Minutes of
THE FACULTY SENATE OF
ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY-OZARK CAMPUS
The Faculty Senate met Monday, September 10, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. in Room 106 of the
Student Services Building. The following members were present: Christy McCollough,
Angie Medlock, Theresa Fontaine, Kendall Hopkins, Gwen Faulkenberry, Larry Thornton
and Bruce Sikes. No members were absent.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson McCollough called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m.
NEW MEMBER
Chairperson McCollough welcomed the new member of the Faculty Senate, Mr. Larry
Thornton, representing the Arkansas Tech Career Center. She gave Mr. Thornton a copy
of the Faculty Senate Constitution and By-Laws. Mr. Sikes talked about the importance
of the Faculty Senate and that everyone have a voice and be represented. He told Mr.
Thornton that the Faculty Handbook is available on the website.
MINUTES
Theresa Fontaine moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Larry
Thornton seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
ATCC
Mr. Sikes explained to Mr. Thornton that a representative from the ATCC had been
asked to serve on the Faculty Senate so that the ATCC would have proper
representation.
He asked that Mr. Thornton look specifically at a few items in the Faculty Handbook
and how they affect the ATCC. The first item is Faculty Evaluation. He explained that
faculty evaluations are done each year for the Ozark Campus faculty. The evaluation is
a reflective, self-improvement process for faculty. He stated that he would like the
Faculty Senate to appoint an Ad Hoc committee to look at how ATCC duties are
different from those of the Ozark campus faculty. He said the committee would be
asked to research and draft an evaluation form for teachers on their campus. Mr. Sikes
asked that Mr. Thornton chair this committee. Following discussion, the committee
was established with the following members: Larry Thornton, Ben Byrd, and Pat
Edmunds. Mr. Sikes also asked that Clinton Hall meet with this committee initially to
help them start the process. Christy McCollough said she would send Mr. Thornton a
copy of what Adult Ed uses for their instructors, as it is different from the Ozark
Campus instructors.
Mr. Sikes also asked that Mr. Thornton review the Faculty Handbook to look for places
where ATCC is distinctive from the Ozark Campus. If changes are needed in the
Handbook, these changes would need to be submitted for approval from the Faculty
Senate in March and then submitted to Dr. Blondin. The changes would go to the Board
of Trustees for consideration in April.
FACULTY EXCELLENCE
AWARD PROCEDURE Chairman McCollough noted that nominations for the Faculty Excellence awards would
need to be submitted from November 1 through January 31. The Ad Hoc Committee to
review the nominations would be formed at the February Senate meeting. The
Committee would consist of five members, including last year’s recipient. Ms.
Faulkenberry stated that she would be willing to serve on the committee since she is not
eligible for the awards at this point.
CONSTITUTION
AND BY-LAWS
REVISIONS
Discussion was held on needed revisions to the Faculty Handbook due to the addition of
the new Faculty Senate member. Following discussion, Angie Medlock moved to change
Article 2, Section 2 wording of the Constitution to reflect that a quorum would mean
four or more voting members and change Article 3 of the By-laws to state a quorum
rather than a majority to ensure consistency of the wording. The motion was seconded
and passed unanimously. Once corrected, Mr. Sikes will send to Dr. Blondin for
approval.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Faculty Senate was set for October 1 at 3:30 in Room 106 of the
Student Services Building.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Theresa Fontaine moved that the meeting be
adjourned at 9:10. Kendall Hopkins seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
X
Angie Medlock
Secretary