Index
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Site Index |
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October 2, 1978
October 30, 1978 |
January 15, 1979
February 12, 1979 |
April 9, 1979
May 7, 1979 July 16, 1979 |
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
LeRoy Graf made a presentation as a reminder and up-date on the advising system which will be implemented this year. The plan calls for each Undergraduate student to have a conference with a faculty member at least once in every academic year. During fall quarter students whose last names begin with P-Z will be involved. The advising meetings should occur during the month-long period from-October 9 to November 3, and the conferences should provide a broad basis for contact covering prospects, hopes, and needs rather than a narrow focus on courses to be taken in the next quarter. The individual colleges and schools have developed plans that cover the exact evidence of the conference which will allow the student to pre-register, etc. The McDow conference forms are not required but are available from the Admissions Office.EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The report of the September 18 meeting had been distributed to Senators before the meeting. Russell French reminded those present that the Faculty Handbook goes before the Board of Trustees at its October meeting, and pointed out the dates of regular meetings of the Executive Committee.SUMMER SCHOOL, CULTIVATION AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS
Sammie Lynn Puett reported on the work of a committee which had been established by the Chancellor in June (Robert Landen, Bill Barton, Warren Gaston, Russell French, Sammie Lynn Puett, chairperson, and David Lauver, providing staff assistance).COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES
Russell French reported on the committee changes which have been made because of changes in Senators and faculty members who have gone on leave:Educational Policy--Charles Faires to replace Don Dessart.The recommended changes were approved by the Senate.
Student Affairs--two open slots for the Senators to be named from Liberal Arts and Education.
Executive Committee--John Snider to replace David Ostermeier.
Fringe Benefits--Albert Auxier to replace David Ostermeier as chairperson, Ron Hay to replace David Ostermeier as a committee member, Allan Yeomans to be added..
Midget Committee--William Kennedy to replace Roland Bagby.
Legislative Committee--Joan Worley and Imogene Ford to be added.
GRADUATE COUNCIL
The special request to approve course 5103 Independent Study in Nursing was made at this time because the course is needed by two students for completion of degree requirements. The course, is approved. by the Graduate Council, was also approved by the SenateNEW BUSINESS
Tony Spiva presented a resolution from the Knoxville AAUP chapter to extend congratulations from the Faculty Senate to the faculty and administration of East Tennessee State University on the occasion of removal of ETSU from the American Association of University Professors' list of Censured Administrations. This resolution, having been passed by the Senate, will be sent to the President of the Faculty Senate of ETSU.ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Library Committee will meet on November 30 to devise a proposal to handle the problem of overdue books held by the faculty and methods of enforcement. Harry Rutledge requested that suggestions be sent to him before November 15.EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Russell French called certain items from the report to the attention of Senators:I. D. An Additional meeting has been set for November 13. If anyone has business to bring before the Executive Committee, this is the date of the next meeting.
III. C. Two new Senators from the School of Social Work (Cruthirds and Moses) were introduced. Tom Cruthirds will serve on the Fringe Benefits Committee and Alice Moses will serve on the Library Committee.
IV. A. Henry Fribourg reported on the resolution from the Fringe Benefits Committee (appended to the Executive Committee report of October 16). After a meeting between Al Auxier, Henry Fribourg, Barbara Haskew (the higher education representative on the State Insurance Committee), and Richard Chapman (Executive Assistant to Insurance Commissioner Jones), it became apparent that many of the concerns of the Fringe Benefits Committee are the result of lack of information. The committee feels that the resolution it brought to the Senate is quite appropriate but it is not necessary to act on it now because of the detailed information which is currently available. The committee may bring a resolution on the matter at a later time. A motion to table the resolution was made, seconded, and carried.
IV. B. Russell French shared a few of the responses to the resolution on instructional improvement, which had been distributed to legislators, board members, etc. He asked Senators to make suggestions of members of the Senate or other faculty members to serve on the ad hoc taskforce on instructional improvement and to make those suggestions to him before November 6.
UNDERGRADUATE COUNCIL
Ralph Norman reported on the actions of the Council on October 3:1. LeRoy Graf reported for the Coordinating Council on Advising, emphasizing the goal of contact between instructor and student and the 4-week period ending on November 3.All actions of the Undergraduate Council were confirmed by the Senate.
2. The request by the College of Law for a two-term calendar received unanimous approval by a subcommittee and the Undergraduate Council itself. This calendar change will bring the UT Law College into conformity with the teaching pattern of the majority of law schools and with the text materials which are organized on a two-term basis. The new system should enhance the administration of joint programs since there will be more careful planning. Warren Gaston suggested that administrative problems are possible in terms of a new registration cycle, new reporting cycle, conversion between semester and quarter hours, handling of incompletes, fee schedules, etc.; these problems will result in additional costs. Tony Spiva commented that the educational objectives overwhelm any problems that may be encountered. The new calendar will go Into effect in Fall 1980.
3. The curricular materials considered by the Council were mainly efforts to adjust to changes in the English requirements. In the College of Home Economics, the Department of Crafts, Interior Design and Housing is now the Department of Interior Design and Housing. The Crafts faculty are now members of the Department of Art in the College of Liberal Arts. All curricular changes associated with this shift will be presented to the Council for implementation in Fall 1979.
GRADUATE COUNCIL
Margaret Perry reported on the meeting of July 13:1. Corrections in the written report: page 10, change Music 4440 to 4400; page 16, change titles 5510 Advertising to Creative Projects and 5510 Broadcasting to Creative Projects.The Senate confirmed the actions of the Graduate Council.
2. Incomplete grade policy. The Council took the position that a mechanism be developed for informing students at the time that an incomplete is changed to a grade on individual transcripts.
3. An additional charge was given to the Committee on Statistics to investigate solutions to the problems associated with statistical competency among graduate students and faculty across the University community.
OTHER COMMITTEES
On behalf of the Coordinating Committee on Advising, LeRoy Graf reported that the number of students reporting is not great enough, considering there is only one week left in the advising period. Announcements were distributed to be read to students to remind the P-Z students of the deadline. After November 3, faculty should no longer issue the forms which allow students to preregister. Those not advised may turn in scan forms on November 10 and after and participate in secondary registration.NEW BUSINESS
A motion was made (Reynolds) and seconded that "the Executive Committee appoint an ad hoc committee to study the question of the University's investment policies and responsibilities." After considerable discussion, the motion was passed. The Senate has not had input concerning this matter thus far. The actions of the AASLF and the report of the Chancellor have gone to the Board of Trustees but have not had a response. Reynolds felt that a reasoned faculty committee study could make a contribution to the dialog on this issue. French advised the Senate that he had received a similar request from the Graduate School of Planning, which specifically requested complete disclosure of investments, a fact-finding and issue-oriented study not limited to any single company or country. In response to the question of whether University investments were a matter for Senate action, Fribourg stated that the Faculty Handbook charges the Senate to recommend policies on a wide range of concerns affecting the welfare of this campus. Kuipers reiterated several facts in support of faculty involvement: 1) faculty did not have input to the information that went to the Board, 2) the Board did not give a written report in response, and 3) many reputable universities are taking positions on this very issue. The committee will be appointed by the Executive Committee. The Senate Office will have the documents (AASLF and Reese's presentation) for interested Senators and faculty.EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The reports of three meetings had been distributed to the membership. Russell French cited a few specific actions from the January 3 meeting:1. The University Investment Study Committee has been named for the most part including five faculty members (Al Keally, chair, Stan Vance, Carl Pierce, Betty Cleckley, and John Davis) and two students to be named in January. The committee was deliberately kept small to allow it to work well over a long time; the members will act as a coordinating group, contacting expertise among the campus community as needed. The first meeting is scheduled for January 20.
2. The Ad Hoc Committee on Instructional Improvement has been named (Mary Richards, John Snider, Luther Kindall, Charles Reynolds, Fred Keller, and Russ French , chair) and charged to work on implementation of the Senate's resolution on instructional improvement through coordination with other agencies on campus.
FACULTY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Ken Walker reported that last year the Senate had voted to seek release of certain information on faculty salaries resulting in the release-of statistical information in April. This year the committee attempted to get this same type of information released earlier, prior to most MBO interviews. According to Luke Ebersole, this information should be distributed to faculty before February 1.LIBRARY COMMITTEE
Harry Rutledge reported that a proposal to remedy the problem of faculty overdues (first brought to the Senate at its November 30 meeting) has not yet been formulated. The Library's new systems analyst, Pat Barkalow, is at work on the problem. At present the magnitude of the problem is 2932 volumes from the Main and Undergraduate Libraries which are worth over $51,000. The Library Administration will do all it can to verify these loans and/or retrieve the books. The committee hopes to have a proposal in the next month.GRADUATE COUNCIL
According to Evans Roth, the Graduate Council has a new tone. In the past it has been concerned with appeals and basic policies; now there is time to look at major issues and national trends rather than fighting brushfires. Some of these issues include:a) pressure from foreign students concerning English proficiency exams, especially from students enrolled in the Institute for Language Study who are on campus and who have achieved close to the proper score;The December 7 meeting included a review of the doctoral program in Psychology, announcement of appointment of two asst. deans, Mary Richards and Gerald Hills, and that a search committee will be appointed shortly to find a replacement for Dean Perry. The Council has received a proposal for a new doctoral program in Experimental and Comparative Medicine from the faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the department of Medical Biology at UT Hospital and members of the UTK faculty. This is the lead program of several at the doctoral and master's levels. Perry & Roth attended the Council of Graduate Schools meeting and reported on national issues. This was the last meeting of the present Graduate Council since its membership changes as of January 1. The actions of the Council were confirmed by the Senate.
b) concern about off-campus programs since we do not want to offer courses of marginal quality;
c) concerns of graduate students seeking the cooperation of faculty members in promptly returning grade changes and concern over the library problem;
d) recognition of a casual approach to course and curriculum changes resulting in issuance of a timetable to be followed.
UNDERGRADUATE COUNCIL
Ralph Norman reported on the November 21 meeting. Curricular changes were accepted for Veterinary Medicine, Home Economics, Social Work, Education, and Nursing. A request for limitation of enrollment was made by the Interior Design and Housing department. The plan to move the enrollment down from 300 to 200 had been approved by the Committee on Degrees and Programs and received approval of the Council. The actions of the Undergraduate Council were approved by the Senate.ANNOUNCEMENTS
Terese Ledbetter described the Life Planning Seminar for orientation to retirement matters which will be held on February 22, 1979 in the University Center. This planning session is the first for academic and administrative personnel and is limited to fifty participants of age 50 or older and their spouses. Resource people from the campus, the Social Security Administration, and the Office on Aging will be involved in a comprehensive program covering estate planning, investments, social security, Medicare, group insurance, community services, housing, and legal aspects of retirement. The Personnel Office plans to offer this program on a semi-annual basis.MINUTES
The Minutes of the January 15 meeting were approved as distributed with one correction; Daniel was present.EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Hearing no questions on the report of the January 29 meeting, Russell French called for input on concerns of the faculty which might be brought up in the University Council meeting or the meeting of the Faculty Counselors to the President.BUDGET COMMITTEE
Mary Richards reported on this year's activities of the committee in keeping abreast of budgetary matters on campus.1. The committee has monitored the overhead retention rate for research grants, considered the impact of enrollment on budgets, and set funding priorities.Russell French announced that the Committee on University Investments is now working under the leadership of Al Keally. The student members appointed to the committee are Jane Campbell, GSC and Ronnie Perkins, SGA.
2. Presently under study are the formula funding process (with suggestions forthcoming), energy conservation measures, and university-wide investments.
3. Plans for the future include a study of the THEC formula and the relationship of the MBO process to salary increases.
FRINGE BENEFITS COMMITTEE
Al Auxier reported that the Fringe Benefits Committee is currently investigating:
- 1. Tax sheltering.
- On an optional basis it might be possible to have a reduction in pay in return for the state taking over the full cost of fringe benefits.
3. Comparison of our fringe benefits, carried into retirement, with other institutions. The results are expected soon.
- 2. Dental insurance.
- 44 million people have this insurance nationwide.
- 4. Adequacy of liability insurance program.
- The tentative conclusion suggests that the professional liability insurance is inadequate; clarification has been requested concerning parts of the program.
6. Contrasting benefits of TIAA and TCRS.
- 5. Medical insurance for retirees.
- The preliminary investigation suggests a need for supplements to Medicare.
8. William Cole, retired members of the committee, spoke to the need for a UTK organization for retired faculty and staff. This would be a free- standing group to serve an information purpose and a social purpose. The Chancellor feels that it would be beneficial and would welcome the formation of such a group. The Fringe Benefits unanimously supports such a group and brought the following resolution to the Senate:
- 7. A meeting with UT fringe benefits people, the Secretary of the State Insurance Committee, and Dr. Barbara Haskew, our representative to the Insurance Committee resulted in communication of several concerns:
- --direct certification and problems with this procedure
--question of benefits especially since the State has directed Blue Cross to strictly interpret benefits.Resolution: Be it resolved that the UTK Faculty Senate supports and encourages the formation of a UTK organization for retired faculty and staff employees.The resolution was passed unanimously by the Senate.
RHODES AND FOREIGN SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE
David Fox, chairperson, reported on the activities of the committee. Last year the committee considered two candidates for Rhodes Scholarships and seven for Fulbright awards. There were two finalists in the Fulbright competition and one winner, Michael Ledgerwood, who is now on a teaching fellowship in France. This year the number of applicants dropped off despite diligent efforts of the committee in recruitment. Personal encouragement seems influential in getting promising students to apply. Fox reminded faculty to work with students to inform them of these opportunities. The committee has processed applications for one Rhodes and three Fulbright awards with one finalist in the Fulbright competition, Michael Degley. Nancy Ann Min, a UTK alumna has received a Rhodes Scholarship, although her application was not processed through this committee. Ms. Min is the third successful UTK candidate.LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Frank Leuthold spoke to the priorities of concerns developed by the committee for communication to the members of the legislature: adequate funding for the University, removal of salary guidelines, funding for the Library, finding for the Claxton addition, and insurance problems.NOMINATING COMMITTEE
LeRoy Graf announced that the Nominating Committee is about to go into action. Senators should contact members (Kermit Blank, Alan Lasater, Homer Johnson, and Mary Francis Crawford) with suggestions. Election of officers and new senators will occur in April.UNDERGRADUATE COUNCIL
Ralph Norman presented the UG Council report. He highlighted the following actions: a special summer institute in the Graduate School of Social Work which would result in course credit at other institutions but not at UTK (p. 4471), course changes resulting from the removal of Crafts from the present Department of Interior Design and Housing (p. 4480), a new minor in business administration for non-business majors.EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chancellor Reese had discussed budgetary matters with the Executive Committee and the Budget Committee at a luncheon on February 29. At this time he reported the tentative plans to the Senate. Budget plans for the University remain tentative until the General Assembly acts on the appropriations bill, it is signed, and the Board of Trustees acts upon the budget. After the 7Z average salary increase for employees and the amount projected for the utilities bill, we will probably have to reduce the current base budget by approximately $800,000. The costs will be absorbed in the central administration as much as possible, by cutting telephone and duplication services, by adding fees in the Student Health Clinic and possibly for bus service, by having no central renovation budget at all. It would be intolerable for all units to receive a decrease in funds this year, so there will not be an across-the-board cut. The Library has been hard hit by inflation; some colleges such as Business and Engineering, have strong enrollment pressures; a few others are clearly understaffed, such as Agriculture and Home Economics. These areas will receive slight increases. The general intent of the budget planning has been to absorb most of the impact outside the academic, teaching units, but of course, a stand-still budget means reduction because of inflation. We have a dangerous situation in operating and equipment funds. The funding trend needs to be turned around or the institution will be in a difficult situation in coming years. The optimistic part of the governor's budget include money for raises in salaries and capital outlay for the Claxton wing. UT has not been singled out for punitive treatment; we are receiving the same percentage of the state budget as in the past. It is just not enough money. If there are cuts next year, they will directly affect academic programs, resulting in cuts in specific programs or even units of the University.
Agriculture: Ron Hay Architecture: William Benedict Biomedical Sciences: Frank Gaertner Business Administration: Robert Woodruff Communications: Sherilyn Ziegler Education: Larry DeRidder Engineering: Homer Johnson Home Economics: Frances Andrews Law: Forrest Lacey Liberal Arts: Suzanne Kurth
Bruce Wheeler
Bernard SilversteinLibraries: Aubrey Mitchell Library & Information Science: William Robinson Nursing: Maureen Groer Planning: Jim Spenser Social Work: Alice Moses Space Institute: Ron Kohl Veterinary Medicine: Sharon Patton
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
LeRoy Graf, chair of the committee, announced the slate of candidates which his committee (Kermit Blank, Mary Francis Crawford, Homer Johnson, Alan Lasater) had nominated:For President-Elect, Pauline Bayne and Charles Reynolds;There being no nominations from the floor, these shall be the candidates for election. Ballots will be sent to all Senators this week and must be received by April 25. The ballots should be returned to LeRoy Graf. Results of the election will be announced at the May 7 meeting.
For University Council, Homer Johnson, Michael Johnson, Mary Lue Jolly, Forrest Lacey, John Ray and Bruce Wheeler.
LIBRARY COMMITTEE
Harry Rutledge, chair of the committee, reported that work on the matter of faculty overdues had been occurring for almost a year. On April 19, 1978, the Graduate Student Council requested consideration of the problem of long overdue materials which were charged to faculty. The following statement from Ken Marks, Associate Director for Public Services in the Library, indicates the proposed action to be taken during Spring Quarter 1979.1. The week of March 19, 1979, lists of overdue material arranged by faculty name will be generated. Address information will be matched with these lists.
2. Beginning the first week of Spring Quarter a program will be undertaken by the Associate Director for Public Services to contact the individual faculty members who are listed as having overdue materials. The objective will be to determine if the faculty member still has in his possession the materials listed in the Library records. After this has been determined, the Library will offer to recharge the books to the faculty member, or, if they are no longer needed to return them to the loaning library.
3. This program will be completed by the end of Spring Quarter.
4. Where instances of faculty non-cooperation occur, the information regarding overdue materials will be placed in the hands of Department Chairmen for assistance in obtaining the cooperation of the faculty.
5. If the necessary cooperation is still not forthcoming the information regarding overdues will be forwarded to the appropriate Dear or Director.
6. If the Library is unsuccessful at each of these stages, the information regarding faculty overdues will be forwarded to Dr. Walter Herndon with a request for assistance in accounting for the overdue materials. This plan of action came as a motion from the Library Committee and was passed by the Senate. The committee will forward this plan as a formal response to the Graduate Student Council.
DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Kyle Reed, chair of the committee, reported on the joint meeting of this group, the Executive Committee, Chancellor Reese, and Jack Williams. The meeting was held to report on the Tennessee Tomorrow campaign, which is now well above the $10 million mark, and to set directions for the use of unrestricted funds. The overall fund-raising is progressing very well but unevenly in terms of our five campus goals and the individual schools and colleges designated to receive the funds. The unrestricted gifts now total $30,000 for the current year. $12,500 has been set aside for library acquisitions and $17,000 for faculty development. The decision had been made to use the faculty development money available for individual research grants. The committee suggested that some of it be used for improvement of teaching, and the Senate has been asked to prepare a proposal. The Chancellor's announcement of a collegiate development group consisting of one parson from each college and a faculty representative (the chair of the Senate Development Committee) is a good step for future fund-raising activities.NEW BUSINESS
Suzanne Kurth presented a resolution from the Sociology Department concerning William E. Cole. Dr. Cole had been the first head of the Sociology Department, Tennessee Planning commission, the Council on Aging, President of the Southern Sociology Society, author of numerous books and articles, representative of retired professors on the Senate Fringe Benefits Committee, and a leader in the fight for meaningful education. The intent of the resolution is that a letter be sent to the family of Dr. Cole. The following resolution was passed by the Senate unanimously:Be it resolved that the UTK Faculty Senate recognize the loss the university community recently experienced due to the death of William E. Cole, Professor Emeritus, Sociology.
UNDERGRADUATE COUNCIL
Clark Roberts was available to answer any questions about the report of the February 13 meeting of the Undergraduate Council. The actions of the Council were confirmed by the Senate.GRADUATE COUNCIL
Evans Roth indicated that the report of the January 18 meeting was self-explanatory. The February 22 meeting dealt with reviews of several doctoral programs. The review of the program in Mechanical and Space Engineering led to a discussion of preliminary examinations. The Council passed a motion to examine the preliminary examination to determine the intent, appropriate time to be given, and kind of content. A committee will begin to operate soon. Political Science and Radiation Biology have also been recently reviewed. A request to terminate the degree in Radiation Biology at the master's and Ph.D. level has gone to the Board of Trustees. Degree authorization through another program is under investigation at the present time. Two-thirds of the planned doctoral degree reviews have been finished or are in progress. All such reviews not yet undertaken have been stopped since we have lost the dean who chaired all the review committees and since there is a need for follow-up or re-review to see if the recommendations have been implemented. The future will bring a look at new graduate programs-twelve doctoral and master's programs in the next three years. Even in the face of budgetary restrictions new programs and reorganization of existing ones are important. The actions presented in both reports of the Graduate Council were approved by the Senate.ANNOUNCEMENTS
A System-Campus meeting will be held on May 30 with a special session for the Faculty Senate from 2-4 p.m. in the Hermitage Room. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers for the President and his staff. No agenda has been set, but Senators may place items on the agenda by sending them to Russ French or Pauline Bayne.MINUTES
Minutes of the April 9 meeting were approved with the following correction: p. 3, Development and Alumni Relations Committee, line 7 should read, "The unrestricted gifts now total $30,000 for the current year."EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
French referred the Senate to the report of the April 23 meeting. At that time only about one-third of the colleges had reported the results of Senatorial elections. As of today, four units have not responded: Agriculture, Architecture, Law, and Planning. Senators in those units should do what they can to get the results forwarded to the Secretary.COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES
Carl Pierce distributed a questionnaire concerning Senate committees and preferences for committee service next year. New Senators will shortly receive a committee preference sheet as well. The Committee on Committees will report at the July meeting.NOMINATING COMMITTEE
LeRoy Graf reported that 83 Senators voted in the election with the following results:
President-Elect, Pauline Bayne University Councilors, Mary Lue Jolly
Forrest Lacy
Bruce Wheeler
EDUCATIONAL POLICIES COMMITTEE
During the year, topics discussed by the committee have included summer school programs, offering of college-level courses to high school students, THEC performance funding project, Mini- term: December 6-18, 1978, the status of late drop policies, and faculty workload. The main topic which Walter Herndon reported was the result of discussions on the impact of recent federal legislation which will extend the minimum mandatory retirement for faculty in higher education to age 70, effective 1982. A review of statistics concerning our faculty indicates that there are forty faculty members to consider retirement between now and 1982. A table showing the distribution of age of faculty by college (faculty reaching age 65) through 1989 shows the potential for problems in that time period. Herndon stated that many people are retiring early rather than staying on past age 65. The committee recommends that the Faculty Senate and campus administration be encouraged to work toward a more flexible system for persons desiring to retire prior to mandated age.UNDERGRADUATE COUNCIL
Clark Roberts reported for the Undergraduate Council meeting of April 10, 1979. The minutes of the meeting covered curricular changes for five colleges. Significant changes include: 1) approval of a business minor in the College of Liberal Arts for Bachelor of Arts students; the minor had been approved by the Colleges of Business Administration and Liberal Arts; 2) revision of both the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees in the Department of Art to accommodate the crafts programs which have been transferred from the College of Home Economics; 3) the establishment of a new major in dance in the College of Education (the program had existed but not as a major). The actions of the Undergraduate Council were confirmed by the Senate.GRADUATE COUNCIL
Gerald Hills reported for the Graduate Council's March 29 meeting. The Council completed a comprehensive review of the MBA program; all revisions were approved. Of the curricular changes approved, the more major ones occurred in the Colleges of Home Economics, Engineering, and Business Administration. There were no questions from Senators on these changes. The Council heard comments by Ombudsman, Charles Cleland, on academic dishonesty in its continuing discussion of the matter. Actions of the Graduate Council were approved by the Senate.LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Frank Leuthold reported on recent legislative action on a longevity bonus bill for state employees. The proposed bill would provide a bonus after three years of service consisting of $30 per year to a maximum of $450. in 1979-80, $45 per year bonus in 1980-81, and $60 per year bonus in 1981-82 Such bonuses would occur once per year in the month following an employee's anniversary date. It is unclear whether college and university faculty will be included in this bill. Discussion from the floor centered on the wisdom of faculty being generally equated with "state employees." In the long term this might be a problem for faculty, and the implications should be seriously considered. Another type of longevity plan might be better suited to higher education; perhaps a longevity fund that might be distributed according to merit as well as length of service.NEW BUSINESS
Mac Simpson raised a question concerning the Senate's involvement in the selection of the next Vice President for the Institute of Agriculture. Russell French, after learning of Webster Pendergrass' June 30 retirement date, sent a letter to President Boling indicating on behalf of the Senate, that he was pleased to know that an advisory committee was to be established for selection of the new vice president. He indicated a willingness of the Senate to nominate possible members of that advisory committee. However, he was not asked to make such recommendations. The advisory committee has now been named and will be chaired by John Prados, Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Committee consists of five faculty from the College of Agriculture, two trustees, 1 member of the Agricultural Extension Service, two students, two farmers, and two agriculture businessmen.--One reason for reformation of the Senate was to have a larger role in the selection process for higher administrative officials at the campus and systems level. The Senate must retain this role for the faculty at large.A motion was proposed and passed charging the Executive Committee to request a meeting with Vice President Prados to discuss and clarify the procedures to be followed in seeking a replacement for Vice President Pendergrast. The meeting should provide an opportunity to reiterate the faculty view of appropriate process in these matters, concern about timing in this particular search, to give after the fact approval to the faculty who were appointed to the advisory committee, and to request Senate involvement in appointing faculty members of future advisory committees.
--The issue is one for serious concern since it involves equal opportunity for women and blacks and equity for all faculty as members of a large system.
--The Agriculture faculty have long been concerned about their role in filling administrative positions within the Institute of Agriculture. They desire consultation.
--Serious concern was expressed about the projected timetable for the advisory committee's work. There must be sufficient time to review the role and scope of the position, to screen and interview all the best candidates.
--The UTK Faculty Handbook, Chapter 2, page 8 calls for the Executive Committee to help in selection of faculty members for screening committees. Has this been done?
MINUTES
Minutes of the May 7, 1979 meeting were approved as distributed.EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Russell French highlighted the reports of three meetings.COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES
Carl Pierce brought the proposed list of committee appointments before the Senate for approval. Not every committee position has been filled; neither has every Senator yet been appointed to a committee. A second list of appointments will come to the Senate at its first fall meeting. Pierce explained that an effort was made to mix new and experienced members on committees and to comply with preferences as much as possible.1. Expand the membership of the Faculty Affairs Committee to 15.A vote on these amendments will be taken on October 1.
2. Expand the elected faculty membership of the Student Affairs Committee to 12 and expand the elected student membership to 4.
3. Expand the faculty membership of the Athletics Committee to 12.
4. Add the immediate past-president as a designated member of the Executive Committee and increase the number of elected faculty to 10.
ATHLETICS COMMITTEE
Chairperson Tom Ungs reported on the major project of this committee, the writing and production of a faculty-staff information booklet on UT athletics. The booklet represents a joint effort of the Senate Athletics Committee and the Athletics Board of the Board of Trustees. Designed to present information and eliminate misunderstandings, the booklet covers organization of athletics, governance, finances, parking, scholarships, and other topics and will be available prior to the opening of classes in the fall.AD HOC COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT
The proposal for a teaching seminar for graduate teaching assistants has been sent to Senators prior to the meeting. Russell French summarized the seminar plan. It will allow graduate credit and will be conducted on an experimental basis this fall with sixty GTAs participating. Departmental participation will be based on desire, representation of diverse groups, naming a departmental coordinator, willingness to provide a control group to match the participating group. The schedule given in the report is not totally firm yet, but the structure should include ten three-hour sessions of which three will be departmental and one will include all GTAs (an orientation session sponsored jointly with the Council on Teaching and Learning). Funding for this year will come from faculty development funds raised in the Tennessee Tomorrow campaign.AD HOC COMMITTEE ON UNIVERSITY INVESTMENTS
Al Keally, chair of this special committee, gave a progress report. The committee had eleven meetings since its formation in January 1979. It has been conducting research to learn the current investment policies of the University of Tennessee and of others, A preliminary report will be made to the Executive Committee at the end of fall quarter.UNDERGRADUATE COUNCIL
Ralph Norman, reporting For the Undergraduate Council, presented a summary of the June 5 actions first: major revisions in programs in Office Administration (consolidation of two majors into one), the Journalism major, expansion of 4000-level courses in Nursing, and other minor curricular changes. The curricular changes in the College of Law are not necessary yet because of the delay in implementing the two-term calendar. These changes were approved by the Senate.1) earlier drop policy for College of Engineering courses (not after the sixth day of classes),The proposal is for a 5-year experimental application of these policies with reports to the Senate on the results. The Council also approved a wider study, by a subcommittee, of the issues involved as they might apply to the entire University.
2) for engineering majors, all grades are to be computed in the gpa whether taken in the College of Engineering or in other colleges, and there will be a limit of twelve hours in repeatable grades.
Drop deadline-changeDiscussion touched on the impact of variations in policy between departments, whether other departments will be able to adopt these deadlines, the technical difficulties (drops must be handled manually and the College of Engineering must supply the added clerical staff), the possible danger to University funding because of the fall quarter 14-day enrollment count, the possibility of simulation rather than experimental implementation of this change, the practicality of a 5-year experiment.Computation of grade point averages
Fred Peebles explained the rationale behind the proposal as basically one of educating students to the reality of commitment. The faculty of the College of Engineering are concerned about keeping other students from places in classes, are confident that students will. not withdraw more but less, and want to try the policy In a real situation and to evaluate the results.
Howard Aldmon suggested that careful evaluation of our drop deadline policy of seven years' standing should be done before wholesale changes are made, and any changes should be tied into the mandatory advising program.
The motion on early drop policy was amended (E. Bratton/Lacey) so that the implementation date is winter quarter, 1980 with annual reports to the Undergraduate Council and Senate at their winter meetings. The amendment was approved. An amendment (Auxier) to eliminate freshmen from the policy died for lack of a second. A motion to table (Silverstein/Walker) failed. A motion to adjourn and reconvene to continue the debate was ruled out of order. The original motion, amended as to implementation date and reporting, was approved by a vote of 28 to 8. The experimental application of this new policy may be ended at any time by a request from the College of Engineering or through action of the Senate.This policy would apply only to engineering majors and would begin with fall quarter, 1979. The 12-hour limit on repeatable grades was arrived at through negotiation of student and faculty groups in the college. A motion to approve the policy was passed by a 27-2 vote.
GRADUATE COUNCIL
Evans Roth reported on the Council meetings of April 26 and May 31. The degree programs, including the doctoral program in experimental and comparative medicine, and the minutes of April 26 were passed by the Senate. The Master of Fine Arts with a theater major as well as all curricular changes made at the May 31 meeting were approved by the Senate. The council has established a Standing Committee on International Education due to the increased commitment of international activities associated with grants and contracts and the international involvement of the UT Research Corporation.FRINGE BENEFITS COMMITTEE
Therese Ledbetter announced an organizational luncheon for the Organization for Retired UTK Employees, sponsored by Chancellor Reese being held on October 4. Formation of such an organization had been originally the idea of the late Dr. Bill Cole and has been pursued by the Fringe Benefits Committee. Jim Walls, professor emeritus of geology, is heading up the effort now.LIBRARY COMMITTEE
Harry Rutledge made the following report. On June 4 holders of faculty studies in the Main Library were informed that studies and carrels would be reduced in number, and holders were asked to convey their needs in an application for a study on the basis of a 6-month term. On July 12, the Executive Committee asked the Library Committee to confer on the matter. The Library Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 17, at 2 p.m. in the University Center, room 203. To date a] I faculty requests have been met, but processing of requests has ceased until the Library Committee discusses the matter further. The alternative of book storage is being pursued and may be available within a year.RESEARCH COUNCIL
All Senators had received a written report from the Research Council. Lloyd Seatz chairperson, elaborated upon that report. During the year the Council had reviewed carefully the long-range plan for research; their reactions and recommendations are covered in the report. A motion was made, seconded and passed that the report of the Research Council be accepted by the Faculty Senate and forwarded to the University administration.STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Gerald Bratton, chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee, reported on the main issues discussed during the year:1. The Student Senate had pushed for mandatory course evaluation. The committee proposes that the issue and its implications be studied by the Student Affairs, Faculty Affairs, and Executive Committees next year.All of these issues have been referred to next year's Senate and Student Affairs Committee.
2. Credit for life experiences should be studied by this committee and the Faculty Affairs Committee--definitions, amount of credit, appropriate to which colleges, how it is handled at other Southeast universities.
3. The Graduate Student Association has proposed that funds for graduate student travel to professional associations be made available. This committee has suggested that if funds were available, two senators should be appointed to the group deciding on recipients.
PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
A final report from President Russell French on the activities of the Senate this year was distributed to senators. Copies will be mailed to all faculty. French acknowledged the efforts of the out-going secretary, Pauline Bayne, thanked all those who had helped him during his term as President and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve in this capacity, for the learning it provided and the friendships it helped form.| Senate Directory Officers Committees Members |
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