Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Attendance: Jane Evans (Chair), Karen Turner (Vice-Chair), Paul LaFollette (CST), Robert Aiken (CST), Bonnie Averbach (FSBM), David Baron (Med), Zdenka Delalic (Eng), Sally Harrison (Tyler), Pauline Hurley-Kurtz (Ambler), Luke Kahlich (BCDM), Lois Millner (SSA), Joan Shapiro (Educ), Roy Stevens (Dental)
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 1:05 PM.
2. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from previous meetings were approved.
There was a brief discussion about whether we had any follow-up on the motions we passed with respect to supporting Halbert's need for help and better office space. Evans will get back to us about this and also about the appointment of Dan Tompkins as possible area coordinator.
3. President’s Report:
Evans has had follow-up discussions with Dr. Soprano about the issues raised during his visit. His office is looking at ways of simplifying the IRB process for the social sciences and others.
Much disappointment has been expressed about the outcome of the ballot on membership in the Senate. Evans has heard complaints that the ballot was confusing and the voting time too short. The FSSC expressed its complete support for Evans and the process as it was handled.
A discussion of the rehiring process for NTT's followed. There was much concern that there has been little change manifest with respect to the unpleasant tone of the re-appointment letters, and also no real guidance from the central administration with respect to multi-year contracts. Several representatives reported that their departments had lost potential hires or re-hires because of the unwelcoming, legalistic phraseology of the letters. Evans will discuss this with the Provost.
Evans announced that the Provost plans to re-energize the Taskforce for the Arts. Some discussion arose as to whether this is the same as the Commission on the Arts, and if not whether it should be. Evans will attempt to clarify the issue with Englert.
The Provost's office has created a taskforce for International Programs.
The EPPC approved a document proposing changes in the Handbook's description of the committee. Aiken moved that the FSSC approve these changes. The motion carried unanimously.
EPPC has devoted much energy to discussion of issues with respect to core-to-core transfers.
Karen Turner, Sally Harrison, and Lois Millner agreed to attend the Board meeting on May 8.
Our end of semester luncheon will be on May 1 at noon in the Faculty Club.
4. Vice-President’s Report:
She is preparing to send out a mailing reminding the faculty of the need for candidates and volunteers for next year's Senate and its committees.
5. Old Business:
There was no old business.
6. New Business:
There was no new business.
7. Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul LaFollette
Secretary
