President Thompson stressed that it is important to understand that we are operating under a tight budget. He plans to look at what could be done for faculty or staff raises, but stressed the importance of a merit based system.
We need to work with Derrick Gilmore's office for more grants. We need to look at how sponsored programs is administered, and we need to be sure we are using technology to aid our work.
We need budget committees in place for next year; many things need to be set in good working order. The president stressed that we are trying to build the plane and fly it at the same time.
A motion to add five minutes to the time was made by a senator. It was then seconded.
A guest asked the president about faculty’s role in the enrollment plan. President Thompson responded that when he worked in enrollment management at EKU, he made faculty part of the plan and enrollment quickly increased. He went on to say that we need to get an enrollment team together. Faculty will be involved. Students come for quality programs—if we want to be a first choice school we need faculty involvement in recruitment.
A guest mentioned the development of an associate’s degree in STEM so that dual enrollment students can complete an associate’s degree while in high school. They could then matriculate with only two years to finish. Another guest asked how we can guarantee they will come, to which the president responded that we cannot. But if we have clear pathways developed and be sure to visit the programs and keep communication and connections going, they are likely to matriculate.
A senator noted that while he appreciated the concept of merit pay, there was already a longstanding problem with low salaries. President Thompson responded that we could build a graduated system of equity in pay, but we still have to think about merit.
Dr. Jackson was not present.
Mr. Lowe noted that he wanted to visit senate to introduce himself and inform about his office. Aside from Title IX issues, he will deal with student conduct issues. We should inform him of any disruptive behavior. He wants to empower faculty to manage the classroom. Mr. Lowe noted a student can be asked to leave class. He is working on how long their absence might be.
He noted that Title IX addresses gender bias and sexual harassment or assault. Anyone on campus can report issues to him. He will investigate the problem, stop it, and remedy its effects. If a student says she wants something she shares to remain confidential, faculty should remind the student that we have a duty to report issues. We cannot promise confidentiality because