ABSTRACT of Faculty Senate February 26, 2007
Ira Hyman, 2006-07 Faculty Senate President, called the Senate meeting to order at 4:04 pm. Senators accepted the Senate minutes of February 12th, and Standing committee minutes.
§ Hyman agreed to research State regulations on using a credit card to book travel arrangements.
§ President Morse reported that the House is recommending a budget almost identical to the governor’s budget, including a 5% tuition increase per year. Morse reported continued progress in developing outreach toward the K-12 population as requested by the legislature.
§ Morse reported a successful Higher Education Day in Olympia where as a member of the Council of Presidents she pushed for increasing faculty salaries.
§ Morse will ask the Waterfront committee to update the Senate in response to questions concerning enrollment growth.
§ UFWW President Bill Lyne reported the first full bargaining meeting with administration is scheduled for March 21st.
§ Senators discussed writing proficiency in the majors, including a fractional point system and heard that a subcommittee of the Assessment Committee is reviewing the topic.
§ Senators asked the Academic Coordinating Commission to draft its preferred policy regarding face-to face meetings of its subcommittees and approval of their minutes online, as well as voting online prior to the Senate ratifying such a policy.
§ Senators approved the Voter Eligibility and Apportionment of seats for the Spring Senate elections prior to sending these with Nominating Ballots to the faculty.
§ Senators discussed changes to the Constitution of the Faculty of Western Washington University. They conducted a straw vote that indicated a preference for allowing for 3 consecutive 2-year Senate terms. Senators suggested adding language to include the UFWW president as an ex-officio member of the Executive Council.
§ Constituents Concerns noted 1) that there is no faculty member on the Provost or President’s Council, and 2) that students working in the Registrar’s office preregistered for classes.
§ Senators adjourned at 6:07 p.m.
APPOINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS – Matthew Liao-Troth, Officer
Vacancy: 1 faculty to Committee on Assessment of Teaching and Learning