Abstract of Oct. 29, 2012, Faculty Senate meeting

Western Today staff

November 2, 2012

Karen Stout, Western Washington University Faculty Senate president, called senators to order at 4:03 p.m. Senators accepted the Senate minutes of Oct. 15, 2012, and the standing committee minutes.

President Stout’s announcements:

  • The Associated Students will host a debate titled “Weed, Taxes and Democracy” in Arntzen Hall Room 100 on initiatives 1184, 1240 and 502 on 10/30 at 7 p.m. in Arntzen 100
  • A “Don’t Let Your Vote Pass You By” video produced by the AS is online.
  • Small contributions to the Combined Fund Drive can be very effective in reaching this year’s $60,000 goal
  • The administrative review survey of Dean Carbajal will be sent out shortly.

Provost Riordan’ announcements and reports:

  • 1,200 parents registered to visit Western this past weekend and had the opportunity to hear faculty give sample lectures and to see dance troupe performances
  • Riordan is meeting Thursday with the Western Governor’s chancellor to examine WGU’s role relative to Western
  • Riordan continues focus on critical enrollment issues; our programs in Everett, with about 300 students from both Woodring and Huxley is expected to continue into the near future
  • Searches are underway for the Library and Fairhaven Deans, and upon Steve Sulkin’s retirement next year, for Director of WWU’s Shannon Point
  • Nominations are sought for the faculty awards which come with a small honorarium.

UFWW President Steve Garfinkle’s announcements:

  • The Squalicum Boathouse celebration was very successful with special thanks to Sandra Alfers
  • A forum to discuss issues related to the CBA, the new dues structure, and the representation fee will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7 in Bond Hall Room 105, and at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, in Communications Facility Room 110. Please check the website for more info.

ASVP-Academics Victor Celis’ announcements:

  • Ballot boxes will be available for faculty and students in VU714 next Monday and Tuesday
  • Students are invited to apply on the AS website to serve on university committees
  • Special thanks to Karen Stout and Mark Kuntz who attended the first training ever for students willing to serve on committees.

Olympia and Legislative Issues Affecting WWU. Senators discussed priorities for the upcoming legislative session with guests Bill Lyne, President United Faculty of Washington State, Faculty Associate to the President; Patrick Stickney, AS Legislative Representative, and Dan Boxberger, FLR. Senators support their efforts and those of Sherry Burkey in educating new legislators and agreed that faculty need to take the time to talk to students on how to make higher education a voter’s issue.
Constituent Concerns: On the possibility of Western changing to semesters: Provost Riordan has been gathering results from other universities who have switched and plans to form a committee to consider the issue.

Senate moved to faculty caucus at 5:31 p.m. and adjourned at 5:45 pm.

APPOINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS – Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, Officer. Approved appointments:
Faculty Senate: Lesley Sommer, Music for Milica Jovanovich, Fall Qtr
Senate Library Committee thru 2013: Carol Janson, Art, for Cara Jaye; Elizabeth Joffrion Library, for Gabe Gossett
Student Publications Council: Through 2013: Christina Keppie, M&CL, Paula Airth, Art, Maria McLeod, Journalism, as alternate. Vacancy: One Senator to serve on Senate Library Committee through spring 2013.