4
Dr. Shelton added that there will now be 300 level courses that will allow instructors to offer special topics. Greek and Latin will stay on the books, but no one has taken Greek in years and few students choose to take Latin. Neither language will be offered in the immediate future.
The item passed unanimously.
7. Report of the Professional Concerns Committee – Cindy Glass
Stephen Ulrich filled in Chair Glass. He explained that the committee had no action items. It continues to work on the tenure and promotion section of the Faculty Handbook and most recently were reviewing benefits and the definition of workload. The committee has about 20 pages of the Handbook left to go. Conversation ensued about the status of Post Tenure Review and tenure-seeking candidates. It was unclear where the process was at present.
8. Report of the Budget and Academic Support Committee – Reba Rye
16-17.3 Deans
Chair Rye explained that BASC offered this resolution for review since the end of academic year is coming up. Budget hearings have proceeded and it’s assumed a preliminary budget will be handed off to the new president. BACS believed that the return of a dean system was still being discussed; this resolution was intended to send a message that the committee did not support that action.
A guest suggested BASC look like at other universities of KSU’s size. Deans would be helpful since the VPAA has many chairs to report to her, which hasn’t been very efficient. Chair Andries added that he felt there needed to be another level of mediation between the VPAA and Chairs. Chair Rye responded that since the university has only 1,600 students, deans are unnecessary. Universities of this size typically don’t have deans. President Sipes suggested the item go back to committee.
A motion to extend time for 5 minutes passed unanimously. The quorum was checked; fifteen senators were present.
Chair Rye discussed the recent Lexington Herald-Leader article on the money spent by the KSU Foundation on a separate PR firm, which has been paid $85,000 over the past year. It is unclear how the Foundation money is accessed and by whom, although it was observed that the Foundation is a private entity and can spend the money as it wishes. Chair Rye responded that the concern is that individuals who give money thinking it will be spent on student scholarships might not realize it is being spent otherwise.
9. Faculty Regent Report
The Faculty Regent was not present.
10. Other Business