The
Senate Newsletter
October 21, 2003 |
Greetings! I am
sure that everyone is in the full swing of things as we pass the midpoint
of Fall Semester 2003. This Newsletter will also introduce a “For your information…”
section on a topic of interest to faculty. If you have any suggestions
for future topics, please send them to me at cxb7@psu.edu. As I mentioned last month, the University Faculty Senate
functions as the voice of the faculty in the formulation of policies concerning
the academic mission of the university. In addition, it exists to serve the needs
of all faculty. Please let us
hear from you about problems that need a solution or concerns that require
attention. Send your suggestions
to me at cxb7@psu.edu. The second meeting of the University Faculty Senate for
this academic year will take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 1:30
p.m. in 112 Kern Building. The
Senate welcomes visitors to this plenary session. Members of the university community who are not senators and
who wish to address the Senate on an item of business on the day’s agenda
must seek permission from the Senate before Friday noon, October 24, 2003.
Please contact the Senate Chair through the Executive Secretary,
Susan Youtz (scy1@psu.edu). Presentations may not exceed five minutes. The Senate Agenda is posted on the Senate’s Web site one
week prior to each Senate meeting. The
October 28, 2003 Agenda is available on the Web at the URL http://www.psu.edu/ufs/agendax.html.
Senate meeting minutes (The Senate
Record) are also available on the Senate Web site at the URL http://www.psu.edu/ufs/recordx.html approximately
three weeks following the Senate meeting. For information on how to submit major, minor, option or
course proposals, the Guide to Curricular
Procedures is available on the Web from the URL http://www.psu.edu/ufs/docs.html. The October 14, 2003 Senate Curriculum Report is available
from the URL http://www.psu.edu/ufs/bluex.html. Thank you, Christopher
J. Bise Chair, University Faculty Senate |
For your information... A wonderful opportunity exists at Penn State for faculty members, who might aspire to administrative leadership positions, to experience the day-to-day activities of campus administrative leaders through The Administrative Fellows Program. In fact, applications and nominations are being sought for the 2004-05 Program. Two fellows will be selected for appointments with Rodney A. Erickson, Executive Vice President and Provost of the University; and Vicky L. Triponey, Vice President for Student Affairs. A third fellow has already been selected from the 2003-04 pool of applicants to work with Gary C. Schultz, Senior Vice President for Finance and Business/Treasurer. An informational luncheon for prospective applicants will be held on Thursday, November 6, 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m., in the Alumni Fireside Lounge in The Nittany Lion Inn. Please contact Katryn Boynton at klb8@psu.edu or 814-863-7494 by Friday, October 24, to let her know if you will be able to attend. Applications for the program are available in the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs in 201 Old Main, 814-863-7494, or online at www.psu.edu/oldmain/vprov, and should be addressed to Robert Secor, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Chair of the Steering Committee, 201 Old Main, and submitted no later than Monday, January 12, 2004. |
SENATE MEETING AGENDA (OCTOBER 28, 2003) The agenda for the second Senate Meeting of the 2003-04 academic year consists of several reports of interest to the University faculty, particularly: Final Report: Restructuring and Improving the
Operation and Procedures of the University Faculty Senate
(Advisory and Consultative) Two years ago, then Senate Chair John Nichols appointed a Senate
Self-Study Committee to “examine how the body can be strengthened and
updated.” The final report being
brought to the Senate floor consists of a dozen recommendations in response
to the charge. The recommendations
deal with Senate representation ratio, committee and Council restructuring,
and other suggestions to improve efficiency. Employee Benefits Update for 2004: 2004 Health
Plans
(Informational) The Senate Committee on Faculty Benefits will sponsor this update. The University’s Budget Plan and Appropriations
Request to the Commonwealth for 2004-05
(Informational) The Senate Committee on University Planning will sponsor this
report by Dr. Rodney A. Erickson, Executive Vice President and Provost.
His report will be a brief summary of the University’s 2003-04 Operating
Budget, including budget priorities, cost drivers, cost savings, and income
enhancement efforts, as well as the state appropriation. He will also summarize the University’s budget
plan and appropriation request to the Commonwealth for 2004-05. |