Minutes of November 13, 2001 Meeting

1. WELCOME BY THE CHAIR

The meeting started at approximately 11:05 am. The Senate Chair, Dr. Ali Eydgahi, greeted senators and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. MINUTES OF MAY and OCTOBER MEETINGS

The minutes of the May 2001 and October 9^th Senate meeting were approved after discussion.

3. CHAIR’S REMARKS

Dr. Eydgahi began his remarks with an update on the Presidential Search Committee. The discussion surrounded keeping members of the University community informed about the process and progress of the search. Discussion further continued about dedicating the December Senate meeting. This issue of the Presidential Search Committee will be placed on the agenda for December.

A motion was passed that the Presidential Search Committee be an open search process.

4. COMMITTEE REPORT’S

Ms. Demanche reported that the Academic Affairs Committee has met twice, and has received two proposals. The first proposal is for an MS in the Physician Assistant’s program. The proposal had also gone to the Graduate Review, but came back with revisions. Those revisions were not done when received by the Academic Affairs Committee. A motion was passed that the Senate return the document to the Graduate Council and that it not be returned to the Academic Affairs Committee until all the concerns/corrections are addressed. There was also discussion about resources for the program. It was noted that this will be addressed again once the document returns with the necessary corrections.

The second proposal received is for a Doctorate of Pharmacy. Discussion began with the issue of whether this will be a graduate or non-graduate program. There are two different positions on whether this program is a program that needs no prior review because it will be a whole new school or whether the Graduate Council can consider this program because it is a doctorate degree. Further discussion surrounded the development of a School of Pharmacy and resources available. In addition, there was discussion of looking into a School of Allied Health versus a School of Pharmacy. Finally, the Academic Affairs Committee is concerned about the gap that exists in the program review process for new programs.

A motion was passed that the Pharmacy proposal be forwarded to the Graduate Review Council and have them include in the proposal a change from a School of Pharmacy to a School of Allied Health.

5. OLD BUSINESS

The students brought the issue of the Room Inspection Policy to the Senate. Students who live in Residence Halls are subject to Room Inspection once a week. If the Resident Assistant’s find anything amiss in their inspection, the student is subject to being fined/billed. The students submitted that the policy is ambiguous because it is subjective, and after being billed they cannot appeal. There was discussion that the students bring this issue to Dr. Yates, however Residence Life falls under two umbrellas – Administrative Affairs (Dr. Holden) and Student Affairs (Dr. Yates). A motion carried to invite Dr. Yates and Dr. Holden (or his designate) to the December meeting.

A motion was also passed to create a Student Concerns Committee. The Committee consists of faculty and staff: Dr. Mollett, Dr. Spinner, Dr. Rahimi, Mr. Billie, Ms. Hudson, and students: Ken Medley, Stephanie Grisson, Patrick Enekwe, Brandon Bazemore. The first meeting will take place on November 14^th at 3:30 pm.

6. NEW BUSINESS

The graduate requirement of participating in a mandatory rehearsal was discussed. For students graduating, they must participate in a rehearsal the day of graduation at 7:00 am. They will not be able to march in the ceremony unless they participate. Further discussion ensued about guests being seated by 9:30 am for the 10:00 am ceremonies.

The meeting adjourned at 12:25 pm.

Submitted by:

Dr. Brigid Noonan, Secretary