Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Present:
Karen M. Turner (Pres.), Paul S. LaFollette (V. Pres.), Joan P. Shapiro (Secy.), Robert M. Aiken (Past-Pres.), Joan Delalic (Engr.), Tricia S. Jones, (Educ.), Charles Jungreis (Med.), Luke Kahlich (BCMD), Stephanie Knopp (Tyl.), Robin Kolodny (CLA), James Korsh (CST), Laurie MacPhail (Dent.), Mark C. Rahdert (Law), Charles Ruchalski (Pharm), Jay Sinha (FSBM), Roberta Sloan (SCT), David Waldstreicher (Fac. Herald), Cheryl Mack (Coord.)
Absent: Adam Davey (CHPSW), Michael W. Jackson (STHM)
Call to Order:
The luncheon meeting began at 1:20 p.m.
Guest: Provost Lisa Staiano-Coico
Provost Lisa arrived. There were many wonderful comments about her leadership. Also, she was congratulated on her new position as President of City College, part of the CUNY system. She mentioned some of her plans for her new position and her intention to make certain that she continues to hear the voices of the faculty and students. Provost Lisa expressed her thanks to the FSSC, and she said how much she enjoyed working with this group.
Guest: Ken Blank, Senior Provost for Research Administration and for Graduate Education and Zebulon Kendrick, Associate Dean of the Graduate School
Everyone introduced themselves to Senior Provost Ken Blank who is in his second day at Temple. He then said a few things about himself and his leadership style. He mentioned that, in the past, he was a faculty member at Temple. He then assured the FSSC that although he is trained as a scientist, he will work closely with those who do creative work as well. He explained that he was extremely interested in the undergraduate curriculum. He also wants to develop a very positive academic environment. He made it clear that he “loves the faculty.” In addition, he said that he had a similar philosophy to Provost Lisa’s.
His plans are to “go to every department” and meet with every faculty member for five minutes or so to get a sense of what they are doing, their hopes and their desires.
When asked about what he will do at the outset, he said that he has two main objectives. The first is that by going around and meeting the faculty, he hopes to pull together people who can complement each other and in this way develop a broad interdisciplinary base. His second thrust is to focus on administrative issues and work with Zeb Kendrick, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, looking at research services such as the IRB.
Senior Provost Blank said that he is looking for innovations. He asked that the FSSC members write to him with any original ideas. His email address is: Blank@temple.edu
It was suggested that Senior Provost Blank make use of The Faculty Herald to get his messages out to the faculty.
Later on in the discussion, Senior Provost Blank provided some of the elements of his philosophy. He believes in:
- Transparency - - for example, his office should be able to share documents or at least explain them. He hopes to develop trust with the faculty;
- Communication - - this is a paramount concern for him. He tries to seek the help of Associate Deans to help him transmit information;
- Direct Report Meetings - - he feels it is necessary to meet once a week with those who report to him so that if a faculty member calls the research office, for instance, she or he will be given current and accurate information;
- Customer Service - - his fundamental philosophy is to serve the faculty.
There was a discussion about Robert Zemsky’s Report of the Learning Alliance on the Support for Graduate Education. The FSSC wanted to hear about it and how it would be utilized. Dr. Blank had yet to read it. However, Associate Dean Zeb Kendrick was able to speak to the report. He said that it is not a final document. It did, however, contain suggestions. The report did, for example, state that a lot of funds were spent on entry level masters students and not on doctoral students. He also said that it was clear that faculty could no longer hire graduate students as adjuncts. He indicated that there was some discussion of the structure of the Graduate School, but that it was still not clear as to what should be centralized or decentralized. A member of the Graduate Board indicated that he received a summary of the report, but still felt that he knew very little about it.
Apparently, much of the report was not discussed because of the TUGSA contract. Now that the contract was ratified on Friday, there would be better communication to the schools and colleges. Zeb Kendrick mentioned that TA’s would now be able to work an extra 10 hours a week to generate more funding for themselves. He also said that the level of pay for TA’s had improved, and that they would receive increases each year. He explained that he was sending information to the Associate Deans of the colleges and schools about the contract. FSSC faculty were concerned about the graduate students, particularly those who were already hired as adjuncts. Apparently, the President’s Office would cover their tuition in this transition period. However, some chairs on the FSSC were concerned about the covering of the students already working for Temple who might not be properly paid in future years. Apparently, different agreements were made for fellowships in the various schools and colleges.
One FSSC member felt that faculty members were never very clear about the function of the Graduate Board. The mission seemed to be unclear.
A question was raised about Program Review and which office was in charge of it. Apparently, Program Review of the departments would reside in the Deputy Provost’s office while periodic review of graduate programs might come out of the Graduate School. This kind of review will be discussed this summer. There was concern about the “air of secrecy” associated with the Program Reviews.
It is hoped that there will be more discussions between the Graduate Board and the Faculty Senate. Two members of FSSC do sit on the Graduate Board.
Approval of the Minutes:
The minutes from April 27th were passed with one abstention and with one amendment.
President’s Report: Karen M. Turner
President Turner mentioned the need to thank the Institutional Advancement Office for providing the book, Temple University: 125 Years of Service to Philadelphia, the Nation and the World, for the retiring Temple faculty members and for the FSSC.
She reminded the FSSC that the Dean’s Retreat begins at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow. She spoke about the groups that would be set up for discussions during the retreat.
She then indicated that she hoped to schedule a meeting of the Executive Committee of the FSSC with Interim Provost Dick Englert soon.
President Turner also mentioned the need for the Senate Bylaw Subcommittee to meet to discuss proposed changes.
She said that the FSSC is still waiting for the template. One FSSC member said that his school did not want a template.
The Provost’s gift from the FSSC was briefly mentioned. President Turner then gave Cheryl Mack and the student assistant, Madison Carter, presents from the FSSC. Cheryl was especially thanked for her wonderful work for the Faculty Senate. Her role providing continuity is not a small one and she does it so well.
Vice President’s Report: Paul S. LaFollette
Regarding the many candidates who volunteered for diverse committees, Vice President LaFollette asked if there were any faculty members who were inappropriate for a committee. Hearing no comments, all candidates were accepted. However, if a committee had too many members and a volunteer provided choices, then he or she would be given a second choice. Also, if a volunteer did not provide any other choice, then that person would receive a note indicating what other committees were available and would especially be told where the need to serve was greatest.
Old Business:
There was none.
New Business:
David Waldstreicher (Fac. Herald) reported that The Faculty Herald would be out next week. He mentioned some of the highlights:
- Roberta Sloan (SCT) was interviewed about Deborah Franklin’s life;
- Jim Hilty, Professor of History, was interviewed about his new book on Temple;
- Jay Sinha (Bus.) discussed Temple Branding and global targets;
- The attendance policy of the Senate will be mentioned.
Placing guidelines for authors in The Faculty Herald was suggested as a way to try to encourage faculty to submit articles.
Graduation was briefly mentioned. Patti LaBelle will be honored.
Adjournment:
The meeting ended at 2:40 p.m.
Joan P. Shapiro
Secretary
