Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Meeting of the Faculty Senate

September 24, 2007

In attendance are:  Drs. Shirley Garick (Faculty Senate President); Marty Harris; Doris Davis; Dennis Kern; Karen Linstrum; David Reavis; Glenda Ballard; Bob Owens (Vice President & President Elect; John Hamilton; and Dr. Ann Lotven, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Absent:   Dr. Teri Fowler had a class conflict and could not attend.

Meeting was called to order by Dr. Garick at 11:20 AM.

Minutes of April 26, 2007 meeting were read and approved with minor changes.

Dr. Lotven stated that she did not have any information about the search for a new president.

Drs. Glenda Ballard and Godpower Okereke (who are members of the President’s Search Committee) stated that they have received, signed and returned letters from the chancellor’s office requesting them to serve on the search committee.

On the issue of small programs and/or classes, Dr. Lotven stated that all aspects of a program would be looked at but pointed out that what is more important to the new chancellor is demonstrating increase in student numbers.

On the subject of downward expansion, Dr. Lotven indicated that the cost to hire the anticipated number of faculty members needed including support personnel has been submitted for approval and funding.  Dr. Lotven indicated that faculty salary increases would only be possible next year through another tuition increase.

On the issue of faculty performance evaluation, Dr. Lotven stated that each college dean is free to interpret and apply the document in ways they see fit and that concerns about the document should be expressed to the deans.  Concerning out-of-state travels, Dr. Lotven stated that $46,000 has been set aside for the 46 faculty members ($1,000 per faculty member) who indicated interest to travel out of state for professional conferences.  She also pointed out that the $1,000 could be split into two travels.

There was concern about the handling of legal residency for foreign nationals applying for job at the university.  Minor revisions were recommended in order to finalize the Constitution of the Faculty Senate.  Dr. Glenda Ballard agreed to make the suggested revisions and re-submit.

Dr. Robert Owens was confirmed the Senate Vice President.  Dr. Shirley Garick (Faculty Senate President) would request for future meeting times via e-mail from members to maximize attendance.

Motion to adjourn was made by Dr. Owens and was seconded by Dr. Kern.  Meeting adjourned at 12:20 PM.

Minutes recorded by: Godpower O. Okereke, Faculty Senate Secretary/Parliamentarian