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proposal. Dr. Jackson observed that it is under faculty purview to decide which absences are excused.
Time was extended for five minutes by unanimous vote.
Chair Rye suggested faculty need to put the official attendance policy on their syllabi. President Sipes asked if we need to add language to the proposal indicating that should be done. Based on the feedback, Dr. Kumar decided to take the item back to the committee.
PCC met in Chair Glass' absence and continued to work on the tenure / promotion portion of the Faculty Handbook. The committee plans to have its work done by spring. It also discussed concerns about the presidential search process.
Chair Andries asked if items that were passed last year for the Handbook had been uncovered. President Sipes replied that we need dates for the items so we can go back to Senate minutes to see what was approved. Chair Andries will check his records.
BASC continued to look at university salaries so that it could come up with a budget proposal early next semester. It has been trying to schedule a meeting with President Thompson to share what it has and to get his input on the data. The Committee is interested in how much money is invested in administrative positions under Academic Affairs. The Registrar is now listed under that office, which is typical at universities, but it used to be part of the President’s budget.
President Sipes asked Regent McFayden if there were any additional issues he wanted to address. He replied that there wasn’t. Chair Rye noted that some administrators have received sizable raises this year. Regent McFayden responded that some of those salaries may have increased due to picking up additional responsibilities and that this is a strategy the university could use with faculty as well rather than creating new lines. He pointed out that rather than use Title III funds on new hires, we should use it for building or improving facilities.
Chair Rye shared that in one case a director’s salary went from 100k to 125k. Perhaps the individual took on more work; we don’t know. BASC is looking into the issue. The General Counsel’s salary went up dramatically but his administrative assistant’s did not. Chair Rye pointed out that many staff members are doing a good deal of work but are not being paid extra. It has been years since faculty have seen a cost of living increase.
Regent McFayden agreed that the lack of increases is unacceptable. He would also like to see an alumni scholarship be implemented to recruit out-of-state students. Regent McFayden said that the President has agreed it would be a good idea, although Regent McFayden also acknowledged that it might not receive support from those in state government. He went on to say that alumni