University of Louisville
Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes
April 2, 2014
The regular meeting of the Faculty Senate was held on April 2, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. in the Chao Auditorium, Ekstrom Library, Belknap Campus, Joseph Steffen presiding.
Senators Registering Attendance:
A&S: Annette Allen, David Brown, Carrie Donald, Jasmine Farrier, John McLeod, Ron Sahoo, Joe Steffen, Elaine Wise, Tamara Yohannes CoB: Ben Foster, Bruce Kemelgor, Robert Myers Dentistry: Don Demuth Education: Patrick Hardesty, Robert Pennington, Tom Simmons Kent: Martin Hall Law: Kurt Metzmeier, Enid Trucios-Haynes Libraries: Terri Holtze, Margo Smith Medicine: Forest Arnold, Pamela Feldhoff, Sham Kakar, David Stirling Music: Ansyn Banks, Dror Biran, Krista Wallace-Boaz Nursing: Karen Singleton Part-time Faculty: Donna Gaus, Joseph Gutmann, Rose Mills, Susan Peacock, John Ritz Public Health: Ray Austin, Scott LaJoie Speed: Roger Bradshaw, J.P. Mohsen
Also Attending:
Ex Officio: James Ramsey, Ginger Brown, Grant Ford,
Others: Dr. Toni Ganzel, Bob Stenger (ULARP), Gretchen Henry, recording secretary
Press: Janet Cappiello (UofL Today)
Senators Not Registering Attendance:
A&S: David Simpson, Beth Willey CoB: Rob Barker Dentistry: Ricardo Caicedo, Robert Staat, Dave Willis Education: Daya Sandhu Kent: Seana Golder, Wanda Lott Collins Law: Luke Milligan Libraries: Gail Gilbert Medicine: Yousef Abu Kwaik, Richard Downs, Ted Feldmann, Saeed Jortani, Brad Keller, Nobuyuki Kuwabara, Steven Myers Nursing: Diane Chlebowy, Valerie McCarthy Part-time Faculty: Michael Wade Speed: Bruce Alphenaar, Kevin Walsh
CALL TO ORDER: – Steffen
ACTION ITEM: The meeting minutes from March 5, 2014 were approved unanimously.
REPORT: Student Government Association – Grant Ford
Grant reported that the SAC renovation is still under discussion; SGA President Carrie Mattingly will speak at the State of the Student Body to be held on April 16th; the newly elected SGA officers are considering a recycling program for commencement gowns. These items are not biodegradable and leave nearly 11M pounds in landfills.
REPORT: Staff Senate – Ginger Brown
Ginger reported that the Staff Senate developed a recommendation for disbursement of a salary increase; was asked to forward names for administrative search committees; meets on April 14th.
INFORMATION ITEM: School of Medicine Accreditation - Ganzel
School of Medicine Dean Dr. Toni Ganzel attended today to clarify the school’s recent LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education) ‘probationary’ accreditation designation. The designation is only for the undergraduate medical education program and based on a site visit last spring. The program would remain fully accredited while specific areas are addressed, including: adding seating capacity; more small group classrooms; additional student study space; increasing the technology infrastructure to the instructional building; changing the design of the first year curriculum from discipline-based to an integrated system-based; and, clarifying educational affiliation agreements. In addition, some specific details of curricular oversight and management need to be refined. Dr. Ganzel emphasized that the problems are fixable and many of the issues have already been addressed. She said the $7.5 million renovation of the instructional building is the most challenging issue, but that construction has already begun on a “fantastic plan.” During a question-and-answer session, Dr. Ganzel said she has personally spoken to several concerned admitted students when they have called to discuss the issue and will continue to do so. She also said she has briefed third-year students who have asked her what they should say if questions arise during residency interviews so they can confidently and candidly answer questions.
REPORT: President’s Report - Dr. James Ramsey
President Ramsey discussed the Kentucky Legislature’s passage of a $20.3 billion biennial spending plan for state government, giving credit to state Rep. Larry Clark for championing UofL. Dr. Ramsey relayed the budget reduced the proposed 2.5 percent cut to higher education to 1.5 percent; authorized $80.5 million in bonds for the Belknap Classroom Building; did not fund Bucks for Brains; and provided $6 million in FY 15 and $4 million in FY 16 be available for the Quality and Charity Care Trust fund. Dr. Ramsey also said the UofL tuition task force is recommending a 4.5 percent increase for 2014-2015 and that the Ky. Council on Postsecondary Education would make its tuition cap decision at the end of April. He emphasized the need to revitalize the perception of importance of higher education in Kentucky, saying there are currently no strong vocal advocates for higher ed in the business community. Dr. Ramsey reviewed past and future Board of Trustee workshop topics, noting the April topic is fundraising, May is the university budget and June is diversity and social justice. He also said no decisions had been made about the proposed 1 percent unit cuts, which equals a savings of $1.4 million.
REPORT: Provost’s Report - Dr. Shirley Willihnganz
Provost Willihnganz was ill and not able to attend today.
With the extra time, Chair Steffen said it might be a good time to discuss the Senate’s priorities. A discussion took place on the potential 1% cut to units; eliminating faculty lines; hiring for summer courses; and, communication. Most senators felt restoring the 1% to units was a priority.
REPORT: Standing Committee Reports
Academic Programs Committee (APC) – Smith – This report was online. The joint Executive MBA with UK will come before the Senate at the next meeting.
Committee on Committees and Credentials (CCC) – This committee will meet next week to discuss the elections.
Part-time Faculty Committee (PTFC) - This report was online.
Planning & Budget Committee (P&B) – This committee reviewed the joint Executive MBA.
Redbook & Bylaws Committee (RB) – The committee continues to discuss the suggested language change to The REDBOOK concerning ‘engagement’.
Executive Committee (XC) - This report was available online.
OTHER REPORTS:
- Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) – Elaine Wise – This report was available online.
- Human Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC) – Pamela Feldhoff - This report was available online.
REPORT: Faculty Senate Chair – Steffen
Chair Steffen reported that he had been busy with meetings. He has had good meetings with Provost Willihnganz.
New Business
None
Old Business
Professional headshots are still needed for the updated web site.
Announcements
Elections will be held at next month’s meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Gretchen Stein Henry
Faculty Senate Secretary