Administrative Council Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2010
Attendees: John Burns, Norman Hopper, Sukant Misra, Steve Fraze, Philip Gipson, Alon
Kvashny, Kevin Pond, Eduardo Segarra, Tom Thompson, Jane Piercy, Norman Martin
1. Approval of February 1, 2010 Minutes
Minutes of the February 1, 2010 meeting were approved.
2. Out-of-State Travel Cap Report
Dr. Norman Hopper distributed information on “out-of-state travel on state funds.”
The information included the remaining travel cap funds for FY 10. Dr. Hopper will
forward last year’s report to the department chairs.
3. TTU Laboratory Safety
Dr. Burns distributed a copy of a memo from Drs. Bob Smith and Taylor Eighmy
regarding laboratory safety on campus. A university committee will be formed to
review current operating policies and procedures. Names of representatives from
the Departments of Animal and Food Sciences and Plant and Soil Science have been
submitted for possible committee members.
4. Tuition Waiver – Tom Thompson
Dr. Thompson expressed concerns with the problems with fee waivers for graduate
students. One problem has been the process of SPAR approving fee waivers in
advance and causing delays. Another problem is not being able to split fee waivers
between FOPs. There is not a grace period any longer.
Is it possible not to have a fee waiver? This will have to be submitted to the VPR and
Research Council.
5. Time/Effort Reporting for Federal Government
Dr. Burns distributed a copy of a memo from Drs. Bob Smith and Taylor Eighmy
regarding documentation and requirements at TTU for determining time and effort
spent on federal grants and contracts. Dr. Eighmy’s office will be sending out a
request today to principle investigators and other academic personnel who have
worked on federal grants and contracts during 2009. The completion of this
information is due on Friday at 8:00 a.m.
6. Early Retirement Incentives
The Provost Office has announced a retirement incentive for faculty who take early
retirement. TTU will give up to $5,000 per year for professional expenses.
7. Other
Dr. Hopper distributed a listing of course fees by college. Course fee information can
be entered on the web at the department level. Approvals are submitted to the dean
and provost. Discussion began as to whether or not the CASNR should increase
course fees. It was agreed that if course fees are increased, it should be across-theboard. The CASNR will submit an increase of $15 effective fall 2010.
Dr. Misra reported the CASNR HEAF allocation will be not be distributed until we
find out about future budget cuts. Additional information may come as early as
April 1st.
Jane reminded the council members of the Distinguished Alumni luncheon today.