Kansas State University

Highlights from the May 10 Faculty Senate meeting

Submitted by Faculty Senate

Guests: President Kirk Schulz and interim President Richard Myers were present to address Faculty Senate. Schulz thanked faculty senators for their tireless work and encouraged them to continue their service to committees and their support of education, both K-12 and higher education. Myers commended faculty and staff for their phenomenal energy and the difference they make to the students of K-State.  

Consent agenda:

• President-Elect Andy Bennett presented the consent agenda, which was approved. It included course and curriculum changes from the Colleges of Agriculture, Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering and Human Ecology.   

Standing committee and Student Senate reports: 

• Academic Affairs: Sen. Teresa Hartman updated senators on various issues the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures is working with relating to CLEP Scores, change in SAT scores, and other items.
• Faculty Affairs: Sens. Betsy Cauble and Mindy Markham presented proposed changes to Section C of the University Handbook for a vote. After discussion and an amendment, the changes were approved.    
• Professional Staff Affairs, PSA: Sen. Mary Anne Andrews reported that the committee will continue to work with Human Capital Services on the Total Rewards initiative in the upcoming year. They also will review career ladders as Human Capital Services works to establish them. 
• FSCOT: Sen. Don Crawford updated senators that an initiative has been approved to employ student workers to transcribe information. This is related to web content accessibility. Also, Central IT is looking to reorganize some of their services. Rebecca Gould would appreciate input on this project. Crawford announced that Yammer is included in Office 365 and is now available for K-State employees.
• FSCOUP: Sen. Spencer Wood reported that FSCOUP met with Sen. Leitnaker to follow up on comments received regarding the draft furlough policy and guidelines. Strong feedback was given about the guidelines having to do with the tier structure as well as the language that classes will not be affected by a furlough. The policy itself was fine; however, FSCOUP members recommended changes to the guidelines, which Leitnaker will take back to his constituents and work on over the summer. He will be present for their first meeting in the fall to update them.   
• Student Senate: Sen. Jack Ayres reported that their legislative branch is considering establishing a group to look at the makeup of the student senate with a view toward diversity. An update about the activities of the Tuition and Fees Strategies Committee also was provided.

Announcements

• The ombudsperson vacancy will be filled soon. 

Discussion period for senators

• Sen. J. Fallin invited everyone to the Big 12 Teaching and Learning Conference, which will be hosted by K-State on June 2-3. 

The 2015-2016 Faculty Senate was adjourned and Andrew Bennett, 2016-2017 Faculty Senate president, called the first meeting of the 2016-2017 Faculty Senate to order.

2016-2017 president-elect and secretary elections

• Brian Lindshield was elected as president-elect of Faculty Senate; Mindy Markham was elected as secretary of Faculty Senate.

 Previous minutes are are available on the Faculty Senate website as they are approved. 

Fred Guzek
Faculty Senate President
Professor
Salina Arts, Sciences, and Business
Kansas State University
104A Tech Center
Salina, KS 67401