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2000-2001
FACULTY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Meeting
#13, Tuesday, November 28, 2000
Present:
McKeever (chair), Smelser (vice-chair),
Bitterwolf, Brunsfeld, Chun, Coonts, Finnie, Foltz, Fritz, Guilfoyle,
Haggart (w/o vote), Kraut, McCaffrey, McClure, Meier, Nelson, Nielsen,
Olson, Pitcher (w/o vote) Absent: Glen, Goble, Goodwin, Hong,
Thompson, Trivedi Observers: 3
Call
to Order. A quorum being present, Faculty
Council Chair, Professor Kerry McKeever, called the meeting to order at
3:35 p.m. in the Idaho Commons.
Minutes.
The council, by voice vote, accepted the minutes of the November
14, 2000, meeting as distributed.
Chair’s
Report. Professor McKeever reported on the
following items:
·
Legislative Session Preparations. McKeever reported that
during her visit to Boise she had a chance to work with the other
faculty council/senate leaders in planning strategy for the upcoming
legislative session. She said that she will be a guest on a public
affairs television program, produced at North Idaho College, which will
give her an opportunity to inform viewers about the issues surrounding
the need for competitive faculty salaries. McKeever also noted that the
leadership group has been asked to make presentations to several
legislative committees, but that they had not yet been asked to appear
before the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC).
·
The Campaign for Idaho. McKeever said that she
attended the gala in Boise announcing the new three year U of Idaho fund
drive. More than 900 people attended the event. The campaign has
surpassed the $67 million mark – well on its way to its $100 million
goal. She said that Councilor Melanie Coonts (a student representative
on the council) was one of the featured personalities interviewed in a
new video about the U of Idaho that was premièred at the event. The
video also speaks directly to faculty needs and features profiles of
many of our nationally known faculty members. McKeever noted that the
assembled group was very supportive of the fund drive. She believes
that, in the long run, the campaign will do a lot to strengthen the ties
between the U of Idaho Foundation, the alumni, and members of the
faculty. Provost Pitcher added that the campaign fund kick-off event was
a very special evening. He wished that all U of Idaho employees could
have experienced the enthusiasm and support that surrounded the event.
He told the council that Professor McKeever, in her role as Chair of
Faculty Council, is a member of the U of Idaho Foundation. He said that
she enjoys a unique relationship with the foundation and they are eager
to hear from her regarding the concerns and needs of the faculty.
·
Faculty Surveys. McKeever reminded the council that the
surveys that they are conducting regarding faculty members who have left
the U of Idaho in the last 5 years should be turned in by December 5th.
They can be sent to her or brought to the meeting.
·
U of Idaho Art Policy. A draft of the"University
of Idaho Art Policy" document (FC-01-015) developed by the Fine
Arts Committee was distributed to the council for advance reading. The
policy will be discussed at the January 23, 2001, council meeting.
Provost’s
Report. Provost Brian Pitcher reported on the
following items:
·
Idaho Legislative Tour. The U of Idaho was one of the
hosts for the North Idaho Legislative Tour organized by the North Idaho
Chambers of Commerce. Pitcher said that he thought that the
presentations made on the U of Idaho campus were informative and well
received by the members of the state legislature. Building good
relationships via these kinds of presentations will continue to pay-off
in the long run for the U of Idaho.
·
SBOE/Regents Meeting. Pitcher reported on a couple of
items of particular interest:
The
SBOE/Regents had a long discussion with Boise State University
about their strategic plan. The board raised concerns and issues
about the proposed building and academic program plans for the Nampa and
Caldwell areas. The board did not feel that B.S.U. had thought through
the "second campus" plan thoroughly.
The
Academic Affairs Committee of the SBOE/Regents had a lengthy discussion
concerning mathematics and science education in Idaho. A
couple of task forces established by the governor to look at manpower
needs have identified that Idaho students are weak in math and science.
More support needs to be provided for improving these basic skills
throughout the educational system. A set of recommendations is being
drafted by the committee to bring to the January board meeting. The
provost encouraged council members to email him with questions,
suggestions, and comments regarding this issue. When the committee has a
draft recommendation, he will circulate it on the U of Idaho campus.
Councilor
Kraut asked the Provost to comment on newspaper accounts regarding the differential
fee proposal. She indicated that the press was reporting board
discussion and action much differently than the U of Idaho administration.
Provost Pitcher said that he thought the newspaper accounts had
exaggerated the story. The U of Idaho is not going to ask for any new fee
structure or changes until the SBOE/Regents develop policy guidelines.
Chair McKeever added that at the last board meeting the SBOE/Regents specifically
voted to only develop a policy by which they could then consider
changes in fees – like the differential fee plan developed by the U of
Idaho administration. That draft fee proposal policy statement will be
discussed at the April 2000 SBOE/Regents meeting.
Committee
Reports. The
Faculty Council then received as seconded motions a number of items from
the University Curriculum Committee (UCC).
FC-01-006.
The Division of Teacher Education in the College of Education requests changing
the name of the Division of Teacher Education to the "Division of
Teaching, Learning and Leadership." Professor Cherie Major,
Director of Teacher Education, provided the council with background
information on the consideration and need for the name change. She said
that the undergraduate and master’s programs were being completely
re-designed. The division has considered the re-naming process for the
past three years. The faculty finally agreed on using the words teaching,
learning, and leadership in the division title. Professor Major said that
the teaching and learning part of the name encompasses what the program is
becoming and represents common usage in educational programs at other
universities. The other word modification reflects a change in focus from
simply defining leadership as applying only to administration when, in
fact, it defines a much broader application of leadership roles in
education. FC-01-006 was adopted by majority voice vote with 2
abstentions.
FC-01-011.
A proposal to (A) change the name of
the advanced degree major in Educational Administration to
"Educational Leadership (M.S., M.Ed., Ed.S.Ed.Ldrshp.)" and (B)
change the name of the advanced degree majors in Elementary Education and
Secondary Education to one advanced degree major entitled "Curriculum
and Instruction (M.S., M.Ed.)." Since this agenda item was
related to FC-01-006 it was taken up out of order. The secretary noted
that this item is to be considered by the Graduate Council on November 29th
and passage of this item will be contingent on the proposal being approved
by the Graduate Council.
A
misunderstanding by the chair and the council
led to a brief discussion and exchange and then premature passage of the
entire proposal (FC-01-011) without a discussion of the first
("administration") of the two proposed degrees. The council
believed that it was only voting on the second part of the proposal
concerning the combining of the elementary and secondary education degrees
into the "curriculum and instruction" single degree program.
The
original motion was reconsidered and the
council elected to vote separately on each of the degree name changes
presented in FC-01-011.
The
council had a lively discussion of (A) the advance degree
name change to "Educational Leadership." Professor Major said
that this name change represents a national trend. The College of
Education prepares a number of people for leadership roles in educational
settings that do not lead to administrator certification. There are a
growing number of students that take the degree program for other
leadership roles in schools. For instance, there are new leadership
roles for mentoring pre-service teacher interns and the professional
development of new teachers.
Councilor
Nelson felt that this name change devalued the rest of the advanced
degrees by implying that this is the only degree that relates to
leadership. He hoped that all degree candidates are trained in leadership.
Nelson believes that the college is saying implicitly, through this name
change, that to be trained in leadership you must be an administrator.
Professor
Major responded that this was exactly what the name change was trying to
get away from – identifying leadership only with administrators. There
are many other leadership roles besides administration. The whole
division teaches leadership.
Councilor
Meier said that he believed that when you changed the name from
"administration" to "leadership" you introduce a
problem in semantics. If someone wants to become a school principal
and is looking at college catalogs, the U of Idaho would be at a
disadvantage in not having "administration" in the degree
listings.
Professor
Major replied that what is happening is just the opposite. People are
looking for leadership degree programs, not administrative programs
(except for certification). Leadership broadens the College of Education’s
appeal. Provost Pitcher said that his perception is that
"administrator" is not in vogue now. It is more popular to be
identified as a "leader." The degree name will be a positive
factor in attracting students and in their future employment.
Professor
Christiansen (faculty member in the College of Education and Chair of UCC)
added that the direction this field is now taking is toward
"educational leadership." She also reminded the council that
there is a difference between obtaining an advanced degree and
qualifying for certification as an administrator. A person could
achieve certification as a school administrator without holding the Master’s
degree in "leadership." They are separate and distinct programs.
Councilor
Bitterwolf asked Professor Major for some specifics about how the
curriculum has actually changed or will change to reflect the degree
name change. Major responded that the college was under an obligation to
take the new state education standards and apply them to degree programs.
These new standards call for leadership positions. The entire curriculum
is being examined right now and in the future will reflect this new
emphasis. She said that one of the significant growth areas in the college
is coming from teachers who want to take a leadership option rather than
the certification option. This growth is especially true in the Twin Falls
and in the Boise area. New laws concerning "mentoring" of new
teachers are also having a real impact in this area of education.
Bitterwolf said that he would be more comfortable looking at this degree
change after the curricular changes had been made.
Chair
McKeever asked about revisions of the catalog material that would
accompany the name change. She noted that it was important that the new
program be clear to those looking at degree options – a clear
description of the degrees. Professor Major said that new material would
be included in the catalog and at the college web site that reflected this
new emphasis in leadership.
FC-01-011
– Part A was approved by a majority vote (11 yea, 1 nay, 5 abstaining).
FC-01-011
– Part B was approved by a majority vote (16 yea, 1 abstention).
FC-01-007.
A proposal to add Introduction to Environmental Science and Field
Activities (EnvS 101-102) and General Astronomy and Lab (Phys 103-104) as
courses that may be used for core credit under J-3-b, Natural and Applied
Science. Professor Haggart provided background
information on this proposal. FC-01-007 was adopted by unanimous
voice vote.
FC-01-008.
A proposal to reinstate the majors in Crop Science (B.S.Pl.Sc.) and Plant
Protection (B.S.Pl.Sc.). Professor Robert
Zemetra, Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, provided the council
with a historical background of the degree program and the circumstances
that led to the proposed reinstatement of these degrees. He said that the
new majors offered the proper flexibility in course offerings and students’
progress through the degree program. Several councilors also commented on
the students’ sensitivity to and need for identification with a proper
academic major name while at school and when seeking employment in the
field. The council adopted FC-01-008 by unanimous voice vote.
FC-01-009.
A proposal for a new degree in Athletic Training (B.S.P.E.).
Professor Calvin Lathen, Director of the Division of Health, Physical
Education, Recreation and Dance, advised the council of the circumstances
leading to the new degree request. The U of Idaho offers a minor in this
field of study and an extensive internship-based training program. The
national certification board has changed the certification requirements to
a curriculum-based educational program. Students wishing to pursue a
career in athletic training – including national certification as a
trainer – must now meet these new standards. In response to questions
from the council, Professor Lathen noted that the funding and
instructional staff (U of Idaho and WSU) are in place and there is
sufficient student demand to make the program cost-effective and viable.
FC-01-009 was adopted by unanimous voice vote.
FC-01-010.
A proposal to change a major name from Economics (B.S.Bus.) to
"Business Economics (B.S.Bus.)" in the
College of Business and Economics. Councilor Marla Kraut, Associate
Professor of Accounting, provided the council with background information
on the name change. Unlike the degrees offered in the College of Letters
and Science, the College of Business and Economics "financial
economics" degree option is heavily business oriented and focuses on
the growing field of the financial aspects of managerial decision-making.
She said the degree was intended for students who wished preparation for
careers in the business world and requires completion of the CBE core
courses. Students can also still pursue the general option, which
represents the current economics degree program. FC-01-010 was adopted
by unanimous voice vote.
Parking
Task Force Report. Dan Schoenberg, Director of
Auxiliary Services, provided the council with an update on the
considerable amount of discussion that has taken place this year
concerning changes in the parking system at the U of Idaho. He made
particular note of the parking web site that is available for
obtaining information and for posting and reading comments and questions.
The web site can be accessed by going to the main U of Idaho web site (http://www.uidaho.edu)
and clicking on the link to the "Parking Forum Update" or
directly accessed at http://www.dfa.uidaho.edu/parkingforum/.
The information at this site is edited and updated on a weekly basis.
He
also provided the council with several handouts concerning:
mission
and charge to the special task force on parking and transit
timeline
of the process the task force has undertaken this year
maps
showing the current parking system and a draft proposal
With
these materials in hand, Schoenberg reviewed the task force charge and
the progress that has been made so far this year. Meetings began last
April and the last forum was held in November. These forums have been very
"structured." He said that all discussions of parking seem to
lead to the realization that each constituent group has different needs
and these needs are often in conflict. There will be no easy answer to the
parking dilemma! We cannot just come up with a new plan, implement it, and
then look at it again in ten years. The task force has determined that
parking needs a continuing dialogue, evaluation, and change if it is to be
effective and meet the changing needs of the users and a physically
changing campus. The acquisition of a trolley for cross-campus transit
will allow the U of Idaho to try different approaches to a transit system
before actually committing a large amount of money to a community based
transit system.
Councilor
McCaffrey commented that the answer to the problem probably lies in the
fact that there is a finite amount of space on the campus in which to park
cars. It is not so much where you put a car, but how you create
access to get to the places you need to get to on the campus. A
community-based (Moscow/U of Idaho) transit system would seem to be a
reasonable answer to the problem.
Councilor
Coonts noted the need for another parking forum – one that is
less structured and open to a freer discussion of the issues. Schoenberg
replied that he is working with the ASUI to schedule another forum, but
can’t give a date at this time.
Councilor
McClure wanted to know how projected student growth was to be
incorporated into the parking and transit plan? She also noted that it
would seem that some restrictions on the way cars are parked [as if they
were in storage] might help. The city of Moscow has been enforcing its
three hour time limit and that has increased the availability of parking
downtown. Schoenberg said that part of the answer is staying in pace with
campus growth. Anything that will give the university more flexibility in
its parking plan would be of great benefit. There are a number of
trade-offs that need to be made. For instance, the providing of a secure
area away from the campus for long time car storage could open up a large
number of parking spaces closer to the center of the campus.
The
time for adjournment was near and Professor McKeever requested that Mr.
Schoenberg return December 12th for further discussion of the
parking issues. She guaranteed that he would be placed early on the
agenda and plenty of time would be allowed for questions and comments.
Schoenberg agreed with her proposal and the parking discussion will be the
main agenda item at the December 12th council meeting.
Adjournment.
Chair McKeever adjourned the meeting at 5:05 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Peter A. Haggart
Secretary of the
Faculty Council
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