ABSTRACT of Faculty Senate April 3, 2006
Bill Lyne, Senate President, called the meeting of the Faculty Senate to order at 4:06 pm on April 3, 2006. Senators accepted the minutes of March 6th, and Standing Committee minutes. Senators also viewed reports from the Transportation Initiatives Task Force of 12/2005 and 3/2006.
· Senators heard reports from Sherry Burkey, Director, Government Relations, External Affairs, on funds awarded to Western in the 2006 Supplemental Budget, and learned that Western will compete with the other baccalaureates for High Demand enrollment funding from the HEC Board which received $900,000 to contract 80 FTE students at an average of $11,000.
· Burkey asked for stories of programmatic successes to present to the legislature that highlight our strengths in addition to the conventional way of asking for resources. Some examples of “decision packages” include the Pre-K education program in Woodring, and a program in the Skagit area to foster college entrance among Hispanic students.
· Senators heard Bob Frazier, Vice President, External Affairs, present somber long-term prospects for higher education which will be impacted by Medicaid costs, as well as K-12 education, corrections and social services. Frazier was optimistic that “brainpower” to solve fiscal problems resides within our institutions.
· President Morse reported on travels to Arizona, San Diego, and Burbank that helped established an endowment and raised a gift of $50,000 for the College of Fine and Performing Arts.
· Senator Stewart will meet with Woodring Senators to learn about the off-campus Elementary Education major when combined with a dual certification in Special Education.
· President Morse will review the recommendations on how the AIC Building can stay under budget before the bidding process goes to the Board of Trustees.
· Senators passed a motion to approve an amended “Process for Evaluating Administrators” brought by the Executive Council. Senators will first form an Ad Hoc Committee to begin the process.
· Lyne reported on the online vote to approve a statement on Academic Freedom in support of Professor Larry Estrada. Senators will work with the Academic Freedom Task Force and the legislative liaison, Sara Singleton, to prepare a more substantial statement on Academic Freedom prior to election of legislators this Fall.
· Morse will take up a Constituent Concern with Vice President Coughlin on the status of athletes who must travel during the quarter.
Senators adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
APPOINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS – Jeff Newcomer
Completed Senate election ballots mailed this week are due back in the Senate office by Noon on Friday, April 14th. Additional faculty nominated to the Senate: David Meyer, Music; Jacob Blickenstaff, Elementary Education; Kate Wayne, Educational Leadership. One candidate is requested from Huxley College. Senate President Bill Lyne will serve on the newly formed Parking Fee Committee.