I. Welcome
Interim chair announcement:
Karen Bonnell is the Interim Chair of Communications
David Hitchcock is the Interim Chair of World Languages and Cultures and also
the Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies
Rocco Gennaro resumes his position as Chair of Philosophy and is also currently
Interim Chair of Psychology.
II. Budget Updates
Michael Dixon addressed concerns over budget preparations. Figures allocated
to university are minimal, with no new monies available. Chairs should take the
opportunity to consider departmental priorities, and each department should still
submit a faculty request as always. Any one time cost that might be pertinent
should also be submitted, with notes describing where those might apply to
improvements in student retention and recruitment.
As budget requests are prepared, chairs should be mindful of Spring 2011, when
the existing budget request forms were used and the revised budget request
form was received based on the current strategic plan. This may happen again in
light of the new strategic plan. Formal approval is anticipated in March.
We can’t expect requests to be fulfilled for new monies from the state, but a pool
of money from existing sources that may be able to help recruitment of new
students may be created.
Chairs might expect for a university wide pool of money to be created by holding
back money from budgets for the next fiscal year. From that pool, the university
would be able to fund new projects that might address growth.
A group will put together top budget request priorities rather than each individual
college giving a budget presentation.
Chairs should keep in mind the possibility of reallocation of monies for requests.
When attempting to replace faculty members who have left, chairs should write
an analysis of the empty position and describe why fulfillment is needed. This
request should be sent to Michael Dixon.
Metrics that will be able to justify requests to retain lines or get findings include
retention and graduation rates; the types of metrics that the state has been using
to justify our requests.
As of Monday, overall enrollment is down 2.2, while Liberal Arts enrollment is
down 6.9. The University was down 167 students from spring 2015. Liberal Arts
consisted of 128 of those. Additionally, male student population is 3-4 times
below female population. Decline in unemployment rate possibly a factor.
Attempts to ascertain trends will be made in an effort to figure out what
improvements need to be made.
Strategies could be implemented to address losses in sophomore and junior
years – Exploring Majors and Minors fair a great resource, but more could be
done.
As a college, we need to invest most in UNIV experience. Anyone interested
should contact Michael Dixon before next week.
A theme and a common reading are agreed upon as a continuing strategy. This
time around, the presidential election will serve as the theme. The service
learning engagement component could be requiring students to participate in a
voter registration drive or something along those lines.
III. Assessment Reports
Same method as last year.
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Templates
Joan will distribute templates for assessment reports.
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Spring Assessment Day Retreat: 29 March, am
*8:30 – 12 or1 with lunch. Each department will give a presentation,
preliminary overview of what will be included in departmental assessment report
due on April 15 unless that’s a weekend day.
*Each chair will present with around 10 minutes allotted each with time in
between for questions. Departments can meet in the afternoon.
IV. University Handbook Updates
December 23, 2015 – link sent out to all updates from Donna Evinger.
Look closely at promotion and tenure process – changes included incorporation
of language 223 timeline. Possible revision of green book, with cut and paste
from handbook.
New policies:
Web policy – refers to social media policy, too. USI encouraged departments to
create social media pages. Social media pages must have two faculty/staff
administrators.
V. Advising Center Updates
If you get graduation apps from Arlene, return them ASAP. Everything must be in
by February 15. Starting next week, Pam Doerter will be in the advising center on
Tuesdays and Wednesdays so that students can meet with her in the center.
Advising workshops for faculty in Feb and March, 20 minute workshops covering
degree works – chairs should talk to staff to see what other training they would
like to see. Email Renee with requests.
Renee will be revamping the 4-year plans. She passed out a new template for
faculty revision. Suggestions welcome from departments. Once templates are
finished, departments will each have their own workbook.
VI. Open Items from Chairs
Financial aid policy, appeals process for students on academic probation.
VII. Announcements
All faculty have to submit a CV by Feb 18. Email from Kathy will be forwarded.
Faculty should turn in syllabi and office hours to AAs. FARs due to Michael by Feb
15.
Deans Student Advisory council meeting starting the first Wednesday in Feb. at
noon. Reach out to representatives from Fall or look for someone different. Forward
names and email addresses to Michael and Debra.
The Monday after commencement names were requested for those participating in
Spring commencement. Graduating student to deliver reflection speech needed. 1
name per department as nominee. Joan and Michael will meet with students who
are nominated and will make the decision. 1 week from today as possible.
Day at the statehouse – names of students should be forwarded to Michael. Remind
faculty that they are not allowed to change the classroom in which classes meet on
their own – they must go through scheduling and dept AAs.
Event and Funding request forms should be used. Any faculty delivering an
independent study should submit the email form for that as well.
Disability services has asked faculty to coordinate better and to consider the
difficulties they face especially during midterms and finals. Have the tests delivered
BEFORE the student is scheduled to take it.
Academic integrity – faculty who believe a student has committed an act of
academic integrity should fill out the form and inform the student of their right to
appeal. Instructors must inform the students of their rights.
Academic integrity form on the Dean of Students site.
March 19 and April 9 – only two Southern Hospitality days this semester.
Course petitions ready for consideration.
Honors Day profiles are going out – everyone should have received them by now.
Questions should be sent to Rebecca. These are only foundation backed awards.
Fall 2016 schedule – early proof sent out on the 18th. Access will end on January
22nd.
Os Guinness luncheon hosted by History – email Jason if interested in attending
luncheon.
Congrats to Joan – Griffin Center. Ribbon cutting on May 6. Joan’s Master Teacher
Series at the Museum – 23rd opening reception.
(WD  post on social media) Theatre students went to (name?) theatre festival –
regional design award for lighting to Nick Smith, regional selection for entry in
national comp – Rachel Thomas for lighting in GOW going to DC to present lighting –
and AJ Jones won for costumes for Tartuffe, also going to DC.