Minutes of the University Committee
for August 30, 2001

The Committee met at 11:10 in D135 MOLN. Members present were Walter Feldt, Peggy James (Chair), James Kinchen, Don Kummings, and Greg Mayer. Susan Haller was excused. Also present was Larry Duetsch.

The Committee agreed to meet regularly on alternate Fridays at 8:30, beginning September 7, unless circumstances called for some other meeting time. It was also agreed that the members would try to arrange class schedules that would permit them to meet on Tuesdays at 2:00 during the Spring semester.

Professor James updated the Committee on the status of the Provost search, noting that three new faculty appointments have been made to the search committee to replace members who were unable to serve again this year. A consultant has been hired to assist in generating a qualified applicant pool. The consultant will be visiting the campus on September 10-11 to solicit input about the qualifications that are sought in the next Provost. The position announcement will soon appear in the Chronicle and
the review of applicants is expected to begin in late October.

The Committee discussed guidelines under which the Annual Summary of Academic Activities that faculty members file could be used to compile institutional data for the accreditation self-study. Data of this kind is needed to substantiate claims made about the faculty's research and creative activity as well as the extent of their community engagement. The discussion will be continued at the Committee's next meeting.

The Committee discussed the request of the English department to name its composition lab. Action was deferred on the request until additional information is available on the procedures that should be followed.

Finally, the Committee developed a list of nominees to fill vacancies on the University Planning Council and the Human Subjects Committee.

The meeting adjourned at 12:45.