NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
Minutes of Faculty Council Meeting
Friday, September 7, 2001

Members in attendance: Kenny Paris, Alicia Casas, Julie Sawyer, Mimi Bentley, Bruce Kotowich, Grant Alexander, Kin Thompson, Vanessa Hardbarger, Dan Glasgow, Charles Veith, Jackie Schumacker, Carol Choate, Rick Matzen, Michelle Bither, Gary Wickham, John Milbauer, Lallie Scott.

Other faculty in attendance: John Yeutter, Shae Donham, Louis White.

A. Committees and Standing Reports

1. Minutes of May 4, 2001 meeting

The minutes of the May 4, 2001 meeting were approved with no amendments. Motion: Milbauer, Second: Alexander

2. Treasurer's Report

Secretary-Treasurer Julie Sawyer reported a total account balance of $8,088.88. This includes the $4,815.00 allotment for this year, and carry-over from last year of $3,273.88 ($3,637.65 less a 10% administration fee of $363.77). President Kenny Paris stated that the $1,000 award to James Alexander for his Faculty Presentation at Freshman Convocation had not yet been deducted from the balance.

3. Appointment/Assignment of Faculty Welfare Committee

As Vice President of the Faculty Council, Alicia Casas will serve as Chair of the Faculty Welfare Committee. Casas will be requesting nominations for committee members in the near future.

B. Old Business

C. New Business

1. Karen Johnson - Redmen Rally

Karen Johnson, High School and College Relations, addressed the council concerning the Redmen Rally, a recruitment event scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 2001. Johnson stated that invitations had been sent to almost 15,000 prospective students. Departments are invited to participate in the Academic Fair to be held in the UC Ballroom during the afternoon. Tables for the Academic Fair may be reserved by contacting Karen Johnson.

2. Eddie Griffin, Athletic Director - Sales Tax Proposal

Eddie Griffin, Athletic Director, addressed the council concerning the proposed one-half cent sales tax to raise funds for renovations at Gable Field. The estimated total cost of the project is $2 million. Griffin said that the tax would terminate upon reaching the $2 million goal or at the end of 24 months. Griffin answered questions about reactions from the community, and advantages of the renovations were discussed. Griffin asked the council's assistance in disseminating information about the project.

3. Introduction of Officers/Delegates and Committee Conflicts

Faculty Council officers and delegates were introduced. It was reported that Roger West and Hank Vanveen will be the delegates from the College of Optometry to serve on the Grievance Committee.

4. Election of Another Faculty Member for the Faculty Development Committee

President Paris announced that Lallie Scott would serve as the new Chair of the Faculty Development Committee. Vanessa Hardbarger was elected to serve on the committee. Motion: Wickham, Second: Kotovich.

5. Expenditures

The council approved payment of $131.50 spent on flyers for Freshman Convocation. Motion: Matzen, Second: Veith. Paris announced that Katie Harrison is the new student worker for Faculty Council. 

6. Noel-Levitz Workshop

Kenny Paris stated that Juliette Mattila will be returning to NSU to conduct another Noel-Levitz Advisement Workshop on October 26 and 27. Friday's session will be conducted on the Tahlequah campus and will be a follow-up session for attendees of last year's program. Input on content for the Friday session was solicited. Saturday's session will be held in Muskogee for new faculty and those unable to attend the workshop last year.

7. AAHE Conference - Selection of a Faculty Representative to Attend

Julie Sawyer was elected as the Faculty Represenative to attend the AAHE Conference to be held January 24-27, 2002, in Phoenix, AZ. Motion: Scott, Second: Veith.

8. President's Report on AAHE Summer Institute/Faculty Council On-line Survey

President Paris reported that he attended the AAHE Summer Institute and discussed issues related to Faculty Council. He has adapted an on-line survey concerning faculty perception of the Faculty Council, and plans to have a final draft of the survey available for the next Faculty Council meeting.

9. John Gardner's Visit to Campus

John Gardner, author of "The First Experience," will visit the NSU campus on September 27, 2001. Gardner will meet with administrators, faculty and staff in separate sessions throughout the day to discuss retention and graduation rate issues.

10. Insurance Premium Increases

Concern was expressed about insurance premium increases taking effect mid-year when employees are not allowed to make changes to their benefit packages. John Yeutter stated that the insurance program will soon be converted to a calendar year basis so that mid-year changes should no longer be an issue. The council decided to revisit the issue at the next meeting.

11. Office Hours

Postponed until the next meeting.

12. Appointment of Temporary Chair for the Grievance Committee

Chris Owen was appointed as Temporary Chair of the Grievance Committee by President Kenny Paris.

13. Faculty Awards Committee

Postponed until the next meeting.

D. Other Business

E. Adjournment

The next meeting of the Faculty Council will be held on Friday, October 5, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. at a location to be announced later.

Motion to adjourn: Milbauer, Second: Wickham


Questions or Comments?

 

 

Please e-mail the council president
or the secretary/treasurer.

Last Updated: October 30, 2001 by lhw