Kansas State University

Highlights from the Nov. 8 Faculty Senate meeting

Submitted by Faculty Senate

These are the highlights from the Nov. 8 Faculty Senate meeting. Meeting minutes will be available on the website as they are approved by Faculty Senate.

The meetings from our Oct. 11 meeting are available here.  

Guests: 

• Provost April Mason visited senate and gave an update from administration. It is her desire that she or her designee will be a regular part of Faculty Senate meetings.
• Fred Cholick, President and CEO of the Kansas State University Foundation, gave a report to Faculty Senate regarding the Foundation and its work. 

Standing committee and Student Senate reports:  

• FSCOUP: Ruth Dyer gave a report on the Campus Master Plan Update Taskforce. Bonnie Lynn-Sherow reported on and requested assistance with planning for the 150th anniversary of K-State. Senator Condia reported on their November meeting. Sue Peterson was a guest and discussed her role within the university and provided a Kansas Legislative timeline to committee members. Condia also presented this to senators. Local legislators and Faculty Senate Leadership will be invited to the Dec. 1 FSCOUP meeting. 
• Student Senate: Senator Rauth reported on privilege fee allocations, the great feedback they received by using the SGA initiative “InTouch.” From this feedback she will work to reorganize some of the student senate committees and possibly introduce a new one for student affairs. She reported on public transportation and indicated good news was heard that outside funding was acquired and some fixed routes will begin in February 2012.
• Academic Affairs: Senator Bennett presented the suggested syllabus language to senate for a vote.  The vote was in favor of presenting this suggested syllabus language to the provost for her inclusion with other options of what can be included in a course syllabus. The task force to review K-State 8 tagging and criteria met and was charged. Three curriculum items on the discussion agenda were approved: a new graduate certificate in advanced horticulture, a new graduate certificate in financial and housing counseling, and a new Master of Science in agricultural education and communication.  The Master of Science will go forward to the provost office and then to the Board of Regents for final approval. Other course and curriculum items and graduation list additions were approved within the consent agenda.
• Faculty Affairs: Senator Hughey reported on the anti-bullying/professional conduct policy. This proposed language was brought forward to the Executive Committee for placement on the senate agenda. However, due to concerns over the language it was tabled. Comments from the executive committee were compiled and this language will be sent back to the work group for further editing and resubmission. Senator Hughey updated senators on changes to the University Handbook with regard to an updated organizational chart. Revisions to Appendix G will hopefully be on the December or February FS agenda. Other issues continue to be on their agenda for review this year such as clinical faculty language and the professor of practice topic.
• FSCOT: Senator Rintoul reported on items discussed at their recent meeting, such as the textbook reporting system, and 2025 priorities from a technology side.   

Announcements: 

• President Vontz reminded senators of the mediation coordinator position that will be vacant beginning Jan. 1 and encouraged those who are interested to apply.
• President Vontz reported that the Enhanced Classroom Experience committee meetings began and one of their initiatives may come before Faculty Senate for their input next month.