ABSTRACT of Faculty Senate January 23, 2006
Bill Lyne, Senate President, called the meeting of the Faculty Senate to order at 4:06 pm on January 23rd, 2006. Senators accepted minutes of January 9th, and Standing Committee minutes.
· Lyne reported that a Voters Guide on Collective Bargaining would be posted on the Senate website with copies printed and mailed to the faculty.
· Lyne reminded faculty of the two General Faculty Assemblies to be held on Collective Bargaining in SL150 at 4 pm on Thursday January 26th and Monday January 30th.
· Provost Bodman reported on Professional Leave quarters. There were 49 requests and 42 awarded for the 2006/07 Academic Year.
· Senators heard a presentation by Dr. Lois Haignere, an authority on studies of faculty salaries. Haignere, Inc. will conduct studies related to faculty salaries at Western. One study analyzes race and gender to view whether women and minorities as groups have experienced salary disparities, and the second study looks at compression, or the perception that new people are being brought in at market and higher salaries than those who stayed at the institution for some years. The studies will use “multiple regressions” for deciphering statistically what happens to groups. President Morse has indicated that what is understood from these studies could lead to a commitment to address whatever problems are uncovered. A preliminary report of findings will be presented for review prior to June.
· Senators posed questions to Chris Suczek, Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Administrative Review. The Executive committee will continue to review proposals.
· Senators reviewed the draft of the Strategic Plan and expect an outline in draft form to be presented to the University Planning Council at its February 1st meeting.
· Senators met informally in a faculty caucus at 5:50 pm and adjourned at 5:58 p.m.
Appointments and Elections – Jeff Newcomer, Officer
To the Academic Technology Committee: Michael Karlberg, Communication (05-06), Nick Zaferatos, Huxley College (06-08)