Present:

• Alan Gabrielli, Dean, Arts & Sciences
• La Juana Cochrane, Department Chair, Social & International Studies
• Joel Fowler, Department Chair, Mathematics
• John Sink, Acting Department Chair, Biology, Chemistry & Physics
• Phil Patterson, Biology, Chemistry & Physics

• Ken Rainey, Department Chair, Humanities & Technical Communication

1. "Preventing Sexual Harassment" - Gabrielli reminded the chairs that everyone on campus must complete this online training and asked them to have their faculty and staff take the training as soon as possible if they have not already done so.

2. Summer Enrollment - Gabrielli noted that summer preregistration enrollment figures look good for the School of Arts & Sciences with 72% of the seats filled as compared to 56% campus wide.

3. Fall Kickoff - Tuesday, August 16th is the published date for fall kickoff but after discussion in the last Deans Council meeting, Gabrielli suggested that chairs notify their faculty that the date may be changed to Monday, August 15th so they should plan accordingly.

4. FY06 Budget - The State Legislature has approved the FY06 budget but it still has to be approved by the governor next week. The President has postponed the April 19th Expanded Cabinet meeting until April 26th hoping to have the approved budget in hand for discussion. Some items pending budget approval are:
   • Minor Cap - funding is needed to convert unused space in Building J to classrooms and to convert one existing classroom into an open lab for students.
   • Portal Project - funding for the Portal Project was included in this year's budget but it is questionable whether or not the Governor will leave it in. If it is approved, discussions will go forward to reassess priorities and determine how best to use the money. Gabrielli indicated that at least some of the money would have to be spent to improve the entrance to campus.
   • Budget Cutoffs - No deadline has been announced for year-end spending cutoffs. The President has expressed that departments should have control over their departmental budgets for as long as possible. At this point VPAA Hornbeck is unsure if additional OS&E funds remain to be distributed.
   • Departments should have wish lists ready in the event year-end money becomes available.

5. Pre- and Post-Tenure Review - Packets are due ASAP.

   Gabrielli announced that there will be a major change implemented beginning with the next cycle. Any review representing noteworthy teaching must be supported by documented peer observation or it will not be approved at his level. Several points were made:

   • peer observation will be required
   • the observation will be coordinated by the observee, department chair, or peer committee
   • observers can use peer observation as service or professional growth and development
   • a peer observation guide is posted on our website:

   Gabrielli noted that Department Chairs should be observing teaching of all full and part-time faculty.

   Judy will be sending out an email listing those eligible for promotion and tenure next year. Promotion and tenure packets will be due Sept. 13.

6. Mission Change - The deadline for submitting mission change considerations to the system office has been extended to December. The President is drafting a new mission statement and is looking for input. The following ideas, which would require expanding our mission statement, have been discussed:
   • starting a department of education to teach enough education courses to support those interesting in teaching science, math, or technology.
   • PhD programs possibly in computer science, information design and communication, or construction

7. Fowler asked about the status of one-year positions for next year. Gabrielli said they may be continued as one-year positions but he hoped that some would be converted to lecturer positions. No decision has been made at this time.

8. Gabrielli welcomed Phil Patterson as the new Department Chair of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics beginning summer semester. He replaces John Sink who will be retiring at the end of this semester.

9. Department Chairs spoke briefly on items of interest in their areas:
   • La Juana Cochrane
     • expressed appreciation for funding her department has received
     • talked about their recent "Town Hall" meeting with their majors. Approximately 25 faculty and students attended providing an opportunity for students and faculty to get to know one another and learn more about the major.
     • the second IS:GT major will graduate this spring
     • the department has reactivated their honor society

   • Joel Fowler
     • interviews for their two open position are ongoing and one position has been filled
     • the annual Math Department picnic went well

   • John Sink
     • expressed appreciation for equipment funds which were desperately needed to support the new biology program
     • Biology will graduate its first B.S. students at this Spring commencement
     • created biology award to be presented to first student
     • interviewing for biology position - three good candidates
     • summer enrollments looks great

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.