Academic Senate Meeting Minutes
October 10, 2003
I.
Call to Order
Ms. Cantu called the October 10, 2003 meeting of the Academic Senate to order at 1:05
p.m. in the SETB 3rd Floor Conference Room.
Members of the Senate in attendance included: Mr. Steve Benton (s), Ms. Ethel Cantu
(*), Dr. Luis Colom (s), Mr. Roberto Cortina (s), Dr. William C. Davis (s), Ms. Linda
Fossen, Mr. Victor Fuhro, Mr. Bill Harris (ex-officio), Ms. Mabel Hockaday (s), Dr.
Gerald Hollier (s), Dr. Edward Hymson (*), Dr. Deborah Huerta (s). Mr. Joe Lacher (s),
Dr. Charles Lackey, Ms. Julie Larson (*), Dr. Jose Martin, Ms. Rosemary Martinez, Ms.
Kim Morris-Garcia (s), Mr. Domingo Molina (s), Dr. Eldon Nelson, Dr, Rafael Otero (s),
Dr. Sylvia Pena, Ms. Cheryl Phelps (s), Mr. Jay Phillips, Dr. Ruth Ann Ragland, Dr.
Renee Rubin (s), Dr. John Sutterby (s), Mr. Pat Wade (s), and Mr. Tom Welther (*).
Visitors included: Mr. Richard Camargo.
II.
Review and Approval of the Minutes from the September 12, 2003
Academic Senate Meeting
Ms Cantu asked the members of the Senate to review the minutes from the September 12,
2003 Academic Senate meeting. Hearing no objections to the minutes, the minutes were
approved.
III.
Senate Treasurer’s Report
Dr. Hymson presented the Senate Treasurer’s Report. Dr. Hymson said $850.00 has been
spent on travel expenses and $12.00 on publications. Dr. Hymson said the treasury
currently has a balance of $2590.00.
IV.
Media Services Presentation- Mr. Richard Camargo
Mr. Richard Camargo, Assistant Director of Media Services, appeared before the Senate
in place of Mr. Doug Ferrier, Director of Media Services, who could not attend this
meeting. Mr. Camaargo reported that the Media Services budget has been cut so the
money for service and maintenance of media equipment is very limited. Mr. Camargo
said that in light of the budget cut, it is imperative that when the equipment is not in use it
be turned off and unplugged. Mr. Camargo said Media Services is asking the Provost for
money to maintain equipment. Mr. Camargo then answered questions from the floor.
Mr. Cortina talked about the fact that the wheels have been removed from the carts used
to house the overhead projectors. Mr. Cortina said this makes it harder on the machines
because they must absorb the vibrations when moved. Mr. Camargo responded that the
previous director in response to overheads being moved from room to room did this. Dr.
Davis said that most of the classrooms have overhead projectors so they should be no
need to move them. Dr. Davis asked if the overhead projectors were detailed by
academic departments or by Media Services. Mr. Camargo responded that Media
Services details and services the equipment. Mr. Camargo added that if the equipment is
not working than the professor or instructor should fill out a request to have the
equipment serviced. Dr. Otero said that the bulbs usually have a backup but at times the
backup bulbs don’t work. Mr. Cortina noted that the overhead projectors should be
cleaned more often and asked who pays the bill. Mr. Fuhro said Mr. Ferrier’s account
covers maintenance. Ms. Phelps expressed her concern over the chalk dust covering the
overhead projectors. She suggested that perhaps the overheads could be covered. Mr.
Molina expressed his concern that the new equipment has buttons and dials that users are
not familiar with and perhaps a seminar on working the equipment would be appropriate.
He said secretaries could be trained and then could pass this information on to faculty
members. Mr. Cortina suggested that perhaps an instruction card could be attached to the
equipment.
Following the discussion, Dr. Martin took a minute to welcome Mr. Camargo aboard as
the new Assistant Director of Media Services. The Provost also thanked Media Services
for the excellent work they do. Ms. Cantu also thanked Mr. Camargo for his
presentation.
V.
Senate President’s Report
Ms. Cantu had eight items in her report.

TCS Board Meeting- Ms. Cantu reported that she attended the September 18,
2003 TSC Board Meeting. Ms. Cantu said the Board was briefed on the Bio
Medical Research programs as well as a grant proposal for a Biomedical Research
facility. Ms. Cantu reported that these efforts are under the leadership of Dr.
Eldon Nelson, Dr. Gerson Peltz, and Dr. Luis Colom of the School of Health
Sciences. Ms. Cantu reported that the coffeehouse contract with UMIX was
renewed. Ms. Cantu reported that the Board was informed that the bookstore
contract was awarded to Barnes and Nobles. Last, Ms. Cantu reported Dr. Garcia
reviewed with the Board the UTB/TSC partnership core values, discussing the
mission and philosophy statements. Ms. Cantu said this discussion will continue
over the year with the Board and the UTB/TSC campus community.

University Council- Ms Cantu reported that she attended the University Council
meeting on October 3, 2003. Ms. Cantu said that at the meeting Dr. Garcia led
the group of professional staff and administrators in a discussion of the UTB/TSC
mission and philosophy statements. She (Dr. Garcia) challenged people to think
about our core values and asked how we carry them out in our jobs and lives and
how we measure our success. Ms. Cantu said that Dr. Martin explained the
complexities of tuition deregulation at this meeting. Ms. Cantu said that Dr.
Martin pointed out that only UTPA, UTPB, and UTB are not raising tuition for
the spring semester. UTB will raise tuition and fees in the future. Ms. Cantu
discussion at the meeting centered on various strategies to increase revenues and
their possible consequences. Ms. Cantu said some possibilities included
designated tuition increase, incidental fees increase, tuition discounts, and tuition
incentives.

Grievance panel nominees- Ms. Cantu reported that the nominees for the
Grievance Panel have been selected by the Senators of each college and school.
The nominees include the following faculty:
A. College of Liberal Arts- Therese Gallegos, David Pearson, Luis
Rodriguez- Abad, and Terry Tomlin.
B. College of Science, Math, and Technology- Celia Flores-Feist,
Blanca Lozano, Wayne Wells, and Sessia Wyche.
C. School of Business- Gerald Hollier and Irma Jones.
D. School of Education- Paula Parson, James Telese, and Nick Vallardo.
E. School of Health Sciences- Sylvia Campbell and Joe Lacher.
Ms. Cantu said these nominees must be confirmed by the Senate. Ms. Cantu asked
for any objectives. Hearing no objectives, Ms. Cantu entertained a motion to
confirm the nominees. Dr. Hymson so moved, with a second from Dr. Davis. The
motion carried and the names will be forwarded to Dr. Garcia.

Academic Standards and Student Records Representative- Ms. Cantu reported
that the Executive Committee recommends Janna Arney from Business
Technology to sit on the Academic Standards and Student Records Committee.
Ms. Cantu said since this appointment is to a University Standing Committee,
Janna Arney must be confirmed by the Senate. Ms. Cantu entertained a motion to
confirm. Dr. Hymson so moved, with a second from Mr. Welther. The motion
carried.

Faculty Advisory Council (FAC) alternate- Ms. Cantu reported that the Executive
Committee appoints Bill Harris as the alternate to the UT System Faculty
Advisory Council (FAC). The Senate is informed.

Texas Council of Faculty Senates (TCoFS) representative- Ms. Cantu reported
that the Executive Committee appoints Julie Larson as the representative to the
Texas Council of Faculty Senates (TCoFS). The Senate is informed.

Letter from Dr. Ragland- Ms. Cantu reported that she received a letter from Dr.
Ragland, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, in regard to HOOP 7.7.2“Non Reappointment of a Nontenured, Tenure-Track Faculty Member”. Ms.
Cantu read Dr. Ragland’s letter into the record.
“Professor Ethel Cantu
President
Academic Senate
UTB/TSC
Dear President Cantu:
I am writing to apologize for an oversight concerning HOOP 7.7.2‘NonReappointment of a Nontenured , Tenure –Track Faculty Member’.
Secretary Julie Larson was correct in noting that, on first reading July 7, 2003,
the Academic Senate had requested that the ‘30’ in the phrase below be changed
to ‘60’days and that the HOOP be returned to Deans Council for reconsideration.
‘After December 15th of the second academic year of probationary
service or after two or more years written notice shall be given no
later than 30 days prior to the end of the then current academic year
that the subsequent year will be the terminal academic year of appointment.’
It was my responsibility to follow through on this, and I failed to do so. I regret
the confusion and anxiety this oversight created at the September 12 meeting.
The Academic Senate is important to the life of UTB/TSC and it is my privilege
to work with you.
Signed- Ruth Ann Ragland, Ph.D. Associate Vice President for Academic
Affairs”

Academic Senate website- Ms. Cantu reported on the Academic Senate website.
Ms. Cantu said that she has been working with Rene Corbeil to set-up the website.
Ms. Cantu said she is the administrator of the website. Ms. Cantu said she is open
to suggestions on what should appear on the opening page. Ms. Cantu reviewed
the buttons on the website. The buttons include:
-
Calendar of meetings.
Members.
Agenda.
Minutes.
Procedures.
Resolutions.
Committees
Constitution.
Feedback.
Announcements.
Planner.
Reports.
Ms. Cantu said that this time the Academic Senate is not currently linked to the
UTB website.
VI.
Bookstore Request for Proposals (RFP) Committee Report
Ms. Martinez and Dr. Gallegos reported on the bookstore request for proposals (RFP).
Dr. Gallegos reported that she was asked to serve on the Bookstore RFP Committee in
order to represent the faculty perspective. Dr. Gallegos reported that the committee was
given RFPs from various bookstores to examine. The committee members reviewed the
proposals individually and assigned each proposal a score. The committee members then
compared scores and came up with the top two proposals. The committee then put
together questions for the top two companies to answer. The two companies answered
the questions and meet with the committee. Dr. Gallegos said after everything was said
and done- Barnes and Nobles was selected.
Dr. Gallegos and Ms. Martinez then answered questions from the floor. Ms. Martinez
said the bookstore will hold a grand opening in January of 2004. She also noted that
UMIX signed a one-year contract with UTB/TSC and will stay where it is. Ms. Cantu
thanked Dr. Gallegos and Ms. Martinez for their presentation.
VII.
Partnership Committee Reports
A. Student Affairs Partnership Committee- Ms. Cantu said she attended the
September 24. 2003 meeting of the Student Affairs Partnership Committee
in Mr. Welther’s absence. Ms. Cantu said that Vince Solis, Director of
Student Activities, reported that occupancy of student housing is near
100%: 33% are from Brownsville, the balance are from 20 states and 13
countries, most are 18-21 years old and do well in school, especially the
ones who are on scholarships. Vince Solis also presented ideas for an
educational and wellness sports complex based on similar facilities at other
campuses. The model they are considering would share the space with
kinesiology classes and wellness activities. The projected date would be
2005-06 and would be funded similarly to the Student Union. Ms. Cantu
said Dr. Hilda Silva reviewed the 2003-04 budget for Student Affairs with
the committee. Student Affairs receives 1% of the state funds UTB/TSC
receives and that represents 13% of their budget. Most of their Budget
(86%) comes from fees and grants. The student service fee accounts for
48% of their revenues. A breakdown of that revenue shows that the largest
portion 27% goes to Athletic Programs, followed by 19% to the Learning
Assistance Center, 17% to Counseling and Employment, 10% to Student
Health, 8% each to Student Activities and the Dean of Students.
B. Business Affairs Partnership Committee- Dr. Hymson reported that he
attended the Business Affairs Partnership Committee meeting. Mr.
Hymson said the committee discussed several issues including the
bookstore and coffeehouse, and the appropriation of funds.
C. Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Committee- Mr. Harris reported
that he attended the Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Committee
meeting. Mr. Harris said the committee is still working on drafting a
pamphlet/document listing institutional measures and how the institution
measures up. Mr. Harris said the committee hopes to complete this
brochure this semester for distribution in January of 2004. Mr. Harris also
said that the committee heard from Ms. Linda Fossen regarding
enrollment.
VIII.
Academic Senate Committee Reports
A. Budget Formation Committee- Dr. Hymson, who chairs this committee,
reported that the committee has three new members. He said he will give
a more detailed report at a future meeting.
B. Harassment Committee- Dr. Huerta, who chairs this committee, gave the
following report. Dr. Huerta reported that the Harassment Committee had
its first meeting. Dr. Huerta said the committee consists of Dr. Debbie
Huerta, Mr. Domingo Molina, Dr. Renee Rubin, Dr. Mari FuentesMartin, Mr. Floyd Akers, Ms. Lynn Depeault, and Dr. Gerald Hollier.
Dr. Huerta reported that the committee is charged with: (1) investigating
the nature and extent of sexual harassment (sexual, gender, misuse of
power ,etc.) and (2) identifying appropriate educational materials and
intervention strategies. Dr. Huerta said the committee has designed a five
point plan to answer its charges. The committee plans to (1) review the
sexual harassment policy in HOOP and in the Student Code of Conduct,
(2) review the training modules currently utilized, (3) review training
requirements for adjuncts, part-time staff and work study workers, (4)
explore the extent and nature of harassment on campus, and (5) develop
educational material which outlines harassment and reporting options.
C. Environmental Responsibility Committee- Mr. Wade, who chairs this
committee, gave the following report. Mr. Wade said the committee met
met on October 9, 2003. He said the committee consists of the following
members: Dr. Bill Berg, Dr. Elizabeth Heise, Dr. David Hicks, Dr. Ravi
Nandigam, and Mr. Pat Wade from the College of Science, Math, and
Technology; Ms. Virginia Maldonado- Maxwell from the School of Health
Sciences; Dr. Paula Parson and Dr. Susan Hart from the School of
Education; Ms. Pat Celaya from the School of Business; Mr. Henry
Saldivar III, student, Gorgas Science Foundation President; Mr. J.D.
Garza, Superintendent of Grounds; Mr. Edward Carrillo, student, Student
Government Association President; and Dr. Ken Sexton from the UT
Health Science Center. Mr. Wade reported that the committee is charged
with (1) developing a plan for sustainable habitat on campus that includes
preserving remaining native plants and enhances resources for wildlife,
and, (2) developing a recycling plan that includes receptacles for specific
products and educational material to foster environmental responsibility.
He distributed to the committee a meeting agenda with the names of
the members listed and a delineation of the Academic Senate’s charge to
the committee as well as two additional items: (1) recommendations for
enhancing UTB/TSC’s master plan to focus on environmental
responsibility, and, (2) investigation of a student pledge for environmental
responsibility. Mr. Wade reported that each item was discussed among the
members of the committee, sections of the Master Plan that dealt with
environment were distributed, a listing of websites entitled, “Campus
Environmental Issues” (www.environ.sc.edu/Highedu.html) was given to
each member for future reference, and a copy of the Humboldt State
University’s “Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental
Responsibility” was provided as an example of a student pledge for
environmental responsibility. Mr. Wade reported that each of the four areas
formed a subcommittee and then members were asked on which area they
would like to serve. Mr. Wade reported that the subcommittees are
comprised as follows: Sustainable Campus Subcommittee- R. Nandigam,
Chair, B. Berg, E. Saldivar III, V. Maldonado-Maxwell: Campus
Recycling Subcommittee- S. Hart, Chair, E. Saldivar III, and E. Carillo:
Master Plan Subcommittee- E. Heise, Chair, P. Parson, and D. Hicks:
Student Pledge Subcommittee- E. Saldivar III, Chair, S. Hart, and E.
Carillo. Mr. Wade reported that the chairs of each subcommittee will
convene their committee to draft a plan/recommendations for their
their respective areas. Mr. Wade said the committee as whole will
meet again on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 to discuss the findings of
each subcommittee.
X.
HOOP Policies
A. HOOP 7.3.3- “Student Evaluation of Instruction”- This was the first
reading of this policy before the Academic Senate. This policy spells out
the purpose of student evaluation of instruction as “one of several sources
to provide data for improvement of teaching and learning and for decisions
regarding reappointment, tenure, promotion and merit salary increases.
The student evaluation of instruction shall be viewed primarily as a
developmental activity essential to providing the faculty member with
information needed to improve teaching and learning as well as provide
information for personnel actions.” In order to understand why this policy
appeared before the Senate, Dr. Ragland provided a brief history.
Dr. Ragland said on March 1, 2002, the Academic Senate on a third read
approved revisions to the policy and the approved the policy itself. Dr.
Ragland reported that several changes were made to the policy including
the deletion of the title, Director of Academic Assessment and Evaluation
and the insertion in its place Director of Institutional Research and
Planning. Because changes were made to the policy and before a policy
becomes part of HOOP, the Office of General Counsel (OGC) reviews
policies. In accordance with this procedure, HOOP 7.3.3. was sent to the
Office of General Counsel for review. The Office of General Counsel sent
the policy back to UTB/TSC saying that student evaluations which contain
handwritten comments violate student privacy rights and cited the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20U.S.C. Section 1232g; 34
CFR Part 99). Dr. Ragland said this is a federal law that protects the
privacy of student records. Student evaluations fall under this category and
contain a space for handwritten comments that can be traced back to the
student who wrote the comments by faculty who may retaliate against the
student. Dr. Ragland said that she, Dr. Hymson, and Mr. Akers meet and
changed the language in HOOP 7.3.3 so it compiles with FERPA. The
following changes were made to HOOP 7.3.3:
In Clause “B3” the statement, “all questions shall be phrased in such a way
as not to identify the individual student answering the question and shall be
asked in a multiple choice fashion” was added. In Clause “B4” the
statements, “the student evaluation instrument shall contain a space for
handwritten comments. The student evaluation shall contain the following
notice in bold conspicuous lettering below the multiple choice questions
and above the space for handwritten comments ‘any student writing
additional comments consents, by doing so, to the comments being viewed
by the course instructor, the instructor’s chairperson, and the dean of the
school or college after the instructor turns in final grades for the course
being evaluated. The student agrees that any writing on the form by the
student constitutes the student’s signature authorizing the release of the
comments to the instructor.’ Students who do not want their instructor to
see the comments should refrain from writing any comments” were added.
Following the reading of the changes to the policy, a discussion followed.
Dr. Davis commended Dr. Hymson, Dr. Ragland, and Mr. Akers for their
work. He also said he was flabbergasted that this would come up. He
wondered if this was happening across the country. Dr. Hymson answered
in the affirmative and suggested that the Senate pass this policy on first
read so that the evaluations can proceed this semester. Dr. Davis also
noted that this is a clear example of how things can be changed by System.
Dr. Otero brought up a concern from the School of Business regarding
evaluations. Dr. Otero said that hard classes will be evaluated differently
because students react less favorably to classes that they find difficult. He
asked if this could be noted on the evaluation. Dr. Hymson responded that
right now we need to approve the policy and then we can address the
substance of the policy. Mr. Harris said we need to move this policy along.
He also said that Dr. Otero’s concern should be addressed between the
Provost and the Dean rather than addressing it in the policy. Mr. Benton
pointed out that if we wave first read we are setting a precedent and that
may not be something we want to do. Ms. Morris-Garcia raised the point
of evaluating web-based courses, wondering if a policy existed. With the
discussion moving in different directions, Dr, Hymson moved to dispense
with first reading. Dr. Davis seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Dr. Hymson then moved to approve HOOP 7.3.3- “Student Evaluation of
Instruction” with the understanding that this body would commence a
substantive review of this policy sometime this academic year. Dr. Davis
once again seconded the motion. The motion carried and HOOP 7.3.3.“Student Evaluation of Instruction” was approved by the Senate. Dr.
Hymson requested that this policy be sent to a committee charged with
looking at student evaluations of instruction. Dr. Hollier said he would
head such a committee and Dr. Davis and Ms. Morris-Garcia volunteered
to serve on the committee. Membership on the committee is not limited, so
if you want to serve or know of others who may want to serve, contact Dr.
Hollier.
B. HOOP Policy 5.2.6- “Information Resources Committee”- This was the
first reading of this policy before the Academic Senate. The purpose of
this policy is to identify the Information Resources Committee (formerly
the University Computing and Technology Committee) as a standing
committee of the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost
College. Ms. Martinez presented the policy to the Senate and said that
several revisions were made to the policy. Ms. Martinez said the two
significant changes to the policy included a name change and a
membership change. Ms. Martinez said the name change involves
changing the name, “University Computing and Technology Committee”
to the “Information Resources Committee”. This reflects the change in the
committee’s name. Ms. Martinez also pointed out the second change,
which included a change in membership on the committee. Clause “D”
addressing membership now reads, “the membership shall consist of, the
Dean of Graduate Studies, one dean appointed by the Vice President for
Academic Affairs, seven faculty members with at least one faculty member
from each college and school recommended for appointment by the
Academic Senate, the Director of Information Systems, the Director of the
Library, Information Resources, Distance Education, and Media Services,
the Director of Publications, the Student Affairs System Analyst, one
member from Workforce Training and Continuing Education, one member
from Enrollment Management, and one person appointed from the
President’s staff, who shall serve as secretary. The vice presidents serve as
ex-officio member. The committee may, at its discretion, invite other
individuals to sit on the committee based upon their positions or expertise.
Membership for appointed members shall be for three years, and they may
be appointed for more than one consecutive term.”
After the Senate reviewed the policy, Dr, Hymson moved to approve on
first read. Dr. Sutterby seconded the motion. The motion carried and Ms.
Cantu then announced to the Senate that the policy would return to the
Senate for a second read. At that point, Ms. Larson objected, saying that
Dr. Hymson’s motion was to approve the policy on first read. Ms. Cantu
said that Dr. Hymson’s motion was to approve the first read on the policy.
Ms. Larson once again disagreed, saying that the motion said to approve on
first read. Understanding that a discrepancy may have existed, Dr. hymson
moved to repel the previous motion. Mr. Welther seconded the motion and
the motion carried. The previous motion was repealed. Dr. Hymson then
moved to complete the first reading of the policy. Dr. Sutterby seconded
the motion and the motion carried. The first reading of the policy is
complete and it will return to the Senate for a second read.
XI.
New Business
There were two items of ‘New Business”.

Dr. Martin had an issue he wished to discuss with the Senate regarding tuition and
fees. Dr. Martin said that a new climate exists in Texas with the legislature’s
decision to deregulate tuition. Dr. Martin said that in the past the model that
UTB/TSC followed seemed to fit this institution. However, led by flagship
institutions, institutions have been forced to raise tuition rapidly to offset costs.
Dr. Martin said that many Texas colleges and universities will raise tuition in the
spring. He said UTB/TSC will not raise tuition in the spring but will raise tuition
in the fall. Dr. Martin said we can’t do what the flagship universities do- that is
raise tuition at whatever cost. Dr. Martin said UTB/TSC must provide a plan to
the UT System for tuition and fees by November 1, 2003. Dr. Martin said, in
accordance with this mandate from the UT System, UTB/TSC has a preliminary
draft of a plan to deal with tuition and fees. Dr. Martin wanted to share that draft
with the Senate and is proposing the following;
1. Increase in designated tuition from $32 per semester credit
hour to $38 per semester credit hour (an increase of $6.00).
This increase would be used to fund 10 faculty positions
(720,000), 10 staff positions ($430,000), and equipment
(380,000).
2. Increase in tuition from $46 per semester credit hour for
upper division to $48 per semester credit hour and an
increase in lower division from $27 per semester credit hour
to $29 per semester credit hour ( an increase of $2.00).
3. Impose a $25.00 fee per student per semester for academic advising.
This would eliminate the one-time $25.00 fee for in-coming
freshmen, transfer students, and those who fail to declare a major.
This would generate approximately $725,000 per academic year and
would be used to defray the costs of personnel needed to provide onestop advising to students. Currently we have a lack of academic
advising and this fee is only a small fraction of what other institutions
charge.
4. Increase the Records Fee from $5.00 per semester to $10.00 per
semester. This would generate approximately $295,252 per academic
year and would be used to defray costs in Enrollment Management.
5. Increase Information Resources-Computer Use Fee from $5.00 per
semester credit hour to $10.00 per semester credit hour. This
increase would be used to replace antiquated hardware, update
software, improve student computer labs and help support the number
of increasing services provided.
Dr. Martin said these are compulsory fees and are charged to all students.
Incidental fees may also be increased. In addition to tuition and fees, Dr. Martin
also talked about space administration on campus. He said that there are
complaints about parking and classroom space. In response, an inventory of
of classroom usage and parking was conducted. This inventory showed a huge
inequality in classroom usage and parking. Dr. Martin said that at peak times
(mornings) the campus is overcrowded but at off-peak hours (afternoons) the
campus is underused. Classrooms are vacant and parking lots are at less than
full capacity during the off-peak hours. Dr. Martin said he and others are looking
into discounted tuition for students taking classes at off-peak hours. Dr. Martin
said this is being pursued at other campuses. Dr. Martin then opened the floor for
discussion.
Dr. Otero wondered if anyone has figured out the net increase in using discounted
courses. Dr. Martin replied at this time the work is only preliminary in terms of
discounted tuition. Mr. Benton asked what our students pay for fifteen semester
credit hours right now. Dr. Martin said right now a freshman student pays
$1187.00 for everything based on fifteen hours and next fall a freshman would pay
$1296.00 for everything based on fifteen hours. Dr. Martin also noted that 60%
of our students are on financial aid and 40% are not. Mr. Benton questioned the
efficacy if Friday afternoon classes- would students really sign up for them? Dr.
Sutterby wondered if faculty would lose flexibility. Dr. Martin said 60% of the
students polled on discounted tuition said they would take advantage of it. Dr.
Davis said we should dump the $720.000 figure and increase that figure to
$820.000. Dr. Davis said we need faculty and pointed out the following figures
from the UTB/TSC website and the 1995 Fact Book:
Executives
Professional
Secretarial/Clerical
Technical
Service/Skilled
Full time faculty
1992
40
29
117
47
34
200
2002
101
103
119
102
46
247
%Increase
155%
255%
2%
117%
35%
24%
Dr. Martin said he understands we need faculty and said that we are a breaking
point in terms of staff. Dr. Hymson asked, “what do you want from us?” Dr.
Martin said feedback. Dr. Martin summarized the discussion by saying that he
gets a sense from the Senate that tuition and fee increases are not unreasonable.

XII.
Dr. Sutterby had a concern over the treatment of faculty absences. However, with
the meeting running long, he said he would discuss this at a later meeting.
Provost’s Report
There were five items in the Provost’s Report.

Dr. Martin reported the Distinguished Lecture Series will take place on
Wednesday, October 15, 2003 and will feature Dr. Gregory Stock. The
Distinguished Lecture Series is a fund raiser for the UTB/TSC Development
Board. Tickets are $150. 00 for the general public, faculty and staff can get
tickets for $75.00. Dr. Stock will also speak at Jacob Brown on Wednesday
morning. Tickets are free if you come with a student. Tickets are free for
students at the morning presentation. Dr. Martin said he will distribute 200
tickets to the Deans.

Dr. Martin reported that Mr. Doug Ferrier has been named Director of Media
Services.

Dr. Martin reported that spring evaluations will be distributed this week. May
and summer evaluations will be distributed next week.

Dr. Martin reported that Ms. Julie Larson and Dr. James Beale are the new coadvisors for Phi Theta Kappa.

Last, Dr. Martin reported that the official enrollment figure for fall is 10, 604.
XIII.
Announcements
There were two announcements.

Ms. Cantu announced that she received a memo from the President’s Office
inviting the members of the Academic Senate to join them for the remaining of
Field Day following the conclusion of the Senate meeting.

Mr. Harris announced that Annual Harris, Knopp, and Mar Thanksgiving
Pilgrimage to San Miguel, Mexico is set and people can sign up for the trip. See
Mr. Harris for details.
XIV.
Adjournment
The meeting stood adjourned at 4:50 p.m.