2002-2003

Senate Minutes

Wednesday, May 14, 2003, 2 pm, MBSC Nebraska Room

Attendees: Akers, N. Bacon, Bishop, Blair, Carlson, J. Carroll, D'Souza, Dickson, Krause, Lin, Littrell, Madsen, Mei, Metal-Corbin, Nazem, Neathery-Castro, Ritter, Sadlek, Simpson, Smallwood, Tixier y Vigil, Valle, Williams, Wolcott

Excused: Allen, W. Bacon, Dasgupta, Kwak, Latchaw, Lewis, Metal-Corbin, Ortman, Shuster

Absent: Benjamin-Alvarado, Bennett, M. Carroll, Dufner, Latchaw, Lin, O'Connell, Pedersen, Schulte,

I. Due to a weather delay Senator Sadlek didn't call the meeting to order until 2:.35 p.m.

II. The minutes of the April 9, 2003, minutes were approved as submitted.

III. Officers Reports

A. President's Report: Senator Sadlek

1. Executive Committee and Administration Meeting: The meeting was held April 11, 2003. The Administration received Senate resolutions 2666, 2667, and 2668. The rest of the meeting was concerned with the impending budget cuts and the latest report on the color-coded task forces. The necessary changes have been made so that part-time retirees may now access their TIAA-CREF savings.



2. Chancellor's Council: The meeting was held April 17, 2003. There was little new to report on the continuing budget crisis. VC Carrico indicated that UNO's tuition was 6^th out of 11 peer institutions and was 8.3% behind the mid-point of its peers and many of our peers will again be increasing their tuition next year. A chart of the administrative structure for the new Division of Academic and Student Affairs was unveiled. In this structure, it is noteworthy that Wade Robinson will become a new Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. He will report to Derek Hodgson, and all the offices and programs in Student Affairs will report directly to him. Dean Shelton Hendricks gave a short presentation on an idea for a new Emeritus College at UNO, to create a new structure through which Emeritus faculty could have the opportunity to continue to have strong links to the UNO community.



3. Board of Regents Meeting: The Board of Regents conducted their annual visit to the UNO campus on Friday, April 25, 2003. The Board met for their regular business meeting in Lincoln on April 26, 2003. Our own Barb Henney was given a Kudos Award for her dedicated work in the Marketing Program. The major presentation was on Water: Research, Development, and Educational Resources, and UNL is planning to become a world leader in water and drought research as well as in water rights. The Board also heard a report by President Smith on the budget cutting process and a comparison of costs. There was a motion amended by the Board so that only those who are currently 1 FTE and move to .75 FTE would be paid full benefits. The deadline for faculty to opt into the 2003 Retirement Incentive Program for Tenured Faculty was pushed back from April 30, 2003, to June 30,2003. Finally, the 2003-2005 contract between the Board of Regents and the UNO AAUP was approved by the Board.



4. The Faculty Senate Office Administrator will continue as 1 FTE. The Faculty Senate President might be paid 6 hours of release time through his college. The Deans and Vice Chancellor Hodgson are in negotiation.



5. A presentation on forming an Emeritus College was presented at last week's EC&C meeting. No details have been worked out, but the EC&C supports the idea in principle. Senator Sadlek will have an ad hoc committee formed by the August Retreat.


B. Treasurer's Report: Senator Williams submitted the April 2003 budget report.

IV. Executive Committee Report: Senator Blair

On behalf of the Executive Committee Senator Sadlek moved the following four resolutions. They were all passed.

A. Resolution 2669, 05/14/2003: Appreciation for Service (Outgoing Senators)

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha extends to the following outgoing senators its deepest appreciation for service on the Faculty Senate:

Nora Bacon (A&S)
Wikil Kwak (BA)
Bonnie O'Connell (FA)
Robert Carlson (A&S)
Shuanglin Lin (BA)
Donna Dufner (IS&T)
Andrew Smallwood (A&S)
Robert Blair (PACS)
Angela Valle (A&S).

B Resolution 2670, 05/14/2003: Appreciation for Service (Standing Committees, etc.)

WHEREAS, the smooth and productive functioning of the Faculty Senate is dependent upon effective leadership of the standing committees,

WHEREAS, by their service in meetings of the Executive Committee and Cabinet, committee chairpersons assist the Executive Committee in responding to the needs of the faculty and charting a course for the Senate,

WHEREAS, this academic year was a year of unusually large and complex challenges due to the continuing budget crisis,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha expresses its sincere appreciation to members of the Senate Cabinet - Professors Nora Bacon, Bob Blair, Laura Dickson, Henry D'Souza, Bruce Garver, and Boyd Littrell - for their dedication, hard work, and leadership during this academic year 2002-2003.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Laura Dickson and Boyd Littrell be further recognized for their outstanding additional service as members of the Executive Committee.

C. Resolution 2671, 05/14/2003: Appreciation for Service (V.P. Bob Blair)

WHEREAS, he assumed the duties of Faculty Senate Vice President in March 2003,

WHEREAS, he assumed the responsibilities of Vice President in addition to his annual asignment as Chair of Professional Development Committee,

WHEREAS, his clear vision and warm good humor guided the Executive Committee through crucial year-end meetings,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha expresses its sincere appreciation to Professor Bob Blair for his work as Vice President during the final months of this academic year 2002-2003.

D. Resolution 2672, 05/14/2003: Appreciation for Service (Sec-Treas Ethel Williams)

WHEREAS, she assumed the duties of Faculty Senate Secretary-Treasurer in May 2002,

WHEREAS, she kept track of the Senate Budget and dutifully reported our status from month to month, and

WHEREAS, she has regularly coordinated with the Senate Office Administrator on the production of Senate agendas and minutes, and

WHEREAS, she brought a fresh and insightful perspectives to difficult matters,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha expresses its sincere appreciation to Professor Ethel Williams for her work as Secretary-Treasurer in this academic year 2002-2003.

On behalf of the Executive Committee and Cabinet Senator Blair moved the following resolution which was carried:

E. Resolution 2673, 05/14/2003: Appreciation for Service (President Greg Sadlek)

WHEREAS, Gregory Sadlek has provided excellent leadership in word and action in this time of pressing budgetary crisis for the University as President of UNO's Faculty Senate, and

WHEREAS, he as served as a facilitator, a supporter, a role model, and an advocate for UNO, and

WHEREAS, he has wisely and eloquently represented his colleagues and his university in conversations with the Chancellor and Vice Chancellors, the Board of Regents, the University President, the legislature, media representatives, and many others, and

WHEREAS, he has dealt with multiple and very diverse topics in a calm, straightforward, and professional manner,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha extends its deep appreciation to Professor Gregory Sadlek for his outstanding service to the faculty and the University as President of the UNO Faculty Senate during the 2002-2003 academic year and wish him continued success for the 2003-2004 academic year.

F. It was announced that Jeremy Lipschultz's resignation was accepted and Marsha Watson was appointed to permanently replace him (May 14, 2003 - May 10, 2006).

G. It was also announced that Harvey Leavitt had retired, effective April 30, 2003, and so is no longer eligible to sit on the senate. James Carroll was appointed to replace him (May 7, 2003 -May 11, 2005).

On behalf of the Executive Committee Senator Blair moved the following and it was passed.

H. Resolution 2674, 05/14/2003: Resolution Thanking Harvey Leavitt:

WHEREAS Professor Harvey Leavitt has meritoriously served the University of Nebraska at Omaha Faculty Senate in numerous capacities over his career, most notably serving with distinction as President of the Senate during the 1980-81 academic year,

WHEREAS Professor Leavitt has retired from the University and must resign his Senate seat, and

WHEREAS his insightful, witty and humane observations and contributions have enriched numerous senate meetings; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED that the Faculty Senate thanks Professor Leavitt for his outstanding service to the faculty and the faculty senate and wishes him well in retirement.

I. Senator Blair announced that Marsha Watson's request to be excused for the Fall 2003 semester due to a class scheduling conflict was accepted. Because there are no remaining alternates from the College of Arts and Sciences, the 2003-2004 Senators from that college caucused at the end of this meeting to elect another eligible member of the college in accordance with Senate Bylaws, Article III, Section1. Christina Dando was elected and will be notified.

J. Senator Blair announced that Peter Wolcott will be on sabbatical for the academic year 2003-2004 and Ilze Zigurs will be his permanent replacement (May 15, 2003 - May 12, 2004).

On behalf of the Executive Committee Senator Blair moved the following two resolutions and they were passed.

K. Resolution 2675, 05/14/2003: Resolution Regarding Merger of the College of Continuing Studies into The College of Public Affairs and Community Service

WHEREAS the restructuring team established by the Chancellor has endorsed the merger of the College of Continuing Studies and its Bachelor's Degree in General Studies into the College of Public Affairs and Community Service; and

WHEREAS the Dean's Forum has endorsed, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and the Chancellor have endorsed this recommendation; and

WHEREAS the Faculty of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service has voted to accept this merger of the College of Continuing Studies; and

WHEREAS the College of Public Affairs and Community Service is committed to suppporting the structure and intent of the Bachelor's Degree in General Studies;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Faculty Senate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha endorses the merger of the College of Continuing Studies and its Bachelor's Degree of General Studies into the College of Public Affairs and Community Service.

I. Resolution 2674, 05/14/2003: Resolution regarding Faculty Senate Budget Advisory Committee:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate President appoints the following three names to go forward as appointments to the senate Budget Advisory Committee for terms specified:

John Bartle (CPACS), Chairperson, May 14, 2003 to July 31, 2006
Randy Adkins (CAS), May 14, 2003 to July 31, 2005
Donald Baum (CBA), May 14, 2003 to July 31, 2004

These members would serve their full terms or until such a time as the Budget Advisory Committee is redefined by the Senate.

V. Standing Committee Reports

A. Committee on Academic and Curricular Affairs: Senator N. Bacon reported that the committee met on Wednesday, April 30, 2003. Those present were: Nora Bacon, Jody Neathery-Castro, Ethel Williams, Gary Krause, Joan Latchaw, Jim Akers. The committee briefly discussed the new course designed to meet the General Education math requirement, noting that it may address some of the concerns raised in discussions last year about Math 1310. It was strongly recommended that faculty members be provided with a faculty handbook (perhaps online) covering campus resources and policies. The handbook might include such items as, an organizational chart, information about relationships among the colleges (and among NU campuses), guidance for academic advising, current description of resources for faculty, current description of resources for students, promotion and tenure guidelines for each college. The Faculty Senate President will form an Ad Hoc committee on this.

B. Committee on Faculty Personnel and Welfare: Senator D'Souza reported that the committee met on April 30, 2003. Attendees were: Bennett, Carlson, D'Souza, Kwak, Lin, and Mei. Committee members presented their findings of the tenure, promotion, tenure and reappointment guidelines of the colleges assigned to them, and agreed that all colleges appear to be consistent with University guidelines for promotion, tenure and reappointment except the College of Arts and Sciences. A motion was presented to the Executive Committee and Cabinet, but, as it was felt that this is a problem unique to the College of Arts and Sciences, and wishing to show support for University guidelines, it was sent back to committee.

C. Committee on Goals and Directions: Senator Garver was unable to attend this meeting. Senator Allen submitted the report. The committee met on Wednesday, April 23. Present were Chris Allen, Bruce Garver, Caroline Simpson, Angela Valle. Excused was Karl Kosloski. The Committee expressed its concern over the extent to which faculty representative self-governance has been weakened through its having been largely circumvented by two recently initiated means of determining UNO's long-range goals and administrative reorganization. First, is the proposed reordering of Colleges, departments, and programs being discussed and recommended by color-coded teams on which the Faculty Senate does not have formal representation. Second, the preparation and modification of "UNO's strategic plan" by periodically convened "strategic retreats" and also by the regular review of each such "strategic plan" by UNO's Strategic Planning Steering Committee at its monthly meetings. The Committee expressed its displeasure at the UNO Administration's not having consulted with the Faculty Senate before abruptly curtailing in March 2003 UNO's regular recycling of paper, cardboard, and related products and requests that the Faculty Senate President ask the appropriate administrator to explain to the Senate (a) what, if any, alternatives to the curtailment of recycling were considered before the decision to curtail recycling was made and (b) why the Faculty Senate was not consulted before this decision was made. The Committee also endorsed chairperson Bruce Garver's written response of April 11, 2003, to Senate President Greg Sadlek regarding suggested cuts in the budget of the UNO Faculty Senate.

D. Committee on Professional Development: Senator Blair reported that the committee met on April 23, 2003. Those in attendance were Senators Robert Blair, Josie Metal-Corbin, Beth Ritter, Sufi Nazem, and Harvey Leavitt. The Committee reviewed and discussed the recommendations of the Faculty Development, Service Learning and Social Work Force (Magenta Team), which was given the charge of reducing $200,000 from a variety of faculty and professional development programs. In order to continue core activities of professional development, like Teaching Circles, TABS, UCAT, and the Annual Faculty Development Workshop, the Magenta Team recommended that faculty associates be assigned to oversee these programs. The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of formal Faculty Senate involvement in the Teams from the beginning. It was felt that Faculty Senate members should have been appointed to be members of the Teams. This would have provided for more systematic input from the Faculty Senate to the budget reduction process.

Senator Blair moved the following for the committee. The resolution passed.

Resolution 2677, 05/14/2003: Faculty Associates and Professional Development Activities

WHEREAS it has been recommended to the Administration that Faculty Associates will be assigned to coordinate core programs of professional development, and;

WHEREAS Sponsored Programs and Research, and the Graduate Office will provide operational support for professional development programs like the University Committee on Research, and the Research Triangles, and;

WHEREAS Faculty Associates will be provided workload adjustments to oversee other core professional development activities, including Teaching Circles, TABS, the Annual Faculty Development Workshop, and UCAT;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Faculty Associates be identified as soon as possible by the Academic Affairs Office so affected academic units can make workload adjustments, resulting in a continuation of core professional development activities in the fall semester of 2003.

E Committee on Rules: Senator Littrell reported that the final composition of the 2003-2004 Faculty Senate Standing Committees was listed under New Business.

VI New Business

Senator Sadlek moved the following resolution and it was passed:

A. Resolution 2678, 05/14/2003: Increasing Tuition

WHEREAS in AY 2001-2002, the University of Nebraska at Omaha already went through a series of budget cuts, totaling $5 million,

WHEREAS, among other cuts, the university lost 58 faculty and staff positions, two academic programs, and important resources for "at risk" students,

WHEREAS now a threat exists to cut an additional 3 to 10% out of UNO's 2003-2004 budget, cuts which will mean further crippling reductions in administration, faculty, and staff support, seriously damaging the ability of the university to serve its students, support faculty research, and engage with the community,

WHEREAS unavoidable increases in fixed costs of approximately $21 million system-wide will further magnify the size of the proposed cuts,

WHEREAS 15% increase in tuition system-wide would raise $19.3 million and, thus, come close to covering the increase in the system's fixed expenses, thus, sparing the system further damaging cuts,

WHEREAS the tuition at UNO is currently 8.3% behind the average of its peers,

WHEREAS tuition will likely increase in many if not most of UNO peer institutions, putting UNO's tuition rate even further behind its peers,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the UNO Faculty Senate urges the Board of Regents approve a tuition increase of at least 15% for AY 2003-2004.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that at the same time the Board of Regents make more funds available for need-based scholarships and loans to help the most economically disadvantaged among UNO's students.

B. Transfer of Presidency and Election of 2003-2004 Officers, etc.:

1. President Sadlek continued as President.

On behalf of the Committee on Rules Senator Littrell moved the following resolution and it was passed:

2. Resolution 2679, 05/14/2003: Membership of Standing Committees


BE IT RESOLVED, that the senate president appoints the 2003-2004 senators to the standing committees as designated:

Committee on Academic & Curricular Affairs (6)

1. James Akers (ED)
2. Gary Krause (NU)
3. Joan Latchaw (A&S)
4. Jody Neathery-Castro (A&S)
5. Ethel Williams (PACS)
6. Wally Bacon (A&S)


Committee on Educational Resources & Services (6)

1. Robert Shuster (A&S)
2. Laura Dickson (LIB)
3. Laura Schulte (ED)
4. Peter Wolcott, (IS&T)
5. Marsha Watson (A&S)
6. Rebecca Pasco (ED)


Committee on Faculty Personnel & Welfare (6)

1. Natalie Bennett, (A&S)
2. Henry D'Souza, (PACS)
3. Wai-ning Mei, (A&S)
4. Graham Mitenko (BA)
5. David Helm (FA)
6. Pamela Jean Owens (A&S)


Committee on Goals & Directions (6)

1. Chris Allen, (A&S)
2. Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado (A&S)
3. Bruce Garver, (A&S)
4. Karl Kosloski, (PACS)
5. Caroline Simpson (FA)
6. Richard Ortman (BA)


Committee on Professional Development (6)

1. James Carroll, (A&S)
2. Josie Metal-Corbin, (ED)
3. Sufi Nazem, (BA)
4. Keith Pedersen, (NU)
5. Beth Ritter, (A&S)
6. John Shroder (A&S)

Committee on Rules (6)

A&S: Boyd Littrell
BA: Darryll Lewis
ED: Yvonne Tixier y Vigil
FA: Peter Madsen
IS&T: Raj Dasgupta
PACS: Michael Carroll

The meeting was recessed for Retiring Standing Committee Members to caucus to Elect Chairs, from continuing Senators, except for Committee on Rules. President Sadlek reported the results in the following resolution, which was passed.

3. Resolution 2680, 05/14/2003: Standing Committee Chairs

BE IT RESOLVED, that according to the Bylaws of the Faculty Senate of the University of Nebraska, Article VI, Section 1, the retiring standing committees have met and selected the following chairs from their continuing members (except for the Committee on Rules, who is appointed by the President):

Committee on Academic and Curricular Affairs: Jody Neathery-Castro
Committee on Educational Resources and Services: Laura Dickson
Committee on Faculty Personnel and Welfare: Henry D'Souza
Committee on Goals and Directions: Caroline Simpson
Committee on Professional Development: Sufi Nazem

VII The 2002-2003 Senate adjourned at 4:10 p.m. The exiting Senators were excused and the incoming Senators were invited to take their seats. Due to lack of a quorum, the organizational meeting of the 2003-2004 Faculty Senate would take place on Friday, May 16, 2003. The Senate coordinator will notify all members and assure a quorum.