Monday, January 26 2009
1. Call to Order:
President Karen Turner called the meeting to order at 1:54 PM.
2. President’s Report: Karen M. Turner
This meeting will be video conference to the Health Sciences campus and the Ambler campus. However it was not recorded.
3. Provost Lisa Staiano-Coico:
The main topic is the Strategic Plan
Provost Lisa mentioned the economic situation at the University. There is about a $40 million cut in the university budget. Of that, there has been a $30 million cut in the Provost’s portfolio. The Provost is taking a 10% cut in her administrative portfolio so that the schools and colleges will have to take a smaller cut.
Provost Lisa, speaking about the Strategic Plan relative to today’s economy, feels that this is an opportunity to control our destiny. She mentioned that all of us will be challenged and that we (the University) will keep our faculty and our searches and our tenure-track lines, minimize layoffs, etc. To do this we need a guide post- this will be the Academic Plan. ‘Regardless of the economy we have to move forward. We are working to have “Destination Temple”.
Visualize the Plan as a compass with four points:
In the center is “Destination Temple.” The 4 points are:
- Opportunity for success
- Global Commitment
- Research Excellence
- Metro Engagement
With Temple’s commitment to core values and “Access to Excellence” as a constant, she spoke about expanding opportunities for success for students, faculty, research, and strengthening our engagement with our community, with our greater metropolitan area as well as increasing our international/global focus.
Her vision is for the Temple Community to be a force of growing vitality and impact, a leader in higher education across the region, the nation and the world. To attain this vision, “we need a clear strategic direction which is nimble and flexible”, the points of the compass may possibly change their direction.
In response to questions:
The administrative salaries have been capped.
Tony Wagner and President Hart are in Harrisburg speaking to legislators about funds for Temple.
Art Hochner mentioned that a large sum of money will probably be available from Washington for student loans, Pell grants and for university research for science, such as climate research.
4. Approval of Minutes:
The minutes of January 26, 2009 were approved as read.
President’s Report continued: Karen M. Turner
- The minutes of the meetings are posted on the Senate website.
- Write to your Senators and Representatives to vote for money for Temple.
- The Student Committee has not yet met. The first meeting is tomorrow.
- If there are academic issues that you want addressed, contact President Turner.
- Tony Wagner will be speaking at the March meeting.
5. Vice President’s Report: Paul S. LaFollette
The primary work between now and March/April is to attempt to get committee members for Senate Committees. Also think about running for President, Vice President, or Secretary for the Senate. Otherwise ask your colleagues to run.
6. Unfinished Business:
None
7. New Business: Sandra McDade, Director, Office of Sustainability
McDade made an announcement about the National Teach-In scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2009. This will be a teaching program where university faculty will be speaking on Global warming. Students are also welcome. There will be a contest against other universities.
For further information: www.temple.edu/sustainability.
8. Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 PM.
Bonnie Averbach, Secretary
