Abstract of May 3, 2010, Faculty Senate meeting

May 4, 2010

Daniel Larner, Western Washington University Faculty Senate president, called the 2009-2010 senate to order at 4:02 p.m. Senators amended and then accepted senate minutes of April 19, 2010, along with the standing committee minutes.

Senate President Larner reported that comments are welcomed on attempts to email senate and standing committee agendas to the campus. He also said that orientation for new senators is at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 17.

WWU President Bruce Shepard reported:

  • Furlough discussions are taking place with union leaders.
  • Data is forthcoming on the 100 conversations initiative.
  • Language on strategic planning ought to be more than mere window dressing.
  • The UPRC’s helpful input will be considered by deans and vice presidents, who will share the practical budget solutions they are presently crafting.

Provost Catherine Riordan provided publications that represent work of faculty and staff including an art collection recognized at a recent Safeco reception and a brochure from Linda Kimball, emeritus, who hosted government officials from Brunei, a country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia.

Marsha Riddle Buly, legislative liaison, along with Steve Garfinkle, United Faculty of Western Washington president, are preparing a letter to thank legislators for past efforts and to encourage platforms and campaign pledges next year to provide support for the state's baccalaureates.

Garfinkle announced a May 13 annual spring UFWW meeting at 4 p.m. in Artnzen Hall Room 100. Nominations are open for UFWW officers, and Garfinkle encouraged faculty members to serve.

Ramon Rinonos-Diaz, Associated Students vice president for academics, reported that the Green Initiative passed and students have elected seven officers to the AS Board.

Constituent concerns:

  • Some National Science Foundation proposal responses received via e-mail are blocked by the SPAM filter.
  • Faculty members can get lower travel rates if they pay ahead but do not get reimbursed until after the trip is completed.
  • Manpower is lacking to monitor bicycle and skateboard interaction with pedestrians.
  • The "Humans vs. Zombies" game on campus is disturbing to classes.
  • A serious pedagogical discussion leading to a clearly articulated policy about credit and contact hours is required before classes can change to 5 credits.

Steve Swan, vice president for WWU External Relations, presented Western's branding initiative and heard faculty members emphasize the importance of "intellectual challenge."

Brent Carbajal, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, reported on the college's new requirements in the general studies major, including 15 credits between declaring and graduating, articulation of a thematic purpose, a capstone 400-level writing course and consultation with a faculty adviser. Karen Stout and Anna Eblen, advisers, reported that many who choose general studies are dedicated and intelligent students at risk of not graduating due to sudden personal or family hardship. Prerequisite requirements in some 400-level classes make those classes inaccessible to general studies majors.

John Lawson, vice provost for WWU Information Technology and CIO, reported on a recent security audit and told the senate that mailbox sizes are increasing and that the Universal ID and regular password will soon be the only way to login, including on Web4U.

Senate Library Committee Charge: In the first of two required votes, senators passed a revised membership charge with an amendment to include a student appointed by the AS Board. Text for that charge is at http://onlinefast.org/wwutoday/news/7576.

Senators voted to adjourn at 5:59 p.m.

Appointments and elections – Chuck Lambert, appointments officer

Vacancies remaining on the Academic Coordinating Commission and university standing committees:

At least:

  • One (1) faculty for Graduate Council faculty (tenured or tenure track) from Areas C, E, or G
  • One (1) faculty for Scholastic Standing Committee (2 yr term)
  • Two (2) faculty for Judicial Appeals Board
  • Three (3) faculty for Academic Grievance Board