UNL ACADEMIC SENATE MEETING MINUTES
Clifford Hardin Nebraska Center, East Campus
January 14, 1997
President Peter Bleed Presiding
1.0 Call to Order
*President Bleed called the meeting to order at 2:35 pm.
2.0 NU President L. Dennis Smith
* President Smith shared his views for the future of higher
education. He stated that the typical 1996 college graduate
will change occupations an average of five times during his
or her career. Smith talked about the demand by business
and industry for "brain power." Additionally, the peak of the
"boomer" generation--those born in 1956--are now turning 40
and are returning to college in record numbers. Nationwide,
ten percent of all undergraduate students are 40+ and that
statistic jumps to 22% for graduate students. These statistics
present challenges and opportunities for universities in how
and what we teach these diverse groups. In President
Smith's view, the "how" is best answered through the use of
information technology. He stressed that a combination of
computer- and people-based instruction is essential; the
former never replacing the latter. The "what" is to
increasingly offer core curriculum courses.
Discussion: Pederson, Conservation and Survey Division,
asked about the new administrative procedures for the
Nebraska Research Initiative (NRI) funds. President Smith
stated that he had established a review committee through the
Office of the President, as had been the initial design. Smith
state a Peer Review Committee, including representatives
from business and industry, will be established to review
proposals based on merit.
Narayanan, Electrical Engineering, stated he has heard
rumors that competition for new centers for the NRI funds
will begin in the fall of 1997 and that some allocation of
these funds has already been predetermined. President Smith
stated that nothing has been set in place at this point.
Sartori, Physics and Astronomy, expressed his concern that,
even though the State of Nebraska's economic situation was
good, he has only read about the approval for $23 million for
the UNO engineering institute. President Smith stated that,
due to timing, he could not elaborate on university budget
specifics because Governor Nelson had not yet given his state
address, scheduled for the following morning, January 15.
The reality of the fiscal climate is that, due to LB 229 and
1114, limiting expenditures by the city and local government
not to exceed two percent and zero in 1998 and 1999,
legislators feel the state should also adhere to this philosophy.
The University has requested a four percent increase of the
state-aided budget and three percent for salary increases.
President Smith noted that the state employees have agreed to
two and one-half percent in salary increases. The University
has three broad priorities: the IST&E building; the operating
budget; and a bonds request for building renovations on all
four campuses, entailing 16 buildings, and solving 70% of
the University's deferred maintenance backlog.
Jensen, Psychology, questioned President Smith about salary
increment distribution among the four campuses. Jensen is
concerned that a trend of disparity may be developing, citing
last year's uneven distribution of four percent to UNK and
UNO and three percent to UNL. Smith stated that all four
campuses were awarded the same three percent salary
increment and he was unaware that the UNL campus had not
made up the one percent difference. Chancellor Moeser
stated that both UNK and UNO had contracts to honor and
UNL did not make up the difference in salary as the other
two had done.
Roysircar-Sodowsky, Educational Psychology, questioned
President Smith's use of "relearn" in his presentation. She
would, instead, use "unlearn" as a more appropriate
metaphor. President Smith responded that, in his opinion,
learning is an ongoing process.
Latta, Libraries, asked about the University's role in joining
Internet II, including the economic issues regarding
differential charges for service. President Smith stated that,
although he is very supportive of the project, he is
not involved with specifics and that his only concern is that
the University be involved.
3.0 Announcements
* No specific announcements were presented by President
Bleed.
4.0 Chancellor Moeser
4.1 Chancellor Moeser welcomed the faculty back to campus
from the holiday and semester break. Moeser stated he had
just returned from the NCAA convention in Nashville and
reported that a restructuring of the NCAA was approved
during this meeting. Representatives from all major
conferences will now be involved in NCAA governance.
Chancellor Moeser extended his congratulations to Allison
Weston, a former member of the UNL Volleyball Team, who
was honored at this convention by receiving the Honda
Sports Award for Volleyball.
4.2 Chancellor Moeser reported that the Senior Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs search is close to a decision
point.
4.3 Chancellor Moeser reported that he and Interim Senior
Vice Chancellor Omtvedt have meet informally with the
college deans regarding the upcoming budget hearings for the
next biennium. Moeser stated that interdisciplinary proposals
will be given funding priority.
4.4 Chancellor Moeser stated that the drafting committee is
making good progress on the drafting of a policy for the
periodic review of fully-promoted faculty. He looks forward
to discussing it with the Executive Committee.
4.5 Dr. Ledbetter is on campus and is close to completing a
final report on her external review of the Athletic
Department. She will be brought back to campus to present
the report upon completion.
5.0 Committee Reports
5.1 Academic Planning Committee. John Wunder, Chair of
the APC, reported on this committee's activities during the
past year. Regarding the upcoming budget hearings, Wunder
stated that faculty should keep three issues in mind: 1) their
views and concerns regarding the budget process; 2) be
prepared to agree or disagree with the Chancellor, who has
requested faculty input; and 3) review the budget procedures
document approved by the Senate and ASUN several years
ago for any changes that might be necessary, including the
possibility of greater faculty input in the process.
Discussion: Jensen, Psychology, asked if it would be too late
to make changes to this document at this time, if needed.
Wunder stated that modifications would impact this current
budget process, but faculty might wish to review it after the
process is over, looking toward the next round of budget
hearings.
Narayanan, Electrical Engineering, asked about plans and
funding for the areas of excellence. Wunder stated that
funds will be reallocated to these areas, whether existing or
newly created.
Wise, Law, asked specifics about the documents Wunder
referred to for budget hearing procedures. Wunder stated the
document was created about five years ago for programs and
reallocation of resources that affect programs; i.e.
restructuring or abolition. These are supplementary
procedures adopted for reinvestment. The stipulation is that
no tenured faculty lines can be affected by the reallocation
process. (NOTE: The document is entitled Procedures to be
invoked for significant budget reallocations and reductions,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, dated 2/10/93.)
5.2 Teaching Council. Helen Moore, Chair of the Teaching
Council, reported on their activities. Moore noted that the
Council has made significant efforts to support innovative
teaching on campus. Moore reported that the Teaching
Council receives $13,000 annually from the NU Foundation.
In contrast, the Research Council receives $329,000 annually.
This underfunding highlights the need to place a greater
value on teaching through increased funding for recognition.
The Council is currently working on a proposal to rectify this
disparity.
Discussion: Latta, Libraries, asked if there was an effort to
support technology-based teaching proposals. Moore stated
that the only restriction was the Council did not approve
hardware purchases but, rather, funded faculty activities in
technology-based instruction.
6.0 Approval of 12/3/96 Minutes
* Latta, Libraries, moved for approval of the minutes as
amended. Pederson, Conservation and Survey, seconded.
The minutes of 12/3/96 were approved as amended.
7.0 Unfinished Business
8.0 New Business
The meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m. The next Senate meeting will
be February 4, 1997 at the City Campus Student Union.
Respectfully submitted, Phyllis Japp, acting secretary.