COE BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
September 7, 2018
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Hill 339
Attendees: Kim Dubree, Steve Jones, Teresa Steele, David Hough, James Satterfield, Denise Cunningham, Cathy Pearman, Bill Agnew, Janelle Flanders, Minor Baker, Abby Burch, Melissa Schotthofer
The meeting began at 8:00 a.m. with Dean Hough welcoming the new members. The members of the committee introduced themselves.
The dean stated COE needed to elect a representative for the Executive Budget Committee and the Academic Affairs Budget Committee. After discussion, the group decided that the same person would be able to serve on both committees. Cathy Pearman volunteered to serve and was approved by acclimation.
The latest draft of the Career Pathway Support Policy for Instructors & Clinical Faculty was reviewed. Conversation regarding whether Greenwood and CDC teachers would be eligible for this benefit. As the discussion continued, others asked if ATLL faculty would also be eligible. The policy is intended for faculty who intend to apply for a tenure track position at some point in the future but lack the terminal degree required. COE does not have funds to support more than one or two people at a time. The committee decided to table this conversation until department heads and other unit leaders could address these issues.
The BC reviewed a draft revision to the Start Up policy. Department heads developed this draft to address a number of issues including but not limited to potential for misuse of the current policy, clarification of policy’s intent, delineation of types of supports that fall within University policy, and establishment of limits within categories of expenditures. A concern mentioned regarding the new policy was if the person does not use all the funds allotted in a listed category, could it be transferred to another category within the policy. It was pointed out that there is a note at the bottom of the policy that addresses that issue. Bill Agnew motioned to accept the policy and Abby Burch seconded it. The motion carried.
The committee then discussed the Travel Policy with suggested edits from the Faculty Advisory Committee. The change allowed for faculty and staff to use their personal vehicle instead of a rental vehicle if renting a vehicle is inconvenient or a loss may be incurred. Bill Agnew motion to accept the edited Travel Policy and Cathy Pearman seconded. The motion carried.
Dean Hough informed the group that it is time for Major Equipment Requests. He gave a deadline of September 27 for requests to be submitted to his office.
The Strategic Hiring Proposal was discussed with James Satterfield noting he used it for determining how to fill a position in his department. When a faculty member in one program, i.e., Counseling, left, the department opted to use those resources to search for a faculty member in another program, i.e., Special Education. The committee agreed this was an acceptable approach, and all approved.
The dean explained how one-time salary savings could be generated and used. An example was the recent discussion by the FAC regarding the need for new furniture in faculty offices, extra research funding, and/or travel. Computers were also mentioned by the FAC and the Budget Committee. The dean asked the BC to prioritize potential use of one-time salary savings. No decision was made at this time, as the BC preferred to get feedback from their departments and then continue the discussion at the next BC meeting.
The next meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. in Hill 339.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Steele, Budget Officer