1) CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Dennis Rome, Chair, at 3:37 P.M.  Also attending were members Chris Evans (3:42 P.M.), Stu Hansen, Peggy James, Fran Kavenik, and Greg Mayer.  Steve McLaughlin was a guest.  Evelyn Zepp was present as Secretary of the Faculty.

2) MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting of April 8, 2008 were approved 5-0-0, with a minor revision. 

Members voted 5-0-0 to suspend the agenda, to accommodate Mr. McLaughlin.

5) NEW BUSINESS

                   a) Administrator Evaluations: meeting with Steve McLaughlin

Prof. Rome noted that there was, again, not a large response.  The viewpoint is to use the evaluations to see what can be approved.

                   Prof. James noted that the majority of responses fell in the middle; there is no  whole constituency which is unhappy.

                   Prof. Kavenik noted that the interaction with faculty is somewhat peripheral.  When there are problems with students, faculty don’t feel there is a responsiveness on your part—especially relative to feedback.  On such a small campus, we need to have confidence in each other.

                   A.V.C. McLaughlin replied that he had taken that to heart; there will be a better feedback loop.  There will be a red flag icon on the web page; potentially dangerous behavior can be reported.  That loop will be closed and there will be feedback.  The Committee will be looking at this; reporting will not be anonymous, and there will be a finite group with access.  Red flag behavior is the scary stuff, not minor classroom behaviors.

                   Prof. Kavenik stated that faculty and teaching academic staff want proactive things.

                   A.V.C. McLaughlin noted that there needs to be a better job helping people understand the process.  He needs to be put back on the Faculty/Staff Orientation.

                   Prof. Rome was concerned about the potential for misuse of the “red flag” reporting.

                   A.V.C. McLaughlin said that when someone clicks on the icon, there will be a description of “red flag” behaviors.  The Committee still need to do a further review of the software before placing it into use.  It does provide a feedback loop.

                   Prof. James noted that we want to be secure but we don’t want to infringe on rights.

                   A.V.C. McLaughlin stated that he is very cautious.  We want to determine how to report appropriate issues and how to be sure they get reported. 

                                 A.V.C. McLaughlin left the meeting at 4:21 and the agenda was resumed. 

3) ANNOUNCEMENTS

              Prof. Rome noted that Ron Singer and Lisa Kornetsky will be here tomorrow.  Members who are free will meet with them at 10:00.  Prof. Kavenik suggested that they be asked about the future of OPID.

              Prof. Rome asked for nominees (as per the e-mail from Lisa Kornetsky/Rebecca Martin) to be invited to the May 22nd meeting on Learning Outcomes at System (to discuss the rationale for adopting learning outcomes at the system level).  Members suggested Lori Allen, Theresa Castor, Chris Tutlewski and Jim Robinson.

              Prof. Rome stated he had met with Vanaja Menon, who is concerned she cannot be at the Senate meeting to discuss the library DIN resolution.  She doesn’t know how the $9 million will be divided, but reported that a considerable amount will go for licensing. 

     4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS

                   a) U.C. report for Incoming Chancellor

Prof. Mayer distributed a preliminary outline he had drawn up:

 

Members discussed how and what could be included relative to the community.  Minutes should be reviewed to provide reminders of other issues.  The questions of the identity and niche of UWP should also be discussed.   There should also be a consideration of the relationship between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.  Faculty Committees and Faculty Meetings can also be reviewed.

              b) Chancellor Search and Screen Committee

              Prof. Evans reported that this week-end will be the interviews to reduce the 13 semi-finalists to the 5 finalists.  The finalists will be on campus May 2nd, 5th, 6th, 8th and 9th.  (May 7th is the retirement party for the Chancellor.) 

5) NEW BUSINESS

                   b) Approval of April 22, 2008 Senate Agenda

                   Luellen Breed will answer questions about the Library DIN. 

Changes in the wording of two items submitted by APC were suggested.  The Secretary will run these by the APC Chair.  The Agenda was approved 6-0-0.

                   c) Appointments to Committees

                   Members suggested names for appointments to committees.                  

6) MISCELLANOUS BUSINESS

   There was no other business. 

    

 7) ADJOURNMENT

 The meeting was adjourned at 5:28 P.M. 

 Submitted by Evelyn Zepp, Secretary of the Faculty