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August 28, 1995

October 2, 1995 		November 6, 1995

January 22, 1996

February 19, 1996 		March 11, 1996

April 22, 1996

May 1, 1996

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES
August 28, 1995

Dhyana Ziegler, Presiding

Members present: Jan Allen, Martha Alligood, Bill Blass, Dolly Davis, Glenn Graber, Agnes Grady, Sam Jordan, Dennie Ruth Kelley, Ray Mundy, John Peters, Marla Peterson, Paul Phillips, Greg Pompelli, Bill Snyder, Randol Waters, Olga Welch, Dhyana Ziegler. Also present: Carl Asp, Jose- Marie Griffiths, Joanne Logan.

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

1. D. Ziegler welcomed everyone to the 1995-96 academic year and reminded everyone that the committee now includes selected Faculty Senate committee chairpersons. She indicated that she intends to continue the work of recent Faculty Senate presidents to reform the Senate in hopes of improving the way it functions. At the first meeting of the Faculty Senate she plans to ask senators to identify those issues they would most like to address this year.

2. J. Peters reported that Joan Creasia will be the new Dean of Nursing, Mike Devine is the new Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and John Riley will be the new Dean of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. He reminded everyone that Dean Ratner (Arts and Sciences) will have to be replaced because he is resigning that position.

Peters also reported that impounded funds have been restored to the budget. A 3% increase in student fees has increased the budget slightly, but increased costs have consumed more than the fee increase provided. There is no firm information on raises. Library serial costs are increasing so radically that significant cuts will have to be made. Efforts will be made to provide faculty with more information on the matter. A report on the status of the new Science/Engineering Building will be made at the next meeting of the Faculty Senate. In response to a question from Mundy, Peters noted that efforts already are underway to determine how best to respond to the anticipated decrease in the availability of external funding. Peterson noted that some institutions allow only tenured or tenure-track faculty to be the principal investigator on grant proposals.

3. B. Snyder reported that he is working on a state-of-the-campus report. He would like to present it officially at the first meeting of the Faculty Senate. He briefly reviewed a draft version and noted that he hoped to add a section on the outreach dimension of the institution. Ziegler reminded Snyder that a section on sexual harassment also is to be added.

4. C. Asp reported that the University of Tennessee has been certified by the NCAA as showing that it "operates its athletic program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership." UTK is the first member of the Southeastern Conference to be certified. Material related to the selfstudy and certification is available in the library. Ziegler noted that efforts also are being made to strengthen relationships between the faculty and the athletics operations.

5. Ziegler announced that Olga Welch has been appointed to the Standing Committee on the Review of Administrators. Work is proceeding on the establishment of a Faculty Senate/Chancellor Committee on Computing. The charge to the committee is still being developed. A survey on communications systems will be distributed at the first meeting of the Faculty Senate. The idea of establishing a Faculty Senate Committee on Information Infrastructure also is being considered. Jose-Marie Griffiths briefly described some of the activities of the Division of Information Infrastructure. The need to address instructional, research, and service functions in relation to computing was generally agreed upon.

6. Ziegler reported that Snyder would like comments on the idea of elevating the position of Associate Vice Chancellor for Research to the level of Vice Chancellor. There was general agreement that the idea is a good one with both internal and external benefits.

7. M. Peterson distributed a draft agenda for the Faculty Senate Budget Committee and a draft version of a form for requesting suggestions from Faculty Senators on topics for the committee to consider. It was agreed to change "Instructional" to "Academic" in the first item under "New Committee Business" on the agenda.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:01 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Sam Jordan, Secretary



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 2, 1995

Dhyana Ziegler, Presiding

Members present: Martha Alligood, Bill Blass, Dolly Davis, Glenn Graber, Agnes Grady, Sam Jordan, Lonnie McIntyre, Norma Mertz, Ray Mundy, John Peters, Marla Peterson, Paul Phillips, Randol Waters, Olga Welch, Dhyana Ziegler. Also present: Mamar Gelaye (SGA)

Ziegler called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.

1. Ziegler reported that the Board of Trustees approved the policy on conflict of interest. She commended Graber and others who played important roles in revising the original draft provided to faculty last summer. Ziegler also indicated that she has been seeking to ensure faculty input on athletic affairs. An advisory committee is to be established and she is working with C. Asp to see that the Faculty Senate is involved in various ways.

Ziegler next turned to a bar chart (distributed at meeting) showing how Faculty Senators rank various issues. The three top concerns are faculty salaries, sabbaticals and computer access. She also announced that she and B. Blass are working to establish the Committee on 21st Century Communication and that she and J. M. Griffiths have visited TVA to discuss opportunities for cooperative efforts for TVA University.

2. P. Phillips commented that the survey of Faculty Senators' concerns shows what is on their minds, but not necessarily what the Faculty Senate can handle. He then turned to his experiences on the Board of Trustees, which he said had made him feel extremely welcome. He noted that the Board is as perturbed as the faculty about recent difficulties in the athletic program. Another common concern is the large amount of funding the state may provide for a stadium in Nashville. Phillips also noted that one trustee has expressed an interest in speaking either to the Faculty Senate or to the Executive Committee and that the outlook of the Board is for flat budgets and, in particular, little help with the costs of the Science and Engineering Building. Peters remarked that he hopes to be able to create a list of issues concerning the building and to distribute it to the parties involved in hopes of beginning to get a handle on the situation. He also noted the concern of M. Devine.

3. Mamar Gelaye, representative of the Student Government Association, reported on the activities of the Diversity Affairs Committee of SGA, which she chairs. She also read a draft of the SGA's mission statement. The committee tries to increase diversity in student government and in the student body, as well as the diversity of opinions represented in student government. She encouraged the Faculty Senate to take the lead in the area of diversity and invited everyone to send suggestions to her by E-mail (mamar@utkvx). She indicated that a copy of the mission statement passed by the Student Senate would be provided to the Faculty Senate. There was general approval of the vision contained in the bill and the SGA's interest in working with the faculty.

4. J. Peters reported on behalf of W. Snyder as well as himself. He noted that resource constraints are greater now than in his previous years and that he is preparing for the budgetary future, including the effect of a possible budget "train wreck" in Washington, D.C. A THEC budget meeting will occur soon and the administration has been sent a list of questions which administrators are to be prepared to answer at the meeting. Many questions deal with how the university deals with fiscal matters. One point that may be made is the age of this campus and the need for the state to address the problem over several years. Another such point is the need for a predictable equipment budget. Peters also noted a rumor that the governor has asked his commissioners to prepare plans for significant budget reductions. Inability to confirm such rumors adds to the difficulty of budget planning. The chancellor's new planning committee seems to be off to a good start and should help with long-range planning. Peters also noted that the university will avoid exceeding its enrollment cap. Minkel is working on a report on how and why the graduate enrollment dropped. He then noted that UTK's performance funding will not be as high next year because of a generally poor performance rating.

Ziegler distributed copies of the edited Faculty Handbook (to the committee). Comments are wanted. Peters noted, however, that the earlier green handbook is the set of rules approved by the Board of Trustees. P. Phillips noted that there is a question about how system-level policies for faculty should be incorporated. Others expressed concerns about the unavailability of the official (green) handbook.

In response to a question from Phillips, Peters noted that UTK suffered on performance funding in areas of student concerns such as registration and safety as well as the teaching of analytical thinking.

R. Mundy encouraged Peters to work for the establishment of a high-level committee to plan for a significant reduction of the university's budget. His concern is a significant reduction that has to be addressed in a short amount of time. In response to a question from B. Blass, Peters indicated his belief that many of the university's current internal fiscal problems may be traced to inadequate organizational discipline.

5. L. McIntyre, Chair of the Administrator Review Process Standing Committee, reported on the committee's recent activities. This term, twenty administrators are being reviewed. A training manual developed in the summer is being used this fall. Getting people to participate has been a challenge. He noted that in each case a final report goes to the Standing Committee and to the reviewee's supervisor and that an action plan is prepared and the reviewee's progress is assessed. Ultimately, the chancellor and either the Faculty Senate president or the chair of the Standing Committee will review the outcome of each review. (The Faculty Senate-approved policy says the standing committee chairperson and the chancellor are the appropriate individuals. There was general agreement that having the chancellor involved is more important than who represents the Faculty Senate.) Faculty asked to serve have been concerned about whether anything actually will result from the process. Ziegler asked that copies of the training manual be provided for the Executive Committee.

6. M. Peterson reported that the agenda for the next Budget Committee meeting will be distributed with the next Faculty Senate agenda. J. Muldowny will report further on summer school plans. How to fund infrastructure for information and computing technology on campus will be another major topic.

7. M. Alligood noted that the Bylaws Committee does not feel that the Faculty Senate should have its own five-year plan for the campus, but rather work in concert with the university's "official" five-year plan. Phillips noted that he had proposed that the Bylaws Committee work on a five-year plan for reforming the Faculty Senate.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES
November 6, 1995

Dhyana Ziegler, Presiding

Members present: Jan Allen, Martha Alligood, Dolly Davis, Glenn Graber, Sam Jordan, Dennie Kelley, Nancy McGlasson, Norma Mertz, Jo Parker, John Peters, Marla Peterson, Paul Phillips, Greg, Pompelli, Josette Rabun, Mark Van Patton, Eric Ward, Randol Waters, Olga Welch, Marianne Woodside, Dhyana Ziegler

Ziegler called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.

1. President's Comments.
Ziegler began by discussing last week's dismissal and reinstatement of three senior staff members of the Office of Human Resources Management. She noted two resolutions (distributed at the meeting) from G. Graber and one she was presenting. Graber explained his resolutions. The first urges that planning for changes in the organizational structure be conducted in an open, public fashion with participation of faculty and staff and that policies be reviewed and revised as necessary to include due process measures to protect faculty and staff from arbitrary dismissals. The second reaffirms the rights of all associated with the university to speak about matters affecting the campus and pledges to support this right if reprisals are taken against those who speak out. Ziegler's resolution expresses encouragement and support for creation of a staff organization to consider, advise and recommend policies regarding matters of concern to the campus and to evaluate and make recommendations regarding staff grievances relating to employment by the university. After some discussion Ziegler modified her resolution by removing the fourth "Whereas" statement, replacing "formulation" with "formation", replacing "staff senate" with "a staff organization to represent their views" and ending the resolution at that point. Phillips suggested that Graber's second resolution be merged with Ziegler's resolution. Graber's first resolution then was approved unanimously, with the correction of the spelling of "exigency." His second resolution also was approved unanimously with the deletion of "their mind" and the replacement of "because they spoke" with "who speaks." Ziegler's revised resolution also was approved unanimously.

2. Chancellor's Comments.
M. Woodside, speaking for Snyder, expressed Snyder's appreciation for the expression of opinions concerning the recent dismissals and reinstatements. Ziegler expressed her concerns regarding the lack of communication before action was taken. J. Peters stated that the manner in which events unfolded did not reflect the principles of Snyder or the university and called attention to the more open approach used in dealing with changes related to computing and information infrastructure. Graber expressed the view that more is involved than correcting an error and moving on; great harm has been done. Phillips noted that there now is great concern among staff and disillusionment among faculty. He also noted that the reassignment of L. Dodge is raising concern. Ziegler noted that she has been hearing that the Chancellor's credibility has been harmed. She expressed the view that apologies should be made to the three dismissed staff members and there be some form of communication with the entire campus community regarding the unfortunate action and how matters will be handled in the future.

3. Vice-Chancellor's Comments.
Peters reported on recent budget meetings. He reminded everyone that "the formula" has been reworked. In particular, UTK and the UT system worked hard to get a reasonable peer group. The new THEC head believes the new formula, unlike the old, is credible. The current recommendation to the governor urges that faculty raises be comparable to those for other state employees and that maximum flexibility for merit raises by included. Reinstatement of the budget for equipment also is urged. The suggested budget for higher education is $969.2 million. A flat budget for Centers of Excellence is proposed. Last year UTK received about $148 million. The proposed budget requests an increase of about $2.5 million. Peters also quickly reviewed other budget possibilities. He noted that this year's dip in first-time graduate students at UTK will cost the institution $750,000. In addition, the poor showing on performance funding will cost $ 1.2 million.

4. Performance Funding.
M. Moffett discussed a soon-to-be-distributed statement explaining aspects of performance funding. She noted that UTK lost points in major field tests and in alumni and enrolled student surveys. She also noted that establishing departmental honors programs and establishing departmental programs to improve teaching would help the university's evaluation.

5. CTEP Update.
J. Parker distributed a number of documents and briefly reviewed what has happened and will happen regarding teaching evaluations. She will report further at the next Faculty Senate meeting.

6. Computer Users Survey Results.
M. Van Patten distributed copies of the results of the survey of faculty senators and reviewed them. He also reported on the Faculty Senate information system he is creating on the World Wide Web. Many ideas on what could be included were put forth. Access to the Faculty Handbook was of considerable interest. Ziegler plans to schedule a workshop on January 8, 1996 for committee chairs on using the Faculty Senate Homepage.

7. Faculty Affairs Committee.
N. Mertz reported there is a question whether the Faculty Affairs Committee has jurisdiction in grievances concerning the College of Agriculture. She distributed a memorandum from R. Mundy and herself which describes the situation and the position of the Faculty Affairs Committee.

OTHER BUSINESS
Phillips suggested that a member of the Board of Trustees from Chattanooga be invited to speak at the next Faculty Senate meeting. Phillips hopes the trustee will be on campus for an extended period and be able to meet with other groups. Although the agenda for the next Faculty Senate meeting is quite full, time will be made available for the Trustee to speak, if he is able to attend.
There being no further business, the committee adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Samuel Jordan, Secretary



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES
January 22, 1996

Dhyana Ziegler, Presiding

Members present: Martha Alligood, Bill Blass, Glenn Graber, Agnes Grady, David Johnson, Sam Jordan, Dennie R. Kelley, Ray Mundy, Marla Peterson, Paul Phillips, Greg Pompelli, Josette Rabun, Randol Waters, Olga Welch, Marianne Woodside, Dhyana Ziegler

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

1. President's Comments.
Ziegler distributed a list of sections of the Faculty Handbook to be reviewed by various Senate committees. A portion of the next meeting of the Executive Committee will be devoted to reviewing the handbook. Ziegler next discussed Senate elections; she and M. Alligood are developing a set of guidelines for the process.

2. D. Hess reviewed some of the new activities for residence hall students and then reported on the Faculty Focus Program. The FFP is an effort to provide opportunities for students to interact with faculty outside of the classroom. Students have been asked to nominate faculty whom they would like to have involved with residence hall programs. Faculty also will have an opportunity to declare their interest in being involved in the program.

3. Chancellor's/Vice Chancellor's Comments.
J. Peters reported for Snyder and himself He first discussed the inclement weather policy and the decision to be closed on Monday, January 8. He praised the Physical Plant's efforts to prepare the campus. Peters next reported that enrollment is roughly even with last year. He then noted that about 6.9% of the base budget has been reallocated over the last few years. Little is known about the budget for next year; the governor will report on the budget on January 29. The THEC list of recommendations includes a prioritized list of capital construction projects; it includes a $4M state match for the Agriculture building project. Renovation of Claxton also is high on the list with Hesler, Glocker and Ayres further down the list. The chancellor's staff is devoting a one-evening retreat to all aspects of space on campus. Peters also reported that work is continuing on the technology infrastructure plan and that the chancellor's staff is beginning a review of affirmative action procedures.

Peters listed many projects underway or planned in his office. These include a review of general education, a review of the honors program, undergraduate student recruitment, graduate student recruitment, raising funds for graduate fellowships, providing classroom space and using it more efficiently, a new faculty/department heads breakfast program, a program to visit academic departments, searches for new deans in Arts and Sciences, Education, and Social Work, studies and analyses for THEC on low enrollment programs, a narrative for THEC on programs duplicated elsewhere in the state, planning for the potential loss of significant external funding, planning for library support, and a meeting of the full faculty for a presentation by Snyder on the state of the University.

4. Faculty Affairs-Agriculture Campus.
Ziegler reported that President Joe Johnson is willing to discuss how faculty affairs and appeals are handled for the agriculture campus.

5. SGA-Parking Meters.
Ziegler distributed copies of a letter from Keith M. Townsend, Student Body President, to Mayor Victor Ashe opposing the relocation of parking meters from Andy Holt Avenue to Pat Head Summitt Boulevard. Ziegler received approval to write a letter supporting Townsend's position.

6. Announcement.
Ziegler said that the Executive Committee will have an opportunity to meet with the team reviewing the general education program on February 26, 9:45 - 10:15 a.m. Also, there will be a Homepage training session for the Executive Committee and committee chairs in 605 Hodges Library on February 26 at 3:30 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Samuel Jordan, Secretary



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES
February 19, 1996

Dhyana Ziegler, Presiding

Members present: Jan Allen, Martha Alligood, Bill Blass, Dolly Davis, Agnes Grady, David Johnson, Sam Jordan, Dennie Kelley, Norma Mertz, Ray Mundy, John Peters, Paul Phillips, Greg Pompelli, Josette Rabun, Bill Snyder, Olga Welch, Marianne Woodside, Dhyana Ziegler

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

1. President's Comments.
Ziegler reported that she had delivered to P. Phillips, the faculty representative on the Board of Trustees, a copy of the letter to the administration about library funding. The letter is the one signed by over 300 Arts and Sciences faculty and discussed at the Faculty Senate meeting on February 12, 1996. She also read a letter from G. Reed about the need to reassess budget priorities when faculty searches are being halted.

2. Chancellor's Comments.
Snyder distributed and reviewed a statement of his comments made to the Faculty Senate on February 12, 1996. He characterized the budget problem as really being in the $7-9 million range. The Chancellor's staff is seeking ways to reduce expenditures; Snyder already has recommended a 7.7% reduction in activities and functions included in his budget. Activities and functions are being assessed on the basis of their relationships to the primary mission of the institution and on the basis of whether their responsibilities can be covered elsewhere. No activity or function is protected. Snyder cautioned that additional reductions in budgets may occur due to a downturn in the economy and/or decreased support for research. He noted that if there were a 3% tuition increase, then the university would receive an additional $1.7 million in funding.

Peters emphasized that the financial problems are serious, both short-term and long-term, and that the university probably will come out of the next few years stronger, but different. Snyder and Peters said they did not know whether the system administration is undergoing a similar budget- reduction process. P. Phillips noted that in the UT System, UTK is the only institution receiving a reduced budget and expressed his concern with this aspect of the situation. R. Mundy noted that the university might start charging for services provided to state agencies; he acknowledged that such a decision has political ramifications. Both Snyder and Peters then emphasized that increasing enrollment would not solve the budget problem, and might compound it.

3. AIDS Prevention Education Coalition.
H. Ambrose, director of the coalition, reviewed the work of the group and asked for ideas about how to begin changing attitudes on campus. He noted that statistics from the early 1990's indicate that the rate of HIV infection among college students is ten times that of the general population. He continued with a large number of statistics and then asked for ideas on how to focus faculty and student attention on the issue of HIV. He did not have a specific action in mind. N. Mertz suggested proposing HIV-prevention education as a component of freshman orientation. L. Maxson invited Ambrose to contact her office.

4. Faculty Handbook.
Ziegler reviewed proposed changes to be considered by the Executive Committee. There was general agreement that the listing of administrators somehow should reflect any chain-of-command relations. M. Alligood reviewed changes recommended by the Bylaws Committee. A. Grady commented that the Bylaws should not be in the Faculty Handbook, but issued periodically. There was general agreement with that position. R. Mundy noted that university lawyers have said certain items must be deleted, even though the Board of Trustees has approved them recently. Maxson noted that faculty must object now if they want to retain any section marked for deletion; she then will talk up the matter with the lawyers. Ziegler asked everyone to look at the section titled "Appointment, Promotion, And Tenure" and then e-mail her all comments by February 29.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Samuel Jordan, Secretary



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 11, 1996

Members present: Martha Alligood, Bill Blass, Dolly Davis, Glenn Graber, Agnes Grady, David Johnson, Sam Jordan, Dennie Kelley, Norma Mertz, John Peters, Marla Peterson, Paul Phillips, Greg Pompelli, Bill Snyder, Randol Waters, Dhyana Ziegler

Ziegler called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.

1. President's Comments.
Ziegler reported that she has received numerous calls about how interim deans will be selected for the three colleges in which dean searches have been terminated. In particular, some search committee members have expressed the opinion that internal candidates should not be excluded from consideration for the interim positions. Peters indicated that faculty would be consulted in some manner, but said it probably would be several weeks before the matter of identifying interim deans could be considered (budget matters take priority). Several individuals encouraged the administration to have an open process.

Ziegler next encouraged Peters and Snyder to provide the media an information packet on the budget situation so that reporters would not be gathering partial information from multiple sources.

Ziegler next asked M. Peterson to present a resolution (distributed at meeting) from the Faculty Senate Budget Committee. The resolution asks for openness in the administration's planning and decision making for dealing with budget reductions. Snyder indicated that he plans to meet with the Budget Committee to discuss his proposals before making them public. Peterson moved adoption of the resolution; A. Grady seconded the motion. The motion was then approved unanimously.

Ziegler next introduced a resolution from the Executive Committee on the need for the Faculty Senate, through its committee structure, and the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Budget and Planning to be consulted on restructuring and reallocation matters. Another resolution from the Library Committee urged the administration to maintain a strong serials collection for the Library. Snyder expressed his support for the resolutions and his desire to work through the Executive Committee. With the insertion of "significant" before "reallocations" on the second line and the correction of the name of the Chancellor's Advisory Committee for Budget and Planning, the resolution from the Executive Committee was approved by consensus. The resolution on the serials collection also was approved by consensus.

2. Chancellor's Report.
Snyder reported that he and other administrators are meeting with a variety of campus groups, including student groups, to present a consistent and accurate message on the budget situation. He also reported that tentative plans for dealing with all but $1 million of the anticipated shortfall have been developed. Further staff meetings to work on the problem are scheduled. M. Alligood suggested that a utilities conservation program with incentives might assist the budget situation. Peters noted the need to understand implications of budget requests, such as the need for furniture and equipment in new buildings.

3. Academic Vice Chancellor's Report.
Peters asked for information on the faculty reaction to the book Tennessee 101 which contains faculty teaching evaluations. It was noted that many small sections were taught last semester.

4. Faculty Handbook Recommendations.
Ziegler reminded everyone what had been approved at the last Executive Committee meeting. A list of actions taken by various Faculty Senate Committees was distributed. Included were two possible statements on consenting romantic or sexual relationships between faculty and students. One was suggested by the UTK Chapter of AAUP and the other by the Affirmative Action office. There was a clear consensus in favor of the approach and tone of the AAUP statement. Ziegler then moved through the committee actions. Guidelines for dealing with tenure and promotion files were discussed. Of particular concern was material added to a file after the candidate has seen the file. Ziegler and N. Mertz will prepare a statement assuring candidates of access to their files at all stages of the evaluative process. Grady then suggested that Chapters 4 and 10 of the Faculty Handbook should be combined. The committee actions were approved by consensus.

Next, a set of comments on the Faculty Handbook needs a section on censorship, especially censorship of art. Ziegler asked G. Graber and R. Waters for a statement on the matter.

Ziegler ended with an appeal for support in getting Faculty Senate approval of the new version of the Faculty Handbook, so that the faculty will have a handbook in print. Further changes will be possible every two years.

5. Other Business.
M. Alligood distributed a memorandum containing an annual report of the Senate Bylaws Committee and proposed revisions to the current bylaws. These items will be presented at the next meeting of the Faculty Senate and will be voted on at the following meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5: 10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Sam Jordan, Secretary



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES
April 22, 1996

Dhyana Ziegler, Presiding

Members present: Jan Allen, Martha Alligood, Bill Blass, Agnes Grady, Sam Jordan, Dennie Ruth Kelley, Normal Mertz, Greg Pompelli, Josette Rabun, Randol Waters, Olga Welch, Marianne Woodside, Dhyana Ziegler

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

1. President's Comments.
Ziegler announced that neither Snyder nor Peters would attend today's meeting. Ziegler will meet with Snyder before the May 6, 1996, Faculty Senate meeting. She expressed concern with the way the Faculty Senate, faculty and staff were informed of the possibility of terminating some university employees. She next asked M. Woodside about the feedback to the Chancellor's Office on the Budget Convocation. Ziegler noted that she has received numerous negative comments. Woodside reported that comments from the Budget and Planning Committee were positive. An article on the budget will appear in "Context." Ziegler expressed her hope that the fact sheet would be revised to show more information on the layoffs before it is used in "Context" or elsewhere. She also expressed concern about the need for more statements on where the university is headed. B. Blass noted that he had met with Snyder and tried to make the point that there is no need to savage the entire university to deal with a 3% shortfall, particularly if the university's research standing is in danger. Ziegler noted that layoffs already had been implemented before they were announced. Woodside responded that she thought such matters are still in the planning stage. Ziegler also noted that there is considerable concern about the Budget Convocation being held the afternoon before a holiday; she expressed hope that there will be no unexpected substantial announcements between spring and fall terms. Blass reported that he also expressed to Snyder his concerns about layoffs related to computer services just when more funding for infrastructure, such as a technology fee, is being planned. He asked, "Who will be available to implement new technology programs?" Ziegler concluded by commenting on the seriousness of the university's problems and the institution's standing. She also noted that the faculty is a tremendous resource, if the administration will use it.

2. Faculty Handbook.
Ziegler distributed copies of a memo from Jonathan Knight, Associate Secretary of AAUP, to Jon Coddington of the College of Architecture and Planning. She also distributed copies of a response from L. Maxson to the comments on the Faculty Handbook made by Knight. There was extensive discussion of the possibility a faculty member might be suspended without pay prior to a final decision in a dismissal proceeding. There was general agreement on the need for written procedures for the dismissal of faculty and the suspension of pay. The existing handbook statement generally was agreed to be somewhat nebulous. N. Mertz recommended that Maxson be informed of the committee's concerns regarding the lack of clarity on the matter of procedures and regarding the need for further consideration of these matters next year. There was extensive discussion of the roles of the Executive Committee and the Faculty Senate and the schedule for handbook approval. Mertz moved that the Executive Committee approve, on behalf of the Faculty Senate, the inclusion of "designated faculty" in the list of those "who must participate in {the) tenure review." Grady seconded the motion. More discussion on the appropriateness of such action followed. N. Mertz then withdrew her motion. It then was decided unanimously that the questions raised in the memos should be considered next year, that changes made by Maxson in response to the AAUP memo should be deleted, and that the Executive Committee's approval of the Faculty Handbook would be negated if the university's lawyers make substantive changes in it.

3. Dean Searches.
Blass recalled Peters' comment that he had never lost a candidate he really wanted. He noted that, in effect, Peters will have unusually great influence on the three colleges for which dean searches were terminated while those colleges have interim deans. Blass distributed a draft resolution calling for internal searches for permanent deans. Alligood and Kelley noted good experiences with internal interim deans. Ziegler noted the possibility that an internal interim dean who knows the personalities of the college would help "heal" the college. It was decided not to pursue the resolution.

4. Lady Vols' Resolution.
Ziegler received approval to prepare and bring to the Faculty Senate meeting, May 6, a resolution commending the Lady Vols' national championship in basketball.

There being no further business, Ziegler thanked everyone for their efforts this year and the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Sam Jordan, Secretary



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES
Emergency Meeting, May 1, 1996

Members present: Jan Allen, Martha Alligood, Pat Beitel for Dennie Kelley, Dolly Davis, Glenn Graber, David Johnson, Sam Jordan, Marla Peterson, Paul Phillips, Joe Sutter, Randol Waters, Olga Welch, Dhyana Ziegler

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

1. Ziegler turned the meeting over to J. Peters to discuss the proposed Post-Retirement Service Program for Tenured Faculty. He described the policy as an attempt by the UT system to frame a program for partial or phased retirement within the laws of the state. He also noted that the Executive Committee is being asked for comment, not approval. The proposed program, if approved by the Board of Trustees, will be in effect from July 1, 1996, to December 31, 1997. Participants must volunteer for and be accepted by the administration into the program. Peters estimated that 200 to 300 faculty might be eligible. He also expressed his opinion that the university cannot reduce the faculty further; additional budget cuts would mean program cuts. In response to a question from D. Johnson, Peters said that he believes a demonstrable programmatic need would be the only reason for denying participation.

P. Phillips and others noted that grant funding should be allowed in addition to the pay for instruction, and not be required to offset pay for instruction. M. Peterson asked whether there is a maximum fraction of one's full-time salary that one may earn under the program; the current policy statement is couched in terms of semester hours of instruction and hours of non-instructional service. Phillips suggested listing a range of, for example, 25.0% to 50.0%. M. Alligood noted that reference to fractions of one's pre-retirement workload should be qualified by the phrase, "as defined in the applicable faculty handbook."

There was general agreement that the statement G.4. "Upon retirement, participants relinquish all rights to tenure." must be clarified; one does not surrender, for example, academic freedom. The need for a special section on grants also was evident when statement G.8. on retirement programs was considered; grants normally include charges for retirement contributions.

Peters indicated that he would take the Executive Committee's comments and concerns to Charles Moss and Eli Fly, who prepared the draft policy. He also said he would address the matter at the next Faculty Senate meeting on May 6, 1996.

2. Ziegler asked Peters how the merit raise is being handled. Peters responded that there will be 3% merit raise pools for faculty, exempt, and non-exempt employees. The chancellor's staff has decided that the salaries of non-exempt employees will be raised 3%. Promotion raises also are in place; they are $3,000 for promotion to associate professor and $4,000 for promotion to professor. In the process of discussing raises, Peters noted that the Ombudsman's office has been eliminated; grievances now will be handled by various units.

3. Peters reported that Academic Affairs has taken a $4.187 million cut. Thirty-eight faculty FTE vacancies will not be filled; twenty FTE vacancies are in Arts and Sciences. A planned reduction of four is occurring in Business Administration. Approximately twelve FTE instructorships will disappear. Very few GTA positions (23 of 2,082 funded FTE) and very little in operating budgets will be lost.

4. Peters said he has made his decisions about interim deans. He will announce the appointments as soon as he can meet various requirements. He expects to resume the three searches by late summer.

5. Peters distributed a memo from Bill Snyder on the reduction in force. He authorized its inclusion in the minutes of meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

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