[Approved January 9, 2008]

Minutes of the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate

December 13, 2007

St. Mary’s 113 B; 12:00 PM

Present: D. Biers (presiding), T. Eggemeier, R. Kearns, L. Laubach, R. Penno,

F. Pestello, A. Seielstad, T. Stevens, R. Wells

J. Farrelly (Faculty Board)

Guests:

P. Hart (Director Honors and Scholars Program), J. McCombe (Associate Director HSP), A. Murray (Associate Director HSP), C. Krane (College of Arts and Sciences, HSP Task Force Member)

Roll Call:

Nine members of the Committee were present.

Prayer:

The meeting opened with a prayer for the gift of wisdom offered by R. Wells.

Approval of Minutes:

Minutes of December 6, 2007 were approved.

New Business:

Discussion of the Honors and Scholars Programs:

P. Hart introduced and initiated the discussion of the current challenges facing the Honors and Scholars Program and possible recommendations. J. McCombe provided an overview of the challenges which include issues related to the recruitment process, curriculum offerings, retention of students through the programs, and finances. More details are available in the report of the HSP Task Force.

A. Murray presented and led a discussion of suggestions for a revised program structure. Recommendations include the development of a new first-year structure for students recruited to the HSP, admissions to the HSP open to all sophomores with a minimum GPA or 3.5, and three program options leading to either honor, scholar, or Berry Scholar designation. More detail is provided in the report.

All recommendations are consistent with the current curriculum structure. ECAS will determine the nature of the Academic Senate’s future involvement.

Discussion of the Base Budget Requests:

F. Pestello asked for reactions and feedback regarding the base budget requests presented at the Provost Council meeting of December 11, 2007. In response to a question, F. Pestello identified high priority requests as determined by their contribution to the University’s mission and objectives. Allocations that focus on funding tenure and tenure track faculty positions, along with purposeful allocation of faculty resources and the possibility of joint faculty appointments, were discussed. The discussion highlighted the timeliness of addressing faculty workload policies.

During the next ELC meeting, scheduled for December 18, 2007, the budget requests and tuition options will be discussed. R. Wells will report for ECAS.

Meeting Time for Winter 08:

ECAS will meet on Wednesdays at 12:00 noon in SM 113B. The first meeting of the semester is scheduled for January 9, 2008. Meetings will vary in length from one hour to one and a half hours depending on the schedule of administrative meetings in the College.

Elections Committee:

Until a formal Elections Committee can be appointed, an interim committee of Andrea Koziol, Lloyd Laubach, and a member appointed from the Faculty Board, will oversee university-wide elections. The election of members of the university-wide P&T committee to be held in January will be the first order of business. This will be done in cooperation with the ad hoc committee assembled by J. Untener to facilitate implementation of the new P&T policy.

Announcements:

The discussion of diversity, at one point was scheduled for this meeting, has been delayed until requested information is available and selected invitees can attend. The importance of the topic was underscored with assurances that the topic will be addressed at a future ECAS meeting.

Old Business:

Committee reports were dispensed with due to time considerations.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 1:15 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rebecca Wells (for Patricia A. Johnson, Secretary)