UNL ACADEMIC SENATE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES

PRESENT: Past President Ford, President Kennedy, Prochaska-Cue, Scheideler, Williams and Zorn

ABSENT: Bender, Secretary Bryant, Humes, Baum Kuska, Latta, Mayo

DATE: June 24, 1998

PLACE: 1227 R Street, Academic Senate Office

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1.0 Call to Order

President Kennedy called the meeting to order at 2:40 PM.

2.0 Announcements

2.1 Board of Regents Meeting

President Kennedy reported that President Smith presented the biennium budget at the Board of Regents meeting. She reported that he showed two different models for faculty salary increases. Model A called for a 6.25% increase over a 2 year period while Model B, preferred by President Smith, called for a 4.625% increase over a four year period. Williams stated that the average increase for peer institutions in faculty salaries is 4.4%. Kennedy pointed out that the 4.625% increase will not keep up with the salaries of peer institutions. Ford reminded the Executive Committee that the Board of Regents set a goal to increase faculty salaries to that of peer institutions and he suggested rejecting the proposed budget. Kennedy pointed out that the percentage of increase is for all four campuses and that those campuses which are below their peers may receive a larger percentage than those campuses who may be currently above their peers in faculty salaries. Zorn pointed out that the University should try to improve salaries and benefits now while the economy is strong. Ford volunteered to write a draft letter to respond to President Smith's proposed budget.

2.2 Meeting with Student Representative

President Kennedy announced that she will be meeting with ASUN representative Andy Schuerman to discuss issues such as teaching evaluations, textbook costs, and a student sexual harassment policy. She stated that the students were interested in working with the Senate and President Kennedy suggested that the Executive Committee meet with student leaders to have further discussions.

2.3 Parking Arrangements

President Kennedy reported that she met with Tad McDowell, Manager, University Parking & Transit Services, to discuss parking on campus and parking for Senators during Academic Senate meetings. Kennedy reported that McDowell suggested moving Senate meetings to areas with less traffic such as the Law College rather than allowing Senators to use lot 17 parking. The Executive Committee decided to meet with McDowell to discuss the issue further.

3.0 Approval of 6/10/98 Minutes

Williams moved and Prochaska-Cue seconded the approval of the minutes as amended.

4.0 Safety Training

Kennedy reported that Brenda Osthus, Hazardous Materials Specialist of Environmental Health and Safety, is interested in speaking to the Executive Committee regarding safety training for faculty. The Committee agreed to invite her to an upcoming meeting.

5.0 Executive Committee Retreat

Kennedy asked committee members to provide input to Coordinator Griffin on their preferred dates for the Executive Committee retreat. Williams suggested that this year they consider having the retreat at the extension facilities near Mead. Kennedy stated that committee members will be informed when the date of the retreat is determined.

6.0 Unfinished Business

6.1 Proposed Constitutional Amendment

The Executive Committee discussed the proposed constitutional amendment to cap state government spending and if the Academic Senate can be involved in anyway to opposing the amendment. Zorn stated that opposition to the lid should point out the level of cooperation between the University and businesses. The committee will check on whether the Senate office can legally be involved in any opposition efforts.

6.0 New Business

6.1 Reallocation

Scheideler reported that she has heard that the bulk of reallocation was to take place within colleges but that there is to be a 1% overall tax back to the Chancellor's office. She stated that she is very concerned with the process of reallocation. Zorn stated that it is worth stressing that there needs to be some clear objective in mind and Kennedy pointed out that the objective should be clearly communicated to faculty.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:43 PM. The next Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for July 8, 1998 in the Academic Senate Office, 201 Administration. Respectfully submitted, Miles Bryant, Secretary.