6

The item passed unanimously.

Chair Rye explained that BASC is still gathering recent data to make a resolution on the university budget, specifically on instruction at the University. Last year BASC worked on a recommendation for increasing spending on instruction over a three year period and will be bringing this item to Senate soon. Chair Rye reported that President Thompson is open to allowing BASC to be involved in budget decisions. She stressed that BASC's recommendations are intended to improve the university, not to create discord.

Chair Rye described an issue which overlaps with CC. She explained that she had emailed the Senate Executive Committee to explain that her Division Chair, Dr. Shelton, had told her the Studio Art program was to move into a teach out phase. Chair Shelton did not know where these instructions originated. Subsequently, Chair Rye, Division Chair Shelton, and VP Jackson met, although Chair Rye reported the meeting was inconclusive.

Chair Rye observed that the recent notes taken at the Board Academic Committee suggested that the Board had discussed teach outs. Regent McFayden confirmed that it was not discussed in a closed meeting.

KSU does not currently have an art gallery, and seven majors will graduate this year, leaving six majors. Chair Rye stressed she is willing to discuss the possibility of teaching out the program if it is done in an open way. She also noted she had been approached by President Thompson and asked to write a plan to revitalize the program, which she will undertake.

A motion to extend time for five minutes passed unanimously.

Chair Rye shared that the status of the Art Education program has been ambiguous for some time. It is not included in the current catalogue. President Sipes suggested research could be done in CC to establish the status of programs.

President Sipes noted that last year we had program reviews, but the results have not been sent to programs. Dr. Jackson explained that her office is working on a calendar for program review. The reviews were not submitted to CPE. We will start the cycle this year, trying to align the calendar with those programs which have external accreditations. President Sipes asked if there is a process ongoing to make recommendations to eliminate programs. Dr. Jackson replied that it depends on self-evaluation. President Sipes then asked if there were any comments in the recent Board meeting regarding closing programs. A guest replied that yes, there was, but not with much elaboration. Dr. Jackson confirmed that there were discussions, but we have not had seen anything in writing. Regent McFayden explained that the topic was posed by one of Regents, but there was no definitive response about teach out. He added that closed sessions address personnel or litigation issues, not issues such as program closure.