17 February 2005
Loyola Marymount University
Faculty Senate Minutes
February 17, 2005
McIntosh Center
2:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Present: Marta Baltodano, Victoria Graf, Chun Lee, Ed Mosteig, Elizabeth Murray, Edward Park, K.J. Peters, Ralph Quinones, James Roe, Rhonda Rosen, Susan Scheibler, Thomas Zachariah
Excused: Cynthia Becht, Charles Erven, Omar Es-Said, Jok Madut Jok, Lily Khadjavi, Suzanne O’Brien, Patrick Damon Rago, Leland Swenson
President Roe called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
I. Report and Announcements of the President to the Faculty Senate:
- President Roe welcomed the Faculty Senate to the meeting. This was followed by a moment of silence.
-It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the January meeting. The minutes were amended with the correction of the date of the meeting of the Budget Committee from January 17 to January 18. The minutes were approved unanimously.
II. Fr. Albert Koppes, O. Carm., Acting Academic Vice President and Rebecca Chandler, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
- President Roe welcomed Fr. Al Koppes, Acting Academic Vice President and Ms. Rebecca Chandler, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources to the Faculty Senate meeting
- Fr. Koppes announced that a decision has been made to move the data system from the AVP’s Office to Human Resources. The AVP’s Office will continue to oversee Rank and Tenure issues but contracts, leaves and benefits will be managed by Human Resources.
- Ms. Rebecca Chandler talked about the following issues:
1. The upcoming data change: The goal is to provide better reporting and organization in order to meet the needs of the community. She encouraged the Faculty to share any concerns or ideas with her.
2. The change of contracts: A second page will be added to the original contract that will describe benefits in more detail. .
Discussion:
Q: What is Human Resources responsible for regarding the contracts?
A: Human Resources will record and facilitate the mailing of the contract. The content will come from the AVP’s office
Q: When was the Faculty Handbook revised and how often is it revised?
A: The most recent revision was in 1996. Minor revisions are made every year.
Q: The Handbook is an extension of our contract and it is incorporated by reference. It would be important and beneficial to emphasize and bring into attention in the Handbook when the revisions take place.
A: It will be incorporated in the Handbook together with other major policies that are indicated.
-Fr. Koppes discussed the following issues:
1. The date for promotions to go into effect will be aligned with the tenure date. This change in policy will go into effect this year.
2. It is hoped that the Maternity Leave policy will be in place by the end of the year.
Q: Has the idea been discussed that tenure and promotion should go together?
A: I believe the two should go together. It will need to be discussed further.
Q: Can we hope that Professional Librarians will be able to get tenure?
A: That is a good question for the candidates for the new Librarian.
3. The proposed policy regarding granting Faculty Emeritus status was discussed.
Q: Is it possible to develop a Retirement Policy?
A: It is anticipated that a policy will be discussed.
6. Dean Searches: It is hoped that two names for the Dean of the School of Education will be given to the President on Friday. The last candidate for the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering was just interviewed.
7. Awards: The GPA for Academic Awards was raised from 3.25 to 3.5. A new award has been introduced. It is called the Outstanding Transfer Student Award as a sign of recognition for the best transfer students.
III. Thomas O. Fleming, Vice President of Business and Finance
- President Roe welcomed Thomas O. Fleming, Vice President of Business and Finance to the Faculty Senate.
- Mr. Fleming talked about the new payroll method. Currently there are seven payrolls at the University. It is hoped to put payroll on a biweekly schedule (every other Friday) beginning next year. The rationale is to pay everyone on over a twelve-month period and cover benefits over the summer three months period. This change would eliminate the option of receiving the balance of the checks in May.
Mr. Fleming announced that the Board of Trustees Finance Committee met early this week. The Finance Committee is sensitive to the concerns of the Faculty regarding the Housing Program. The amount of support is too low and this needs to be addressed.
Q: Was the issue of faculty leaving LMU due to high housing costs addressed?
A: It was not addressed in the Finance Committee.
Q: The budget and expenses are transparent in other universities. To what degree do you think we will be able to get an overall fiscal transparency?
A: We are working in that direction. We are in the process to have a budget manager in the Colleges and Schools who will help the Deans.
IV. Dennis Slon, Vice President of University Relations
- President Roe welcomed Dennis Slon, Vice President of University Relations to the Faculty Senate. Mr. Slon has been at the University since October, 2004.
- Mr. Slon expressed his delight at being at Loyola Marymount University. He has been very favorably impressed by the quality of the University and what grounds the institution. He talked about the Capital Campaign, the fundraising process and the priorities of the Campaign.
There are currently vacancies for Directors of Development in the College of Science and Engineering, School of Film and Television and the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts.
The Campaign will be announced October 1. The goal of the Campaign is $300,000,000.
Priorities for the Campaign are the new Library, buildings or additions for various Colleges and Schools, support for faculty and Endowed Chairs, and student scholarships.
The kick off for the Campaign will be in October which will bring together both internal and external constituents. Faculty and students representatives will both be invited and included in the events.
President Roe thanked Mr. Slon for coming to the Senate.
Announcements:
Rhonda Rosen announced that the University Library Search is going well. Six candidates will be interviewed from early March till late April. Faculty are encouraged to participate
President Roe announced that the finalists for the AVP will be selected March 1.
There was a request to survey Senate constituents regarding issues and concerns concerning the current Rank and Tenure process.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM
Submitted by: Victoria Graf
Prepared by: Monika Juszli