Minutes of December 9, 2003 Meeting

1. CALL TO ORDER

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 NOVEMBER MEETING

Corrections for the minutes were addressed, discussed and adopted.

The corrected minutes is posted at the senate web site.

3. REMARKS FROM CHAIR

Dr. Eydgahi announced that Mr. Ron Levy has agreed to serve as a chair of an Ad Hoc Senate Bylaws Review Committee.

He reported on the meeting that FAC had with the acting secretary of Education. The chair noted that the University should be more politically active. Dr. Eydgahi suggested that the Senate form a Lobbying Committee in order for the school to be more politically active. Dr. Walther mentioned that the President already has a professional lobbyist. Dr. Eydgahi suggested that the chair of the above mentioned committee can be a volunteer senator. He also suggested that the role and function of the committee can be stated in the Senate bylaws. Captain Levy, the chair of the Senate Bylaws Committee said he would look into it.

PRESENTATION BY CHIEF WRIGHT ON PARKING ISSUES

The chief was asked about what would be done to alleviate the parking problem present on the campus. The Chief replied that he would compose a Parking Committee and that any suggestions would be reviewed by himself then Dr. Holden. Dr. Holden then added that the current parking arrangement was made by the Parking Committee 5 years ago and that in 5-10 years there will be additional parking available across the Manokin River. Capt. Levy further explained that the parking problem is more of an enforcement issue not an issue of space, he in turn suggested more enforcement from the first day of school. Terrance Fischer then expressed his concern over the lack of parking for the ladies dwelling in Harford Hall. Dr. Holden then stated that the campus is a pedestrian one. David Ifill suggested that freshman should not be able to have cars on campus. Dr. Mitchell indicated a possible need for bigger time gaps between classes so that students would not feel the need to drive to certain areas on campus. Capt. Levy suggested that there should be a shuttle to areas of interest on the campus. Dr. Holden agreed. David asked if there were any ideas on how to improve on the present parking situation. Dr. Holden stated that it is an enforcement issue. Chief Wright stated that there will be more enforcement.

David addressed the students concern over the backgate in the clusters being closed at 10pm even though the SSC does not close until 12am. Dr. Holden said he would look into it.

David addressed the concern over the security in the apartments especially after the parties. Chief Wright stated that there are police in the apartments. Ms. Dadson said that there are no security guards around the library, no escorts for female workers who work late, no security guards arrive when there are confrontations in the library and that there are no security guards that walk through the library. Chief Wright said that they should call for escorts. Ms. Dadson stated that the library staff has called and that the security guards did not come in a timely fashion or did not come at all. Dr. Holden then stated that the ladies requesting escorts, assistance, etc. should call the police department and get the response and if the response is not in a timely order, that they should document the occasion. Dr. Poole stated that there was only one police officer patrolling the campus during the late MCATE meetings. Dr. Holden stated that it was not a problem of a lack of security personnel, but a scheduling conflict. Dr. Mitchell then stated that the ladies should document every time that they run into this problem. Dr. Holden also added that they should call the Chief if the problem persists.

Chief Wright was nominated and elected as chair for the Senate Ad Hoc Parking Committee.

5. C0MMITTEE REPORTS

Academic Affairs

Ms. Dadson (chair) said that there are 3 proposals from the Dean of Graduate Studies and 30 proposals from the department of Criminal Justice that were submitted to this committee that did not have documentation or signatures. Ms. Dadson then proceeded to describe the proper manner in which to submit the proposals.

Student Affairs

David (chair) stated that the committee is about to be put together and asked for feedback from the staff and faculty.

Senate Bylaws

Capt. Levy (chair) is expecting input by 12/19. He hopes to have a finished product soon.

Athletic Department

Enjoy basketball and support it.

6. OTHER ISSUES AND NEW BUSINESS

Dr. Gyimah pointed out that lighting was a problem in 1992 and asked what can be done about it. Dr. Holden stated that lighting is something that is taken care of after the building is in place. Dr. Gyimah asked if lighting can be put into the building plans. Dr. Omyeozili brought to the senate’s attention the fact that there is a light in front of Spaulding that has been out for the past year. Dr. Holden said that it will be taken care of.

Dr. Eydgahi asked Dr. Holden what to do about decaying blackboards. Dr. Holden stated that this is a problem that should be reported to the respective department chairs and then physical plant. He stated that Academic issues are of high priority and he promised that all boards will be taken care of by summer of 2004.

David asked if the IT Committee can talk to the IT Department about improving Peoplesoft. Dr. Walther stated that Dr. Gast is working very hard to improve Peoplesoft.

David asked if there were any improvements being made to the meal plan. Capt. Levy added that the food should be of quality during the weekend. Dr. Holden stated that the Hawk’s Nest will be open on Saturdays for 4 weekends for a trial period.

The meeting adjourned at 12:25 pm.

Submitted by:

Ms. Mumbi Thande-Kamiru, Secretary