Present: Dr. Susan Baillet, Fr. William Beauchamp, Dr. Linda Birenbaum, Sr. Maria Ciriello, Dr. James Connelly, Dr. Michael Connolly, Dr. Carol Dempsey, Dr. Karen Eifler, Dr. Jeff Gauthier, Dr. Greg Hill, Sr. Angela Hoffman, Dr. Jack Kondrasuk, Dr. Lora Looney, Dr. Diane Martin, Dr. Louis Masson, Dr. Marlene Moore, Dr. Katie O’Reilly, Dr. Peter Osterberg, Ms. Jennifer Reinhard, Dr. Bart Rylander, Ms. Julie Stillwell, Ms. Diane Sotak, Br. Donald Stabrowski, Dr. Peter Thacker

Absent: Dr. Rich Gritta, Dr. Larry Lewis

Invocation: The invocation was given by Sr. Angela Hoffman.

Minutes of April, 2004 meeting was accepted.

Standing Committee Reports

Executive Committee: Dr. Angela Hoffman gave the report. The committee discussed the Academic Senate Constitution and Bylaws that were accepted by the Senate last spring and found some inconsistencies and ambiguities. The committee concluded that the constitution and bylaws should be revisited one more time, and decided to propose an ad hoc committee be appointed to study these issues (see New Business item below).

Committee on Committees: Dr. Jeff Gauthier gave the report. The committee appointed people to the Senate committees and made their recommendations for the Presidential Advisory Committees to Fr. Beauchamp.

Committee on Rank & Tenure: Dr. Lou Masson gave the report. The committee is in the process of reviewing cases for tenure, promotion and tenure review.

Committee on Teaching & Scholarship: Dr. Carol Dempsey gave the report. She distributed a memo to the Senate members, which formally documented the committee’s work with timelines. The purpose of this memo is to give the university’s schools and departments a sense of the committee’s agenda. The main thrust of the committee’s work has consisted of updating documents and materials including a revised and simplified Butine application form. She noted that the total amount of faculty resource monies available in the fall is $79,750.

Committee on Faculty and Welfare: Dr. Susan Baillet gave the report. The committee is reviewing the recommendations sent by the students last spring. She has met with Fr. Beauchamp and discussed the recommendations. She will be receiving his written response soon. The entire committee will meet with Fr. Beauchamp in November. The committee also met with Br. Donald to discuss various issues.

Committee on Curriculum & Academic Regulations: Dr. Karen Eifler gave the report. The committee has distributed to the Chairs and Deans the procedural information on how to submit academic changes to the committee.

Presidential Advisory Committee Reports

Committee on Student Media: No report was given, as there was no action taken since the last Senate meeting.

Committee on Athletics: The committee met with the new director, Larry Williams. The top five goals include: 1) maintain division 1 level, 2) academic support is a priority, 3) marketing (Nike), 4) continue outstanding soccer and basketball teams, and 5) Howard Hall. The NCAA self study and accreditation has been delayed to 2005/2006.

Committee on Health & Safety: Dr. Bart Rylander gave the report. The committee expects to have all the buildings inspected by the end of November. The committee is concerned that the university is overdue for an OSHA inspection and will be investigating this. They are especially concerned about the OSHA inspection of Howard Hall.

Committee on Computers & Telecommunications: Ms. Diane Sotak gave the report. The OCIO informed the committee that they will provide one OCIO staff person to assist the committee. Additionally, Matt Liston will be a technical advisor to the committee. The committee discussed course management software for the School of Nursing. The committee’s priorities are: 1) university computing infrastructure, 2) technical integration, and 3) faculty computing and telecommunications needs.

Student & Faculty Court: No report was given, as there was no action taken since the last Senate meeting.

Other Reports

Fr. William Beauchamp: Fr. reported that the inauguration was very successful and served as a “silent” announcement for the next campaign. At the Board of Regents meeting, two presentations were given. One presentation covered future admissions, student recruitment and financial aid. The other presentation addressed short and long-term plans by the OCIO. A final review of the university financial statements for last year was given. We achieved a balanced budget due to an up year in the financial markets. NCAA certification was postponed for a year. A self-study will be done a year from now. A 40^th anniversary celebration of the Salzburg program was held and was very successful. The School of Nursing has undergone its accreditation, and initial reports look very good but we have not received official final word yet. Fr. Beauchamp, Br. Donald, the Deans and the directors plan to go through the recently completed tactical plan and make any necessary revisions and prioritize each item on October 27. The final tactical plan will be presented at the January meeting of the Board of Regents for their review. Fr. plans to meet with the entire faculty by department starting this fall.

Deans Report: Br. Donald Stabrowski gave the report. The Deans are preparing for the final review meeting of the tactical plan on October 27. We are working with the Presidential Advisory Councils in order to formally involve them with the review of the tactical plan. Regina Largent reported to the Deans that this is the best year for freshmen retention in which we achieved an 85% retention rate. Karen Nelson presented an interesting summary of the student surveys, and Br. Donald encourages all faculty and staff to read these survey results. Arlene Moore reported the formation of a committee to revisit the Honor’s Program. A new national faculty survey will be sent out along with a cover letter from Br. Donald. The survey will help to acquire data on national norms regarding faculty attitudes about their working conditions. The Deans met to plan the Catholic high school counselors program, which has always proved to be very effective and successful.

ASUP: Julie Stillwell gave the report. Related to the tactical plan, ASUP has determined that the top student concerns include extended study hours in the library, public safety, Howard Hall, improvements to current facilities before new ones are built, and the wireless internet. ASUP and students wish to be involved with the resolution of the serious issues of plagiarism and grade inflation at the university. Julie also reported that an ASUP barbeque was held, and ASUP is considering new lecture ideas. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony is Dec. 6 at 6:00 P.M. ASUP wishes to encourage teachers to prepare their book lists early in order to help facilitate the student book exchange. It was suggested that gentle reminders and a schedule be provided to faculty before they make their book orders. ASUP meets every Monday at 4:30 P.M. Faculty and staff are welcome and encouraged to attend

New Business

A motion was made to establish an ad hoc committee to explore the wording of the Academic Senate Constitution and Bylaws. The Committee on Committees will choose the ad hoc committee. The motion was voted on and passed.

Announcements

The School of Nursing recently completed their accreditation reviews (CTND and ONCN) and expects to receive the results soon. They wish to thank everybody for all the support.

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 4:53 P.M.

Respectively submitted,

Dr. Peter Osterberg, Secretary to the Senate