NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

Minutes of Faculty Council Meeting

Friday, May 2, 2003
[Approved September 5, 2003]

Members in attendance: Kenny Paris, Alicia Casas-Celaya, Julie Sawyer, Grant Alexander, Vanessa Hardbarger, Dan Glasgow, Jackie Schumaker, Diana Mashburn, Rick Matzen, Gary Wickham, Lallie Scott

Substitute delegates: Andrew Vassar for Bruce Kotowich, Mike Rogers for John Milbauer

Other faculty in attendance: Allen Mckiel, Chuck Ziehr

A. Committees and Standing Reports

1. Minutes of April 4, 2003 meeting

The minutes of the April 4, 2003 meeting were approved with no corrections. Motion: Glasgow, Second: Schumaker

2. Treasurer's Report

Secretary-Treasurer Julie Sawyer stated that the balance as of 4/08/03 was $5,618.89, with $66.95 being paid during March for wages. The $1,500.00 for Undergraduate Research Day was transferred in April. Sawyer distributed a year-end report of the budget. For a copy of the year-end financial report, Click Here.

3. Welfare Committee Report

Vice President Alicia Casas stated there was nothing new to report from the Welfare Committee.

B. Old Business

1. Nominations Committee Report

President Kenny Paris reported that since there was only one candidate for each of the Faculty Council offices, the election was not held. Officers for the next two years are Gary Wickham, President; Andrew Vassar, Vice President; and Chuck Ziehr, Secretary-Treasurer.

2. Workshop on Portfolio Development

Paris stated that due to time considerations, the workshop on portfolio development to be presented by Paris and Vice President Pate was cancelled. The workshop will be rescheduled in the fall.

3. Undergraduate Research Day

Julie Sawyer reported that the first NSU Undergraduate Research Day: A Celebration of Scholarly and Creative Activity went well, and she once again thanked the council for their support. Sawyer commented that attendance at the morning poster session was 108, and approximately 112 attended the afternoon program. The Undergraduate Research Day Steering Committee will meet in June to begin planning next year's event.

4. Faculty Due Process Policy (update)

Paris told the council that he has been continuing discussions with President Williams and Vice President Pate on a faculty due process policy for NSU. Paris has researched the policies at other Oklahoma institutions. Paris stated that he did not believe providing written reasons for termination if requested by the faculty member will be accepted. He also reported that a change of deadlines for notification of non-renewal for faculty who have been employed over two years is being discussed. Paris said that the due process issue will be discussed at a meeting of the academic vice presidents on May 15.

C. New Business

1. Director of Libraries Presentation

Director of Libraries Allen Mckiel gave a presentation to the council on changes in library acquisitions. He distributed the email that was sent to faculty previously. Mckiel stated that the library is in a state of dramatic change and will be over a period of time as the shift from distribution of information through print to electronic distribution continues. He reported that he has subscribed to electronic access to journals and cancelled the print versions of those available electronically. Mckiel stated that advantages included an almost $25,000 savings and access to much larger volume of journals available, while disadvantages included lack of knowledge in how to use electronic databases, portability, and ability to evaluate the quality of sources. Mckiel also told the council that he is proposing a mandatory one hour course for students in using electronic resources effectively.

2. Freshman Convocation

Paris asked the council if they wanted to continue holding a Freshman Convocation in August. Due to low attendance the last two years, the council decided to discontinue the event.

D. Other Business

E. Adjournment

Submitted by Julie Sawyer, Secretary-Treasurer

Last Updated: September 19, 2003 by cz