Approval of Previous Minutes —

Meeting minutes from September 19, 2023. Victor asked if there were any corrections. Hearing none, the minutes were approved.

Faculty Senate Report

Victor shared the link to cultural charter that was developed last year. Last week he and Kristin met with Jill Hummels in Communications and discussed a strategic plan to implement these. Victor suggested that we can highlight what people are doing across the university. For example, for innovation, we can highlight the different innovations across campus. Kristin added that she and Victor are collaborating with Joe in Communications on how to move this forward.

University Senate Report

Kristin reported on Hire Right. Everyone should have received the email to do their credential verification. There have been concerns about what they are doing. It is not a background check, but a credential verification. There have been some problems, but the links are working now. Kristin reported that if anyone has questions, problems, or wishes to opt out, they should go to Faculty Affairs.

New Business —

Suggestions for Faculty Senate speakers. We have three openings for guest speakers at Faculty Senate, Nov. 16, Dec. 7, and April 5. Last year we had someone from Regents and Jen Roberts (HLC) possibilities for this year. Also, we are thinking about Amy from Faculty Affairs. Victor asked for suggestions. Recommendations were Jen Roberts (HLC), Dean of Libraries, and Jeff Stolz, the new director of wellness. He is attending Staff Senate, but it would be good for him to attend Faculty Senate. Victor discussed the agenda for the Oct. 12 Faculty Senate meeting. Neal Kingston will speak about competency-based education. Victor would like to devote time at the meeting to give new senators information about University Governance, a Faculty Senators 101.

Victor would like to discuss extending the Faculty Senate President beyond one year. Once leaders get into their role, their term is over. A discussion on the topic of extending the Faculty Senate President service followed. A suggestion was to have flexibility in the CODE if someone wants to do only one year and include an approval process by Faculty Senate for renewal for the second year. This can be discussed across senates, individually. A suggestion was that in addition to a year of service, you can be a year in training, paid, and a year of past president, where you can give guidance. The expectation is the “elect” has more expectations to show up for everything. Another suggestion was to formalize the past president’s involvement. Also, another consideration is if a faculty senator’s term is coming to end when they are elected to president elect. CODE amendments would be needed to reflect any changes.

Becci Akin made a motion to move to closed session to discuss Faculty Research appointment. Kristin seconded. None opposed. Moved to closed session.