Minutes of the Academic Senate
November 16, 2007
Submitted by Lyle Zynda
Present: J. Blodgett, P. Bushnell, J. Bushong, J. Chaney, K. Clark, R. Ducoffe, W. Feighery, B. FongMorgan, L. Fritschner, S. Gerencser, O. Grant, A. Grens, J. Griffin, A. Guillaume, H. Hakimzadeh, J.
Hernando, M. Horvath, J. Hurst, R. Isaacson, L. Kahan, N. Karakatsanis, A. Lidinsky, E. Lucal, G.
McGuire, J. McIntosh, D. McMillen, E. Mooney, S. Moore, I. O’Connor, K. Okrah, S. Opasik, K. Parker,
G. Popescu, T. Randall, M. Reck, M. Regan-Kubinski, E. Roth, A. Sabbaghi, P. Saksena, R. Schimmrigk,
S. Sernau, D. Shlapentokh, R. Shockey, K. Smant, K. Smith, C. Sofhauser, Y. Song, A. Stankrauff, R.
Torstrick, J. VanderVeen, D. Vollrath, L. Williams, L. Zynda
The meeting was called to order at 2:06 p.m. A quorum was not yet present; the meeting proceeded with
administrative reports, with quorum to be verified before any business was conducted.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Chancellor Reck
HLC Visit. The Chancellor reported on the visit from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) team, and
noted that it went very well—in fact, the results were outstanding. She then reported the preliminary
recommendations of the team. IUSB has effectively responded to all four areas of concern from the 2000
visit, and has met all five criteria for reaccreditation. Consequently, a 10-year reaccreditation was granted
with no need for further visits or follow-up. The Chancellor thanked R. Torstrick and E. Bender for their
work as co-chairs of the Steering Committee, the other Steering Committee members, and everyone else
who contributed to the process. The HLC team’s written report is due in 6 weeks.
Student Housing Update. Construction on student housing continues to be ahead of schedule. Two special
guests (Karen Whitney, Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Dean of Students at IUPUI, and Hayward
Guenard, Director of Housing and Student Life at IUPUI) were present on campus on November 5; they
delivered a talk and held forums about the impact of student housing. Interviews have been completed for
the Director of Student Housing, and a recommendation from B. O’Donnell will be forthcoming soon
based on the search committee’s report. The search committee for the Director of Student life has
submitted its report as well. Our new Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management,
Jeff Jones, will be making a recommendation soon.
Education and Arts Building. Three architectural firms were considered, and selection of an architect has
been made; this will be announced later. Two major hurdles are still in place, specifically approval by the
State Budget Committee and the Indiana Commission on Higher Education (ICHE). The project was not
originally recommended for funding by ICHE but it was passed by the legislature. Ongoing discussions
are in progress about which projects are to be given priority.
Administration Building. Renovations of the Administration Building’s lobby and area above it will soon
begin. The Chancellor’s Dining Room, Alumni Room and Board Room will not be available during the
Spring semester. Faculty and staff from the School of Business will be relocated in temporary offices in
the Associates Building while renovation of their areas is taking place. The School of Business’
renovations should take about a year; the other work should be completed by July.
Holiday Party. The annual campus holiday party is on November 30. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
VCAA Guillaume
The VCAA announced that N. Karakatsanis received a Distinguished Teaching Award, and that E.
Mooney was given the Associate Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award.
The VCAA noted the excellent result of the HLC’s visit, and thanked all faculty involved.
On Monday, discussion will begin with the Deans about planning for the next five years; the aim is to
narrow down goals to a few feasible ones. The VCAA read portions of a letter from an emeritus faculty
member concerning his speech from the last meeting about the importance of defining IUSB’s central
values, directions and assets.
The VCAA commented on several ongoing searches:
 The search for a new Dean of the Arts (chaired by Lynn Williams) is progressing; we have
received applications from some extraordinary candidates.
 The search for a new Director of Affirmative Action is progressing.
 Michelle Russo is chairing the search for a new Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
 Jerry Hinnefeld is chairing the search for a new Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and
Graduate Programs.
The VCAA spoke about need for intellectual engagement as a campus, mentioning as an example our
campus themes (this year’s theme being sustainability), and this year’s Conversations on Race, which
explored the relationship between sustainability and immigration. Also noted were J. VanderVeen’s
Deans’ Seminar and a talk about strip-mining in Appalachia, scheduled for March. Faculty were
encouraged to be involved, engaged, and present. Finally, the VCAA wished everyone a happy
Thanksgiving.
Senate President Cordell
The Senate President announced that the public summary of Chancellor Reck’s review is available, as
announced on the Bulletin Board.
The change of time and place for the Spring Senate meetings (10 a.m. in Northside 158) was noted.
S. Gerencser joined Senate President Cordell in reporting on the most recent UFC meeting. The UFC met
at IU East, and minutes are on the UFC website.
 Oncourse Problems. There was discussion of several Oncourse problems faced earlier this year. It
was noted that D. Vollrath is part of the IU Oncourse Committee. One problem is that there is no
central way to complain or make suggestions, except by making comments in Oncourse.
 Family Leave Policy. The Board of Trustees rejected the Family Leave Policy developed last
year. There thus needs to be a new policy, and it’s being redeveloped. The main issue holding up


the new policy is language relating to the inclusion of partners. This is still in process; a report is
expected in early 2008.
Limit on Transfer Credits. The IU Academic Leadership Council made a recommendation for a
system-wide limit of 64 hours for transfer credits from 2-year colleges, and our Academic Affairs
Committee has agreed to that limit. There will be some exceptions (e.g., 2-year colleges with
some 4-year programs) as well as opportunity for students to appeal in special cases.
Agenda Committee. The issue of the regional campuses chancellor’s salaries was discussed.
Before he left office, former IU President Herbert raised the chancellors’ salaries in a way not
sensitive to local budget considerations. It is important to note that the regional chancellors were
not consulted in these raises. The manner in which it was done was of concern, since it makes it
more difficult for chancellors to deal effectively with local budget shortfalls and adjustments.
The meeting was called to order at 2:35 after it was verified that a quorum was present.
The minutes from the October 19 meeting were approved.
There was a motion to reorder the agenda, i.e., to move the Budget Committee’s report so that it occurred
after Old and New Business. The motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS
The revised Associate Faculty Merit Status, Item K, was considered. (This was the only item not
considered at the previous Senate meeting.) A motion was made and seconded to accept Item K as
proposed, with the following wording.
K. Unsatisfactory performance must be called to the attention of the Senate Non-Tenure Track
Faculty Policy Committee by the school/college/departmental chairperson or supervisor. The
committee, in turn, will examine the case and make recommendations to the Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs, who will have authority to revoke Merit Status.
The motion was approved by voice vote. The new merit status policy recommendations as a whole are
appended to this document.
K. Smant thanked the Senate and encouraged departments to inform their associate faculty of the new
process for application for merit status.
Senate President Cordell noted that this is a resolution of the Senate only and that the VCAA may accept
it or not as policy for Academic Affairs.
NEW BUSINESS
Athletics Committee. A constitutional amendment revising the charge of the Athletics Committee
(attached to this document) was discussed. J. Chaney explained the changes, and why they were needed
(as a response to changes in administrative roles, offices, etc.). Senate President Cordell asked for a
motion to divide the discussion into parts 1-3, 4-7, and 8-10. This was seconded and approved, as was
another proposal to limit discussion of each to 10 minutes.

Sections 1-3. After a brief discussion, there was a motion and vote to close debate. No changes
were made from what was proposed.
 Sections 4-7. The Senate discussed the proposed deletion of items 6 & 7. There was a motion and
vote to close debate. No changes were made from what was proposed.
 Sections 8-10. It was noted that these will be renumbered if 6 & 7’s deletion is approved by
faculty vote. No other changes were made from what was proposed.
A ballot with the proposed amendment on it will be sent via mail to all Senate members for a vote. Ballots
will be due by December 11, 2007.
The Nominating Committee slate was announced as Randy Colborn (Arts), P.N. Saksena (B&E), and
Rebecca Torstrick (CLAS). Additional nominations from the floor were invited. None was made. A
motion to approve this list was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote.
BUDGET COMMITTEE REPORT
The Senate Budget Committee’s report was presented by K. Clark, B. O’Donnell, and P.N. Saksena. (A
PDF file of the PowerPoint slides presented is available on the Academic Senate’s web page, immediately
beneath the link to these minutes.) The report began with a slide stating the responsibilities of the Budget
Committee. It was noted that changes in degrees conferred and on-time degrees are now part of the
process determining appropriations. Also, it was noted that Fall 2006 enrollment figures were used in the
most recent determination; thus, since Fall 2006 enrollment figures were down, there’s a decrease even
though Fall 2007 enrollment figures are up. B. O’Donnell also noted that the base budget concept guides
our operations. Thus, the focus of discussions has been to consider new sources of funds, such as increase
in tuition and fees (which as finally approved was larger than originally expected, 5% for in-state
students, 7% for others). Reduction in negative plugs is also a goal.
The presentation proceeded. The breakdown of general expenditures was presented and discussed over
the course of several slides. For example, questions were raised about how the “contracts and grants”
figures were obtained, as they appear to be rough estimates compared to the other figures (e.g., $600,000
last academic year, $500,000 this one). Questions were also asked about the $125,000 accounts receivable
write-off; it was explained this includes tuition that never is paid. (Tuition counts as revenue once billed
but if not paid, it can’t be spent.) Also discussed was the Chancellor’s Merit Award ($575,000), which
allows out-of-state students to pay in-state fees. It was noted that the increase in the University Tax was
small ($4,101).
The next slides show increases in salaries across all campuses and next year’s operating appropriation,
which features a larger increase for next year than for this year ($536,275 vs. $304,109).
Discussed next were items to consider for planning next year’s budget (e.g., salaries, spending for
Academic Affairs, e.g., new faculty positions, etc.). President McRobbie has set as a goal a 5% reduction
in administrative overhead over the next 5 years, to respond to perceived legislators’ concerns. This
money would be redirected toward retention efforts. This is part of the President’s “Degrees of
Excellence” program. There was lengthy discussion of the IU President’s mandate to cut administrative
overhead. Next, it was noted that the support structure for residential students will have to be based on its
effects on the other parts of the campus. The President’s Fund assessment is still not determined.
Discussed next were the relative importance of appropriations versus tuition and fees. Over the last
decade, general fund appropriations have decreased in terms of relative importance in the budget, and
student tuitions and fees have increased. If you separate out debt servicing this increase becomes even
more dramatic; by this measure, we’re now more dependent on student tuition and fees than on state
appropriations.
The presentation complete, P.N. Saksena asked for suggestions for the Budget Committee in their
advisory role. The effect of distance learning on enrollment and the budget on other campuses were issues
that were recommended that we look at. Also, a concern was raised about how time-to-degree and number
of degrees figures are defined and used in making appropriations. Concerns about the library’s flat budget
relative to increased expenses were also raised.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:34 p.m.
ASSOCIATE FACULTY MERIT STATUS
Revised 11/2007 by Academic Senate Resolution
To recognize outstanding contributions of associate faculty, a promotional category for associate faculty
has been established. The status does not limit or diminish school/college or departmental authority to
establish additional policies or continue non-conflicting policies already in effect. The status may be
awarded to those individuals who have made a professional commitment to this university based on
criteria in addition to teaching, such as course development, research, publications, university and
community service, attendance at professional meetings and school/college meetings. The following
provisions apply:
A. Application for this status is optional.
B. Application can be made after 12 semesters and/or either Summer Session of teaching at IU
South Bend.
C. The awarding of this status must be based on teaching excellence; and on satisfactory
performance in a second area. This second area could include research, creative activity, or
service to the university.
D. A dossier, the format of which is outlined in the IUSB Associate Faculty Handbook, must be
submitted for consideration for promotion to Merit Status.
E. The Associate Faculty Advisory Committee will solicit applicants for Merit Status, review
applications, and make recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The
decision of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs is final.
F. Taking into account overall programmatic concerns and needs, and following the assignment of
full-time faculty, individuals who have attained Merit Status will receive first consideration in
assignment to classes in their area of expertise up to 50% FTE. (3/17/2006)
G. An Increase in base salary of 10% per course will be awarded upon attainment of this status.
IUSB full time employees, who also teach as members of the associate faculty and are awarded
Merit Status, are not eligible for this pay increase.
H. Merit status associate faculty must submit an annual report of their activities to their supervisors.
I.
If a person with Merit Status voluntarily withdraws from teaching for a two-year Period, the
status shall be automatically revoked.
J. Unsatisfactory performance must be called to the attention of the Senate Non-Tenure Track
Faculty Policy Committee by the school/college/departmental chairperson or supervisor. The
committee, in turn, will examine the case and make recommendations to the Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs, who will have authority to revoke Merit Status.
Athletics Committee Charge Amendment:
1. Make recommendations to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Serve in an advisory role
concerning the annual athletic budget, both intramural and intercollegiate, and supportive
activities.
2. Approve Establish guidelines concerning schedules for intercollegiate sports athletics and
monitor compliance.
3. Establish eligibility requirements for participation in intercollegiate athletics and monitor
compliance.
4. Approve participation in new intercollegiate athletic activities with the consent of the Senate.
5. Approve participation in post-season activities.
6. Make recommendations to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs concerning tickets pricing
and seat allocations.
7. Establish policies and procedures for athletic awards, such as letters and jackets.
8. Propose, for the approval of the Senate, membership in athletic conferences.
9. In cooperation with the Financial Aid Scholarship Office, determine policies concerning
allocation of athletic grants when available, in accordance with conference policies.
10. Make personnel recommendations in the athletic area to the Vice Chancellor for Academic
Affairs Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.