Northeastern State University

Minutes of Faculty Council Meeting

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2010

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by President Denise Deason-Toyne at 3:05 p.m. in

Tahlequah (SCI 129).

Council members in attendance: Jennifer Edwards (COLA); Kristopher Copeland (COLA); Dan

Sisk (SHP); Tia Bennett (COE); John Diamantopoulos (SHP); Ron Cambiono (EDU);

Brandon Oberg (Library); Amy Proctor (COLA); Carolyn Cox (COLA); Dan Savage (COLA);

Isaac DiIanni (BT)

Council members in attendance in Broken Arrow: John Newhouse (B & T); Julia Kwok (B & T);

Buster Hall (COLA); Anita Ede (EDU)

Council members in attendance in Muskogee: Joyce Van Nostrand (SHP); Ryan Fenska

(Optometry)

Council Officers in attendance: Denise Deason-Toyne (President); Dan Savage (Vice President)

Guests: Tahlequah: Denis Vovchenko (COLA)

Guests: Broken Arrow: Tom Rink (Library)

Invited Presentations (none provided)

[Council will set aside time at the first of each meeting to visit with Administrative Officers

should they be able to attend.]

A. Committees and Standing Reports

1. Review/Approval of Minutes of the 10/1/10 meeting

Minutes of the November meeting were reviewed. Errors were noted. Corrections will be

made by Edwards and Cox. Cambiano moved to approve the November minutes and Cox

seconded. The motion was approved.

2. Financial Report/Budget for 2010

Denise turned in the report for the Faculty Advisory Committee. There is still money

available and Deason-Toyne will consider attending another Faculty Advisory Committee

meeting in January. Cambiano also suggested that Deason-Toyne to receive funding to

attend the December meeting as well.

A faculty member requested $750.00 from Faculty Council for a conference presentation

in November. The faculty member neglected to meet the application deadline for faculty

development funds. The faculty member made the request. Deason-Toyne stated that

a decision would be granted later. The faculty member left the room and members of

the Faculty Council discussed the request. Several members voiced concern as this faculty

member has been granted Faculty Council funds in the past. Deason-Toyne pointed out

that the previous situation was different as students attended the meeting. Others stated

that this would set a bad precedent. Diamantopoulos stated that funding was not denied

by the faculty development committee. Rather, the faculty member did not apply prior to the

conference. A motion to deny funding was made by Bennett and seconded by DiIanni. The

motion was approved.

3. Committee Reports

-discussion took place regarding the shared governance committee. Cambiano questioned

whether or not the administration is really accepting of this idea. Deason-Toyne stated

that it is not to that point yet. There is an idea of shared governance, but it needs substance.

Our draft provides the substance. Dr. Tadlock has concerns and wishes to talk with

Deason-Toyne. One idea to consider is changing our name from Faculty Council to

Faculty Senate. Will we have decision-making power or are we an advisory body?

Cambiano stated that our ideas correspond to the core values of the university. He

also stated that this document is timely and critical to have. Several people stated that

HLC will be looking for shared governance.

-CIRCUS committee – no updates. Discussion will take place during the next meeting.

-Bylaws – noting yet

There will be a meeting to discuss the bylaws. Deason-Toyne mentioned that new officers

will begin their duties in August, 2011.

-Faculty Welfare – the committee members have been contacted. There was a question

regarding whether the committee will take over or simply provide feedback. Proctor stated

that it will serve as an advisory council. Bennett reported that nothing has been addressed

regarding the fitness center. However, the Deans discussed their tenure and promotion

requirements. One suggested that the faculty should be asked what they want. Proctor

stated that this could be accomplished with a survey using Survey Monkey. It was

decided that we should look at what other universities have done. In addition, the

possibility of faculty gatherings was discussed. Proctor met with the owner of Granny’s

Attic and suggested the idea of having a faculty gathering on March 10 from 4-7. Local

businesses would be asked to donate food. Nothing has been planned for Muskogee or

Broken Arrow at this time. Deason-Toyne suggested that we should look for something

on a regular basis regarding faculty gatherings. She will contact Sodexo directly.

The focus of the discussion returned to the fitness center. Deason-Toyne stated that

there is no legitimate reason that this is not an employee benefit. Another added that

since there are no raises given at this time, the fitness center would be a good benefit.

Parking was another issue discussed, but it was decided that the fitness center benefit

was a better issue to focus on. Cambiano stated that if there’s shared governance, we

would be involved in decisions such as parking, etc.

-Faculty Awards – Deason-Toyne stated that we must determine who will serve as

committee members.

OLD BUSINESS

A. TENURE/PROMOTION POLICY PROCEDURE – Discussion on faculty comments.

Deason-Toyne discussed the tenure and promotion policy. She indicated that the

removal of the review committee met with opposition from Tadlock. However, this

change was ultimately accepted. Kwok stated that she liked the change in the wording

from expectation to criteria. The departments will now review the document and then

it goes to the Deans, etc. Deason-Toyne also discussed the role of department chairs and

Deans. The Deans will have an active role in measuring outcomes, goals, etc. Kwok had a

question regarding external recommendations and she requested clarification regarding

this matter. The request must be approved. Is this necessary? Cambiano requested

clarification regarding the departmental review. Deason-Toyne indicated that it must say

“tenured faculty.” Deason-Toyne also stated that the document will be sent to all faculty

for further review. Ede made a motion to give faculty until January 12, 2011 to review the

document and contact delegates. Kwok seconded and the motion was passed. Deason-Toyne

will send out the document as soon as possible.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Regent’s Faculty Advisory Committee Agenda

Deason-Toyne stated that in regard to the survey, our comments were not included due

to a glitch in communication. The Regent’s Faculty Council will take the survey results

to the legislature. In addition, the handgun issue has returned. In the past, Faculty

Council has created a resolution against it. Faculty Council discussed this issue. Proctor

wanted to know what options we have in regard to this issue. Deason-Toyne stated that

we either create a resolution or do nothing. Proctor indicated that she was in favor of

a resolution. Ede stated that she is in favor of a resolution. Another stated that we should

do nothing. Ede made a motion to create a resolution against firearms. Proctor seconded.

Discussion took place. The motion passed. Proctor and Cox will draft the resolution. Deason-

Toyne stated that she will contact the Student Government Association and ask that they

also draft a resolution.

B. Recruitment/Assistance of International Faculty

Savage discussed the lack of support to international faculty in regard to obtaining

their visas. He indicated that HR has a policy stating if a foreign faculty member requires

help financially with his/her visa, it is grounds for not hiring that individual. Savage

wanted to bring this to our attention. He continued by stating that in our mission, NSU

wants students to become globally aware. Foreign faculty help our students become

more globally aware. If a foreign faculty member needs financial assistance with his/her

visa, should this be grounds for not hiring that individual? Do other universities pay?

Savage also indicated that the attorney’s fees are high. Deason-Toyne stated that NSU

Attorneys are not experienced with international law. Savage is a member of the

Recruitment and compensation committee. He will compare salaries, benefits to sister

Institutions. He will also ask about visa assistance. Deason-Toyne suggested that Martha

Albin attend a Faculty Council meeting and explain the policy. Kwok stated that there are

two reasons for the policy. The immigration department requires employers to pay. The

other part refers to lawyers. The main part is the immigration application fee. We should

still provide administrative help. HR should be consistent when providing support.

All faculty could be involved. Deason-Toyne suggested that we get conversations started

As students need this. The majority of students struggle with writing and presentations.

Deason-Toyne suggested coordinating times and calendars. Hall discussed the idea of

a capstone research project/presentation. Fenska suggested that perhaps people in

Optometry could be involved. Discussion concluded with the suggestion that Faculty

Council could develop an informal committee to start conversation related to this issue

and then develop something more formalized. The students may whine, but they should

be pushed.

C. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commencement for the College of Education is Friday, December 10. The Tahlequah

Christmas parade is also Friday, December 10.

D. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 4:24 p.m.

NEXT MEETING: January 14, 2011

ITEMS BEING MONITORED –

Location of the Circle of Excellence Bricks

Worker’s Comp. advocate/liaison

Submitted by Jennifer Edwards and Carolyn Cox, Temporary Secretaries/Treasurers

12/13/10