Minutes of the Faculty Senate

April 6, 2001

President Sadler called the meeting to order. The Minutes of the March 9 meeting were approved. The Secretary was asked to verify the names of institutions with extended learning policies.

President Sadlers opening remarks focused on several administrative issues:

Senators are asked to encourage faculty members to complete the administrative evaluations.

Convocations have been scheduled for Fall, 2001. Convocation for faculty and staff will take place on September 21. On September 28 student convocation will be held. The student convocation will showcase opportunities for student involvement, including music, theater and sport clubs. Faculty involvement is encouraged.

Senators will be given a list of staff and faculty members along with the current calculation of length of service at DU. Glitches in the Banner system have produced some inaccurate figures. Senators are asked to facilitate an examination and correction of these calculations in their units.

Senate committees are reminded that year-end reports are expected in May.

Dr. Louise McDonald presented the history and current organization of University Health Services. Between 1993 and the Fall of 2000 a series of events occurred that resulted in an outsourcing of health services. Concerns arose regarding access to services and the value and funding of those services. In the fall of 2000, the agreement with University Hospital was ended and student health and counseling services returned to DU control.

DU is now rebuilding the systems and staff needed to provide these services. Complaints from students have been greatly reduced. A wellness program will be developed for the DU community.

A question was raised regarding increased costs to students. The health fee will increase by 2% next year. A second question asked for clarification of new approaches to provision of counseling services. A short-term model will be in place that provides 4 free visits, followed by four additional visits at $25. Increase used of group counseling will be explored as appropriate. There will be increased attention to outreach and prevention.

The Senate offered Dr. McDonald its heartfelt thanks for her heroic work.

The APT Revision Committee presented the proposed changes to the APT document. Senator Reichardt summarized the history of APT revision, and noted that the proposed changes take two forms: 1) Organizational changes with no policy implications, and 2) Substantive changes. Dr. Reichardt moved that the proposed changes to the APT document, as summarized in Dr. Chapmans detailed memo, be accepted. The motion was seconded by Senator Chapman.

President Sadler and Senator Reichardt presented a proposed plan for a final Senate vote. Senators are encouraged to lead discussions with faculty in their units during the coming month. An electronic copy of the proposed changes will be available at the Senate web site. The Senate will vote on May 4. Specific changes may be voted on separately as the Senate wishes.

A question was raised about the change in language from possible to reasonable when describing the need for parallel review processes for all faculty series. Dr. Reichardt noted that many things are possible, legally speaking, but not all are reasonable.

Senators engaged in a lengthy discussion of the proposed Collegiate Faculty Series.

Concerns were raised about the possible expansion of non-tenured faculty. Senator Chapman noted that the intent is to recognize those currently serving in this capacity. Senator Salters inquired as to how those who would be affected feel about this title.

Advantages were noted in the areas of fair treatment of long-term teaching faculty and possible opportunities for positions for current adjunct faculty.

A question was raised about the potential for movement between faculty series. For example, could a faculty member who was denied tenure move to a Collegiate line? Could tenure lines be converted to Collegiate lines?

A question was raised regarding national reporting conventions and the impact of this series on our reporting of faculty/adjunct ratios. Provost Zaranka noted that we clearly distinguish between tenure-track and non-tenure track faculty.

Questions were raised regarding the obligation for research and creativity? In some departments this would be considered important work for a teacher.

Senator Grealy requested that descriptions of the research and creativity requirements for the Clinical series be re-worded to reflect the broader responsibilities that some faculty members in that series have, re: accreditation requirements for faculty research and scholarship, etc.

Senator Giles inquired about the eligibility of Collegiate faculty for the emeritus designation.

The APT committee noted the new requirement that the University administration give a yearly accounting of adjunction and non-tenure faculty. It has been suggested that this accounting be requested for the Fall Quarter of each year.

The revision also institutionalizes a requirement for pre-tenure review.

Senators are encouraged to submit friendly amendments to Senator Reichardt.

Senator Barrett moved that the motion be tabled. Senator Giles seconded. There was no objection, so discussion of the proposed APT revision was tabled until the May 4 meeting of the Senate.

Senator Barrett raised strong concerns regarding proposed changes in the administration of the Office of Sponsored Programs. It has been proposed that the OSP be split, with some staff reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance. University researchers have voiced their strong opposition. There are concerns about the lack of involvement of the Vice Provost for Research in the planning process.

Provost Zaranka responded that a meeting has been scheduled and will include Vice Provost Nelson. It is difficult to find a Director for OSP that can manage both the accounting and project management needs for that office. He stated his strong opposition to splitting the office, although he would support dual reporting for the senior accountant at OSP.

There being no more new business, the Senate adjourned at 1:30 pm.

Respectfully Submitted 4/26/01

Cathryn C. Potter

Secretary, Faculty Senate