Call to Order and Announcements

The University Senate was called to order at 3:50 p.m., in Room 111, Harrison Hall, Oxford Campus, on Monday, September 25, 2017. Members absent:  Jason Abbitt, Juan Carlos Albarran, Sheldon Anderson, Ann Elizabeth Armstrong, Susan Baim, Rodney Coates, Michele Dickey, Michel Pactat, Dave Sauter, and Stan Toops.

1. Announcements and Remarks by the Chair of University Senate, Phyllis Callahan

   1. Provost Callahan reminded senators of the reception hosted by the President at Lewis Place immediately following Senate.

   2. The search for the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science will be conducted in hopes of having a new Dean named by the end of the academic year.

   3. The Campus climate survey opens tomorrow (Sept 26) through October 27

Approval of University Senate Minutes

2. A motion was received, seconded, and carried to approve the August 28, 2017, minutes of University Senate.

Consent Calendar

3. The following items were received on the Consent Calendar without debate: 

• Curriculum dated September 6, 2017, and September 20, 2017
• Council on Diversity and Inclusion Minutes – September 1, 2017
• Benefits Committee Minutes – April 25, 2017
• International Education Committee Minutes – October 4, 2016
• International Education Committee Minutes – November 11, 2016
• International Education Committee Minutes – February 10, 2017
• International Education Committee Minutes – April 14, 2017
• International Education Committee Minutes – Annual Report, 2016-2017
• Faculty Rights and Responsibilities - Annual Report, 2016-2017

Special Report

4. Campus Climate Survey – Denise Krallman, Director, Office of Institutional Research

   1. Background and process of campus climate survey was outlined.  It will be distributed to all faculty, staff and students on all campuses and will be available from September 26 – October 27, 2017.  The last campus climate survey was conducted in 2002.

   2. A working group of 25 faculty and staff worked with the consulting firm, Rankin & Associates, to develop survey questions.  Rankin & Associates has also worked with other large institutions including Kent State, Kansas State, and the University of Tennessee.

   3. Bi-weekly reports will be available from Rankin & Associates to assess participation rate.  A 30% response rate is needed to make generalizations to a specific population.  Data will be used to develop strategic initiatives and actions.

   4. The survey is estimated to take 20-30 minutes  It was noted that a participant would have to retake the entire survey if they stopped out. Paper copies will be available in Human Resources. Student Disability Services will also have accessible formats available.

   5. Final report will be released to the public and the Board of Trustees in April 2018.  Results will be summative.

Report

5. Report by the Chair of the Executive Committee of University Senate, Shelly Jarrett Bromberg

   1. An overview of the September 5 and September 18, 2017, Senate Executive Committee meetings were given.

   2. Senate Executive Committee will be sending out a brief survey to determine what committee reports are wanted this year.  Once the results are tallied, committee chairs will be asked to give their report to Senate.

Adjournment

6. A motion was received, seconded, and carried to adjourn the Regular Session of University Senate.