Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Attendance: Karen M. Turner (Pres.), Paul S. LaFollette (V. Pres.), Bonnie Averbach (Secy.), David Baron (Med), Joan Delalic (Engr), Marge Devinney (CLA), Pauline Hurley-Kurtz (Ambl), Michael W. Jackson (STHM), Luke Kahlich (BCMD), Stephanie Knopp (Tyl), Lois Millner (SSA), Mark Rahdert (Law), Joan Shapiro (Educ), Joel Sheffield (CST), Jay Sinha (FSBM), Roberta Sloan (SCT), Roy Stevens (Dent), David Waldstreicher (Fac. Herald), Cheryl Mack (Coord)
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 1:10 PM.
There was a short discussion of an article from the New York Times about the effect of the present economy on the funds that Universities have for financial aid for students.
2. Approval of Minutes:
The minutes were approved with corrections.
3. Guests:
Representatives from Temple Student Government (TSG): Nadine Mompremier, President, Nexus Cook, Vice President of External Affairs, and Eva Alkasov, Parliamentarian
TSG’s mission is to serve the student body by advocating and representing their voice for the benefit of the university community while providing access to resources. The group would like to build a bridge between students and faculty. They would like to start an ad hoc committee of faculty and students, where faculty would be involved in student programs – Homecoming, for example.
When asked about the relation of Student Government to other student organizations on campus, Mompremier replied that if a student organization satisfies certain criteria, has an advisor who works in the University, and submits a registration form signed by the advisor, the group is registered. Once a group is registered, a student leader must attend at least one meeting a semester. (There are 209 student organizations at Temple.) She would like all student organizations to register, so that they can interact with Student Government. (Student organizations must register each semester.)
The Student Government members undertake some projects that are beneficial to students. Alkasov discussed one project, which is designed to help students pay reasonable prices for used required textbooks, and to receive reasonable prices when they sell the used books.
She asked the FSSC to pass a resolution that all faculty should announce the texts to be used the following semester, at least three weeks before finals. If the bookstore is given enough notice, students may be able to obtain used books rather than new ones.
Another problem is that some students who receive certain types of financial aid are given special cards or Diamond Dollars which they must use at the bookstore to purchase books even though the books may be cheaper elsewhere.
Many FSSC members replied with comments. Among them, were:
The bookstore does not always order enough books for the class.
Some publishers will sell unbound copies of books at a discounted rate.
Post the syllabus early.
Obtain books online when available.
On line book stores do not always send the books out on time.
Try Libris for Art texts.
Zavelles is great.
Try to use a previous edition.
Inform our colleagues about the students’ point of view.
Keep some textbooks in the Reserve Book Room of the Library.
Cook has investigated a company called “Open Textbooks.” Open Textbooks are free, online, open-access textbooks. These have no copyright and can be downloaded. They are being used by some top universities. See www.maketextbooksaffordable.org/statement.asp?id2=37633. There are also online rental services from which students can rent textbooks. One such service is Chegg, http://www.chegg.com/index.php/?referrer=JLidaprBJ6 (or, type in “rent textbooks” and search on the web.)
LaFollette asked about electronic books. Response: Yes, they are available. They can also be bound.
When asked how Tyler students and Ambler students can participate, Mompremier suggested emailing tsgpres@temple.edu.
Baron and Jackson suggested other campus issues that Student Government should be discussing, possibly with students on other campuses, are possible dangers on and off campus, such as drinking, students being vulnerable to rape and armed robbery. It is essential to launch a campaign to make students more aware of these dangers. There are student groups (OWL WATCH) who are checking the campus.
Mompremier then told us about the reorganization of the Student Government to have an Executive Branch, a Senate branch and a Judicial Branch. Some basic issues are student life, bookstores, safety on campus, Gen Ed, keeping tuition low, athletics, and providing resources for students.
Turner discussed establishing an ad hoc joint committee of students and faculty.
Rahdert mentioned that an ad hoc committee should have a mission and that our committee should see what the issues are.
Turner said that we usually form an ad hoc before we make it a standing committee.
A motion to form an Ad Hoc Joint Faculty-Student Committee was unanimously approved.
The mission of the committee will be discussed at a future meeting.
LaFollette asked whether a member of EPPC should be on this committee. This will be answered at a future meeting as well.
4. President’s Report – Turner:
The provost is scheduled to be at the November 25 FSSC meeting however we are following the Tuesday/Thursday schedule and this may pose a teaching conflict for some members of the committee.
Lori Salem will be our guest on November 18 to discuss the Writing Program.
Suggestions for other guests include:
- Ambler Student Government Representatives
- Peter Jones to discuss the Student Feedback forms.
- Eleanor Myers for the Athletics Committee
- Dick Englert and Jodi Levine-Laufgraben for Middlestates update
- Bill Black, Sr. Vice Provost for Admissions for Enrollment Management discussion
- Tiffenia Archie, Office of Multicultural Affairs
- Ken Lawrence, Sr. Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs
- Eli Goldblatt, Committee on Community-Based Learning and Collaboration
- Diane Maleson (after TAUP contract is signed)
- Larry Lemanski for follow up on Research Committee and Patents/Inventions Committee
- Bill Bradshaw (he may accompany Myers)
- Bill Bergman to discuss safety and security
- Stuart Sullivan, Institutional Advancement
- A Representative from Campus Planning.
Our luncheon meeting is planned for December 9th; this will be our last meeting of the semester.
Turner mentioned that January 20, the first day of class, is the Presidential Inauguration Day.
We will not discuss the TAUP Contract until it has been signed.
Vice President’s Report – LaFollette:
None
Unfinished Business:
None
New Business:
None
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 PM
Bonnie Averbach, Secretary.
