EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Present: Bender, Bryant, Fuller, Humes, Jackson, Miller, Scheideler, Siekman

Absent: Latta, Prochaska-Cue, Swoboda, Whitt, Zorn

Date: Wednesday, April 18, 2001

Location: 201 Canfield Administration Building

1.0 Call to Order

Scheideler called the meeting to order at 3:09 p.m.

2.0 Announcements

2.1 Board of Regents Meeting

Scheideler reported that the Board of Regents meeting on April 7^th went very well, as the Board approved the transfer of tuition remission to dependents, oral contraceptive coverage under the university health plan, and an increase in tuition. She noted that there was extensive discussion regarding benefits for domestic partners. She pointed out that the Senate showed genuine support on this issue. Miller asked what issues the Senate should work on in the upcoming year. Scheideler stated that benefits, particularly those for domestic partners, should remain a focal point for the Senate. Bryant pointed out that the retirement benefit is also of particular concern because the amount we receive is considerably below that of our peers.

2.2 Police Chief Interviews

Scheideler reported that the Executive Committee has been asked to have a member participate in the interviews for police chief. Bryant and Miller volunteered to attend the interviews.

2.3 Graduate Council Meeting

Scheideler reported that she met with the Graduate Council to discuss the new grading system. She stated that she received a letter from Dean Lawson stating that the UNL Graduate Council voted unanimously to approve the new grading system. She noted that Dean Lawson would be attending the system-wide Graduate Executive Council where the grading policy will be discussed and possibly voted upon.

Sheideler reported that she spoke with Dean Lawson regarding the Graduate Faculty membership application process. She stated that members of the UNL Graduate Council are involved in the process only if there is an appeal on a previous decision or if there is a difficult application. She noted that Provost Lee Jones, as well as Dean Lawson, has the ability to reject applications. Jackson asked what information is provided to the faculty member if the application is declined. Scheideler stated that a letter would be sent stating that the application was declined, but no explanation for the decision would be included in the letter. Humes pointed out that few faculty members are aware that they can appeal a decision. Miller noted that while the application process is clear, the decision making process is not. Scheideler stated that Dean Lawson suggested that faculty members concerned with their application should contact their college representative to the UNL Graduate Council.

3.0 SVCAA Edwards

3.1 Academic Planning Committee and Prioritization Update

SVCAA Edwards reported that the APC is working on the prioritization list and that they have broken into teams to work on various sections of the document. He noted that they might make extensive recommendations, although this would probably not result in changes to the list. He stated that the APC is concerned with the unevenness of the document and wants to insure that it is well written and supported. Bryant stated that the APC is reviewing whether adequate justification was made in determining which programs should be prioritized.

3.2 Promotion & Tenure Process

Bryant asked for clarification on how the tenure process culminates in the Academic Affairs Office. SVCAA Edwards reported that they are completing the end of the tenure process cycle for this academic year. He pointed out that the process requires a great deal of time and energy for all parties involved. He stated that the current process results in the right decisions being made but there may be room for some improvements in the process. He noted that a concern that should be discussed is how, and if, annual evaluations should impact the tenure review process. He pointed out that the differences in policy, procedure and content between annual reviews and tenure reviews creates a problem. He stated that the national trend is to include annual evaluations in the tenure review process. SVCAA Edwards noted, however, that by doing this the independence of the tenure review process is undermined. SVCAA Edwards indicated that another issue of concern is the huge size of some tenure files. He also stated that it is important to make sure that everyone involved follows the rules of the process. He suggested that the process be re-examined and that a campus survey be conducted that could help to resolve some of these issues. Scheideler reported that the subcommittee assigned to review the UNL Bylaws also reviewed the Promotion & Tenure Guidelines and made some suggested revisions. Bryant noted that the Senate should be involved in the review of the promotion process.

3.3 Diversity Goals

Item postponed.

3.4 Issues on the Horizon

Adding Minuses to the Grading System

SVCAA Edwards reported that there was discussion in a meeting of the academic officers to postpone the implementation of the new grading system. He stated that UNK and UNO were concerned with having enough time to make the changes required to implement the new system. Scheideler stated that Earl Hawkey, Director of Registration and Records, informed the committee that making the necessary changes would not be time consuming or costly. SVCAA Edwards noted that the history and authority is unclear as to whether the Graduate Executive Council has the sole power to approve changes to the grading system for graduate courses. He reported that the Council would be meeting in two weeks to discuss the new grading system.

Proposed Bylaw Change

SVCAA Edwards reported that the UNK Senate has approved and recommended changes to Regent's Bylaw 4.14.2.(c).3. He noted that the suggested revisions deal with the failure of a faculty member to respond after receiving a complaint. Scheideler stated that she would ask the Academic Rights & Responsibilities Committee to review the language and see that it is incorporated into our procedures.

Intellectual Property Policy Update

SVCAA Edwards stated that Central Administration is ready to move forward with the Intellectual Property Policy. Jackson asked if the concerns raised by the Executive Committee were addressed. SVCAA Edwards stated that he has not seen the latest revision of the document. Scheideler stated that she hoped the Committee would receive a copy of it before it goes forward for approval.

Distance Education Report

SVCAA Edwards reported that Chancellor Perlman's revision to the Distance Education report has been accepted by the other campuses, although some minor suggestions for changes were made and needed to be incorporated. He noted that the final version has not been written.

4.0 VC Owens

4.1 Committee for CASNR Dean Search

VC Owens reported that members would be named to the search committee in the next few days. He stated that the time line is to advertise the position throughout the summer and to begin interviews early in the fall semester. He indicated that he would inform the Executive Committee of the search committee members.

4.2 Cooperative Extension Dean Search Update

VC Owens reported that he is still receiving feedback on the candidates. Scheideler asked if there was pressure to fill this position quickly. VC Owens noted that this is a critical position for UNL. He stated that there is some pressure to fill the position and that there has been considerable interest in the search. Scheideler pointed out that while there is a need for leadership in this area, it is important that the right person be selected for this position.

4.3 Diversity Programs

VC Owens stated that he is working with Professor Beck to develop a diversity program. He noted that there is a definite need for diversity within IANR. Scheideler asked if specific funds would come from IANR for this program or whether campus funds would be used. SVCAA Edwards stated that IANR could apply for funding through a small grants program that is available for diversity plans. Scheideler pointed out that unit heads and search committee chairs need to be aware of the need for diversity on campus. VC Owens stated that this is a legitimate concern and that he is considering asking unit heads to prepare a diversity plan. Humes stated that it is often difficult for search committees to determine diversity due to the lack of information that is provided concerning race and gender.

4.0 Approval of 4/4/01 Minutes

Humes moved and Miller seconded approval of the minutes. Motion approved.

5.0 Unfinished Business

No unfinished business was discussed.

6.0 New Business

No new business was discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m. The next meeting of the Executive Committee will be held on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 at 3:00 p.m., 201 Canfield Administration Building. Respectfully submitted, David Jackson, Secretary.