Faculty Senate Annual Report 2012-2013
Members of the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate
(parentheses indicate the last year of the Member’s term.)
Jeff Renz, School of Law, Chair (2013)
Liz Putnam, BMED, Chair-elect
Ed Rosenberg, Chemistry (2013)
Allen Szalda-Petree (2013)
Mike Mayer, History (2014)
Jim Sears, Geosciences (2014)
Joe Crepeau, COT (2014)
Program of the Senate, 9/13/12
o Continue to develop communication, coordination, and cooperation with UM
administration and outside constituencies.
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Appropriate participation in strategic planning/implementation, budgeting,
annual assessment, accreditation planning, and program review.
o Chair Renz served on the University Planning and Budget Committees.
Chair-elect Putnam served on the Assessment and Accreditation
Committee. ECOS reviewed University programs and centers in the
normal course of its business.
o Chair Renz was able to persuade the Planning and Budget Committees to
give higher priorities to academic matters. For example, the Committees
were ready to remove funding to assist the School of Business and
Accounting in filling a vacant faculty line. Chair Renz persuaded the
Committees to leave the item as a priority.
o Chair-elect Putnam also served on the Performance-Based Funding task
force, and the Provost Search Committee. Chair-elect Putnam was
successful in ensuring that the metrics to be employed by for
performance-based funding were both simple and clear.
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Participate in efforts to enhance the quality of education.
The Senate continued its ongoing review of course proposals, course revisions,
and review and approval of new programs.
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Implement a revised evaluation of the administration.
o ECOS revised the instrument for evaluation of the University officers and
Deans, incorporating comments about the officers’ contributions to
advancing The University’s strategic plan. The Senate completed
evaluations of the President, Acting Provost, and Dean of the School of
Extended and Lifelong Learning.
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Educate the public regarding the benefits of the Montana University System.
o As Chair of MUSFAR, Chair Renz engaged in public education about the
benefits of a competent faculty and the university system’s difficulty in
recruiting competent faculty.
o Continue collaboration with other campus and system-wide governance groups.
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Worked with the UFA to investigate how salary savings policies have impacted
educational quality.
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Worked with student and staff governance groups on mutual initiatives and
concerns.
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ECOS members participated in Campus Representative and University
Council meetings throughout Fall Semester 2013.
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At ASUM’s request, the Senate adopted a resolution supporting ASUM’s
proposal to amend the Board of Regents Non-Discrimination Policy 703.
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The Senate assisted Eva Rock, ASUM Sustainability Coordinator, in
conducting a survey of courses that include sustainability content.
The UM Faculty Senate collaborated with the MSU Faculty Senate and the Chairs
of the satellite campuses on the following matters:
o We brought the issue of the Optional Retirement Plan and its adverse
impact on faculty recruitment to the attention of the Board of Regents
and the Commissioner.
o We began the process to come to agreement with respect to minimum
scores for Advanced Placement testing and International Baccalaureate.
(This is ongoing.)
o We participated in the process that established a Materials Science Ph.D.
that included Montana Tech, The University of Montana, and Montana
State University faculty.
o We advanced a program for graduate student exchanges.
o We started the discussion to establish a program for undergraduate
student exchanges. (This is a work in progress.)
o Enhance communications regarding Missoula College Integration and the College Now
initiative.
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The Provost’s Principles of Collaboration were provided to the Senate in the
Chair’s Report, 9/13/12.
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The Provost reported to the Senate on the Missoula College Comprehensive two
year mission (10/11/12): 1) Transfer Education through the Associate’s Degree,
2) Workforce Development including Certificates and Associate of Applied
Science Degrees, 3) Developmental and Basic Adult Education, 4) Lifelong
Learning, and 5) Community Development.
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The Provost’s T-Suffix memo was provided to the Senate. (Chair’s Report,
11/8/12). Following receipt of that memorandum ASCRC developed a policy to
address T-courses and how they would count towards a baccalaureate degree.
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The Chair and members of ECOS attended an Open Forum and discussion hosted
by the UFA to discuss the UM-Missoula College relationship. As a result, the
Chair and Chair-elect recommended that the Provost develop a task force to
address these concerns. The Provost announced and established the Missoula
College Working Group to address myths, misunderstandings, and concerns
raised by faculty, staff, and students from MC and UM.
o Apprise faculty of Board of Regents initiatives and represent the Faculty to the Board of
Regents and Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
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Chair Renz, as Chair of MUSFAR, was successful in adding faculty compensation
to the Board of Regents list of priorities and then moving it to the top of the
Regents’ priority list.
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Monitor Common Course Numbering and Dual Credit Programs. ECOS
continued to communicate faculty concerns about CCN and cross-listing.
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Work through MUSFAR to ensure UM faculty concerns are represented at BOR
meetings. (See above.)
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Chair Renz and Chair-elect Putnam gave input on Policy 970.1, the Biennial
Allocation of State Funding to Montana University System Campuses.
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Assert and maintain faculty control over curriculum.
o ECOS established a Cross-listing and common course numbering
committee to develop policies for developing new rubrics for existing and
future interdisciplinary programs and establishing cross-listing rubrics.
The members include the Associate Provost and a representative from
OCHE.
o The Chair and Chair-elect attended the Complete College America
Program in Butte, Montana on 3/14/13 and helped guide the thinking
about the program.
o Chair and Chair-Elect attended Board of Regents meetings in September
(Butte), November (Missoula), January (Helena), March (Helena), and
May (Great Falls).
o Monitor various efforts that impact faculty (Crosslisting, Prerequisite Checking, Online
Education, Programs of National Distinction, Teaching and Research Assistantships)
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Associate Provost Walker–Andrews gave an update on the pre-requisite pilot on
10/11/12.
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Chair Renz reported on the efforts to ensure cross-listing. The 800 number pilot
project failed. (Chair’s Report, 11/8/12.)
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The Provost reported that prerequisite enforcement was ready for full
implementation. (Provost’s Report 12/6/12.)
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Chair Renz reported on the second cross-listing plan. This followed his letter to
the Commissioner detailing the adverse effects of CCN on inter-disciplinary
programs. A second pilot project, involving a limited number of interdisciplinary
programs will commence next fall. (Chair’s Report, 2/14/13.)
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ECOS conducted Center Reviews and Interim Assessment of New Programs.
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The Center Review Policy was revised to clarify the flow and eliminates
duplication of efforts by faculty. 12/6/12 ECOS met with Interim Associate
Provost Hinman to discuss the possibility of bringing in an external reviewer.
The following Centers were reviewed and recommended for continuation.
Climate Change Studies Interim Assessment was also reviewed.
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Bureau of Business and Economic Research
Center for Riverine Sciences and Stream
Montana Biotechnology Center
Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism
Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit
Montana Forest and Conservation Experimental Station
Montana Geriatric Education Center
o Prepare and implement initiatives for 2013 Legislative Session.
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ECOS, and in particular Senator Allen Szalda-Petree, completed a Vacancy Survey
that identified unfilled faculty vacancies, delays in filling faculty vacancies,
reasons for failed searches, and the impacts of faculty vacancies and posted the
report to the Senate website. (11/8/12.) Chair Renz reported on the results at a
Fall Regents meeting. This prompted MSU’s Faculty Senate to conduct a similar
inquiry. Their inquiry yielded similar results and brought the problem of faculty
vacancies to the fore-front at the March Regents’ meeting.
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ECOS met with Rep. Doug Coffin on 2/28/13.
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HB 453 a Constitutional Initiative to Support Higher Education - The information
was available on the agenda for Senators to access. Senators were reminded that
any political advocacy must be done on your own time and not using university
resources.
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Chair & Chair-Elect participated in Legislative Conference Calls Fridays from
1:15-2:00.
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The present law adjustment bill was enacted without a reduction. The state pay
plan was reduced from 5% to roughly 3.5%, to be allocated according to need.
Additional Business Items
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Committee nominations- ECOS nominated faculty to serve on various university
committees.
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The Senate acted on curriculum review and related items from ASCRC, Graduate
Council, General Education and Writing Committee (see committees annual reports for
detailed information).
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o Approved curriculum consent agendas
 Consent agenda for rolling review of general education ( Expressive
Arts, Social Science, and Ethics), 12/6/12
 Consent agenda for rolling review of writing (WRIT and LIT), 12/6/12
o Pre-requisite Restrictions motion, 10/11/12
o Catalog governing graduation, 10/11/12
o Procedure review and revision
 Majors Policy, presented in October, approved with friendly
amendment 11/8/12
 Prerequisite technical Guide, 12/6/12
 Motion to maintain list of courses in online catalog, 3/14/13
 Demonstration of course descriptions residing in Banner, 4/11/13
 Bertha Morton Procedure, 4/11/13
 Motion regarding Technical Course Credits, 5/9/13
 Academic Policies and Procedures in the Catalog, 5/9/13
o Spring review of general education groups (Mathematics, Historical and
Cultural Studies, and Science)
Approved degree candidates in November and April.
Approved candidates for honorary degrees in February
ECOS decided on the Service Award – Jean Carter
Communication Items:
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The Senate received various updates from the President and Provost as well
as ASUM and the UFA
o Non-tenurable Faculty Report (9/13/12).
o Enrollment reports.
o Cabinet level Recruitment updates.
 Vice President for Integrated Communications, Peggy Kuhr
Vice President for Research, Scott Whittenburg
Vice President for Administration &Finance, Michael Reid
Chief Information Officer, Matthew Riley
Legal Counsel, Lucy France
Provost Search underway
o Staffing issue (11/8/12).
o Governor’s budget – second half of biennium half of the present-lawadjustment increase (7.5 million) will depend on the system meeting
performance measures.
o November Board of Regents meeting on campus.
o Smart Building Initiative made by ASUM President Zach Brown,
12/6/12.
o Celebrate Academics, Provost 2/14/13.
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Dawn Ressel, Associate Vice President, Office of University Planning,
Budgeting and Analysis addressed the Senate in September
Amy Kinch, the Director of the Faculty Development Office addressed the
Senate in September
ECOS met with the Deans of the College of Arts and Sciences and Missoula
College in March
The Programs of National Distinction Resolution was not approved by the
Senate, 9/13/12.
Director of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Title IX Coordinator,
Lucy France addressed the Senate, 10/11/12
The New Dean of Students, Rhondie Voorhees addressed the Senate ,
10/11/12
Director of Internship Services, Terry Berkhouse presented Academic
Enrichment, 10/11/12
o Attributes attached to courses for tracking
Complementary deserts from UM Catering as outreach. 11/8/12
The Senate endorsed Renaming of Payne Family Native American Center
basement to The Elouise Cobell Land and Culture Institute.
Resolution to support ASUM’s resolution regarding the Board of Regents
Non-Discrimination Policy 703, Topher Williams ASUM Senator
EVA Rock, ASUM Sustainability Coordinator – Survey to create a
comprehensive list of courses that include sustainability content
Resolution in Support of Scheduling Policy Review and Revision for
Efficiency
The Faculty Senate fully supports any efforts to re-examine the
current room scheduling policy. During this time of strained
resources it is important to maximize efficiencies and work together
to fulfill the University’s mission.
ECOS Items
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ECOS met with President Engstrom– discussed planning for budget shortfall,
10/18
ECOS met with Provost Brown and Dean Maclean to discuss the results of the
Evaluation of the Administration, 3/28
ECOS met with Registrar regarding scheduling policy on 10/25 & 3/21
ECOS met with Interim Academic IT Director, John Greer re: IT Senate, 10/18
ECOS met with representatives from Modern and Classical Languages and
Literatures and the Chair of the General Education Committee – Incentive
approach 11/1
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Campus Rep meetings fall semester – 9/12, 10/10, 11/14
ECOS met with Lucy France as Candidate for University Attorney, 2/7/13
Members of ECOS and other faculty met with the Deputy Commissioner of
Higher Education on Charter Day to discuss crosslisting, 2/13/13
ECOS met with Interim Assoc Provost Hinman about Center Reviews, 2/21
ECOS met with various new Administrators
o Mario Schulcke, Asst VP for Marketing, 2/21
o Scott Whittenberg, VP for Research, 2/28
o Michael Reid, VP Administration,4/18
o Paulo Zagalo, Director of the Office of International Programs, 4/25
o Matthew Riley, Chief Information Officer, 5/2
ECOS met with VP Branch and Rick Curtis from the Curry Health CenterIssues with graduate students insurance, 2/28
ECOS met with Kent McGowan, Financial Aid- Issues with Graduate Students
Financial Aid, 3/21