Meeting, February 9, 2012
Gallagher Business Building, Room 123
Members
Present:
B. Allen, L. Ametsbichler, L. Barnes, D. Beck, M. Bowman, S.
Bradford, J. Carter, W. Chung, J. Crepeau, W. Davies, J. DeBoer, P.
Dietrich, J. Edwards, J. Eglin, D. Erickson, R. Fanning, C. Galipeau, L.
Gillison, A. Glaspey, L. Gray, K. Griggs, J. Hirstein, D. Hollist, R. Judd,
S. Lodmell, D. MacDonald, N. McCrady, M. McHugh, H. Naughton, N.
Moisey, J. Montauban, P. Muench, J. Munro, C. Palmer, E. Plant, R.
Premuroso, E. Putnam, M. Raymond, B. Reider, J. Renz, M. Rosulek,
P. Sharma, D. Shively, M. Shogren, P. Silverman, A. Sondag, M.
Stark, G. Swaney, A. Szalda-Petree, L. Tangedahl, E. Uchimoto, N.
Vonessen, A. Ware
Members
Excused
A. Delaney, K. Harris, E. Hines, N. Levtow, E. Rosenburg, G. Smith,
S. Stan,
Members
Absent
J. Cavenaugh, D. Jackson, B. Layton, C. Leonard, S. Mills, D. Stolle,
H. Wandler, A. Wilcox
Ex-Officio
Present:
President Engstrom, Provost Brown, Associate Provost WalkerAndrews, Registrar Johnson, ASUM President Gursky
Guests:
UFA President Condon, B. Hammock, K. Millers, S. O’Hare
Chair Beck called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m.
The Senate observed a moment of silence in honor of Senator Bedunah.
The minutes from 12/8/12 were approved.
Communications:
Royce Engstrom, President
Dr. Kate Millers was introduced as the President’s guest. Dr. Millers is the Geosciences
Dean at Texas A&M University. She is visiting campus as part of the Association of
State Colleges and Universities’ Millennium Leadership Initiative. The initiative is a
leadership development program for those interested in moving into central
administration. President Engstrom was part of the program as a student and returned
last year to speak as a new president. Students are assigned mentors and participate in
a visit to their mentor’s institution.
Legislative Budget Process
The Regents are now thinking about the summer budget that will be submitted to the
Governor’s Office in preparation for budget to be submitted to the Legislature. Because
this is an election year, the prepared budget could be completely redone by the incoming
Governor next January.
The legislative budget has three major components:
1. Long Range Building Plan (LRBP): This part of the budget has to do with
facilities, construction, deferred maintenance, etc. The University puts together a
list of campus needs, adds affiliate campuses, and then merges the list with MSU
campuses. This list is then prioritized and presented to the Board of Regents.
There has been one meeting thus far to begin the process. UM’s top priority is
the College of Technology building.
2. Compensation package: This is a separate legislative bill for the pay plan. Last
year there was no pay plan from the legislature, which resulted in a 5% tuition
increase.
3. Base budget – operating budget: This is approximately $150 million for UM (1/3
from legislative appropriations and 2/3 from tuition). There are two opportunities
in the base budget deliberations. (1) Present Law Adjustments – calculation of
inflationary adjustment for performing the same level of productivity. This takes
into account the cost of utilities, library, information technology, and other costs.
(2) Special initiatives: e.g. information technology infrastructure or student
success items, such as scholarships, tuition waivers, or advising. Ideas are now
being discussed. It is not clear whether the Governor or the Legislature will be
receptive to special initiatives.
The administration is working hard on the process, as well as advocating on behalf of
the University with policy makers.
Sexual Assault Issues: Questions / Input
President Engstrom asked the Senate whether the administration is handling the
situation as effectively as possible given the unfortunate events summarized below.
Notice of two sexual assaults was received in early December. Law enforcement was
contacted and an investigative team was put in place immediately. Title IX Federal
Regulations mandates the institution to conduct an investigation. The investigative team
had 9 reports of alleged sexual assault occurring over the last year and a half. Three of
the cases have been brought to resolution and Dean Couture has implemented the
Student Conduct Code against the perpetrators. In these cases, the perpetrators are no
longer UM students. The victims in three of the cases elected not to pursue action and
will no longer cooperate in the investigation. Three additional cases are active. It is
expected that some of these will be brought to resolution soon. The President has
directed the Cabinet to implement an enhanced educational program, a review of the
University’s policies and protocols, and a review of communication strategies.
Questions / Answers
Criminal charges must be filed by the victim. In some cases there has been legal
involvement.
The Student Assault Resource Center (SARC) is a confidential place where a student
can receive counseling and resources. Students are notified of their options including
how to report assaults. The investigation produced positive feedback regarding the
services of SARC. SARC is involved in the current education program and in
discussions for program enhancements. There will be several student forums in the
next few weeks. SARC is also helping to bring the ‘Men Can Stop Rape” program to
campus in March.
According to time-averaged statistics, UM has been a pretty safe campus. The activity
of the last year could change its rating. The number of cases in the last year and a half
is out of proportion and is unacceptable.
A question at one of the forums focuses on the perception of differential treatment of the
victims compared to athletes. Last October two football players were tased by police
officers at a party. An employee accompanied the players to a law office. This was not
well advised and will not happen again. This is why the cabinet has been charged with a
review of protocol. University Legal Counsel, David Aronofsky is charged with
conducting the review and completing a report by February 28th.
Staff and SARC or Curry Health Services will accompany victims to the police station if
desired by the victim.
The issue of whether a faculty or staff member is obligated to report an incident when a
student confides in them will be addressed in the report from David Aronofsky.
The University is in communication with Law Enforcement regarding the cases and will
be discussing a better partnership to provide a safer environment for students and caring
treatment of victims. There will be a joint University / City Task Force. The
administration has had conversations with the Mayor and the Chief of Police regarding
the need for interaction and better dialog. Senators were invited to contact the
President or Affirmative Action Director, Lucy France, with ideas and/or interest in
involvement.
(Chair Beck changed the order of the agenda to accommodate schedules.)
ASUM President Gursky
ASUM transportation is at record ridership. Last year there were over 400,000 rides
given and already over 3,000 since the beginning of the semester. This supports the
University’s Climate Action Plan, as well as the goal of building a cohesive walking
community. ASUM is addressing the dissatisfaction with parking by enhancing bus lines.
It is working on a feasibility plan for future parking. It will likely be at least a mile from
campus. ASUM is also working on a Commuter Alley Program with the City. The
program is a proposed bus transit system that would combine Mountain Line buses and
ASUM transportation with a transport station in front of the Music Building.
ASUM is partnering with the Mayor on a Neighborhood Ambassador Program. Five
students have been hired and will be talking to student renters about yard clean-up and
proper party etiquette in the next few weeks. The ambassadors will also be talking with
landlords about safe accommodations.
ASUM invited the new Commissioner of Higher Education to its first meeting of the
semester. ASUM also had issues with the hiring process and lack of transparency.
Commissioner Christian spoke to the concerns. Students still had a problem with the
process, but the University must move on. ASUM stressed the need for a unified and
strategic legislative response this year. Commissioner Christian announced that a top
priority will be a pay plan. Students are unified in keeping this as a strategic goal going
into the 2012 legislative session. The College Affordability plan is one of ASUM’s
priorities. President Gursky encouraged the Faculty Senate to invite Commissioner
Christian to a meeting.
Three ASUM resolutions have confirmed students’ support for the Climate Action Plan.
Additional resolutions will be forthcoming to strengthen the University’s building
standards, with the hope of making them the state-wide standards at the Board of
Regents level.
Upcoming events:
February 11th -The Woman’s Resource Center’s Vagina Monologs.
February 13th,5-7pm, UC Ballroom- Student Forum on Sexual Assault. The forum will be
facilitated by the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI). The topic for discussion will
be the perceived environment for sexual assault, what do students think about the
current environment, and how do we move forward. Students will be in groups of 10-12
and will respond to 6-7 questions with a facilitator. This information will be coalesced
into a report.
February 22, 4-5pm, UC Theater- 2nd Student Forum on Sexual Assault. The report will
be presented with a discussion about further concerns.
March 1-2- Men Can Stop Rape program.
Perry Brown, Provost
Two planning efforts are currently underway. The Campus Development Committee
process has begun to identify and prioritize the kinds of projects and fundraising
strategies expected for the next 5-7 years. The list will be on the University Foundation
Board meeting March agenda so it can discuss the funding feasibility. The planning
continuum continues as well. The Planning Committee is thinking about how the
University can continue to make progress on the strategic plan moving forward to 20142015. The draft Biannual Priorities list for 2014-2015 was posted on the agenda for
senators to reference. The Provost highlighted some of the items. Please send
additional ideas to the Provost.
UM Foundation Vice President Beth Hammock – Brand Strategy Initiative
Vice President Hammock gave a Power Point presentation (posted to the agenda) that
outlined the need for a brand strategy and an update on the initiative progress. Last
week there were consultants on campus to gather information. The Goals of the initiative
is to build awareness and recognition of UM’s attributes through development of a
comprehensive brand strategy and marketing plan (for the next three years). Through
effective brand management and marketing we will increase alumni engagement,
receive more philanthropic and legislative support, and enhance faculty, staff, and
student recruitment and retention.
During the research phase the firm will do 30 phone interviews with various campus
constituencies, as well as 4 online focus groups. After the brand has been selected
surveys will be sent to assure the brand truly captures UM’s uniqueness. The brand
positioning and strategy phase will determine how to use the brand. The creative
concepts and brand manual stage will determine a consistent look for campus materials,
websites, etc. The final phase will develop a brand communication plan. The timeline
was included in the presentation. The Marketing plan will be delivered in September.
There will be a launch event in October.
Vice President Hammock apologized for not having the opportunity for input at last
Friday’s Social. There will be opportunity this week to respond to the research questions
on flip charts. There were two open sessions last week with approximately 75
participants. It is hoped that more people will participate in the open process.
Some of the reasons for the initiative include UM’s relatively low percentage annual
giving by alumni (9.1%). It is hoped this will increase with an enhanced reputation to be
in line with other state University’s that have brands. Other benefits were outlined in the
presentation. Data will be collected to determine the success of the branding effort.
A concern was expressed regarding how a brand will increase faculty publishing.
The Provost responded that the list of return on investment items is not necessarily final.
The University is currently trying to create a system to accumulate a comprehensive list
of all faculty/student publications, performances, exhibitions, etc. The administration has
anecdotal information that grant reviewers pass over proposals from The University of
Montana because it lacks prestige. A brand may help make a stronger statement about
the quality of the University. This is the type of situation the consultants are referencing
in the matrix.
Committee Reports
Graduate Council Chair Palmer
The curriculum consent agenda was approved.
UFA President Condon - Collective Bargaining Update
There is a tentative agreement on a proposed contract. A bargaining update was sent
yesterday to the bargaining list serve, another will be sent soon with the exact language
of the revised contract. Next week there will be an informational membership meeting
and ballots will be sent out to faculty, to be returned anonymously. Please talk to your
colleagues and encourage them to vote.
The Bargaining Team, the Executive Committee, and the Departmental Representatives
(those attending the meeting last week) support ratification of the contract for the
following three reasons. 1) The bargaining team concluded after an 8 hour mediation
session that they have come as far as possible this round and nothing could be done to
be more productive. The proposed contract does not represent all that the UFA believes
UM faculty merit and deserve. 2) The UFA is energized now and will strategically move
to better organize and partner on shared initiatives such as electoral efforts for a
receptive Legislature. The UFA is also looking toward future contract negotiations. 3)
The contract does contain some positive steps forward.
In terms of compensation, the base salary increase will be an increase of 1% plus $500
dollars effective last October 1st. The second year the base salary increase will be 2%
plus $500 next October. The merit pool stays the same with 80 merits at $2500.
Promotion increases and chair stipends are unchanged. For each of the next two years,
$100,000 will be put in a pool to move toward adjusting base salaries for inverted and
compressed faculty. This is only a partial solution, but it is progress. The Union and the
administration recognize this as a problem that impacts finance, morale, recruitment,
and retention. The mechanism for the application of the inversion / compression pool is
complex. The Union was adamant about trying to spread the money as widely as
possible (a maximum of $1000 per faculty member) as they are ranked on the funding
priority list. The other important stipulation is that the details are to be agreed upon by
the UFA- Administration Contract Maintenance Committee. This is a Committee that
meets monthly or more often as needed to discuss items that need to be addressed.
The Committee consists of three voting members from the administration and three from
the University Faculty Association. The UFAWe want this as transparent and as fair as
possible.
Several language changes were made by mutual consent early in the process.
 Safety in the work place protection for faculty when filing a Critical Incident
Response Team Referral (CIRT) and other related actions.
 A complete revision of section 2100 (student complaint procedures). The
language is pretty complex and hadn’t been revised in a while. The UFA worked
with the Administration and ASUM to assure a more streamlined, clear process.
There are advances for faculty – three incidents of potential summary decisions
which can prevent potentially frivolous / invalid complaints from taking too much
of anyone’s time. The UFA is committed to supporting faculty through this
process.
 Two additional course releases for Faculty Senate to be determined by ECOS.
Some of the curriculum work takes an enormous amount of time.
 There is also language that clarifies the roles of shared governance in academic
and curriculum matters and the UFA in terms of contractual and workplace
matters.
The UFA tried to bring items forward about BOR initiatives concerns (such as
common course numbering) to assure that Faculty Senate has a strong review and
determinative role. The UFA was unsuccessful in getting them in the contract. The
Union was told that these were Senate issues and did not belong in the contract.
The Union wants to work with the Senate to strengthen its role in these types of
initiatives.
Questions:
The priority list has not yet been compiled. The first iteration is in the works in the Budget
office. This will be subject to review by the UFA-Admin Committee. The CBA defines the
terms and ranking procedure. The 2008 joint report includes a helpful matrix and
recommendations on how the ranking should be made. The UFA estimates the list will
include approximately 200 faculty in the bargaining unit. The UFA will report to members
as the list is created.
The new contract will have an asterisk that clarifies the reality of the October start date.
The increase for academic year-faculty the first year of the contract is 80% and 5/6ths
for fiscal-year faculty. The UFA still has the goal of beginning the salary increase at the
start of the contract. It was not successful this time, but laid the ground to be completely
honest.
Chair’s Report:
Prerequisite Pilot Update
The update document was available on the agenda for senators to reference. Director
O’Hare chaired a committee and has talked to the Senate previously about the process
of enforcing prerequisites. There were 19 courses in the Pilot and it went well. The pilot
will be expanded to several hundred courses for fall enrollment. The Registrar’s Office
will be under pressure to write all the code for implementation. If you have any questions
contact Sharon O’Hare.
Service Award
Nominations are needed for the Faculty Service Award.
Meeting with Commissioner
Chair Beck and Chair-elect Renz met with the new Commissioner Clay Christian last
week. It is hoped that meetings will continue on a regular basis. He will address the
Senate at the next meeting and take questions. The Commissioner spoke about the
priority of making the University competitive in terms of retaining and recruiting faculty in
order to provide high quality education. He also intends to work collectively with
students, faculty, and administrators across the system in terms of the legislative
process. He also supports whatever crosslisting solution is implemented on our
campus.
Drawing
Names were drawn for participating in the evaluation of the administration. Professors
McKeown and Dean received basketball tickets and Professor Granath received the gift
certificate to the Pearl Restaurant. It seems the incentives increased participation. The
results and summary reports will be available in a couple of weeks.
Committee Reports
ASCRC Chair Tangedahl
Curriculum consent agenda
The consent agenda included prerequisite change items approved by ASCRC in a
compressed timeline to allow for further implementation of automated prerequisite
checking. The consent agenda was approved.
The English Writing Skills Contact language was revised to be parallel with the learning
outcomes of writing courses. The language was approved.
A motion from the floor to remove the curriculum consent agenda for the Police Science
Associate of Arts degree tabled at the last meeting was approved.
The College of Technology made some editorial changes to the proposal and created a
Memorandum of Understanding to address the concerns. The Montana Law
Enforcement Academy has not yet signed the MoU, but is in agreement with the
document. Provost Brown indicated that he would not sign the proposal to go forward to
the Board of Regents until the MoU is signed by MLEA.
ASCRC asked that language be added to the proposal to clarify that the academic
oversight for the program is within the academic department and the Dean of the
College of Technology. The proposal has been revised to include this information. A
motion to accept the amended proposal as a seconded motion was approved. The
proposal was approved.
Unfinished Business
Consideration of the General Education Framework Provisions was postponed due to
the time.
New Business
The President presented two honorary degree candidates during executive session.
Both candidates were approved.
Good and Welfare
Two youth from Missoula (a UM Student Tyler Tschida) and Chair Beck’s daughter)
were invited to the launching of Lady Gaga’s Born this Way Foundation. They were
invited because of their anti-bullying work. They will be attending the launching with their
mentor and alumni (Heidi Wallace) of the Native American Studies Department.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 pm.