UNL ACADEMIC SENATE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES

PRESENT: Albrecht, Bender, Past-President Bleed, President Ford, President-Elect Kennedy, Baum Kuska, Japp, Latta, Mayo, Shoemaker

ABSENT: Sartori, Scheideler, Williams

DATE: March 18, 1998

PLACE: 1227 R Street

_______________________________________________________________________

1.0 Call to Order

Ford called the meeting to order at 3:01 PM.

2.0 Announcements

2.1 Topics for Academic Affairs Committee

Ford reported that Regent Wilson is seeking suggestions for possible topics for the Academic Affairs Committee for next year. Suggestions made by the Executive Committee are: 1) the future of traditional academic disciplines; 2) distance learning and de-campus learning; 3) the role of the honors program; 4) expectations of students in regards to technological equipment and entrance requirements; 5) the role of technology. Vice Chancellor Omtvedt stated that it was important for the Regents to think about moving the University forward in these areas.

2.2 Shared Governance Dinner

Ford asked Vice Chancellor Omtvedt for his impression of the dinner to discuss shared governance. Vice Chancellor Omtvedt stated that he felt the discussion was worthwhile and that it was important to explore the topic thoroughly. He stated that he is looking forward to further discussions on the topic and that it was an excellent forum for dialog for the Office of Academic Affairs.

3.0 Vice Chancellor Omtvedt

3.1 Restructuring in IANR

Ford asked if there is any systemic restructuring program for IANR. Vice Chancellor Omtvedt stated that he does not know of any master plan for the restructuring of IANR at this time. He stated that they were trying to reduce administrative overhead and that there is some consensus that there is a proliferation of centers. Vice Chancellor Omtvedt reported that they are looking at an international program review. He stated that there may be a director of international affairs in IANR in the future. Vice Chancellor Omtvedt stated that IANR is looking at ways to be more effective and that they are particularly interested in consolidating the support service into business centers such as the one in Filley Hall. Mayo asked if departments with 15 members or less were being considered for restructuring. Vice Chancellor Omtvedt stated that he did not know of any plans and that the numbers in a department should not be the driving force behind restructuring. Vice Chancellor Omtvedt reported that there is a good chance that the money previously vetoed out of the biennium budget to cover extension educators, will be reinstated and moved to the University budget. He stated this will have a positive impact for extension educators and will allow more flexibility in their teaching.

3.2 Department Chair Opening

Albrecht asked if the department chair's position in Animal Science has been discussed. Vice Chancellor Omtvedt reported that the deans met with the department and that the department stated they wanted a national search and faculty were asked to submit names of potential candidates. Vice Chancellor Omtvedt stated that internal candidates may also apply for the position. He stated that the search process for filling a chair's position is driven by unique circumstances in the department at the time. Mayo asked how IANR deals with the number of candidates sent forward and if there were any special instructions given to search committees. Vice Chancellor Omtvedt stated that usually 3 - 5 names are put forward for interviewing. He stated that a strong statement regarding diversity is made to support the diversity plan of the university.

3.3 Issues on the Horizon

3.3.a. Maternity Leave Plan

Vice Chancellor Omtvedt reported that the Council of Academic Officers met on March 18 and discussed the maternity leave plan. He stated that the plan will be presented as a draft and that it will have an 8 week leave allowance for all employees.

3.3.b. Nebraska Research Initiative

Vice Chancellor Omtvedt reported that 99 proposals were submitted but that the list has been narrowed down to 29. He stated that the awards committee will be meeting in Chicago and that probably 10 will be recommended. He stated that they should have feedback on the final list by April 10. Albrecht asked about the make-up of the review panel. Vice Chancellor Omtvedt stated that the committee is composed of distinguished professors from around the country and that it is a very diverse group of individuals.

3.3.c. NN21

Vice Chancellor Omtvedt reported that the NN21 action team will be participating in a retreat on March 19 with Steve Bosserman as the consultant. He stated that proposals have been submitted for the Leadership Development initiative and that suggested topics that have been submitted include shared governance, diversity and extended education.

4.0 Approval of 3/11/98 minutes (Albrecht)

Mayo moved and Baum Kuska seconded the approval of the minutes as amended.

5.0 Human Resources Policy Revisions

Ford reported that he was contacted by Bruce Currin, Director of Human Resources, who asked the Executive Committee to review the proposed revisions for human resources policies and procedures. Mayo stated that they need to be careful of an explicit time table in dealing with the time allotted to complete an investigation in a formal grievance procedure. Kennedy stated that the revisions dealt more with staff than with faculty and suggested that UNOPA, UAAD and the Employee Benefits Committee should have a chance to review the document. Mayo and Kennedy both emphasized that the position of decision maker needs to be clarified and Latta stated that dates throughout the document were not clear.

6.0 Discussion of Nominees and Nomination Process

Kennedy reported that an email message will be sent out to all senators asking for nominations for the senate elections.

7.0 Safety and Administrative Discretion

Postponed until the next meeting with the Chancellor.

8.0 New Business

8.1 Rehiring of Temporary Faculty

The committee discussed the rehiring of temporary faculty.

9.0 Unfinished Business

9.1 Parking Concerns for Senators

Ford reported that he received information that senators coming to city campus for Academic Senate meetings have difficulty finding parking spaces. Kennedy will check into a possible solution with Parking Services.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 PM. The next Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 1227 R Street. Respectfully submitted, Julie Albrecht, Secretary.