CALL TO ORDER
The last meeting of the 1999 Spring Semester was called to order at 3:15 p.m. by President Jerald Ogg in Gallien Auditorium, Gooch Hall.  An official count of senators was not taken, other than noting that a quorum was present.  Present were 36 senators and officers, 1 substitute, and 5 guests.  Many of the senators for the next academic year were also present.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as distributed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Chancellor Conn gave his report out of order, because he was going out of town.  Dr. Conn stated that he would not be here for discussion of the proposed tenure document, but that he is willing to sign approval on the document being presented today.  He thanked Jerald Ogg for the job he has done as senate president this year and for the help he provided in Dr. Conn's first year.  He expressed thanks to the Executive Committee for acting as a sounding board for him.

He gave an update on the proposed tax reform plans for the State of Tennessee.  He said that if the legislature does not do something significant soon, a $1 million cut from our current budget will occur.  He urged the senators and other faculty to talk to their legislators about a state income tax.

There was no other unfinished business.

(Order was changed, making Executive Committee Report last, and so that Dean Bob Smith could provide input in the tenure proposal.)

PERSONNEL POLICIES
Roger Fisher brought the proposed tenure document before the senate as a motion from the committee for approval.

After discussion, a motion was made to amend -- under Adequate Cause on page 17, delete the words "professional ethics".  Motion was seconded.  Motion failed.

Call for question, seconded, and carried.  Vote on proposal, motion carried.

Fisher thanked the committee for their work this year.

Ogg stated that the cumulation reviews will be effective Spring 2001.
 

BUDGET AND ECONOMIC CONCERNS
Jenna Wright brought a report from the Budget and Economic Concerns Committee.  No official action has been taken yet on banking teaching hours.  The topics of book buyers was again discussed.  If they make an appointment with a faculty member it is okay for them to be there, but if someone complains, security can be asked to ask them to leave.  Regarding the equity study, according to Dr. Blanchard, no potential inequity was identified when comparing instructors as a group to national norms; as a result, there was no follow through on an individual basis.  This may be misleading, however, primarily because of the significant years of experience by UTM instructors.

UNDERGRADUATE COUNCIL
Doug Sterrett stated that the April 20 meeting was mostly informational.  He brought the curriculum proposals from the March 9 meeting as a motion and second for approval by the senate.  Motion carried.  He also thanked the committee for their work this year.

GRADUATE COUNCIL
In Marti Herndon's absence, Richard Griffin presented the curriculum proposals from the April 8 meeting as a motion and second for approval.  Motion carried.

INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE
Dan McDonough said that there was nothing from the committee to come before the senate for action.  Jim Clark will be the chair of the committee for next year.

LIBRARY COMMITTEE
Lisa LeBleu brought the senators' attention to a handout from the committee regarding concerns about the proposed plans to combine the library and computer center, and stated that it came as a motion and second to forward these concerns to the Chancellor.  It was noted that the senators were only voting on sending the concerns to the Chancellor, not on combining the computer center and the library.  Motion carried.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jerald Ogg brought the bylaw changes (distributed at a previous meeting) from the Executive Committee as a motion and second.  Motion carried.

The Academic Council has been discussing the practice of "banking hours", which is used by several departments.

Ogg thanked Registrar Emily Knudsen for the years of service and for her work with the senate.  She is retiring, and this will be her last senate meeting.

A decision will be made at a later date on whether the "Lunch Bunch" will be continued.

The Board of Trustees will be meeting on Saturday to decide on four  interviewees for the UT President.

Ed Wheeler brought a report regarding the search for Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.  The field has been narrowed to five candidates.  He encouraged the senators to attend the interviews.  Resumes are on reserve in the library.  Wheeler commended the committee for their hard work.

Ogg said that their was a meeting of the Faculty Counselors to the President last week.  They discussed dual credit, and are looking at long term disability.

The senate schedule and committee list for the next year were distributed.

Ogg thanked the executive committee and Kristy for their work this year and presented a token of his appreciation.   Plaques were presented to Robert Nanney, as senate secretary, and to Jerald Ogg, as senate president, in appreciation of their work during the 1998-99 academic year.

AD-HOC COMMITTEES
None at this time.

NEW BUSINESS
None at this time.

ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
 
 
 
 

E. Jerald Ogg, President

Robert Nanney, Secretary