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University Assembly Minutes Tennessee Technological University November 20, 1996 Members Present Adams, Karen Marquis, Jeffrey Armistead, Jack Maxwell, Linda Ballal, S. K. McGee, Leo Banasiak, Jay McGowan, Chris Barker, Marvin Meyer, Emily Bell, Robert Narrie, Dave Bode, Bob Nivens, Michael Boucher, Ed Null, Linda Brown, Evans O'Connor, Brian Campana, Phillip Purdy, Ken Carlson, Rodney Quattlebaum, Rebecca Chaffin, Virginia Reagor, Jane Crowell, Orville Rector, Terry Dakin, John Reynolds, Barbara Deivanayagam, S. Roberts, Jeffery Dixon, Edmond Schrader, William Elkins, Don Semmes, Paul George, Dennis Stanger, Gretta Harding, LaNada Stephens, Mark Harris, John Stewart, James Monroe Hawkins, Janell Swisher, George Hickman, Charles Tolbert, Noel Hunter, Ken Tolbert, Rebecca Isbell, Paul Volpe, Angelo A. Jones, Roger Walden, Winston Kemp, Homer Watson, Tara Lee, Regina Williams, Norm Loutzenheiser, Roy Mason, Alice Mason, John
Others Present
Monica Greppin
Pat King, Resource Person
Marie Ventrice
Members Absent
Bailey, Sue Elizandro, David
Burnett, Mark Gibson, Lelia
Campbell, Emily Giesbrecht-Bettoli, Linda
Cho, Whewon Jennings, Darrell
Cripps, Reed Larimore, David
Cunningham, Cathy Metzgar, Kelly
Cupp, Jann Wilson, Dale
Summary of Proceedings
1. The agenda was approved as distributed.
2. The Minutes of April 10, 1996 were approved as distributed.
3. The Minutes of September 4, 1996 were approved as
distributed.
4. Dr. Linda Null gave the Academic Council Report for the Fall
Semester, 1996.
5. Dr. James Monroe Stewart gave the Administrative
Council Report for the Fall Semester, 1996.
6. Recommendation to delete academic options in clay, fiber,
glass, metal, and wood at the Appalachian Center for Crafts was
approved.
7. The Mission Statement was approved.
8. The Inclement Weather Policy was approved.
Proceedings
President Angelo A. Volpe called the University Assembly meeting to
order at 3:00 p.m. in the President's Conference Room.
Approval of the Agenda
Dr. McGowan MOVED approval of the agenda with Dr. Ventrice SECONDING.
MOTION CARRIED.
Approval of the Minutes of April 10, 1996
Dr. Narrie MOVED approval of the Minutes of April 10, 1996 with Dean
Adams SECONDING. MOTION CARRIED.
Approval of the Minutes of September 4, 1996
Dr. McGowan MOVED to approve the Minutes of September 4, 1996 with Dr.
Narrie SECONDING. MOTION CARRIED.
Report from the Academic Council for Fall 1996 Semester - Dr. Linda Null
Dr. Null reported that the Academic Council met three times during the
1996 Fall Semester -- September 4, October 9, and November 6. The
following actions were taken:
September 4, 1996:
Approved a new degree program -- a B.S. in World Cultures and Business--
shared by the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business.
Passed a motion to recommend to the Administrative Council that the
Inclement Weather Policy be approved as written by the Committee on
Inclement Weather.
The Council received a report from the Committee on Confidentiality of
Grade Posting. During the discussion of the report, Jim Westmoreland
indicated that by the end of the academic year, the Computer Center
should have in place a new system of user names to replace the initials
and last four digits of the social security number now used. In view of
this anticipated change, the Council voted to postpone action on grade
posting until the fall of 1997.
Approved relocating the graduate programs in Instructional Leadership
from the Department of School Services Personnel and Psychology to the
Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Relocating these programs also
involves moving three tenured faculty members from the Department of
School Services Personnel and Psychology to the Department of Curriculum
and Instruction. Two of these faculty members have tenure at the
university. The
third faculty member is tenured in the Department of School Services
Personnel and Psychology. The Council's recommendation was that the
third faculty member's tenure be transferred to the Department of
Curriculum and Instruction.
Approved changes and additions in the Faculty Handbook section on
Faculty Exchanges. The additions were necessary because the National
Faculty Exchange Program has been replaced by an on-line data base
called ARNOLD. One of the effects of this change is that the
institutions involved in the exchange will have to perform some of the
functions once handled by the National Faculty Exchange Program.
The Council heard a progress report from the Committee on Unofficial
Withdrawals and Potential Institutional Liability. Ed Dixon, Chair of
the Committee, stated that the group has met several times already and
will be prepared to make a recommendation to the Council at its October
9 meeting.
October 9, 1996:
Approved the recommendation of the Committee on Unofficial Withdrawals.
The policy, which the committee recommended complies with demands of the
federal government, can be accomplished with current documentation and
procedures, and allows the university to determine the date of
unofficial withdrawal for any student who leaves the university without
officially withdrawing.
Approved the appointment of a subcommittee to fine-tune the grade appeal
policy.
The Council voted to make no changes in the policy for drop/add without
the advisor's signature.
November 6, 1996:
Approved a minor change in the Fulbright Guidelines to indicate that the
university "will maximize the resources available to faculty for other
prestigious program leaves and similar opportunities. In all cases,
sufficient resources must remain to meet the instructional load normally
provided by the participant."
Approved a recommendation from the University Curriculum Committee to
delete the academic options in clay, fiber, glass, metal, and wood at
the Appalachian Center for Crafts.
Voted to return to the Research Office the Policy on the Purchase of
Books and Other Library Materials Using Funds from Restricted Accounts.
The Research Office was asked to consider ways of revising the policy so
that it complies with federal guidelines but does so with less paperwork
and is less time consuming and allows for appropriate availability of
the materials.
Dr. Barker announced that, effective this semester, students' grades
will not be mailed at the end of the semester; instead grades will be
available from the Eagle Line. The money previously used on postage
will be used for recruiting.
Report from the Administrative Council for Fall 1996 Semester - Dr.
James Monroe Stewart
Dr. Stewart reported that the Administrative Council met three times
during the Fall 1996 Semester -- September 4, 1996, October 9, 1996, and
November 6, 1996. The following actions were taken:
September 4, 1996:
Approved name change for Student Services and Housing. The Housing
Office is now Residential Life and Student Services is now Student
Affairs.
Approved proposed change in Policies and Procedures for the Outstanding
Professional Award. The files of nominees will be retained by Payroll
and Personnel and remain active for three consecutive years.
Approved revision in the Publications Policies and Procedures
to allow for video and digitized versions of the University logo.
Approved a motion that the chairman of the Administrative Council
appoint an ad hoc subcommittee of the Administrative Council to develop
formal policies and guidelines on class scheduling and make a
recommendation to the Administrative Council.
Approved a motion to refer an advisement/registration issue to the
Academic Council for their consideration.
October 9, 1996:
Approved Inclement Weather Policy.
November 6, 1996:
Approved the University Safety and Environmental Committee
recommendations with corrections to assure that hazardous materials and
other chemicals that might be generated would be properly labeled and
accounted for during personnel exits.
Approved a procedural change from the Commission on the Status of Women
to provide an additional responsibility of the Executive Committee on
the Commission of Women to provide a written evaluation of the Women's
Center Director each spring semester during the designated faculty
evaluation period.
Approved recommendations from the Ad Hoc Committee on appointment and
re-appointment of departmental chairs.
Recommendation to delete academic options in clay, fiber, glass,
metal, and wood at the Appalachian Center for Crafts - Dr. Linda Null
Dr. Null said the Academic Council met on November 6, 1996, and council
members voted to approve the recommendation from the University
Curriculum Committee to delete the academic options in clay, fiber,
glass, metal, and wood at the Appalachian Center for Crafts. Dr. Ballal
MOVED approval of the recommendation with Dr. Narrie SECONDING. Jeff
Roberts said he is aware that some people in the Tech community and
outside the Tech community have joined an effort to save the Craft
Center. He asked what it would take to succeed. Dr. Barker said if the
state appropriations remain the same about $450,000 per year would be
needed. Dr. Campana MOVED a friendly amendment to the motion to add
"The University Assembly takes this action with regret and with
disappointment that the current financial situation has brought about
the need for this action." Mr. Banasiak asked when we would know about
funding from the state for the program. Dr. Volpe answered that for
this coming fiscal year we probably will not know until the end of the
legislative sessions which can be in April or May. He also said we may
not know anything at that point and not for perhaps a couple of years
until students now in those programs finish the programs. Dr. Volpe said
this recommendation to the Board will be held off until the last minute
should things change. He said if circumstances change, he would reject
the recommendation and stressed that the issue is not and never has been
about the quality of the program or the individuals in the program. He
said if we stay at the Craft Center a significant maintenance and safety
program will have to be addressed. Dr. Barker said we would not be
saving money but eliminating a deficit. Some concerns mentioned at the
Craft Center would be the water and sewage system, equipment, paving,
re-roofing, carpet, ADA costs of approximately $400,000 and chiller
expenses. A vote was taken on the motion and the friendly amendment.
MOTION CARRIED.
Mission Statement - Dr. Bob Bode
Dr. Bode said at the April 10, l996 meeting of the University Assembly
the Mission Statement was referred back to the University Planning
Committee for further study and reporting back to the University
Assembly at a later date. The following is the Mission Statement
presented by the University Planning Committee:
Tennessee Technological University's mission is to broaden and
enhance its unique role as the state's only technological university
through strong emphasis on and support of its academic programs in
engineering and basic science and through expansion of its research
activities in these and related areas. In addition, it maintains a
superior undergraduate program in the arts and sciences and supports
distinguished business administration and teacher education programs and
other programs designed to meet regional needs. Degree programs are
offered in agriculture, arts and music, home econmomics, and nursing.
Tennessee Tech serves students from throughout the state, nation, and
many other countries, but it retains a special commitment to serve the
Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee.
The major component of the academic mission is high-quality
instruction in the University's undergraduate, master's specialist, and
doctoral degree-granting programs. The University is engaged in
scholarly activity, especially basic and applied research, creative
endeavors, and public service, with special emphasis on community and
economic development. To complement its academic program, the
University provides opportunities for participation in a variety of
extracurricular activities as integral components of its commitment to
student life.
The University's three interdisciplinary Accomplished Centers of
Excellence in Electric Power, Manufacturing, and Water Resources and two
Chairs of Excellence in Business Administration strengthen the
instructional, research, and service mission of the University.
The University is as supportive of women as of men and as
supportive of those in the minority as of those in the majority. The
University provides educational opportunities to all eligible persons
without regard to age, gender, color, race, religion, national origin,
or disability.
Tennessee Technological University is a member of the State
University and Community College System of Tennessee and is governed by
the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Dr. Narrie MOVED to accept the Mission Statement as presented by the
Planning Committee with Dean Swisher SECONDING. Dean Bell said the
deans had discussed the Mission Statement and he made two friendly
amendments to the proposal. In the first paragraph he suggested adding
ensuring a liberal arts foundation for all students after arts and
sciences. He then suggested that Also, quality be added at the beginning
of the next sentence. The Mover and Seconder agreed to accept the
friendly amendment. After considerable discussion concerning the
wording of the mission statement, Dr. Schrader suggested a friendly
editorial change to the amendment to include the following after
ensuring a liberal arts foundation for all students: supports
distinguished business administration and teacher education programs,
and offers programs of high quality in agriculture, arts and music, home
economics, and nursing, designed to meet regional needs. The Mover and
Seconder agreed to accept the editorial change.
The question was called on the amendment, the friendly amendment and
then the Motion. The MOTION and AMENDMENTS CARRIED.
Inclement Weather Policy
President Volpe said the Academic Council and Administrative Council
have approved the Inclement Weather Policy and it is now before the
University Assembly. Dr. Kemp MOVED approval of the policy with Dr.
McGowan SECONDING. Dr. Schrader said he is against the policy because
when we did not have an Inclement Weather Policy we did not close and
now that we have one we close. The MOTION CARRIED.
Such Other Matters
There were no such other matters.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at
4:15 p.m.
________________________________
Patricia King, Resource Person
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