Minutes of the University Committee
for November 16, 2001

The Committee met at 8:35 in D135 MOLN. Members present were Susan Haller, Peggy James, and James Kinchen. Also present was Larry Duetsch.

Professors James and Kinchen said they are very concerned about the precedent the administration is establishing by seeking to bring about the transformation of an academic program (at present, teacher certification) without inviting full participation of the program faculty. They argued that this is a dangerous precedent, one that is unparalleled in the history of the institution and that could be used (at another time) to undermine another department. They called upon the Committee to issue a statement that would identify principles of shared governance that need to be observed in this case or any other. Professor James asked Professor
Kinchen to draft a statement that the Committee could review and agree upon prior to the next Senate meeting.

Gene Goodman and (shortly thereafter) Greg Mayer joined the meeting.

Interim Associate Vice Chancellor Goodman said that, despite enrollment increases, the campus budget cannot support the current level of spending on instruction. The number of new hires has had to be cut from 14 to 7 and the amount of adjunct spending will need to be sharply reduced. He said that our limited funds will need to be more carefully allocated.

The Interim Associate Vice Chancellor said that the Senate has approved a 21-hour teaching load for faculty and, with limited adjunct funds, the 'normal' teaching load will need to be observed more closely than it has in the past. He said that that there will need to be careful scrutiny of reductions from that load in recognition of significant research, creative activity, or community engagement. He said he expects to issue new guidelines for the preparation of Fall 2002 workload assignments, and hoped that a faculty committee would be struck to advise him and the deans.

Professor James said that a general description of the basis for reduced loads is needed so that it can be applied consistently across all departments, not just those in which someone's teaching load is being questioned. Professor Mayer questioned the wisdom of striking a committee to determine that 'one size fits all.' Professor Kinchen argued that such a committee should be struck so that the faculty can determine appropriate teaching loads. Professor Mayer said that reductions in load should be determined when assignments are taken on, not later.

The Committee agreed to discuss the appointment of a committee to set standards for workload reduction at its next meeting, and it was thought that the committee should consist of tenured people from each of the voting divisions. At about this time, the Interim Associate Vice Chancellor and Professor Mayer left the meeting.

The Committee approved the agenda for the November 27 meeting of the Faculty Senate.

The meeting adjourned at 10:15.