Faculty Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes
Meeting Date:  February 7, 2005

Present:  Leanne Parker, Chairperson, Ray Esparsen, Rik  Brosten, Diana Ames, Victor White, Michelle Sotka.

Minutes from previous meeting:
Minor changes were made to the previous meeting minutes (inclusion of Nov and Dec minutes to the list of approved minutes and the addition of Michelle Sotka to the list of committee members present).  With these changes, the minutes from the January 24^th meeting were approved.

Old Business:

I.                    Changes to SRI’s :  It was decided that the group would take the next few weeks to follow up with our respective divisions.  For the February 28^th meeting, members will bring feedback from the divisions so that we can put together our recommendation for the Senate. 

II.                  Retirement Issue:  Leanne has made revisions to the retirement issue form originally presented by Barbara Kramer.  The revised document is presented in a condensed, objective format.  This new document will be forwarded to Ron Smith and HR to follow up with faculty concerns.  Ron Smith will plan to attend a future Faculty Affairs meeting to discuss this issue further. 

III.                Administrative Withdrawals:  The committee discussed a change to the policy which would require the indication of an “F” on the transcript of a Withdrawal Failing grade (“WF”).  This would eliminate the need for students to petition to withdrawal because passing or failing status would be indicated.  Leanne will speak with Christine regarding this change.  Regarding Administrative Withdrawals, the committee discussed the problem of Administrative disenrollment as it relates to financial aid and reviewed a related handout.  The committee decided to form a subcommittee which will survey the magnitude of the problem by polling the faculty on this issue.  Victor and Ray agreed to lead this project by developing a survey. 

New Business:   

Occupancy Costs:  The issue of raising the required funds to cover the occupancy costs of the activity center was brought to the attention of Leanne by several faculty.  The concern is that President Thomas may plan to cut programs or faculty in order to cover such costs.  It is the belief of these faculty members that the threat should be to cut the operation of the activity center not to cut any academic programs.  The faculty affairs committee will plan to present questions to President Thomas regarding this issue at the February 24^th Senate meeting at which President Thomas will address this issue. 

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 PM.  The next Faculty Affairs Committee meeting will             be held Monday, February 28^th, at noon, Spaulding Hall 300.

Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Sotka 2/7/05