Minutes from
Unclassified Senate Meeting
December 11, 2008
Minutes recorded and transcribed by Mary Ann Rasnak
Senators in attendance: Debbie Baker, Diann Burright, Chris Claussen, Susan Corrigan, Paul Farran, Alyson Flaster, Gail James, Danny Kaiser, Mike Krings, Noelle Kurth, Allyson Layland, Paul Liechti, Rebecca Mayer, Lucy McGilley, Denise Modin, Jason O’Connor, Amanda Ostrecko, Mary Ann Rasnak, Peggy Robinson, Eason Selvan, Andrew Shoemaker, Carolyn Thompson, Xinkun Wang, Rick Whitmore, Phil Wilke
Excused: Angie Claussen, Abby Coffin, Audrey Coleman, Dan Coonfield, Megan Gannon, Angie Loving, Susan Mercer, Kathy Pribbenow, Aaron Quisenberry, Tom Ryan, Lisa Shaw, Heidi Simon
Absent: Teresa Kopsa
The meeting was called to order at noon by President Paul Farran.
The minutes of the November 13 meeting were approved as presented.
University Wide Committee Representatives
Kim McNeley: Academic Policies and Procedures Committee RepresentativeThe fires concerned deadlines for course add/drop. KU Continuing Education courses will be considered as regular residential credit in Fall 09. The rolling start date to add CE courses concerns faculty regarding how those appear on transcript. Also there has been no withdraw date for CE courses. New policy clarifies that certain courses will not need to be added during regular time parameters—e.g. Independent study, CE, practicum. For withdraw purposes, the same ratio of time will apply to CE courses, e.g. for a 6 month time period CE course the third period would begin after 4.3 months.
Second issue is the incomplete policy which has been difficult to enforce because of too many “ifs” regarding why they are granted. Maximum time for completion currently allowed includes enough time for course to be offered and taught again by the same professor and have space for the student to sit in which can be a year or more. Graduate School can assign grades of incomplete with no expectation of completion. New proposed policy is that incomplete grades will lapse to grade designated by faculty or F after one year; or a shorter period determined by faculty; or when the student graduates. Student/faculty can request an extension to be reviewed by dean’s representative. Hope to have notification to student and faculty six weeks prior to lapse date so that extensions can be requested if necessary.
The third issue was brought by students and is a requirement for faculty to submit report of current grades in 7th week of the semester. College faculty are asking why seventh week and how participation is to be evaluated for purposes of that grade.
Bridget Bradley: KU Calendar Committee
The Calendar Committee has submitted to SenEx an alternative calendar looking at Stop Day. Alternatives include doing away with Stop Day, having shorter class periods and having a “review week” with classes but no tests, major projects or assignments due, etc. Allowing this along with shortening instructional days would permit an instructional intersession between spring and summer. KU has more instructional days than most peer institutions. (151 vs 148 hours per semester) They attempted to come up with guidelines for an earlier start of spring semester, but MLK holiday floats and creates some challenges. Committee is also looking at making changes in Fall Break, e.g. reducing to one day or changing to Monday/Tuesday.
There is also discussion about January intersession. All changes involving instructional days must be approved by Board of Regents. Students are okay with no Stop Day and liked Review Week. Danny Kaiser commented that these changes represent significant progress that has been a long time coming.
Reports:
President: Paul Farran University Senate Sen Ex had a conversation with Athletics about allocation of football tickets. No consistent procedure up to now. Jason O’Connor will serve on subcommittee to create policy for football very similar to basketball ticket allocation policy.
Professional Development Committee sponsored a visit from Kevin Yoder who gave a presentation on budget and working with legislators to get our agenda passed. We will implement some of his suggestions at our legislative visit on February 10.
Had a conversation with Danny Anderson about using Xythos for Senate document repository. Danny is working with Jenny Memedhovic on finding a solution to the licensing problem with assurance there would be no cost for use of Xythos.
At last meeting ACTC representative indicated that they were not in communication loop. University Senate will review all committees for communication and other purposes.
Secretary: Mary Ann Rasnak Angie Claussen’s absence. Chris reported that Angie Claussen is doing very well as new mom. She will be back beginning of February.
Treasurer: Noelle Kurth reported that the balance hasn’t changed since the last meeting. She is working with other senates on shared funding for the Corporate Challenge. Support Staff Senate has met; hasn’t heard on their willingness to contribute. Faculty Senate a conundrum.
Governance and Representation Committee: Phil Wilke will begin recruiting volunteers for lobbying day.
Professional Development Committee: Allyson Flaster researching peer institutions on professional development. Application and rubric has been sent out for professional development funding. The committee is planning spring events with a theme of sustainability and environmental concerns.
Public Relations Committee: Mike Krings reported that Tom Ryan is starting to build the new web site with content as suggested. Will meet again after Jan. 1. E-mail permissions have been established so that officers can use the account on behalf of Senate or committees. New website will be displayed at next meeting on February 12.
Elections Committee: Megan Gannon not able to be here, but will be back in spring.
University Support Staff: Peggy not here. No report
Student Senate: Mark Pacey not here. No report
Unfinished Business
Vote on By-law Changes—all proposed changes passed unanimously with some discussion on each. Jeannette and Phil will review and reconcile changes with University Code and send these on to University Senate
New Business No new business.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:25 p.m.
Next meeting Thursday, February 12 at Max Kade Center near KPR; parking limited.
Executive Council meeting Thursday January 29th 12-1:30 p.m. Alcove G, Kansas Union.