Academic Affairs and Research Council Meeting Notes

Academic Affairs and Research Council Notes

Research and Academic Affairs Notes

Monday, February 12, 2007
AARC Agenda

 I. Background Checks-Jennus Burton

Jennus Burton, VP for Finance, asked that RAAC visit with departments and colleges to consider the concept of Criminal Background checks and provide feedback of positive and negative consequences.  The idea of the background check was to provide a safe environment.  Current feedback has not been positive.  What do you think is possible to live with in terms of offenses?  Once Mr. Burton has heard back from deans, he will provide campus feedback.

 The cost of the background checks is $11-$162 each and will come from salary savings in department budgets.  Robin Hicks, RAA Budget Coordinator, asserted that funds from these salary savings go to fund off-budget requests.

 Questions regarding International persons and what processes would be in place for them were raised.  Jennus believes background checks and expenses of internationals are taken care of through Interpol and the visa process.  He further believes the process will not bar a department from expedient hiring of adjuncts.    The ad will include background check information and one would hire contingent upon passing a background check.

 PeopleAdmin, the new software packet to be implemented July 1, 2007 will have taken care of credential checks for faculty on the front-end.  When asked about other universities Mr. Burton responded that Mark Frost, College of Business, found 11 examples of 9 universities with these policies in place.

 II. Cell Phone Policy-Jennus Burton

IRS is requesting copies of university policies to ensure consistent use of stated policies.  ASU is preempting this request by putting a policy in place that complies with IRS requirements regarding personal use of state funded cell phones and data devices.  The linked Cell Phone Policy will go into effect July 1, 2007.  Options allow a) taxation as a fringe benefit, b) purchase of a separate personal cell phone, using the state phone exclusively for business purposes, or c) use of personal cell phone and reimbursement for business calls.

 The plan recommended is to retain the state device and pay the tax.

 III. Holiday Schedule-Jennus Burton

The proposed 2007 Holiday Schedule addresses concerns regarding lack of customer service during the Winter break.  The university will close on December 21, 2007 and reopen January 2, 2008.

 Individual vacation requests may be honored, but offices must have sufficient coverage.  Staff Senate shared concerns regarding uniformity in the enforcement of the policy.  Academe needs to have proper coverage of faculty.  The most critical time is the 1^st day or two after commencement to help students.  Dr. Lynita Cooksey recommends 3 days after commencement are critical.

 The university has the ability to employ voice mail broadcasts to inform customers of closings and will begin doing so during winter break and inclement weather.

 IV.  Microsoft Agreement-Mark Hoeting

 Microsoft is now becoming more stringent and will now only support updates.  We will not receive Microsoft Vista as a package.  The Department must purchase the software.  Authentication has to be done against the university software.  Our students will essentially be double taxed.  We want to investigate the opportunity to cancel the Microsoft Agreement and reinvest the dollars into infrastructure.  Mark stated OEM software could be purchased for $46 additional cost after the purchase of a PC.  The university intends to take advantage of the “buy-out” piece to cancel our agreement.  Please review the proposal  and provide feedback to Mark.  If we need to change then we will discuss how to reinvest the dollars.  Use your Technology Committee Fee representative to supply feedback.  RAAC representatives are Rick McDaniel, Andy Sustich and Russ Shain.  Without VISTA, documents from updated versions of Word can not be opened.  Check your plug-ins.

 V. Ex. Council Update-Susan Allen

 RAA has 3 Resolutions for March meeting

 1) In-State tuition Bachelor/Graduate level tuition for alums.  Alums currently receive in-state tuition, but they have a 2 year waiting period.

 2) Waiver of Out-of-State Tuition for Graduate students, which is analogous with the one passed last year for undergrads.  Criteria are 3.0 G.P.A. and 6 hours of graduate level courses.

 3) Bachelor of Science in Nursing pending and will be discussed at Executive Council today.

 Budget requests received yesterday

Tentative budget calendar sent out.  Budget priorities of 2005 were pulled and added to this year’s priorities for 2008-2009. Academic Budget Council will meet Thursday; we are looking to confirm RAA budget. 

Budget situation in LR is fluid

Dr. Allen is going to Little Rock to discuss potential research.  Currently on the table is 2.1 million in continuing funds, $177 thousand one-time fund, and 4 million, which includes raises.  Executive Council is discussing university priorities.  RAA used the priorities tied to the Strategic plan and enrollment management.  Robin believes this is a good year for academics.

 Chancellor has asked every unit to look at possible reallocations.  Review any areas where resources can be redistributed to optimize use and avoid duplication.  Inform Dr. Allen of any opportunities or instances we can use as examples of how we are currently reallocating since we are already doing so.

 Web presence on campus is being reviewed for improvements.  Executive Council will make sure improvements are implemented.

 Only Chairs and Deans can sign contracts.  All contracts requiring Dr. Potts’ signature are routed through Dr. Glen Jones.

 VI.  Professional Development Speakers- Susan Allen

Dr. Tom Angelo, University Victoria in New Zealand, will be on campus April 4^th and 5^th as the first speaker relating to a Professional Development initiative instituted by Dr. Potts.  Dr. Angelo was invited at the suggestion of Barbara Doyle who has coined Dr. Angelo as the guru of assessment.

 SGA math resolution-Dr. Cooksey

 SGA concerns stemmed from results of a new computer system, Hawk, the challenges of its implementation last fall such as having no books, and data showing a great number of students failing.  The system has now been fine tuned.  The data is looking good and showing students who do homework are getting good results. If the resolution passes SGA will be looking at a new committee to review math programs. Like anything new, Hawk has to be in place for a period of time.

 Announcements

 Marti Lu Allen-Julie McDonnel has been hired as the new curator.  Museum is having Archaeology month celebrations on March 8 and 10^th.  There will be several exhibits during the spring. April 14^th exhibitions will be exploratory –Good Vibrations; Bad Vibrations Earthquake exhibition.

 Russ Shain-Web advisory group is now getting attention and the university is listening.  Article in the Sun on Christian Soap Opera

 William Allen-CLT press release on the university to join the new media consortium.  An exciting new consortium to look ahead at what we will change based on maturing technology.  Educause also plays a part in this.  Consortium survey results show social networking is the number one reason students log in. NMEC has a huge campus in something called second life.

In the next 3-5 years we expect to see the cell book and how cell phones would work in education using virtual keyboards and projectors with a little screen. 

Greg Phillips-Last week was the Delta Expo which is being reinvigorated.  This week is the Agri 2007 Luncheon; Next week Identity Solutions Symposium.

George Grant-Library wanted to give projections on inflation allocations.  Notices will go out to departments regarding funding status.  Departments need new strategies, if no new money comes by 2009.  Fallen Hero exhibit will come down today and a new exhibit will be going up.  Parking has made it difficult for some to visit the exhibits.  SI funds have purchased collaborative study tables on the 2^nd floor; tables were designed by library staff and built by facilities management.

Honors Housing worked well.  No one wants to move.  40 students will move to new residence hall, some will go to Chancellor Scholars’ and others will be on 3^rd floor Kay’s Hall.  Priority will go toward incoming freshman.

 ORTT research funds for all grad students has been claimed approx. half of undergrad funds are still there.

 March 3^rd Honors Competition-free meal for faculty/staff who volunteer.  This is an opportunity to meet excellent students. Sach Oliver and New Chancellor will be featured; send volunteer names to Gil Fowler.

 Al Romero World Summit taking place next year.  It is an Honor to host June 2008 120-140 departments working together with students.

 Dan Reeves-the House of Yes opened Friday; Ark Repertory Theatre Feb 21, 23 and 24 Fences is featured.

 Evone Roberts-Faculty Achievement Awards nominations are due Feb 21.  Also, 1^st year pre-tenure faculty recommendations are due.  Remember to address teaching, scholarship, and professional services. Rick McDaniel and Sue Marlay are visiting the University of North Alabama today.

 VII.  Robin Hicks- Office Effectiveness Project/RAA Reorganization

RAA completed a study with the help of Bill Krauss in an effort to optimize its resources; some responsibility and positions have shifted.

Adjournment