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The guest then asked how it was known who still had to complete the second vote. It was noted that Dr. Jackson had a list of those who had voted. She added that the problem was that hires had been made that bypassed her office and so the list was not complete at the time.

A senator argued that anything is possible with regard to the vote, but expressed frustration with the actions Senate has taken. He asserted that the VPAA could stop the whole vote if she wished.

President Sipes confirmed with Dr. Nelson that AAUP doesn’t have a formal protocol for votes of confidence. Dr. Nelson observed that since there aren’t codified procedures for such votes, there is a great deal of flexibility.

A guest observed that since the vote was scheduled for this week, there is an issue of having enough time to discuss the issues. We want to be sure the integrity of the vote is beyond reproach.

Chair Rye pointed out that the full faculty voted overwhelmingly to proceed with vote #1 and one vote wouldn't change that since it was 42-28. While it may be the case that individuals have changed their minds, that could be reflected in how they vote. Good work has gone into Dr. Nelson's report, but it doesn't change the concerns.

A guest echoed Chair Rye's point, noting that voters can vote for confidence, or abstain.

Dr. Nelson was asked if he spoken to any other Board members aside from the Faculty Regent and the Chair. He replied that he hadn't, and he spoke only to those who sought him out. Regent Farris replied that she is a Board member and she is concerned with the report and that he hadn't reached out to the rest of the Board. President Sipes asked who paid for this report. Regent Farris said she would like to know as well since it hadn't been approved by the Board. She suggested that faculty go ahead with the vote.

Dr. Jackson noted that Dr. Nelson’s visit was arranged very quickly and an agenda had to be made based on certain individuals’ schedules. The one thing she has asked for throughout this process is that everyone be fair. During faculty meetings she speaks only when she feels compelled to do so. She expressed concern that the list of grievances disseminated at the 2/27/17 full faculty meeting weren’t signed or dated. She said the statements made against the Board Chair were scandalous and had made a mockery of the institution and the faculty. She noted that the Registry consultant had drafted a rebuttal to the list of grievances, which she then passed out in hard copies.

Dr. Nelson added that some salary raises were based on legal actions that couldn't be discussed publicly. He also pointed out that there had been equity raises for contingent faculty. President Sipes responded that no one disagrees with those.

A guest asked who sets the budget, to which response was made that it is the President. President Sipes noted, however, that the Board approves the budget. Chair Rye added that some