Faculty Senate Report
June Board Meeting
Dr. Phillip H. Clay Jr. - Senate President
Ine Academic Policy Committee made changes to the Faculty Handbook of which have been forwarded to the Interim Provost for review. In addition, the committee worked collaboratively with Career Services to develop the Internship Advisory Council and the Internship Guidelines for Employers, and the Distance Learning Department to review and edit the Distance Education Policy.
The Budget and Academic Support Committee created and sent out the Departmental and Classroom Survey spreadsheets to each academic unit, of which detailed the needs and wants of each academic unit. The committee also worked collaboratively with various faculty and staff to discuss strategies for writing grants and bringing scholarships to the university. The committee also had various discussions concerning Indirect Cost Recovery Incentive Programs, that led to manual revisions/updates of which will carry over into the Fall semester. The committee wrapped up the school year discussing the benefits of faculty earning salaries comparable to similar institutions, and the importance of faculty receiving consistent raises over a specific time-period.
The Curriculum Committee has approved various curriculum changes and proposals within the School of Education and the School of Agriculture. In addition, the committee wrapped up the school year approving the Senate Action Tracking document for new programs or program changes, of which will provide consistency across all units.
The Professional Concerns Committee continued working on the evaluation process for Dean's and Chairs (forms, policies and processes), of which will be placed in the Faculty Handbook once approved by the Senate and Academic Affairs. The committee also held extensive discussions about the benefits of rejoining the AAUP (American Association of University Professors) as a unionized faculty chapter. To wrap up the school year the committee held discussions on Adjunct Faculty Ranks and compensation, in the efforts of retaining high performing adjuncts at the institution.
Continued discussions on the Faculty Recognition Committee being reconvened to recognize faculty members that are exhibiting distinguished practice and performance