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WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

FACULTY SENATE MINUTES

Regular Meeting –May 16, 2005

Jim Stewart, 2004-2005 Senate President, called the [MSOffice1] Senate to order at 4:01 pm following Orientation.  Thirty-five (35) people were present including twenty-nine (29) Senators, one (1) recorder, three (3) guests and two (2) ex officio members.  (See attached roster).  

Approval of Minutes of May 2, 2005

Senators approved the minutes of May 2, 2005 with one correction.

Items from the Chair

Ø     President Stewart. Stewart welcomed new Senators, and reviewed the extensive accomplishments in the Senate Motion Log of 2004-2005.  Stewart alerted the Senate on significant topics for 2005-2006, including the University budget as a whole. 

Ø     Stewart reminded Senators to forward nominations for Ombuds position to him within the week.  Stewart explained that applications will be considered by the Senate Executive and recommendations will be made to the Senate President and to University President Karen Morse.  Final approval will be by email vote to the Senate.

Ø     Stewart noted that the Executive Council does not represent every college on campus.  If Huxley, College of Fine & Performing Arts, Fairhaven and College of Business and Economics wish to be involved in the selection process, they should contact Stewart.

Ø     On behalf of the Senate Executive Council, Stewart accepted a report from the Bicycle Committee presented by James Loucky.

Ø     Stewart reminded Senators of the President’s Dinner which will be held in SMATE on May 23^rd.

RESOLUTION HONORING JIM STEWART

2005-06 President Bill Lyne presented a Resolution honoring Jim Stewart for his service as Senate President which the Senate passed unanimously by acclamation (text follows):

 “RESOLUTION:  Of the Faculty Senate of Western Washington University For the Outstanding Service of Jim Stewart.  WHEREAS, Jim Stewart has served as Western Washington University’s Faculty Senate President during the 2004-2005 academic year; and, WHEREAS, Jim Stewart has proven to be an effective and judicious leader, Who has served the University with dedication, integrity, and humor, And who has shown courage and vision in directing the Senate’s  Deliberations on crucial issues throughout the 2004-2005 academic year; and  WHEREAS, the members of the Faculty Senate of Western Washington University Are grateful to Jim Stewart for his commitment to shared governance, To broadening faculty participation in meaningful decision making Throughout the University, and to making the Faculty Senate Of Western Washington University such a force for Effective faculty governance,  BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, By the Faculty Senate of Western Washington University, At its regular meeting of May 16, 2005, that Jim Stewart be and hereby is HONORED for his outstanding service as Faculty Senate President from June 22, 2004 to June 20, 2005.”

Stewart acknowledged the resolution and thanked the Senate. 

Ø     Stewart announced a Series of Events at the request of Niall O Murchu.  An event with Arab Women Writers will be hosted in the Old Main Theater on Tuesday May 24^th in the Old Main Theater at 7 p.m., and on Wednesday, May 25^th at 12 Noon in the Fairhaven auditorium.  (For information, call x3680)

Items from the Administration

Ø     University President Karen Morse applauded Stewart for his diplomacy and effectiveness during his tenure as President of the Faculty Senate.  .

Ø     Morse announced that Western had received matching grants from the legislature for Distinguished Professor awards of $250,000, and for a Graduate endowment of $25,000.  Endowment moneys and scholarships are used to enhance graduate fellowships. 

Ø     Morse lauded faculty efforts in expanding this year’s extensive Scholars Week.  Morse also mentioned that a large number of end of the year activities filled her agenda.

Ø     Provost Bodman announced that the Strategic Action Planning Committee chaired by himself and Jeff Newcomer will join Senate discussions next week in anticipation of faculty input in redrafting the Plan

ACTION ITEMS

Reading of Standing Committee Minutes (Exhibit B)

Senators accepted Standing Committee minutes and noted the following:

 Academic Coordinating Commission,  4/26/05

¨  Senators learned that the Final Report on the Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs) would be mailed to ACC by late Thursday or Friday so that commissioners would have a chance to review it before Tuesday’s meeting.   The report will become publicly available.

A.    Academic Technology Committee, 4/27/05

¨  David Bover, Chair of ATC, answered Senators questions on “E portfolios”, an initiative from ATUS to provide a type of E Portfolio software.  E Portfolios allow students and faculty to gather together in electronic form various documents from their work, and evaluations, which can be useful to present to employers, etc.

¨  Senators expressed concern about student technology assistants, especially on the ATUS help desk, who appear to have access to the blackboard grade book.  Questions will be addressed to John Farquhuar to describe limitations on student access to various secure platforms.

¨  Bover added that the Technology Committee will discuss the Academic systems committee and its reporting structure at the next meeting..

DISCUSSION ITEMS

B.   Evaluation of High Level Administrators

o   Discussion items were moved up on the Agenda so that the old Senate could bring the new Senate up to speed.

o   Senators reviewed an Ad Hoc Committee on Faculty Evaluation of High Level Administrators’ directive completed in the spring of 2004, which recommended the development of written protocols for review that include solicitation of broad-based, anonymous faculty input, and propose an implementation plan and a schedule.  The protocol recommendations were to be presented to the Faculty Senate Fall Quarter 2005.

o   Senators discussed anonymity of administrative reviews and most agreed that people would feel more comfortable signing an evaluation if they felt more comfortable with the process itself, including a predictable recurring schedule, and criteria that is used by everybody.

o   While Senators want more faculty input, the idea of reviewing 15 administrators even on a 5-year rotating basis is daunting and time-consuming.  It is additionally difficult to evaluate a person with whom one does not have that much contact on a daily basis.  A schedule and a dossier would alleviate some of the distress.

o   Senators acknowledge most familiarity with the faculty review process, and while this may be a reasonable tool, some adjustment may have to be made for administrative review.  There are deficiencies in a process that has one person summarizing and synthesizing all the data.  Senators may seek input from the person under review as well.

o   The idea from the Senate is that if there were a more layered process, with more eyes on the data, the kind of perspectives emerging would be broader and more reflective of faculty concerns.

o   Senators would also like greater dialog and education on some of the constraints administrators are under, conflicting goals, etc., in order to be more supportive and able to make better educated comments.

o   Senators noted the “gross over assessment” happening everywhere generally; some files weigh more than the person.  How do we solve the problem of separate reviews and the double jeopardy of two opinions in conflict.  Senators would not like the process tossed back to a committee no longer part of the Senate.

o   Senators asked whether a failure to participate in the review reflected insecurity, lack of time, or simply missing the deadlines.

o   While most Senators claimed they signed their evaluations, they acknowledged the need for a process that allowed anonymous input.

o   President Morse expressed concern and willingness to put together information on the Board of Trustees’ rules of operation, as well as her processes, including her responsibilities and rationale, and admitted her further willingness to extend the review process.

o   Senators concluded that a possible motion for the May 23^rd meeting would demand faculty participation in planning the tools of a review as well as participation in analysis of the evidence, rather than a separate process from that used by the administration. 

C.    Old Senate business concluded at the end of the discussion, and Senators completing their term on the Senate were dismissed with applause and appreciation. 

D.    

E.    SEATING OF THE 2005-2006 FACULTY SENATE  - ELECTION OF OFFICERS

F.     Jeff Newcomer held the Election in which Senators approved the following 2005-2006 Executive Council

G.    President of the 2005-06 Faculty Senate:  Bill Lyne, English, who takes office on June 21, the first day of Summer Session.  Vice President and Parliamentarian:  Ira Hyman, Psychology;  

H.    Appointments and Elections:  Jeff Newcomer, Engineering Technology;

I.      Secretary: Lorraine Kasprisin, Woodring;

J.      At-Large: Laura Laffrado, English;

K.    Legislative Liaison: Sara Singleton, Political Science;

L.     Jim Stewart, Physics Astronomy, remains President Pro Tem until June 20^th.. 

M.    

N.    Senators then appointed members to Senate Standing Committees, and referred faculty to the Senate website at http://www.acadweb.wwu.edu/senate for committee charges.

The following faculty have been appointed to Senate Standing Committees, following the Seating of the new 2005-2006 Senate on May 16th: 

1- Academic Coordinating Commission:  Grant Donnellan, Music (D); Marie Eaton, Fairhaven (F);

James Stewart, Physics/Astronomy (A),  Senator; Marsha Riddle-Buly, Elem Ed (H); James Hearne, Computer Science (A); Michael Meehan, Computer Science,  (A) Senator (1 yr term)

Vacancies:  Faculty requested from Area E and Area G.   Appointments to ACC Standing Committees take place on Tues. May 24).

2 - University Planning Council: Steve Gammon, Chemistry; David Fewings, Senator

3 - Salary & Welfare Committee:  Pamela Hall, Fin & Marketing, thru 2009

4 - Committee on Grievance and Sanctions (an election was held to choose 5 out of 7 candidates):

David Rystrom, Fin & Mar; Laura Laffrado, English;  James Inverarity, Sociology;  Jeffrey Grimm, Psychology;  Donna Packer, Library

 5 - Senate Library Committee:  Andrea Peterson, Library; Kyle Crowder, Senator (2-yr term)

6 - Academic Technology Committee:  Michael Meehan, Senate rep to ATC.   Vacancies:  Faculty are appointed from the College Technology Committees.

FACULTY CAUCUS

O.    In an Agenda item renamed “Faculty Caucus”, the Senate moved to a Committee of the Whole, at 5:35 pm and no minutes were taken.   However, Senators hope to make this informal discussion a regular part of Senate meetings next year.  Senators suggested  that a short “break” precede the caucus on a regular basis.

Adjournment

Senators returned to report, and moved to adjourn at 6:22 pm

Written by Rose Marie Norton-Nader, Recorder, 5/16/05

                                                                                                                              _____________________

                                                                                                                              Lorraine Kasprisin, Secretary

Faculty Senate Roster 2004-2005