Our committee met rarely face-to-face, due to conflicts among busy schedules; however, we did set priorities through a combination of face-to-face and email meetings/exchanges. Those priorities were:

• Sabbatical policy and related faculty development issues
• Parental leave policy
• Non-tenure track promotion policy
• Tenure denial and grievance process policy
• Policies related to hiring and retention of a diverse faculty

Sabbatical policy. Discussions on sabbatical policy revealed differences in faculty perception of sabbaticals across colleges. Representatives on the committee reported high levels of support for sabbaticals in some colleges. For example, all requested sabbaticals for 2002-2003 were funded in the College of Arts & Sciences. In some other colleges, few faculty members apply for sabbaticals. The committee concluded that the University policy on sabbaticals is clearly stated and appears to be supportive, however, the culture around sabbaticals varies widely at the College level. The Faculty Senate may decide to work to change the culture by promoting the use of sabbaticals through dissemination of information across colleges at USA or from other universities.

Parental leave. A faculty member brought to the committee’s attention that the University has no leave policy specifically for pregnancy and childbirth, and that faculty members must take medical leave for the birth or adoption of a child. The committee concluded that the University has a stated policy regarding "Family and Medical Leave."

Concerns shared by administration. Dr. Covey’s office has sought faculty involvement in three of the issues that our committee identified:

• Non-tenure track promotion policy
• Tenure denial and grievance process policy
• Policies related to hiring and retention of a diverse faculty

Action has either been taken or is pending before the Faculty Senate on the tenure denial and grievance process policy, as well as non-tenure track promotion policy. In addition to shared priorities, the administration proposed and sought faculty involvement in the revision of student grade grievance policy. The Faculty Senate adopted the revised policy.

The Chair of the Faculty Policy and Handbook Committee receives regular communication from the Academic Vice President’s committee on minority recruitment and retention. Dr. Covey offered the following explanation for the narrow definition that the University uses for minority faculty, "Recently in response to a university wide survey, many expressed concern that we have restricted our definition of the need for diversification to African-Americans. I can understand their concern. However, the Court has defined it for us because of our demographics and because of the desegregation case." She added regarding minority faculty recruitment and retention, "We are making progress and we do have a serious commitment."

At the last meeting of the Faculty Senate, a Senator from the College of Business reported issues in that college with hiring procedure. The matter was referred to the Policy and Handbook Committee. Another Senator form Arts & Sciences suggested that next year’s committee look at the language of the Faculty Handbook regarding the roles of faculty and administrators in faculty searches.

Thanks to all the members of this committee. In many ways, our year was quiet. Still, important policy revisions have been made and communications with administrators have been open and productive. My own term has expired. I encourage the Senators who will remain on the Senate to continue to monitor important issues related to the policies and procedures and the University culture in which these policies are developed and enforced.

My best regards,

Roma Hanks, PhD

Chair, 2002-2004, University Policies and Faculty Handbook Committee