Minutes of the Committee on Research & Creative Activity
for September 13, 1999

1. Chair Election:
Andy McLean volunteered to chair CRCA this year. S. Haller circulated an email from McLean to Haller in which he indicated his interest. Moved by S. Haller, second by D. Carr to have A. McLean chair CRCA for 1999-2000. Passed (5,0,0).

2. Discussion on operation procedures:
The committee reviewed how the CRCA has operated in the past in the context of reviewing 6 proposals that were submitted at the beginning of the summer and that need to be acted on. Information on the budget for the year was not available at meeting time, but it was estimated to be about $15,000 for the coming year. S. Haller suggested that the committee pick two proposal submission deadlines that are publicized so that the committee can review a large number of proposals at a time. This was generally agreed upon, but D. Carr suggested that we meet again soon, with the committee chair, A. McLean to make a final decision.

The committee discussed funding priorities. This resulted in an addition to the published CRCA guidelines. The addition affects the required letter of support from the department chair. In the future, these letters should state the department's policy on travel support for all faculty and staff in the department.

The committee decided to act upon three of the six proposals that came from untenured faculty members. The remaining proposals were tabled until the next meeting. The committee approved funding for Zheming Wang ($1000), Herbert Colston ($500), and Jonathan Olsen ($500). Moved by D. Bayuzick, seconded by S. Haller, Passed (5,0,0).

3. Next Meeting:
Dates for the next meeting were discussed. S. Haller will contact A. McLean with Sept 27 (12-2:00) and Sept 30 (3:30-5:30) as possibilities.

Meeting adjourned: 12:30 PM

Respectfully submitted: Susan Haller