Calendar Policy, as well as other key policies that he anticipated to be completed by the end of this Quarter.
Chair Walston queried whether anything was being done relative to General Ed requirements and if so, had it been presented and approved. Chair Walston expressed concern that he did not see a foreign language requirement included in the General Ed requirements. Dr. Wicker invited Dr. Tierra Freeman Taylor to address the updated General education requirements.
Dr. Wicker also discussed a Cost-Sharing Policy update, asking Dr. Ethan Sharp to join him. Dr. Wicker noted that the current agreement expires on June 30, 2024, and the projected amount of indirect costs to be recovered on FY 23 federal awards alone is $458,224. Dr. Wicker proposed a switch from the regular IDC to a modified total direct cost (MTDC) base because this would nearly double the amount of indirect costs that could be recovered. Dr. Sharp concurred and explained what would be needed to make that transition.
Chair Walston asked a question regarding the risks associated with switching to a MTDC in terms of pursuing grants, and further queried if and why a consultant would be needed to assist with the proposal preparation process. Dr. Sharp clarified the need for, and duties of, a consultant, should one be hired. President Akakpo concurred with Dr. Sharp and offered additional perspective.
Dr. Sharp continued with a discussion of the University’s Business Manual and the policies established in 2010 for the distribution of indirect costs that KSU recovers. He noted that they have not been followed in recent years. Dr. Sharp reported that the Office of Sponsored Programs, with input of faculty, has submitted a new indirect cost distribution policy for consideration but no response has been yet received. Chair Walston expressed concern that a small group of faculty members were able to submit a proposed policy in contravention of procedures set forth by University policy and that the proposed policy did not come from the Faculty Senate or Budget Committee. Continuing, he stated that while he respects what those faculty members shared, it came from a small group, and he believes it would have been appropriate for it to have come to through the Faculty Senate to this Committee. Dr. Wicker explained that Dr. Sharp had been working on his behalf, and he and his team conducted research to do a comparative analysis as a preliminary means for people to have something to digest and negotiate. However, Dr. Wicker stated that the proposed policy revision would be brought through the Faculty Senate so they could rewrite it or add to it and not have to begin the process from scratch. Dr. Dailey interjected and stated that while the information could be shared with the Faculty Senate to ensure their input, the policy would require the recommendation of the President, according to protocol, since it is a University-wide policy.
Chair Walston agreed with Dr. Dailey’s assessment of the proper protocol and stated that he just wanted to be sure that faculty was involved in the process.
Hearing no further discussion or questions, Chair Walston thanked Dr. Dailey for his presentations.
Chair Walston called for a motion to remove this agenda item from today's agenda so it could be revised and re-submitted at a future meeting:
Remove Action Item V.(A) (restructuring of Colleges) from today's agenda.