December 2015
December 2015
FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY MEETING
December 11, 2015
Attendance: Pam Shockley-Zalabak, Terry Schwartz, David Moon, Monique French, Barbara Prinari (by Skype), Michele Companion, Mark Malone, Tom Zwirlein, Rhonda Glazier, Jay Dawes, Joe Wehrman, Monica Yoo, Pam Carter, Bret Windom, Ceil Malek, Suzanne Cook, Ann Amicucci, Cerian Gibbes, Valerie Brodar, Stephanie Spratt, Anna Kosloski, Jeff Montez de Oca, Norah Mazel, Dave Anderson, Dena Samuels, David Havlick
Call to Order / Approval of Minutes:
Motion to approve the minutes from November 13, 2015 meeting by Dave Anderson
Seconded by Pam Carter
Motion passed with 17 in favor, 0 opposed and 2 abstentions
Reports of Visitors:
Pam Shockley-Zalabak, Chancellor:
We are increasingly concerned about some of the current rhetoric resulting in our students being fearful for their safety on campus. It is understandable that these feelings have surfaced recently due to the prevalent tragic campus issues occurring nationwide. We are asking the faculty and staff to assist all students in reassuring them about their safety and in feeling safe on campus. We may need some trainings in creating some conversations concerning this issue. The news media came to campus a few days ago and we asked them not to interview our Muslim students on camera. Our students did stand up on this issue and we all need to be aware and supportive in what actions we should take. The governor’s budget carries a $20 million cut to higher ed if the hospital provider fee does not pass. Last year we received a $2 million increase, which we used for one-time items. We are prepared for the cut and CU may take more than its share – we are aware and mindful of this. We have completed the compression market analysis and letters will be mailed later this month. On January 26, there will be an all-day session on updating our Strategic Plan in preparation for the accreditation visit next year in November. Your input is very important so please plan to drop by during the day. Next Tuesday, December 15, there will be a Campus Forum about the HLC accreditation visit, which will be done differently this time than their last prior visit. We have a record number of donations for scholarships at the end of this year, which is exciting news. Please remember to support all our students during these times of stress for them.
Terry Schwartz, Acting Provost:
The next Campus Forum on Tuesday, December 15 at 9:30am in UC 302 will review the process of the campus HLC accreditation visit in November of 2016. And Commencement will take place on Friday, December 18, so we hope to see you all there. Sabbatical applications are in – the Regents will be voting on those in February and letters from the Provost office will be sent out afterwards. Thank you all for your support last week with the Garrett Swasey ceremony and processional and in pulling together during such difficult times.
David Moon, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education & Academic Planning:
Digital Measures is a better new tool to collect faculty information for FRPA (Faculty Report of Professional Activities), which is due in February. We have had this new system for over a year and opened it to faculty this past May. It asks for more specific information and the information is pulled by dates. Workload information, education and teaching schedule are the three items needed. Your publication record and service are also included. Your CV can be formatted into the correct format for Promotion & Tenure review. There are open sessions for computer class work on completing your information into this system conducted by Rebecca Marshall, Research Analyst with the Institutional Research Office. There is also a link on the Faculty Portal. Nothing is public – it is only private. Training is available on the Institutional Research website and Rebecca is happy to come to individual faculty departments for more hands-on training as well. This system is easier to adapt to newer versions/systems/methods down the road.
Officer Reports:
Vice-President’s Report
No report
Past President’s Report
No report
Reports from Standing Committees:
EPUS:
The committee is looking into the records retention policy, the sabbatical leave policy, course forgiveness and intellectual property (forthcoming).
Faculty Minority Affairs Committee
Non-Tenure Track Faculty:
Have not met yet – will meet next week
Teaching with Technology:
Meeting was pre-empted by campus closure for snow day
Library:
Not present - no report
Intercollegiate Athletics:
Not present – no report
Misconduct in Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities :
Not present – no report
Reports from Representatives:
A. December Conversations at Clyde’s:
1. This month’s date is today, Friday, December 11, 4:00pm – 6:00pm.
2. Ying Fan, Stephanie Spratt and Leilani Feliciano are the coordinators.
B. Other items:
1. Parental leave – tenure track clock stops automatically at other CU campuses, but at UCCS the faculty member has to request it, which seems to not be in compliance with policy. Personnel & Benefits will look into this matter and check with EPUS.
2. Faculty would like to have some future discussion of retirement plans (TIAA-CREF).
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
A. Open full faculty discussion without administrators present:
1. Faculty would like to have more transparency on the budget
2. How is tuition distributed to colleges
3. Concerned about possible communication breakdowns
4. As college faculty representatives, please be sure to bring faculty concerns/questions to assembly for discussion/action/resolution.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn the Faculty Assembly Meeting by Michele Companion
Seconded by Mark Malone
Motion passed unanimously
Meeting adjourned at 2:02 p.m.