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Faculty Senate Minutes
September 6, 2007 

Call to Order:
Call to order: 4:12 pm; Riggle Room; ADUC. 

Senators Absent:  Ali Ahmadi, Wayne Isham, Nancy Peterson, John Warber, Brenda Wilburn 

Visitors:  Elsie Pritchard – Dean of Library Services, Karen Bardsley – Assistant Professor of Philosophy 

Dean Pritchard informed the members that the results of an online service quality survey conducted last fall indicated that faculty and graduate students do not feel that the library meets minimum expectations for the print and/or electronic journal collections required for their work.  In October, focus group sessions will be conducted to gather information so that the library can correct the problem.  The focus groups will be moderated by someone outside the library.  Confidentiality of participants in the focus groups will be maintained.  Dean Pritchard asked the Senators who are interested to participate in the focus groups and to encourage colleagues and graduate students to participate also, especially if they have had problems with the library’s journal collection.  The results of the survey are posted on the library Web page. 

Dr. Bardsley presented the members with background information about the racial integration of Morehead State University.  In 1957 Morehead State became the first regional college in Kentucky to integrate; the first state supported historically white institution in Kentucky to integrate and several other firsts related to racial integration in colleges.  This year, the coordinators of Septemberfest have included in the program a history of that period of time and a forum for discussion of what can be done to make this a welcoming and diverse campus.  Dr. Bardsley asked President Andrews about creating a faculty/staff lounge in ADUC and naming it after a distinguished African-American alumnus.  Dr. Bardsley compiled a survey to determine if other faculty and staff have an interest in seeing a faculty/staff lounge available.  The survey will be online until September 25^th.  Dr. Bardsley encouraged the members to respond to the survey and to inform and encourage their colleagues to complete the survey also.  Dr. Bardsley suggested the Communications Committee might review the results of the survey and make a recommendation to the Senate regarding endorsement of the proposal for a faculty/staff lounge.  The naming of a faculty/staff lounge after a person would be a separate process.  The survey is available under “Announcements” on the faculty/staff Web page. 

Senator Neeper moved:  1.  that information about the “Faculty/Staff Lounge” websurvey be forwarded to the Communications Committee so that they can let all the faculty know about this survey and encourage them to respond to it by the 25^th of September;  2.  that the Communications Committee review the results of the survey at their meeting on the 27^th of September, and convey the conclusions of this review back to the Senate on October 4^th;  and 3.  that, after hearing from the Communications Committee on October 4^th, the Faculty Senate consider whether or not to endorse the proposal of creating a faculty/staff space in ADUC.  Senator Breschel seconded the motion.  Motion passed. 

Chair Jerde introduced Dr. Karla Hughes, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. 

Reports:
Provost’s Report:

• The Provost provided the members with the following list of items she has undertaken since coming to Morehead State University on July 16, 2007.
  • Met with Deans, Department Chairs, Program Directors
  • Met with leadership team for General Education Studies redesign
  • Following President Andrew’s challenge to conduct audits of programs; Gathering information to determine the extent of other components such as leadership development, programs in public schools in our service region, programs involving service learning, international studies, and community engagement
  • Assigned Al Baldwin to oversee academic space utilization and serve as liaison with facilities
  • Develop framework for a curriculum audit process in order to streamline the reporting process
  • Discussed with the chair of the Chairs Forum ways to allow the chairs to be more focused within the administration leading to more input in decision making
  • Developed the Provost’s Council which will consist of various members at different times to review a wide range of issues
  • Expectations of faculty governance - Involvement in the review of programs and policies 

Regent Irons suggested a process audit be conducted of the structure and effectiveness of the University Standing Committees. 

The Provost shared her philosophy on shared governance.  She stated that shared governance means both sides have a responsibility.  Shared governance is a partnership working together for the same goals which are:  student success, a quality institution, and support of faculty and staff in professional development.  The Provost challenged that her office and the Faculty Senate enter into a partnership that moves the University forward, looking not only at individual interests but the interests of the University.  This would include reallocation of resources and organizational change in a way that maximizes the potential of everyone involved.  

Chairs Report:

• Chair Jerde reported to the members that he delivered the resolution on PG-61 to the President last Friday.  The President is looking for input from the Senate on the policy and is not concerned about waiting until December.  If the Senate does not provide a recommendation, the administration will submit the best policy they can develop.  The President will address the Senate at a later date with background information regarding the mandate to develop a “Code of Conduct.” 

Senate Actions:
Professional Policies:

• Chair Patrick reported that various types of comments and changes have been received from faculty concerning PG-61 along with questions as to why this Code of Conduct is being developed.  Chair Patrick encouraged faculty to continue to send revisions to be considered by the Professional Policies Committee.  It has been suggested that MSU adopt a policy that is already in place at another institution.  Chair Patrick asked for the Senate members’ opinion on this suggestion. Professional Policies will meet the week of September 10^th to discuss the comments and revisions they have received.

A member stated that the University already has policies such as Intellectual Property and others that cover ethical issues.  The Professional Policies Committee will strive to remove items from PG-61 that are covered by other policies already in place. 

Regent Irons will determine the status of other institutions on their development of a Code of Conduct and report to the Senate members. 

Chair Patrick will contact Staff Congress to determine if they are addressing the development of a Code of Conduct. 

Governance:

• Senator Rogers presented a membership list of the International Education Advisory Committee submitted by Janet Gross for endorsement by the Faculty Senate.  Endorsement passed.

Adjournment:  5:00 pm.