President Burse stated that he was not satisfied with the post-tenure review process. Twenty-four faculty members were up for review. Twenty-two of those faculty members were rated “Exceeds Standards.” President Burse did not believe these reviews could be accurate in light of student success rates and current graduation rates. The post-tenure review process will be reviewed by the Registry. The committee was also informed that the Faculty Handbook is being updated. Faculty contracts have been updated to include more specific responsibilities with more details.
Through February 2016, forty-six new grant awards were received through the Office of Sponsored Programs.
I he committee received a report on midterm grades comparing Spring Semester 2015 grades with Spring Semester 2016 grades. The committee reviewed the information presented but also requested a report comparing midterm grades to final grades so that the committee members could review students' progress during a semester.
In regard to minimizing costs for students, KSU is looking at a proposal to use e-books instead of paper books for all classes beginning in Fall Semester 2016. The flat fee for each student to access e-books is expected to be from $180-$200. President Burse will continue to research and analyze this proposal.
Two action Items were brought before the committee: the conferral of degrees for Spring Semester 2016 and Professor Emeritus status for George Shields. The committee recommended that the full Board approve the conferral of degrees on all students who have satisfied the requirements for graduation and bestow Professor Emeritus Status upon Dr. George Shields.
Action Item: Motion was made by Regent Farris, on behalf of the Academic Affairs Committee, to approve and ratify the Conferral of Degrees for the Spring 2016 graduation (there was no second required since the motion was brought on behalf of the committee). The motion passed 8-0.
Action Item: Motion was made by Regent Farris, on behalf of the Academic Affairs Committee, to approve the status of George Shields as Emeritus Faculty at the rank of Professor (there was no second required since the motion was brought on behalf of the committee). The motion passed 8-0.
Chairperson Bearden summarized the Student Affairs Committee meeting. She reported that Carmella Connor and Dr. Erin Wheeler of the KSU Enrollment Management Committee and Stephanie Sanders of Ruffalo Noel Levitz ("RNL") provided information to the committee in regard to current enrollment and plans
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