that proceeds from the sale of University property had been allocated to the arena. Walker checked the story with John Preston in campus planning and Joe Johnson in development and was told that the three pieces of property in question had been given to the University for the specific purpose of obtaining seat options in the new arena.