Faculty Advisory Council
October 11, 2017
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
PCOB 16
Minutes
In attendance: David Hough, Tammi Davis, Joe Hulgus, Robin Koerber, Kayla Lewis, Annice McLean, Tuesda Roberts, Melissa Schotthofer, Becky Swearingen
- Study Away
The Budget Committee met September 29th. They approved supporting Study Away programs with approximately $5,000. The money comes from Program Support and the college has supported them in the past. The dean asked members how we should support/encourage faculty to participate in Study Away. It was noted that 3 – 4 faculty already participate. Ideas were:
- Partner with other universities we work with
- Partner with universities in other countries
- The biggest cost is transportation
- The programs should fit in with advancing our college/university plans/goals
- Possibly work it into a masters level
- Allow faculty to “donate” their allotted travel funds, although some departments allocate money not used to reimburse more expenses not covered by others
- Could it be considered program support and use those funds?
- Program Support Funds
Dean Hough informed the members that the COE Budget Committee met on Friday, September 29th, and discussed the Program Support requests and approved them. Denise Cunningham requested $5,000 for a MS Child Life Studies marketing/recruiting. Gilbert Brown requested $3,600 for the SAHE Program to support efforts to establish a customized Ed.D. program. A motion was made by Becky Swearingen and seconded. All FAC members were in favor. They felt both requests were relevant.
- Travel – Enterprise Rental vs. Mileage
One of the topics that came up when the university was audited was regarding travel reimbursement. The university has an agreement with Enterprise for vehicle rental. In most cases, money can be saved by renting a vehicle.
A discussion followed on whether or not the college should have a policy on this. The FAC recommended having a College policy that necessarily follows the University policy but with more specific guidelines stating that only the lesser amount among personal auto, rental, or airfare would be reimbursed.
- Draft Mentoring Plan
Members attending the Mentor Leadership Seminars would like to have someone in house talk to them and others about mentoring rather than have someone from the outside come in. The current draft is not a plan. There needs to be structure. A discussion followed.
- We could structure format, but there also should be informal mentoring and how do you teach that to others
- Need to take a step back and develop a plan
- What are other colleges doing?
- Look at how to identify mentor support group
- Talk to new hires; ask them what their needs/plans are. This should also be done in following years as they are working toward tenure. Possibly develop a one-page questionnaire. Then develop a list of faculty who could help them. Not have mandatory meetings; be flexible. Periodically goals should be reviewed.
- This is about faculty dispositions. Faculty should be focused on reaching out to assist. It is an investment to help others succeed. How do we promote that?
- Should have a mentor assigned from the beginning, but could go from there
- Use small groups including 2 – 3 people that are also new
- Plan needs flexibility according to needs, first through fifth years
- Assign a mentor for three years; should not be overly structured, revisit occasionally
- Draft Code of Ethics
Members discussed having a code of ethics.
- What if you have an unethical mentor?
- Isn’t there a university hotline to report this?
- Possibly, just give a reminder to everyone.
- Should include character.
- Many people follow the APA guidelines regarding authorship.
The FAC will look at the APA guidelines and will go from there. Having a college document would be used as a guide. This will be discussed at the next meeting.
- Research Active Policy
Numerous conversations regarding research active faculty have been had at departmental meetings. Colleges have been charged with ensuring faculty teach 12 hours each semester if they are not conducting research as defined in college “research active” guidelines. Everyone agreed to discuss this with their colleagues at their departmental meeting and update the FAC at the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 9:33 a.m.
Submitted by Sharon Lopinot, Exec. Assistant II