Peter Racheotes called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm.
Minutes from the May 11, 2000 meeting were approved as written.
The following agenda items were discussed:

1. Discussion of a document from the Vice President for Academic Affairs' office,     "Eligible Faculty Senate Members." (see attached)
It was noted that there is a discrepancy between the number of members listed as full-time faculty (52) and the number who teach in Texarkana. A question was raised as to whether full-time employees who have been hired in Jefferson are considered to be faculty. If so, have these people been through our faculty search process? A  specific concern of the senate was Dr. Bennett Mullin's hiring and salary. The senate formally requests a clarification in writing.

2. TACT First Alert was presented to the senate. (see attached) Senate members were concerned that pay raises had not included the mandatory 3% across the board intended by the Comptroller and Senate Finance Committee. Dr. Hargus noted some campuses had given the 3% across the board raise in addition to merit raises.

    Dr. Racheotes noted the administration had awarded merit raises using the three categories as recommended by the Faculty Senate. However, the administration changed the dollar amount recommended by the Senate. In addition, equity adjustments had been given to seven faculty members.

    The senate asked for a written rationale for the raises and statistical information on the raises indicating such basics as mean, median, and mode.

3. The faculty senate discussed the Faculty Performance and Evaluation System. Dr. Racheotes shared with the faculty his conversation with Dr. Johnson proposing to extend the evaluation period to May 2001 in order for the next cycle to align with the academic calendar.

Motion
 Dr. Gandy moved to extend the current faculty evaluation process to May 2001, Dr. Hastings 2nd.
    Motion approved

    Following the vote, additional discussion ensued regarding the present evaluation system. The faculty noted with concern that significant procedures in the 1999-2000 evaluation cycle were not followed, including goal setting and review.

    The faculty  hereby requests from the Vice President for Academic Affairs a detailed written statement outlining the methodology by which the faculty will be evaluated for the period January 2000 to May 2001 to include:

     -      *Formula for conversion of student responses on course evaluation instruments to points earned in Category I
     -     *Methodology for evaluation of Web-Based courses
     -     *Methodology for conversion of evaluation score to merit pay increases The faculty senate discussed the appropriateness of filing a group grievance with the TAMU System due to the administration not following the approved faculty performance evaluation system.

4. The Faculty Senate noted with alarm that curriculum decisions have been made with no faculty involvement at the department, college, or curriculum committee levels. students requesting admission to the graduate program in educational administration have been required to take the GRE and to score a minimum of 800. Although that fundamental requirement has not been "waived," an alternative has been implemented. A student may submit a portfolio that contains a letter of recommendation from a school district superintendent. There is no documentation as to what the portfolio should contain or a specific methodology for its evaluation. It appears from anecdotal evidence that most portfolios contain only the letter of recommendation. This new alternative to admission was implemented by the Vice President for Outreach and by the President to meet the needs of students enrolled through the "Institute." It appears that this alternative is to accommodate students who could not meet the minimum GRE admission requirements.The faculty have been formed that the option of not taking the GRE now applies to all students seeking admission to the masters program in educational administration at TAMU-T.

 The faculty reviewed the SACS standards relating to graduate programs and discussed the implications of a qualitative only admissions requirement and concluded this new option does not comply with the standards.

The faculty hereby requests, in writing, the administration's position on this issue of curriculum revisions with no faculty input.

The faculty senate also considered drafting a resolution for submittal to SACS requesting their interpretation of qualitative only admissions requirements.

5. The faculty discussed the TAMU-T Staff Classification System, FY01. The faculty was astounded to learn that many of the most experienced and valued staff who have performed duties beyond their classification in service to the university received no increase in salary for fiscal 2001. It is the faculty's understanding that unless specifically required by the legislature these employees may never receive another increase in salary. A classification system that punishes its most valued employees is detrimental to achieving the mission of the institution and in direct conflict with Goal 4 of the Institutional Effectiveness System Report.

The faculty strongly recommends implementation of a staff classification system that allows reward for meritorious performance for all employees rather than a privileged few.

6. Absence from Duty: The senate learned that a faculty member had been granted a one week vacation, while under contract, during the spring semester. It was noted that there is no provision in system policy for allowing personal vacation. It was asked if the opportunity for one week vacations will be extended to all faculty members.

The faculty requested, in writing, the proceduree for applying for personal leave, including the criteria for eligibility.

7. Dr Racheotes presented enrollment figures for the fall semester.

8. Dr. Racheotes set a meeting schedule for the senate as being two times each semester. There will be a meeting in November, February, and May.


Meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.
Minutes prepared by Barry Nutter