This proposal for a new course, African American Rhetoric, arose from moves to revitalize the Africana Studies program. It was also approved unanimously.
7. Professional Concerns Committee report [10 minute time limit]
According to Chair Valentine, at its last meeting, PCC discussed a possible policy for selection of deans and chairs. Work on a salary compression resolution was postponed by the arrival of new information from Academic Affairs. There was also discussion of the financial incentive for terminal degree attainment that was discussed today during the President's Report.
8. Budget and Academic Support Committee report [10 minute time limit] Chair Novelo reported that BASC discussed the issue of textbook availability for students with an Incomplete. Dr. Kashan is collecting input and drafting a policy on this. The question of a KSU chapter of AAUP discussed at a previous BASC meeting has been reassigned to PCC.
The committee also raised concerns about student access to technology in the current situation. Dr. Schneller spoke up to encourage all faculty to identify students who might have this problem, especially those who will have problems after campus closes November 20 so that the university will know how many students will be needing laptops and/or hot spots. She said that about a month in advance notice was needed for this. She also noted that there have been some recent connectivity problems in dorms related to utility work taking place on campus.
Regarding salary issues, both compression and cost-of-living--PCC and BASC will be holding a joint meeting to put together ideas on these issues.
9. Faculty ombudsman report [5 minute time limit]
Ombudsman Reilly was not present. He sent word for faculty to email him anytime with any problems.
10. Other Business [10 minute time limit]
Dr. Gyawali announced that he needed student applicants for a grant program in his area and asked all faculty to spread the word.