JOURNAL OF THE FACULTY SENATE

JOURNAL OF THE FACULTY SENATE

The University of Oklahoma (Norman campus)
Regular session - May 1, 2000 - 3:30 p.m. - Jacobson Faculty Hall 102
office: Jacobson Faculty Hall 206 phone: 325-6789 FAX: 325-6782
e-mail: facsen@ou.edu web site: http://www.ou.edu/admin/facsen/

The Faculty Senate was called to order by Professor Hugh Benson, Chair.

PRESENT: Bemben (2), Benson (0), Cline (0), Cox (3), Deming (0), Greene (1), Gross (2), Hofford (1), Horton (2), Houser (3), Hutchison (1), Kenderdine (3), Knapp (1), Kunesh (2), Kutner (1), Mau (0), McInerney (2), Murphy (2), Okediji (1), Pailes (0), Patterson (3), Robertson (2), Schwarzkopf (1), Sutton (0), Van Gundy (3), Watts (1)

PSA representatives: Morren

ABSENT: Abraham (2), Agrawal (3), Beasley (2), Blank (3), Brown (1), Butler (2), Damphousse (3), DeBacker (2), Edwards (4), Eliason (3), Engel (3), Fleener (4), Gilliland (2), Gollahalli (2), Harrison (3), Hart (1), Karriker (2) Kennison (2), Nelson (2), Newman (3), Osisanya (3), Robson (3), Russell (2), Scherman (2), Swindell (4), Trafalis (2)

[Note: During the period June 1999 to May 2000, the Senate held 9 regular sessions and no special sessions. The figures in parentheses above indicate the number of absences.]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Announcements:

Schedule of Senate meetings for fall 2000
Summary of Speakers Service program
Faculty retirees
Journalism donation
Senators who received awards

Senate Chair's Report:

Parking
Travel agency contract
Status of legislation
Benefits survey
Higher education appropriation

Presentation of certificates of appreciation

Election, councils/committees/boards

Election, Senate standing committees

Election, Senate Secretary and Chair-elect

Resolution of Appreciation to Prof. Hugh Benson

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APPROVAL OF JOURNAL

The Senate Journal for the regular session of April 10, 2000, was approved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The regular meetings of the Faculty Senate for fall 2000 will be held at 3:30 p.m. in Jacobson Faculty Hall 102 on the following Mondays: September 11, October 16, November 13, and December 11.

Summary of the activities of the Faculty Senate Speakers Service for the past year:
From May 1999 to April 2000, the Faculty Senate office arranged for 71 faculty and staff to give 174 talks to 65 organizations throughout the state. These speakers from OU gave programs to groups such as high school honors classes, business and civic clubs, and church discussion groups in 25 communities ranging from Elk City to Checotah. The Faculty Senate and the University sincerely appreciate the members of the Speakers Service who share their expertise and knowledge with the people of Oklahoma.
Prof. Benson thanked Ms. Sonya Fallgatter, the Senate's administrative coordinator, for running the Speakers Service extremely well.

A list was distributed at the meeting of the faculty who retired during the past academic year.
Chess, Wayne, Social Work, 31 years
Cohn, Jack, Physics & Astronomy, 40 years
Crane, Robert, E&CE/Meteorology, 8 years
Dary, David, Journalism & Mass Communication, 10 years
Davis, Gwen, English, 29 years
Davis, Robert M., English, 33 years
Drummond, Gordon, History, 33 years
Dunn, John, Modern Languages, 22 years
Economou, George, English, 17 years
Egle, Davis, Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, 34 years
Emanuel, George, Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, 19 years
Frueh, Forrest, Marketing, 35 years
Graves, William, Educational Psychology, 29 years
Green, Gary, Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, 20 years
Herczeg, Tibor, Physics & Astronomy, 29 years
Huffaker, Neal, Physics & Astronomy, 32 years
Kalbfleisch, George, Physics & Astronomy, 20 years
Morgan, David, Political Science, 31 years
Neely, Stanley, Chemistry & Biochemistry, 35 years
Robertson, Terry, Finance, 23 years
Selland, Thomas, Architecture, 22 years
Tharp, Paul, Political Science, 32 years
Wren, Daniel, Management, 26 years
The Senate thanks these faculty members for their dedication and contribution to our community.

Prof. Benson announced the reception being held this evening to recognize the recent donation to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Prof. Benson congratulated the senators who received awards at the faculty tribute April 18.

SENATE CHAIR'S REPORT, by Prof. Hugh Benson

Ms. Theta Dempsey, Parking and Transit administrator, submitted a report concerning the new parking structure to be built west of the football stadium (see 2/00 Journal). The garage would have approximately 800 parking spaces, but the net increase would be 500-600 spaces after various changes in other parking lots. As proposed, a quarter of the revenue for the new structure would come from parking on football game days. Other revenue would be raised by increasing the meter rates and parking citation fines. Also, the annual parking permit fees would be increased by about 11 percent a year for three years. The Senate Executive Committee raised some concerns with the president about whether or not some spaces could be reserved at a higher fee, how many spaces would be available to students, and whether this was a convenient location. The administration will take those issues under advisement. Prof. Murphy said she thought proposed parking permit increase seemed high. She asked whether they were trying to pay off the garage in three years. Prof. Benson said the new revenue would pay off the debt service on the bonds, which would be approximately $800,000 annually. Prof. Kunesh said the permit increase would amount to about 30-35 percent above the current fee. Prof. Benson it was not clear how to solve the problem without increasing revenue. He noted that Ms. Dempsey was very interested in hearing faculty concerns on the issue.

The Executive Committee raised a number of issues with the president regarding the new travel agency contract. The contract seems to be a done deal, but there are a number of questions that the Executive Committee is trying to get answered, such as whether tickets could be purchased electronically.

Prof. Benson reported on the status of legislation that the Senate has been following. Three of the bills—state health insurance, faculty terminations, and textbook disclaimers—have not made it out of committee.

A benefits survey proposed by the Senate last spring and authored by Senate Secretary Will Sutton was mailed to faculty April 28. Prof. Benson encouraged faculty to fill out the survey so that the Senate leadership would have a better idea of the faculty's view on benefits when the question about benefits packages comes up next year.

The status of the higher education appropriation is very uncertain. While the governor and state Senate favor a modest increase to higher education of $40-50 million, the state House is not in favor of any increase. A few members of the Executive Committee will try to meet with some of the House leaders Tuesday morning. Assuming some increase is forthcoming, a faculty salary increase of 3 percent has been proposed. With no increase, there would have to be cuts someplace, since the increase in cost-to-continue items is about $3 million. President Boren is committed to faculty salaries. The Executive Committee suggested to him that faculty salary increases should not be abandoned in favor of faculty growth. The president expressed some concern about faculty growth in light of the budget outlook.

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the following outgoing senators who completed full three-year term (1997-00): William Beasley, Charles Butler, Donn Edwards, Stan Eliason, Michael Engel, Richard Pailes, Lotsee Patterson, Al Schwarzkopf, and Valerie Watts. Certificates also were presented to the other senators whose terms expired and to the outgoing members of the Senate Executive Committee. Prof. Benson said he appreciated the help of all of the senators and especially the Executive Committee.

ELECTION, UNIVERSITY AND CAMPUS COUNCILS, COMMITTEES, BOARDS

The Senate approved the Committee on Committees' nominations for end-of-the-year vacancies on university and campus councils/committees/boards (Appendix I). The names of remaining volunteers will be forwarded to the president for the appointments he makes.

ELECTION, SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES

The following faculty members were elected to fill vacancies on Senate standing committees:

COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES
Continuing members: David Etheridge (Music), Ellen Greene (Classics), Cal Stoltenberg (Educational Psychology).
To replace Victor Hutchison (Zoology) and Roy Knapp (Petroleum & Geological Engineering), 2000-03 term:
Robert Cox (Associate Professor of Political Science, B.Phil. Miami, M.A. and Ph.D. Indiana, at OU since 1989)
S. Lakshmivarahan (George Lynn Cross Research Professor of Computer Science, B.Sc. M.D.T. Hindu College, B.E., M.E. and Ph.D. Indian Institute of Science, at OU since 1979)

COMMITTEE ON FACULTY COMPENSATION
Continuing members: Michael Buckley (Management), Trent Gabert (Health & Sport Sciences), Donald Maletz (Political Science).
To replace Neera Badhwar (Philosophy) and J. R. Cruz (Electrical & Computer Engineering), 2000-03 term:
James Douglas (Assistant Professor of Political Science, B.A. Maryland, M.P.A. Baltimore, Ph.D. Georgia, at OU since 1997)
Fred Striz (Professor of Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, B.S., M.S., Ph.D. Purdue, at OU since 1981)

COMMITTEE ON FACULTY WELFARE
Continuing members: Katharine Leigh (Interior Design), Donald Pisani (History), Kenneth Wedel (Social Work).
To replace Fran Ayres (Accounting) and Joyce Palomar (Law), 2000-03 term:
Lynda Kaid (George Lynn Cross Research Professor of Communication, B.A., M.S., Ph.D., Southern Illinois, at OU since 1974)
Lee Willinger (Stanbaugh Professor of Accounting, B.B.A. Ohio, M.B.A. Oregon, D.B.A. Florida, at OU since 1990)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 2000-01 term, 3 vacancies
To replace Ed Cline (Mathematics), Al Schwarzkopf (Management Information Systems), Valerie Watts (Music). Cannot succeed themselves.
James Hart (Associate Professor of History, B.A. Oregon, M.A. Portland State, Ph.D. Cambridge, at OU since 1987)
Greg Kunesh (Professor of Drama, B.A. Northern Michigan, M.A. Central Missouri State, Ph.D. Missouri, at OU since 1972)
Sheena Murphy (Assistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy, B.S. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ph.D. Cornell, at OU since 1995)

ELECTION OF SENATE SECRETARY AND CHAIR-ELECT FOR 2000-01

Prof. Valerie Watts (Assistant Professor of Music) was elected Secretary, and Prof. Al Schwarzkopf (Associate Professor of Management Information Systems) was elected Chair-elect of the Senate for 2000-01.

RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO PROFESSOR HUGH BENSON

The Faculty Senate approved the following resolution of appreciation to Prof. Hugh Benson, outgoing Senate Chair:

Whereas:
In an era where the clever quip, the sound bite, and the quick decision are valued, Professor Hugh Benson shunned such practices and, instead, led the 1999-2000 Faculty Senate in a fashion true to his discipline. Hugh Benson, our resident philosopher, generated thoughtful and thorough exploration of difficult issues. His openness to all opinions and keen examination of every potential productive option encouraged a spirited and meaningful discourse.

He defined "multi-task work" by chairing his department, leading the Senate, and receiving the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Presidential Professorship this year.

Those who worked closely with Hugh discovered a man who upholds the ethics in all aspects of life … including the Robert's Rules of Order.

He mastered the art of listing the executive committee's agenda items, all long-winded topics relegated to the end of the meeting.

He steered the senators through this academic year's labyrinthine proposal, the Patent and Copyright Policies, with ease equal to the explanation of Kant's Foundation of Metaphysics of Morals.

He championed the resolution on textbook disclaimers to preserve academic freedom.

The passage of the Shared Leave Act exemplified his commitment to the needs of all members of the University family.

His judicious use of the ancient art of the Philosophical Pace (Ph.P.) greatly improved the deliberations of the Senate. Employed at strategic moments, Ph.P. had a calming effect, allowed the senators to hone their arguments and rethink their polemics. His peripatetic pirouettes, used to punctuate key points in our discourse, have been seen in only the most accomplished practitioners of Ph.P.

Most importantly, he brought music to our ears by repeating his "idée fixe" and leading the faculty in joyful chorus when he declared that faculty salary increases are and will forever be a categorical imperative.

Be it resolved:
The University of Oklahoma Faculty Senate expresses its appreciation to Professor Hugh Benson for his dedication to the ideal of governance, for his commitment to the freedom of inquiry, and for his belief in the worth of the individual and the value of the collective.

Prof. Okediji said Prof. Benson had been a fearless advocate of faculty governance and a man of integrity. She presented a certificate of appreciation and an engraved clock to Prof. Benson. Prof. Okediji then assumed the office of 2000-01 Senate Chair.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m. The next regular session of the Senate will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2000, in Jacobson Faculty Hall 102.

____________________________________
Sonya Fallgatter, Administrative Coordinator

____________________________________
William H. Sutton, Secretary

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Appendix I

FACULTY SENATE NOMINEES FOR END-OF-YEAR VACANCIES ON COUNCILS/COMMITTEES/BOARDS (SPRING 2000)

For current membership list, see http://www.ou.edu/admin/facsen/roster.htm

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS COUNCIL (three-year term):
Gavin Bridge (Geography)
Kevin Grasse (Mathematics)

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS COMMITTEE (three-year term):
Jos Raadschelders (Political Science)
Anne Reynolds (Instr. Lead. & Acad. Curr.)

ATHLETICS COUNCIL (three-year term):
Walt Kelley (Mathematics)
Gary Schnell (Zoology)

BUDGET COUNCIL (three-year term):
Andy Magid (Mathematics)
William Ortiz Leduc (Botany & Microbiology)

CAMPUS DISCIPLINARY COUNCILS (two-year term):
Jeremy Lindberg (Dance)
Ken McMillen (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Maureen Weston (Law)

CAMPUS LIFE, COUNCIL ON (three-year term):
Leonard Rubin (Mathematics)

CAMPUS PLANNING COUNCIL (three-year term):
Ruediger Landes (Mathematics)
William Matthews (Zoology)

CAMPUS TENURE COMMITTEE (three-year term):
Karen Hayes-Thumann (Art)
Robert Rundstrom (Geography)

COMMENCEMENT COMMITTEE (two-year term):
Judith Pender (Drama)

CONFLICT OF INTEREST ADVISORY COMMITTEE (two-year term):
Linda Morton (Journalism & Mass Communication)

CONTINUING EDUCATION COUNCIL (three-year term):
Loraine Dunn (Instr. Lead. & Acad. Curr.)
George Henderson (Human Relations)

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS COMMITTEE (four-year term):
David Carnevale (Human Relations)

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE (three-year term):
Bruce Hoagland (Geography)

FACULTY APPEALS BOARD (four-year term):
James Avery (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Neera Badhwar (Philosophy)
Sally Beach (Instr. Lead. & Acad. Curr.)
Fred Beard (Journalism & Mass Communication)
John Chiodo (Instr. Lead. & Acad. Curr.)
Rosa Cintron (Educ. Lead. & Policy Studies)
Dipankar Ghosh (Accounting)
Kevin Grier (Economics)
Mary Margaret Holt (Dance)
William Ortiz Leduc (Botany & Microbiology)
Chris Ormsbee (Educational Psychology)
Mac Reynolds (Law)
Rick Tepker (Law)

FACULTY AWARDS AND HONORS COUNCIL (three-year term):
Bob Richardson (Law)

GOODARD HEALTH CENTER ADVISORY BOARD (three-year term):
J. Madison Davis (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Al Mata (Human Relations)

HONORS COUNCIL (three-year term):
Julia Abramson (Modern Lang., Lit., & Ling.)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL (three-year term):
Frank Durso (Psychology)
Brent Gordon (Mathematics)

LEGAL PANEL (three-year term):
Joyce Palomar (Law)
Bob Richardson (Law)

LIBRARIES COMMITTEE, UNIVERSITY (three-year term):
Deborah Brackenbury (Art)
Joseph Sullivan (Modern Languages, Lit. & Ling.)

PARKING VIOLATION APPEALS COMMITTEE (three-year term):
Emily Johnson (Modern Languages, Lit. & Ling.)

PATENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (three-year term):
John Cheung (Electrical & Computer Engineering)

PUBLICATIONS BOARD (three-year term)
Abi Asojo (Interior Design)

RESEARCH COUNCIL (three-year term):
Boris Apanasov (Mathematics) [Physical Sciences]
Victor DeBrunner (Electrical and Computer Engineering) [Engineering]
Guoqiang Shen (Regional & City Planning) [Other]
Ralph Tanner (Botany & Microbiology) [Biological Sciences]

RITA LOTTINVILLE PRIZE FOR FRESHMEN (three-year term):
Pamela Fry (Instr. Lead. & Acad. Curr.)
Kristina Southwell (Univ. Libraries)

ROTC ADVISORY COMMITTEE (three-year term):
Doug Gransberg (Construction Science)
Emily Johnson (Modern Lang., Lit. & Ling.)

SCHOLARS SELECTION COMMITTEE, UNIVERSITY (three-year term):
Philippe Foret (Geography)

SPEAKERS BUREAU (three-year term):
Neera Badhwar (Philosophy)

STUDENT CODE REVISION COMMITTEE (one-year term):
Jeffrey Wilhite (Univ. Libraries)