UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

Senate

 

Minutes of the February 12, 2002 Meeting

 

1.  WELCOME BY THE CHAIR

The meeting started at 11:05 am.  The Senate Chair, Dr. Ali Eydgahi greeted members and welcomed everyone to the meeting.  The Senate Chair especially welcomed the Interim President, Dr. Jackie Thomas, and administrator senators the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Nnadi, the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Holden, Deans Boyd, Brooks, Ignasias, and Director of Human Resources, Dr. Billie. 

 

2.  MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 11, 2001 MEETING

The meeting minutes for the December 11th meeting were approved.

 

3.  CHAIR’S REMARKS

The Senate Chair began his remarks with thanks to everyone present for making the effort to attend the Senate meetings.  The Chair noted that the University Community needs to be united in terms of the mission and goals of the University.  He encouraged everyone to bring their concerns to these meetings in an effort to get them addressed and hopefully resolved. 

 

The Chair noted that the Dr. Thomas has set aside 2 parking spaces for the Chair of the UMES Senate and the Chair of the Faculty Assembly.  The spaces are located in the parking lot adjacent to J.T. Williams.

 

4.  COMMITTEE REPORTS

Academic Affairs Committee:  Ms. Demanche reported that the Academic Affairs Committee met back in September regarding the School of Pharmacy.  She noted that the proposal, at the behest of the Senate was sent to the Faculty Assembly and to Dr. Ignasias.  Questions regarding the proposed program were addressed when Ms. Demanche met with Dr. Nnadi.  The School of Pharmacy is not a graduate degree program, and will have two programs:  (1)  Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy Administration; and (2) Clinical Pharmacy. 

 

Ms. Demanche reported that the Academic Affairs Committee bring this proposal before the Senate with positive recommendation.  There was further discussion concerning funding for this and any other new programs that come to the campus.

 

The body noted the following caveat to new programs:  “When the State of Maryland provides additional funding for these programs, we are in full support in an effort not to cannibalize existing programs.” 

 

The other program brought before the body was the M.S. in Physician’s Assistant.  Ms. Demanche reported that the changes asked were completed and the Academic Affairs Committee bring this proposal before the Senate with positive recommendation.

 

Two motions were passed regarding acceptance of the School of Pharmacy and the MS in Physician’s Assistant with the caveat stated above. 

 

After the motions were passed, there were questions asked about whether graduates of the PA Program will be accredited.  Dean Brooks answered these questions and said that the programs would not be marketable if they were not working towards accreditation.

 

Student Concerns Committee:  Mr. Ken Medley reported that the first meeting will be in the week of 2/18/02.  UMES Students will be able to voice their concerns to the committee because of advertisements paid for by SGA funds.  Members of the committee were asked to get in touch with Mr. Medley (ken_sgavp@hotmail.com; X8023) regarding agenda items for the February meeting.  Mr. Medley reported that the Committee hopes to have its report to the Senate by the end of April.   There was concern raised regarding the timeframe.  It was suggested that the Committee report its findings prior to the end of April in an effort to hopefully get some issues resolved before the end of the academic year.

 

5.  REVISING THE PROMOTION AND TENURE POLICY

There was considerable discussion regarding changes to the current promotion and tenure policy.  This policy has been in existence for 10 years, and has not been changed or revised.  One question that arose surrounded the review committee chosen for individuals going up for P&T.  Currently, faculty choose their own review committee – a policy that the Faculty Assembly recommended.  There was also discussion that any Faculty Assembly recommendations that are made, be incorporated into the Senate. 

 

A motion was denied regarding the formation of a committee by the Faculty Assembly, composed of Senators, to review the Promotion and Tenure policy and report back to the Senate. 

 

The Senate Chair will ask members of the Senate to be part of an Ad Hoc Committee to review the P&T policy.  These individuals will be contacted via email to meet and discuss this prior to the next Senate meeting in March.

 

Policy on Faculty Rank & Tenure for Administrative Appointments – Drs. Gupta, Dadson and Coursey (Chair) – took the BOR policy and adopted it for UMES.  The Academic Affairs Committee has not reviewed this policy.  A motion was passed to forward this policy to the Academic Affairs Committee for review and recommendation and bring back to the March Senate meeting.

 

 

 

 

6.  DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS

Ms. Warwick reported that the USM system is currently asking all members to vote on three items surrounding domestic partner benefits.  The votes for all three questions were favorably.

 

 

7.  REMARKS BY UMES INTERIM PRESIDENT

Dr. Thomas remarked that the ideas and concerns of the Senate are getting to the Office of the President.  Dr. Thomas reported that he and Mr. Medley both testified before the Legislature, and he wanted to publicly thank Mr. Medley for his efforts.  Dr. Thomas further commented that he appreciates the Senate and Faculty Assembly’s involvement and relationship with UMES and that he would not let barriers stop these relationships from continuing – Friendly, Fair, but Firm.

 

8.  STANDING COMMITTEES

A motion was passed regarding the formation of a standing committee on Information Technology.  Another motion passed for individuals who are interested in serving as Chair of these Standing Committees be made to the Senate Chair.

 

9.  CODE OF CONDUCT

Tabled until the March 12th meeting

 

10.  NOMINATION FOR FACULTY HANDBOOK REVIEW COMMITTEE

Nominations are:  Ms. Demanche, Dr. Brooks. Dr. Noonan, and Dr. Mollett

 

11.  OLD BUSINESS - None

 

12.  NEW BUSINESS - None

 

13.  ANNOUNCEMENTS - None

 

14.  ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 12:35 pm

 

Submitted by:

 

Dr. Brigid M. Noonan, Secretary