ACADEMIC SENATE MINUTES

DATE: September 15, 2011

PRESENT: Stephen Eliason Don Larsen

Sandie Rietz Susan Gilbertz

Lorrie Steerey Keith Edgerton

Doug Brown Mark Hardt

Bruce Brumley Patricia Vettel-Becker

ReAnna Kero (student) Tasneem Khaleel (ex-officio)

Tim Wilkinson (ex-officio) Mary Susan Fishbaugh (ex-officio)

Barbara Wheeling (ex-officio)

ABSENT: Scott Murray

Paul Bauer* David Gurchiek*

Diane Duin (ex-officio)* Terrie Iverson (ex-officio)

Stacy Klippenstein (ex-officio)

* excused

PRESIDING: Lorrie Steerey, Chair

Lorrie Steerey called the meeting to order at 3:43 p.m. in the Chancellor’s Conference Room.

The minutes of April 14 were accepted as presented.

I. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Item 2 Committee Roster 2011-2012.

Item 3 Committee Report for 2010-2011: Graduate Committee

Item 5 Committee Report for 2010-2011: Commencement Committee.

Item 6 Committee Report for 2010-2011: General Education Committee.

Item 7 Committee Report for 2010-2011: Library Committee.

Item 9 Committee Report for 2010-2011: CARE Committee.

Þ Motion by Mark Hardt, seconded by Bruce Brumley to accept Items 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 for information.

Senators were asked to make sure any committee vacancies from their colleges are filled soon.

Þ Motion carried.

II. ELECTION OF CHAIR ELECT

Þ Keith Edgerton nominated Bruce Brumley for the position of Chair Elect, and Mark Hardt seconded.

Þ Nomination were closed by acclamation.

Þ Motion by Keith Edgerton, seconded by Mark Hardt to elect Bruce Brumley as Chair Elect.

Þ Motion carried.

III. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

A. Two Representatives to University Budget Committee

It was noted that the Chancellor’s University Budget Committee has not yet been called to a meeting and so the meeting time is not yet set. It was cited that Dr. Groseth stated in yesterday’s Provost Council meeting that the University Budget Committee would begin meeting in October, concurrently with the Strategic Planning Committee.

Barbara Wheeling, Interim Associate Provost, stated that this summer the Strategic Planning Committee worked with a consultant to craft a draft strategic plan, but faculty input is needed.

Patricia Vettel-Becker and Bruce Brumley agreed to serve on the Chancellor’s University Budget Committee, unless their schedules preclude attendance at the meetings.

B. Faculty New Hires

It has been suggested that the Senate put forth a resolution that we begin hiring for faculty positions right now, rather than in January.

Þ Motion by Mark Hardt, seconded by Doug Brown, that the Senate write a resolution that MSU Billings begin the hiring process for new faculty in August or September, rather than waiting until January.

Þ Motion carried.

It was noted that in the “old days” we often had to wait to begin hiring because bigger universities were hiring in August and the applicants would hold out if they were waiting to hear from a larger university. It was cited that the time it takes for the paperwork to get from the Provost to Human Resources for advertising is very long, so we need to start the process early and advertise as soon as possible. We want to establish a culture of starting the hiring process very early in the academic year.

C. BOR Meeting on Campus Next Week

Tuesday night the Senate Chairs from across the University System will gather for dinner. Please let Dr. Steerey know if you would like to join them.

D. Senate Research

Chancellor Groseth has asked if any of the Senators are interested in conducting some research about how women have fared at MSUB over the years, particularly faculty. Dr. Steerey stated that she is interested, as did Dr. Hardt.

It was noted that we recently received a grant on women’s studies, and Joy Honea is the contact person for that grant. She should be involved in the research project.

Dr. Steerey stated that she would invite Dr. Honea to join them to meet with Chancellor Groseth to clarify what the focus of the research project will be.

The meeting adjourned at 4:09 p.m.

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