Uncorrected Minutes

University of South Alabama Faculty Senate

Special Meeting, February 26, 1992

Present: Abee, Agapos, Bastian, Bhatnagar, Bradley, C. Brown, I. Brown, Bunnell, Bush, Daigle, Dempsey, Downey, Evans, Fisher, Fishman, Forbus, Gartman, Hamid, Holmes, Hood, Husain, Jenkins, Kovaleski, Lloyd, Longenecker, Patten, Raburn, Schehr, Shearer, Sikes, Strange, VanDevender, Vinocur, Vinson, Wilhite, Gerald Wilson, Winkler, Wright, Zimmernam

Excused: Morisani, Newman, Sakornbut

Unexcused: Aldes, Ayling, Bass, deShazo, Gaubatz, Goodman, Isphording, Kulkarni, Luterman, Mankad, Moore, Silver, Springston, Wall, Glenn Wilson

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Larry Holmes, Chair. The minutes of both the January 15, 1992, and the February 5, 1992, meetings were approved with no opposition. The Chair's Report was distributed (see Attachment 1).

A copy of the agenda, with proposed resolutions, is attached to these minutes (Attachment 2).

AGENDA ITEM A: PROPOSED CHANGES IN GRADUATE ADMISSION POLICIES

Caryl Lloyd reported on the meeting of the Arts and Sciences Caucus meeting and stated that some changes have since been made to the proposed graduate admission policies. The recommendations are not the same as at the time of their meeting.

Steve Sikes distributed an alternative resolution and accompanying information (Attachment 3).

After discussion including topics such as who should control policies (Colleges or University administration) and who should be concerned with these admission policies (University, Colleges, graduate faculty, Graduate Council, Joint Policy Committee, Faculty Senate) the resolution was tabled by a vote of 22 to 14.

AGENDA ITEM B: LIBRARY FUNDING

Dr. Holmes reported the receipt of three copies of the resolution signed by members of the Arts and Sciences Faculty.

Mr. Damico, Director of University Libraries, provided some background information (Attachment 4), announced the formation of the Journal Review Committee to deal with future serials issues, and noted that research libraries throughout the United States are beginning to concentrate on accessibility instead of ownership. He also expressed thanks to the Faculty Senate for the support shown for the funding to compensate for gaps in the collection as revealed by Books for College Libraries (3rd ed.).

Concern was expressed that the resolution's language was pejorative and negative. The vote was 25 to 6, returning the resolution to committee for rewording.

(Dr. Holmes excused himself for a 4:00 p.m. class and the remainder of the meeting was chaired by Geneva Bush.)

AGENDA ITEM C: AD HOC SENATE COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT

Larry Schehr explained the purpose of the proposed committee is to keep faculty informed on Board of Trustees plans and actions which affect academics.

Discussion followed concerning the necessity of such a committee since the Faculty Senate Chair is invited to Board meetings. Dr. Schehr replied that there is a need for a committee in order to ensure that there is adequate awareness of Board actions.

A motion to table the resolution was made and approved by a 17-7 vote.

OTHER BUSINESS

There were no committee reports, caucus reports, university committee reports, or any new business.

ADJOURNMENT

After announcing the next meeting, set for the third Wednesday in April, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Geneva Bush, Secretary