The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College
Academic Senate Minutes
December 12, 2003
I.
Call to Order
Mr. Welther, in Ms. Cantu’s absence, called the December 12, 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), Mr. Roberto
Cortina (s), Ms. Linda Fossen, Mr. Victor Fuhro, Mr. Bill Harris (ex-officio), Ms. Mable
Hockaday (s), Dr. Gerald Hollier (s), Dr. Deborah Huerta (s), Dr. Edward Hymson (*),
Mr. Joe Lacher (s), Dr. Charles Lackey, Ms. Julie Larson (*), Dr. Jose Martin, Ms.
Rosemary Martinez, 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. John
Ronnau, Dr. Renee Rubin (s), Dr. John Sutterby (s), Mr. Pat Wade (s), Mr. Tom Welther
(*), and Dr. William Wilkinson (s).
Visitors included: Mr. Floyd Akers, and Ms. Carol Collinsworth.
II.
Review and Approval of the Minutes from the November 14, 2003
Academic Senate Meeting
Mr. Welther asked the Senate to review the minutes from the November 14, 2003
Academic Senate meeting. After reviewing the minutes, Dr. Martin had two corrections
to the minutes. Dr. Martin pointed out under the title “Provost’s Report” last paragraph,
the minutes should read, “Following the Provost’s Report, Mr. Benton expressed his
concern over faculty members who received promotion from assistant to associate
professor but only received a 5% raise, and Dr. Martin explained that faculty receiving
promotion from assistant to associate, without a change in tenure status, received a
5% raise.
Mr. Welther called for additional corrections or objections. Hearing no further
corrections or objections, the minutes were approved as corrected.
III.
Senate Treasurer’s Report
Dr. Hymson was scheduled to give the Treasurer’s Report. Unfortunately, Dr. Hymson
misplaced his report and will give his report at the next Senate meeting.
IV.
Presentation and Discussion of the Faculty Satisfaction Survey-UTB Data
Dr. Otero, in collaboration with Ms. Collinsworth, provided the following analysis of the
UTB data from the Faculty Satisfaction Survey. Dr. Otero reported that the first part of
his presentation examined the general data between UTB and other UT components and
the second part of his presentation looked specifically at the UTB data, by college and
school.
FIRST PART- UTB and other UT Components- Dr. Otero examined UTB in
comparison with other institutions of similar ranking by looking at sections 3-6 of the
survey.
Section 3- Activities for University (1=valued not at all; 4= valued a great deal)
Note: means between 2 and 3 not included, only the bottom and top thirds
Descriptive Statistics
UTB/TSC
Master’s 1
Health
Q 3.4
3.18
3.24
3.28
Q 3.2
3.21
3.21
3.11
Q 3.6
3.24
3.33
3.66
Q 3.17
3.26
3.08
3.15
Q 3.4- your institution values teaching graduate or professional students.
Q 3.2- your institution values teaching undergraduate students.
Q 3.6- your institution values research/scholarship.
Q3.17- you value unpaid service unrelated to your professional expertise.
UT System
3.31
3.14
3.60
3.06
Descriptive Statistics
UTB/TSC
Master’s 1
Health
UT System
Q 3.5
3.44
3.64
3.73
3.73
Q 3.15
3.47
3.35
3.39
3.33
Q 3.10
3.52
3.20
3.18
3.13
Q 3.7
3.78
3.76
3.79
3.74
Q 3.3
3.83
3.89
3.88
3.88
Q 3.1
3.96
3.94
3.68
3.82
Q 3.5- you value research/scholarship.
Q 3.15- you value professional service or public service related to your profession.
Q 3.10- your institution values administration.
Q 3.7- you value professional growth.
Q 3.3- you value teaching graduate or professional students.
Q 3.1- you value teaching undergraduate students.
Section 4- Aspects of Academic Life for University (1= not at all; 7= extremely)
Note: means between 3 and 5 not included, only the bottom and top thirds of level
of satisfaction
UTB/TSC
Descriptive Statistics
Master’s 1
Health
UT System
Q 4.70
2.73
3.79
5.00
4.16
Q 4.72
2.84
3.46
4.00
Q 4.74
5.02
3.29
4.23
3.95
Q 4.30
5.04
4.90
5.16
5.01
Q 4.24
5.05
5.15
5.47
5.37
Q 4.4
5.14
4.64
4.56
4.60
Q 4.40
5.15
3.78
4.55
4.33
Q 4.22
5.20
5.01
5.19
5.04
Q 4.12
5.36
5.69
5.66
5.83
Q 4.6
5.78
5.87
5.63
5.85
Q 4.70- satisfied with the policies and practices regarding release time from teaching
responsibilities to work on projects funded by external sources.
Q 4.72- satisfied with the policies and practices regarding the assignment of graduate
research assistants.
Q 4.74- satisfied with the policies and practices regarding the funding of graduate
research assistants.
Q 4.30- satisfied with the fair treatment of faculty of underrepresented racial or ethnic
minority groups at this institution.
Q 4.24- satisfied with the intellectual stimulation I derive from teaching graduate and
professional students.
Q 4.4- satisfied with the importance that my department (college or school) places on
teaching.
Q 4.40- satisfied with the quality of leadership at the institutional level.
Q 4.22- satisfied with the intellectual stimulation I derive from teaching undergraduate
students.
Q 4.12- satisfied with the autonomy I have in making decision about the topics I pursue
in my research and my methods of inquiry.
Q 4.6- satisfied with the autonomy I have in making decisions about content and methods
in the courses I teach.
Section 5- Statements for University (1= disagree strongly; 7- agree strongly)
Note: means between 3 and 5 not included, only the bottom and top thirds
Q 5.15
Q 5.14
Q 5.6
Q 5.7
Q 5.16
Q 5.11
Q 5.19
Q 5.9
Q 5.5
Q 5.18
UTB/TSC
2.07
2.10
2.30
2.36
2.49
2.66
2.69
2.76
2.72
2.83
Descriptive Statistics
Master’s 1
1.89
2.00
1.95
2.64
2.45
2.44
3.01
3.20
2.36
2.81
Health
1.69
1.76
1.81
2.87
2.65
2.40
4.00
3.28
2.20
3.01
UT System
1.77
1.84
1.93
2.66
2.53
2.43
3.86
3.24
2.24
2.94
Q 5.2
2.92
2.84
2.89
2.92
Q 5.13
5.01
4.24
3.54
3.70
Q 5.3
5.03
4.17
3.93
3.83
Q 5.25
5.14
5.00
5.48
5.51
Q 5.4
5.67
4.11
4.04
4.05
Q 5.20
5.95
5.73
5.57
5.71
Q 5.21
6.00
5.83
4.94
5.53
Q 5.15- ethnic/racial discrimination is a problem in my department (college or school).
Q 5.14- racist remarks are heard in the classroom and faculty meetings.
Q 5.6- sex discrimination is a problem in my department (college or school).
Q 5.7- men are more likely to receive helpful career advice from colleagues.
Q 5.16- European-Americans are more likely than members of minority groups to receive
helpful career advice from colleagues.
Q 5.11- members of underrepresented racial/ethnic groups are discriminated against in
the areas of recruitment and promotion.
Q 5.19- the Committee on the Status of Women and Minorities on my campus is known
to have enhanced faculty work life for these groups.
Q 5.5- sexist remarks are heard in the classroom and faculty meetings.
Q 5.9- women have to work harder than their male colleagues to be perceived as
legitimate scholars.
Q 5.18- members of underrepresented racial/ethnic minority groups have to work harder
than their European-American colleagues to be perceived as legitimate scholars.
Q 5.2- women are discriminated against in the areas of recruitment and promotion.
Q 5.13- members of underrepresented racial/ethnic minority groups are appropriately
represented in senior administrative positions.
Q 5.3- women are sufficiently represented in senior faculty positions.
Q 5.26- if I had to do it all over again, I would still accept a faculty position at this
institution.
Q 5.20- diversity of the student body is important to the educational process.
Q 5.21- salary compression is a problem at my institution.
Section 6- Internal Resources for University (1= not at all satisfied; 7= extremely
satisfied)
Note: means between 3 and 5 not included, only the bottom and top thirds
Q 6.19
Q 6.17
Q 6.5
Q 6.20
Q 6.6
Q 6.24
Q 6.7
Q 6.22
UTB/TSC
1.41
1.83
2.09
2.10
2.17
2.27
2.33
2.58
Descriptive Statistics
Master’s 1
2.69
2.98
2.75
3.04
2.56
3.01
2.64
3.14
Health
2.00
3.56
4.34
3.63
4.45
4.33
4.51
UT System
3.44
3.85
3.21
4.00
3.18
4.14
3.67
3.94
Q 6.26
2.73
2.90
4.12
3.74
Q 6.16
2.99
3.59
4.54
4.11
Q 6.19- satisfied with graduate or professional students to assist with my research.
Q 6.17- satisfied with teaching assistants.
Q 6.5- satisfied with institutional funds for my research projects.
Q 6.20- satisfied with laboratories and research work spaces.
Q 6.6- satisfied with institutional funds to support participation in research conferences
and professional meetings.
Q 6.24- satisfied with statistical consultants.
Q 6.7- satisfied with institutional funds to bring outside speakers to campus.
Q 6.22- satisfied with equipment and supplies for artists and performers.
Q 6.26- satisfied with staff to assist with the management of funded projects.
Q 6.18- satisfied with staff support for course related activities.
SECOND PART- UTB DATA BY COLLEGE AND SCHOOL- Dr. Otero analyzed
the data by colleges and schools using sections 4 and 5 of the Faculty Satisfaction
Survey.
Q 4.2
Mean
Health Sciences
4.88
Liberal Arts
5.21
Business
4.43
Science, Math and Tech.
4.88
Education
4.80
Total
4.89
Q 4.2- satisfied with the value of given to teaching on my campus. (1=not at all,
7=extremely)
Q 4.4
Mean
Health Sciences
4.88
Liberal Arts
5.21
Business
4.43
Science, Math and Tech.
4.88
Education
4.80
Total
4.89
Q 4.4- satisfied with the importance my college or school places on teaching. (1=not at
all, 7=extremely)
Q 4.8
Health Sciences
Liberal Arts
Business
Science, Math and Tech.
Mean
3.83
3.50
3.64
3.69
Education
3.50
Total
3.60
Q 4.8- satisfied with the value given to research on my campus. (1=not at all, 7=
extremely)
Q 4.10
Mean
Health Sciences
3.20
Liberal Arts
3.87
Business
3.36
Science, Math and Tech.
3.53
Education
3.60
Total
3.60
Q 4.10- satisfied with the value given to my area of research within my college/school.
(1=not at all, 7=extremely)
Q 4.16
Mean
Health Sciences
3.33
Liberal Arts
4.14
Business
2.73
Science, Math and Tech
4.06
Education
4.67
Total
3.88
Q 4.16- satisfied with the value given to unpaid public service at my institution. (1= not
at all, 7= extremely)
Q 4.26
Mean
Health Sciences
3.00
Liberal Arts
3.08
Business
2.92
Science, Math and Tech.
2.92
Education
3.22
Total
3.07
Q 4.26- satisfied with the effectiveness of faculty governance at my institution
(Academic Senate, Faculty Councils, etc.). (1= not at all, 7= extremely)
Q 4.28
Health Sciences
Liberal Arts
Business
Science, Math and Tech.
Education
Mean
4.57
4.86
4.23
4.85
5.67
Total
4.77
Q 4.28- satisfied with the fair treatment of female faculty at the institution. (1= not at all,
7=extremely)
Q 4.28
Health Sciences
Liberal Arts
Business
Science, Math and Tech.
Education
Females
5.00
4.69
5.50
5.85
5.67
Males
4.56
5.86
3.63
2.60
5.17
Q 4.30
Mean
Health Sciences
5.14
Liberal Arts
4.67
Business
3.57
Science, Math and Tech.
5.19
Education
5.79
Total
4.74
Q 4.30- satisfied with the fair treatment of faculty of underrepresented racial or ethnic
minority groups at this institution. (1=not at all, 7=extremely)
Q 4.30
Health Sciences
Liberal Arts
Business
Science, Math and Tech.
Education
White
5.50
5.28
4.64
5.00
5.00
Hispanic, Black, Asian,
American Indian
5.40
3.40
3.00
5.33
6.50
Q 4.38
Mean
Health Sciences
4.50
Liberal Arts
3.42
Business
2.79
Science, Math and Tech.
3.47
Education
4.90
Total
3.63
Q 4.38- satisfied with the quality of leadership at the level of college/school. (1= not at
all, 7= extremely)
Q 4.40
Mean
Health Sciences
5.00
Liberal Arts
5.22
Business
4.14
Science, Math and Tech.
5.27
Education
5.33
Total
5.00
Q 4.40- satisfied with the quality of leadership at the institutional level. (1= not at all,
7=extremely)
Q 4.50
Mean
Health Sciences
4.75
Liberal Arts
4.25
Business
3.00
Science, Math and Tech.
3.53
Education
5.50
Total
4.07
Q 4.50- satisfied with the annual review of my job performance. (1=not at all,
7=extremely)
Q 5.24
Mean
Health Sciences
4.75
Liberal Arts
4.25
Business
3.00
Science, Math and Tech.
3.53
Education
5.50
Total
4.07
Q 5.24- periodic performance review procedures have enhanced the quality of teaching
and the productivity of faculty at my institution. (1= disagree strongly, 7= agree
strongly)
Q 4.78
Mean
Health Sciences
4.80
Liberal Arts
4.11
Business
3.67
Science, Math and Tech.
3.54
Education
3.83
Total
3.90
Q 4.78- satisfied with the opportunity for advancement in academic rank at this
institution. (1= not at all, 7=extremely)
Q 4.82
Mean
Health Sciences
3.63
Liberal Arts
2.88
Business
2.25
Science, Math and Tech.
2.00
Education
3.29
Total
2.70
Q 4.82- satisfied with my salary. (1= not at all, 7=extremely)
Q 4.84
Mean
Health Sciences
4.43
Liberal Arts
3.96
Business
3.93
Science, Math and Tech.
4.18
Education
3.25
Total
3.97
Q 4.84- satisfied with the process used to determine merit increases and salary
adjustments. (1= not at all, 7=extremely)
Q 5.2
Mean
Health Sciences
3.60
Liberal Arts
2.74
Business
3.09
Science, Math and Tech.
3.42
Education
2.00
Total
2.92
Q 5.2- women are discriminated against in the area of recruitment and promotion.
(1=disagree strongly, 7=agree strongly)
Q 5.11
Mean
Health Sciences
3.60
Liberal Arts
2.94
Business
3.09
Science, Math and Tech.
3.92
Education
2.00
Total
2.83
Q 5.11- members of underrepresented racial/ethnic groups are discriminated against in
the areas of recruitment and promotion. (1= disagree strongly, 7=agree strongly)
Q 5.15
Health Sciences
Liberal Arts
Mean
2.00
1.92
Business
3.15
Science, Math and Tech.
2.33
Education
2.60
Total
2.35
Q 5.15- ethnical/racial discrimination is a problem is my college/school. (1=disagree
strongly, 7= agree strongly)
Q 5.25
Mean
Health Sciences
5.63
Liberal Arts
5.17
Business
4.36
Science, Math and Tech.
4.12
Education
4.44
Total
4.72
Q 5.25- if I had to do it again, I would still accept a faculty position at this institution.
(1=disagree strongly, 7= agree strongly)
A discussion followed Dr. Otero’s report. Mr. Wade wondered what will happen to this
information. He recommended the information be put in an executive summary. Mr.
Welther said this information would be presented at the General Faculty Meeting in
January. Dr. Wilkinson asked if we could get the raw data. Mr. Welther thanked Dr.
Otero for his presentation.
V.
Appointments to Standing University Committees
A. University Computing and Technology Committee- Mr. Welther reported
two faculty members have been nominated to serve on the University
Computing and Technology Committee: Betsy Freeth and Carlo Lousto.
Mr. Welther said that the Senate must approve these nominations. Mr.
Welther entertained a motion to approve the nominations. Mr. Lacher
so moved, with a second from Dr. Sutterby. The nominees were approved.
B. Budget Review Committee- Ms. Martinez presented the following
nominees to serve on the Budget Review Committee: Carol Collinsworth,
David Pearson, and Sessia Wyche to serve a two-year term ending in
September, 2005 and Edward Hymson and Terry Tomlin to serve a oneyear term ending in September, 2004. Dr. Wilkinson moved to approve
the nominees and their terms, with a second from Dr. Hymson. The
nominees were approved.
VI.
Senate President’s Report
Ms. Cantu was unable to attend this meeting but she submitted the following report in her
absence.

TSC Board Meeting- November 20, 2003- The TSC Board first met in
Executive Session to discuss real estate acquisitions, but did not discuss or take
action in open session on any matters discussed in Executive Session. The Board
was briefed on the Futures Commission, which is seeking information and vision
to plan for campus needs to 2020 and on the Workforce Training Program, which
has retrained Levis workers in an integrated program of ESL, GED, technology
training, and internships. SGA President Edward Camarillo reported about his
recent presentation along with other SGA leaders to the UT System Board of
Regents and the Chancellor about the consultation process with students for fee
and tuition increases. Mr. Camarillo reported that the Chancellor was very
committed to student consultation. The process at UTB/TSC included public
hearings, which few students attended, full coverage by the Collegian and a
recommendation supporting increases by a student advisory group. The increases
in the compulsory and incidental fees at UTB/TSC range from 2-16% with an
average increase of 10.4%. This represents about a $200 increase for a load of
fifteen hours. The President’s Report addressed the critical need for nurses and
nursing faculty. She announced a summer institute for nursing students that will
address the loss of 20-25% of the nursing students in their first year. She also
reported the recruitment of BSN graduates into the MSN program to then become
nursing faculty upon graduation. Dr. Garcia reviewed the many music events on
campus and recognized the hard work of the music faculty. Dr. Garcia also
previewed budget woes for the next legislative session given that the repeal of the
inheritance tax resulted in a loss of $300 million in state revenue. The Regents
will look at new funding mechanisms to replace the loss of funding in the
legislature.

Retreat on November 21, 2003 for core values- the retreat on core values
brought 25 faculty, staff, and administrators together for the day at the Inn at
Chachalaca Bend. The day was spent in discussion about the history of the
partnership, the mission and philosophy statements, and the core values.
Although more work needs to be done to develop consensus on the core values,
some themes did emerge:
We are a family working together to solve problems,
Teaching is our primary mission,
Collegiality and respect for diversity are fundamental to our work.
The group also brainstormed a variety of ways to transmit these values, including
materials, social events, and mentoring. President Garcia invited the group to
meet again in retreat during the spring semester. Faculty representatives
included: Business: Jose Estrada, Edward Hymson, Mary Sullivan; Education:
Steve Chamberlain; Health Sciences: Anne Rentfro; Liberal Arts: Ethel Cantu,
Chip Dameron, Ben Brown; and Science, Math, and Technology: Mike Boster
Luis Colom, and Sessia Wyche.

NTMain to Blue- some faculty have expressed concerns about moving WEB
accounts from the NTMain to the Blue server. Ubaldo Martinez, Assistant
Director Information Resources, explained that security and capacity are the main
reasons for the change. One Information Resources receives the request for Blue
account they take car of transferring the Web account from NTMain to Blue. See
his full explanation under announcements on the Academic Senate website.

Website Update- the Academic Senate website is fully operational and linked
from the UTB/TSC site. Please explore the site and send your comments for
improvements to me. Also send pertinent information to me that can be
incorporated into the site.
VII.
State Association Reports
A. Texas Council of Faculty Senates (TCoFS)-Ms. Larson reported that she
attended the October , 2003 meeting of the Texas Council of Faculty
Senates in Austin. Ms. Larson reported that the Texas Council of
Faculty Senates discussed four issues: community colleges awarding
Bachelor’s degrees, a same-sex anti-discrimination policy statement,
faculty development leave, and the need to publish to receive promotion,
tenure, and/or merit. Ms. Larson said the next meeting will be February
20-21, 2004
B. Faculty Advisory Council (FAC)- Mr. Welther and Mr. Harris attended
the December meeting of the Faculty Advisory Council in Austin. Mr.
Welther presented the following report regarding that meeting.
1. Regents’ Rules- Mr. Art Martinez, Assistant Secretary to the Board
of Regents, reported about the revision of Regents’ Rules. He
mentioned that “pretty much” everything that had been put forward
by the UT System Faculty Advisory Council ended up being accepted.
2. Facilities Planning Capital Improvement Program (CIP)- Mr. Sid
Sanders, Assistant Vice Chancellor for the Facilities Planning Capital
Improvement (CIP), gave a power point presentation on the nature and
function of the program, which oversees a total of $8.5 billion worth of
projects.
3. Presentation of Health Affairs- the FAC members had lunch with Dr.
Kenneth Shine, the Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs. His
presentation focused on the 80-hour work week for medical school
residents.
4. Joint Interim Commission of Higher Education- Mr. Ashley Smith,
Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations and Policy on Higher
Education, reported about the work of the Joint Interim Committee on
Higher Education, which was created with the passage of Senate Bill
1652 and whose job it is to oversee the implementation of things that
came out of the last legislature. The committee has met twice and has
focused on changing demographics and economic projections. The
committee has been given a total of ten charges. Charge 7 relates to
accountability measures, performance incentives, and stresses the fact
that they ought to be “sensitive to mission differentiation among
institutions of higher education”. During its next meeting on January
20, the committee’s topic will be tuition deregulation.
5. Assessment- Dr. Pedro Reyes, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic
Affairs, gave a presentation of assessment. He talked about the
Collegiate Learning Assessment Test published by the College Board
and ETS This instrument tests the following three areas: critical
thinking, writing, and math, whereby writing is not required and, thus,
tested indirectly. The nationally-normed test has been available for 15
years and costs $13.00 per student to administer. This instrument will
be pilot tested, using 200 students on each UT campus. Dr. Reyes also
mentioned a performance test offered by the Rand Corporation to assess
academic achievement. This test consists of cases that junior and senior
level students are supposed to solve in three or four hours. Dr. Reyes
stated that institutional improvement is the goal of the Chancellor, but
he also noted that the focus will be on individual and not compared
across the system.
6. National Survey of Student Engagement 2002 results- Dr. Ed Sharpe,
a Research and Policy Analyst for Academic Affairs, gave a
presentation about the National Survey of Student Engagement 2002
results. NSSE, not to be confused with the elusive Scottish monster,
has been adopted by various colleges and universities, including UTB/
TSC. It targets freshmen and senior level students to determine to what
what extent these “students engage in educational practices associated
with high levels of learning and development”. In 2002, data from
more than 267,000 students were compiled. NSSE data has been used
to discover current levels of engagement, determine if current levels
are satisfactory, target areas of improvement, modify programs and
policies accordingly, teach students with is required to succeed, and
monitor student and institutional performance. System wide the
following information was found out students:
 34% of students worked 20 hours or more per week.
 16% provided care for dependent relatives for 20 hours or
more per week.
 82 % classified themselves as full-time students.
 38% started college elsewhere.






60% indicated that quite a bit of their courses emphasized
higher thinking skills.
70% of freshmen rated academic advising as good or
better.
60% of seniors rated academic advising as good or better.
56% indicated that the educational experience helped them
obtain important work-related skills.
63% indicated that the educational experience helped them
become effective writers.
80% indicated that the educational experience contributed
to thinking clearly and analytically. Overall, the data
suggests that the more students are engaged with
academic-activities, the higher their GPA. (What a
surprise!)
7. Interesting tidbits reported from the various UT campuses UT Arlington has a new president, Dr. Spaniola.
 UT-San Antonio- faculty have been made more
responsible for the equipment they use. A professor’s
laptop computer was stolen, and the professor was
ordered to replace it via a letter from the Attorney
General’s office.
 UT El Paso is experiencing squabbling between
administrators and faculty concerning faculty
adjustments. Due to insufficient funds, the University is
looking at redefining itself as it cannot be excellent at all
levels, including undergraduates and graduate levels.
 UT Pan American will conclude its presidential search
by May 4th. There is a move underway to enforce their
student code to secure student integrity.
 UT Austin will continue medical benefits for part-time
faculty. The Graduate Student Insurance Program will
also be continued. The University will try to increase
student diversity by possibly changing the admissions
process. A task force to study enrollment figures has
been formed. UT Austin’s cap will probably be 50,000.
8. Committee Reports The Academic Affairs Committee spent a considerable
amount of time with Ms. Helen Bright, a student
discipline specialist. She told the committee that when
students cheat, pursuing their indiscretions from an
academic angle is usually more profitable than going the
disciplinary route. For that reason, instructors should
word their assignments accordingly. Ms. Bright also
explained that disciplinary hearings can be carried out by
designated officers relieving the Dean of Students of
potentially large caseloads. She further mentioned that if
a student requests a hearing with the President’s Office,
the hearing does not have to take place face to face but
can simply consist of a written response based on the
evidenced generated during the first hearing. Lawyers
can be present at hearings but only in an advisory role.
VIII.

The Health Affairs Committee reported that a total of 600
people have stepped forward to admit noncompliance
with the UT insurance program. Offenders found out
now will be made to repay.

The Governance Committee passed three resolutions.
First, the Committee recommended that merit raises
should be predicated on peer review. Second, the
Committee further recommended that organizational
restructuring should always involve the affected faculty,
and third, the committee recommended that search
committees for academic or health related administrative
positions should include significant non-academic faculty
from units affected.
Partnership Committee Reports
A. Student Affairs Partnership Committee- Ethel Cantu attended the
November 12, 2003 meeting of the Student Affairs Partnership Committee
in place of Tom Welther who was unable to attend because of a class he
teaches at that time. Hilda Silva, Vice President of Student Affairs
(VPAA) promises that the next meeting would be scheduled at a day and
time that Tom Welther could attend. Ethel Cantu reported that a summary
of the discussion on student services fees be included in the minutes of the
September 24th meeting. The amendment to the minutes was accepted.
Administrators, faculty, and staff made presentations about the compulsory
and incidental fees that are being proposed for the fall 2004 semester.
These fees have been reviewed and recommended by several committees,
including student committees. The Student Affairs Partnership Committee
voted to accept the concordance policy with regard to the compulsory and
incidental fees. These recommendations will be presented to the TSC
Board meeting on November 20th. The last item on the agenda was an
update on the recreational sports facility. Student support for the facility is
strong and members of the Student Affairs Partnership Committee are also
supportive.
B. Business Affairs Partnership Committee report- no report.
C. Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Committee report- no report.
IX.
Academic Senate Committee Reports
A. Budget Formation Committee- Dr. Hymson reported that the Budget
Formation Committee has met and he will give a full report at a future
meeting.
B. Environmental Responsibility- Mr. Wade presented the following report to
the Senate.
The charge to this committee from the President of the Senate was to:
 Develop a plan for sustainable habitat on campus that
preserves remaining native plants and enhances resources for
wildlife.
 Develop a recycling plan that includes receptacles for specific
products and educational material to foster environmental
responsibility.
Subcommittees were created to investigate each area, and, as is common
with most committees, the group created more work by also looking at the
UTB/TSC Master Plan and an “Environmental Responsibility” Student
Pledge. The following is a summary report of those recommendations with
an addition addendum that includes the complete report.
1. Sustainable Campus Subcommittee- Dr. Ravi Nandigam (Chair), Virginia
Maldonado-Maxwell, Juan D. Garza, Enrique Saldivar, and Dr. William
Berg.
a. Flora and fauna- efforts should be made not to disturb the natural
balance between our campus’s natural ecosystems. The possibility of
generating a natural laboratory on campus through fostering a
conductive environment for the flora and fauna native to this area
should be explored. When developed this laboratory will be beneficial
to University students as well as naturalists and hence will become an
academic resource and may also have a positive impact on the local
economy.
b. Wastewater- UTB/TSC should consider inviting PUB to divert their
clean effluent as feed water for our resacas. This would provide a
stream of irrigation water for campus needs.
c. Gray water- with appropriately plumbed buildings, gray water could be
piped to small constructed wastelands. Appropriate flora and fauna in
the wetlands would convert the gray water into clean water and plant
and animal nutrients.
d. Transportation- most, if not all, on-campus vehicles should be electric.
The institution should develop a transportation system made of trolley or
bus and pick up students from parking garages, parking areas or
designated points throughout the city.
e. Architecture- new building design should consider prevailing wind
direction, tree shading, windows that open, and motion sensors for light
switches.
f. Energy generation- solar heated water, wind energy resource, and
electricity from solar panels. (where and when these alternative forms
are cost effective).
g. Education- Freshmen/sophomore level course in “Environmental
Awareness”; annual half-day environmental workshop for UTB/TSC
faculty and staff; presentations and workshops in BISD; Bachelors
programs in Interdisciplinary (Geology, Biology, Chemistry, and
Engineering Technology) Environmental Science; and support research
into the areas of Bioremediation, solar and wind energy.
2. Recycling Committee- Dr. Susan Hart (Chair), Enrique Saldivar- Gorgas
Student President; Edward Camarillo- Student Government President.
Despite efforts made in the past, there is currently no university-wide effort
being made to recycle waste products at UTB/TSC. An institutionally
supported initiative to recycle would reflect as environmental awareness on
the part of the institution, and should provide an example to students as
well as the community. In addition, certain recyclable products can
generate financial proceeds which could benefit student clubs and
organizations.
3. Master Plan Enhancement Subcommittee- Dr. Elizabeth Heise (Chair), Dr.
David Hicks, Dr. Paula Parson, and Ms. Pat Celaya. The Master Plan
Enhancement Subcommittee recommends that the following list of items
should be incorporated into the institutional master plan in order to follow
environmental responsibility:








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Create a water-efficient landscape,
Utilize xeriscaping,
Use appropriate plant selection,
Utilize plants that attract target species,
Reduce the use of invasive plant species,
Establish a long-term plan to preserve current habitat,
Preservation and rehabilitation of existing wetlands,
Initiate re-vegetation program,
Appropriate maintenance and revitalizing native habitats,
Incorporate environmental awareness programs for the community,
Signage identifying native plants and habitats, and,
Implement gradually over several years.
4. Subcommittee on Environmental Awareness Student Pledge- under
construction.
The Environmental Responsibility Committee believes that these
Suggestions for the creation of an environmentally sustainable campus
should be discussed and blessed by the Academic Senate and, accordingly,
be forwarded to and through the appropriate administrative channels for
consideration and approval. With this approval, and, ultimately,
institutional support, these recommendations could grow into something
we could be proud of from an environmental perspective. After all:
“money is the green stuff that makes things grow”. Hopefully this
exercise will not be another Disneyland experience.
Following Mr. Wade’s report, Dr, Ronnau provided the Senate with the
following information. Dr. Ronnau said that the Task Force on Campus
Facilities will look at how we can protect our natural environment as the
campus grows. Dr. Ronnau said an architectural firm from San Antonio
has been commissioned to look at the campus and update the Master Plan.
Dr. Ronnau also apologized and took full responsibility for the trimming of
palm trees located around the student housing. He said the palms were
trimmed because of a safety concern. He did not realize that by trimming
the palms, the roosting ground for the green parrots would also be
destroyed.
C. Social Committee- Ms. Larson reported on the work of the Social
Committee. Ms. Larson said that on Friday, December 5, 2003, the
First Wally Pierce Memorial Symposium was held in the Fortress Room
at Fort Brown. Attendees (although scarce) were treated to a discussion
on Thailand presented by Dr. Mark Sorenson, Dr. James Beale, and Dr.
Mike Sullivan. The committee hopes to sponsor another symposium next
semester.
D. Student Evaluation Committee- Dr. Hollier reported on the work of the
Student Evaluation of Faculty Committee. He reported on the results
of the committee’s discussions and results. They are as follows:



The student evaluation of faculty process works well. There are no
innate problems with the standard questions or the format of the
questionnaire. The vast majority of the faculty do use the standard
questions and do not add additional questions.
There have not been complaints from faculty concerning the student
evaluation process or the questionnaire used. Faculty can now
customize the questionnaire electronically which adds convenience to
the process.
The only school that seems to have had any problems with the student
evaluation of faculty was the School of Business. The problem there
was how the student evaluation of faculty was used in the annual

X.
workload conferences. This area was beyond the purview of this
committee and was not explored.
Presently, there is no standard process for faculty to receive evaluations
for online courses. The committee suggests that this be addressed by
both Institutional Research and Planning and Distance Education.
Perhaps an electronic process whereby students in online courses could
receive an electronic student evaluation questionnaire, complete it, and
submit it electronically directly to Institutional Research and Planning.
It would then be printed and then sent to the appropriate faculty
members.
HOOP Policies
A. HOOP 5.2.9- “Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee”- this was the
first reading of this policy before the Academic Senate. The purpose of
this policy is to define the duties, responsibilities, sanction, membership,
and meetings of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. This
committee is a technical, university-wide committee of the University
of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. Dr. Nelson
presented the policy to the Senate describing the reason for and changes
to the policy.
Dr. Nelson said several changes needed to be made to this policy so
that the policy would conform to the requirements of the federal
government and federal agencies from which grants and research
monies are received. Dr. Nelson said that proposed changes to HOOP
5.2.9 include: at least five members (at least 2 faculty members,
1 community member and 1 administrative representative), committee
must include: 1 veterinarian (licensed), 1 practicing scientist experienced
in animal research, 1 non-affiliated member (not related to a person
directly affiliated with UTB/TSC). 1 community/public representative,
1 non-scientist (ethicist, lawyer, clergy), chairperson- administrative
representative or faculty, Institutional Officer- Provost and Vice
President for Academic Affairs, and not required- advisory persons
(no voting rights).
Following Dr. Nelson’s presentation, a discussion ensued. Dr. Hymson
asked why does the Institutional Officer need to be the Provost. Dr.
Hymson said that according to the requirements set forth by the PHS/
NIH/OLAW handed out by Dr. Nelson the institutional officer could be
a “senior administrator with authority to commit institutional resources”.
Mr. Wade suggested that perhaps the institutional officer could be any
senior administrator with signature authority. Dr. Hymson then moved
to change the institutional officer from the Provost/Vice President for
Academic Affairs to a senior level administrator with signature authority.
Dr. Wilkinson seconded the motion and the motion carried. Dr. Nelson
said he will look into the possibility of changing the institutional officer.
Dr. Hymson then moved to approve the first reading of the policy with
the change noted above. Dr. Wilkinson seconded the motion. The motion
passed. The policy will return to the Senate for a second read.
B. HOOP 5.2.6- “Information Resources Committee”- this was the second
reading of this policy before the Academic Senate. At this point, Mr.
Benton interjected with a point of order. He said that this policy was tabled
at last meeting and needs a motion to remove it from the table. Dr.
Wilkinson so moved, with a second from Dr. Hymson. The motion carried,
and the policy was removed from the table. Mr. Benton then pointed out
that since this policy was tabled at the last meeting, this was the first
reading of the policy. Ms. Martinez once again presented the policy, saying
that the major changes to the policy were a name change and a membership
change. Senators reviewed the policy with the changes and Dr. Wilkinson
moved to approve the first read of the policy. Dr. Hymson seconded the
motion and the motion carried.
C. HOOP 7.4.4- “Summer Employment”- this was the second reading of
HOOP 7.4.4 before the Academic Senate. Mr. Fuhro, who presented this
policy, said several changes were made to the policy. These changes
included the deletion of Section B3 which reads, “Teaching Summer
School- Part time faculty may be recommended by the chair for summer
school employment as follows: when the department chair determines that
no full-time faculty member has the special expertise to teach the course;
when no qualified full-time faculty member is available to teach the course;
when the qualified full-time faculty member is needed more to teach
another course; normally faculty will teach no more than two courses a
summer” and the deletion of the words, “six credit hours or its equivalent”
under Section C. Additions to the policy included adding Section FSummer Research Salaries and Section G- Summer Research
Responsibilities. Following Mr. Fuhro’s presentation, a discussion ensued.
Dr. Wilkinson then moved to approve the policy, with a second from Dr.
Hymson. The motion carried and the policy was approved.
XI.
New Business
There was one item of “New Business”.

Mr. Wade voiced his concern over people parking where pedestrians need to
cross. Mr. Wade said he would like to see the crosswalks marked. Mr. Molina
said he would bring up Mr. Wade’s concern before the Parking Committee.
XII.
Provost’s Report

Dr. Martin reported that the campus honored Dean Sylvia Pena earlier this week
for her service as Dean of the School of Education. Many of her colleagues
crowded into the gym annex to celebrate her accomplishments. The Folklorico
dancers performed, the Child Development Center students made a guest
appearance, and we heard a number of testimonies honoring her. I want to again
publicly thank her for her outstanding service and wish her well as she resumes
teaching and research responsibilities.

Dr. Martin thanked those people who are participating or want to participate in the
Futures Commission. The Academic Task will meet on Thursday, December 18,
2003 at 5:30 p.m. in the SETB 3rd Floor Conference Room. Ms. Ethel Cantu and
Dr. Rose Marie Gowan, community member are co-facilitators. The nest meeting
will be on January 18, 2004.

Dr. Martin reported that Dr. Farhat Iftekharuddin, Dean of the College of Liberal
Arts, has asked to step down as Dean for personal reasons. Dr. Iftekharuddin will
return to teaching in the Department of English and Speech. Dr. Martin thanked
Dr. Iftekharuddin for his service and dedication to the College of Liberal Arts.
Dr. Charles “Chip” Dameron as been named interim dean.

Dr. Martin provided the Senate with a search committee update. Dr. Martin
reported that two candidates for the Director of Institutional Research and
Planning will be on campus next week. Dr. John Ronnau is chairing that
committee.

Dr. Martin reported that Continuing and Workforce Education has moved from
Duffey Plaza to ITEC.

Dr. Martin reported that thirty faculty members have accepted their nomination
for the 2004 Chancellor’s Council Award. Dr. Martin reported that a panel of
former recipients will be appointed early next year to begin the recommendation
process.

Dr. Martin reported that the Washington Advisory Group has been engaged by the
UT System to visit and assist components in their research and sponsored
program initiatives. Dr. Martin thanked those faculty members who met with
these representatives and provided input.

Dr. Martin reported that the UT Board of Regents will meet on our campus during
the first week of February.

Dr. Martin reported that the TSC Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday,
December 18, 2003 at 5:30 p.m. in the Gorgas Boardroom.

Dr. Martin reported on our table of programs submitted to the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board. Dr. Martin reported that we submitted 14
programs for planning authority during the next four years. The Coordinating
Board staff have recommended against four of these programs- Masters in
Physics, Masters in Music, Masters in Speech Language Pathology and a
Physician’s Assistant Program-and we are contesting these recommendations.
We are sending a written response today and will go to Austin in mid January to
make our case before the Coordinating Board Committee that oversees programs.
The CB will take action January 29, 2004 on our table of programs.

Dr. Martin wished everyone a very happy and safe holiday season.
XIII.
Announcements
Ms. Cantu, through Mr. Welther, announced that the General Faculty Meeting will be
from 11-12:30 on Wednesday, January 14, 2004, following the Academic Affairs
meeting. All senators are expected to attend and should encourage the faculty in their
colleges and schools to attend. The meeting will feature a presentation and discussion of
the UTB data of the Faculty Satisfaction Survey and reports from the Academic Senate
committees on the issues raised by the faculty in the fall meeting.
Mr. Harris objected to Ms. Cantu’s announcement, saying that it was too threatening in
nature.
IX.
Adjournment
The meeting stood adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Ann Larson
Secretary