Faculty Advisory Council
September 5, 2018
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Hill 339
MINUTES
In attendance: David Hough, Leslie Anderson, Jamie Atkinson, Sarah Baker, Megan Boyle, Pamela Correll, Tammi Davis, Jeni Hopkins, Kayla Lewis, Debra Price, Tuesda Roberts, Michele Smith, Melissa Schotthofer for Kim Roam, Sharon Lopinot
1.0 Discuss Meeting Dates/Times for 2018-2019
It was decided to have meetings on Wednesdays, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
2.0 Draft Start Up Policy for New Faculty
Dean Hough shared this document developed by the department heads and reviewed at the last Leadership Council. If approved, it will go in to effect for new faculty hires henceforth. After reading the document the following comments were made:
– Can any of this money be used for research? No, but $1,500 can be used for professional travel.
– Books cannot be purchased for personal libraries.
– Everything has spending limits, what if someone needed more money for moving expenses or one of the other categories?
– The amount allotted is enough to remain competitive.
– What if someone had a conference outside of the first six months? Per the Dean, money could be encumbered as long as the paperwork is turned in and approved.
After discussing all of the above it was decided to add the following clause to the policy:
“Note: At the discretion of the Dean and department head, numbers 1 -5 above could be adjusted for extenuating circumstances of hardship as long as the total amount does not exceed $7,500.00.” Everyone agreed to add this revision. The Dean will talk to the Budget Committee and then the LC prior to posting as a revised policy.
3.0 Strategic Hiring Proposal SPE Mild/Moderate cross-Categorical
James Satterfield submitted a form for an Assistant Professor, SPE Mild/Moderate. James actually shifted an open line from one program to one where there was a need. Members did review the document and voted unanimously to approve it.
4.0 Travel Policy
Last year travel procedures were audited at the university. It was found and recommended that faculty/staff use rental cars rather than personal vehicles within certain parameters. Currently, reimbursement is the lesser of the cost of a rental versus personal vehicle with mileage. The current policy was discussed and does not work for everyone depending on when they are leaving. The FAC recommended adding the following language to the policy: “In cases where extreme inconvenience and/or personal loss may be incurred, the Dean, COE, may grant an exception to the use of a rental car.” After a discussion, members approved the revision. The Dean will discuss this with the Budget Committee before taking it to the LC for consideration / approval.
5.0 Furniture for Renovated Hill Hall
The Dean discussed our salary savings which is one-time money. He proposed using salary savings to update faculty office furniture. We would need to come up with a plan on how to go about it. Some would rather see the money used for travel or technology. The Dean said departments have money for faculty travel and there is also a form to apply for travel funds from him. Computers are budgeted and replaced on a rotating plan, and a line item is in the budget to cover same.
6.0 Adjunct Faculty Policy – Compensation for Per Course/Other Itinerate Faculty
Not all people hired as Per Course have a higher degree specific to what they are being hired to teach. In order to receive the higher rate of pay, the terminal degree needs to be in the specific area asked to teach. The FAC discussed language to address this issue. Members said it needs to be tactful and professional, and written with integrity and rigor. Make the statement as objective as possible. The group agreed the academic degree should be related to the subject being taught in order to receive the higher rate of pay. Members agreed to discuss this at their next department meeting and to bring back comments to the next FAC meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 9:02 a.m.
Submitted by Sharon Lopinot, Exec. Assistant II