September 28, 2022 Minutes

Power Point Presentation

Athletics Presentation

Faculty Senate Meeting (Leon Johnson 346)

09.28.2022

3:15pm – 4:30pm

WebEx for those not able to attend in person:

I.            Call to Order: 3:15 pm

II.            Approval of FS Minutes from September 14, 2022: Tomas Gedon moved for approval, Michael Walach seconded, Approved.

III.            FYI items

a.       Sabbatical applications are due to the Department heads by Oct 3. https://www.montana.edu/provost/faculty/sabbaticals.html

b.       Allen Yarnell Student Success -Early Alert Program

https://www.montana.edu/aycss/success/earlyalert.html

c.       Hispanic Heritage Month Sept 15-Oct 15. 

https://www.montana.edu/diversity/resources/training/hispanic_heritage_month.html

Next event is Panel Discussion on Community and Connection in Gallatin Valley – Oct 12 at noon in SUB Alumni Lounge

IV.            Information Updates: 

a.       George Haynes/Leon Costello- Fall Athletics Update

b.       BOR Sept Meeting Updates

i.      New Policy -Remote Work Arrangements

https://mus.edu/board/meetings/2022/september/adminbudget/Policy_DRAFT-MUS-REMOTE-WORK-POLICY.pdf

ii.      Policy Revision- Tuition Waivers for dependents

https://mus.edu/board/meetings/2022/september/adminbudget/Policy-940-32_DRAFT-DEPENDENT-WAIVER-POLICY.pdf

iii.      Policy Revision- Academic Probation and Academic Suspension

https://mus.edu/board/meetings/2022/september/arsa/Probation_draft_301.8_12Aug2022.pdf

https://mus.edu/board/meetings/2022/september/arsa/Suspension_Draft301.9_12Aug2022.pdf

V.            Undergraduate Courses and Programs

a.       Courses – First Reading

i.      AVMT 175 : Aircraft Electrical Systems

b.       Courses – Second Reading 

i.      BIOM 365 : Astrobiology

ii.      CHMY 404 : Advanced Inorganic Techniques

iii.      PSCI 483 : The Politics of Authoritarianism

iv.      STAT 337 : Intermediate Statistics with Introduction to Statistical Computing

c.       Program Change– Second Reading

i.      HDFC-BS : Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Family Science-Child Development Option

VI.            Graduate Courses and Programs 

a.       Programs – First  Reading

i.            FCSED-CER : Family and Consumer Sciences Education Graduate Certificate

VII.            Senators’ Open Conversation

a.       International Travel Policy – Concerns were raised regarding the documentation, training, and insurance requirements of the policy.  Those concerns fell primarily to the implementation and operation of the policy, rather than the policy itself.  Senate leadership has initiated the establishment of an ad hoc working group to catalog concerns and work with stakeholders toward potential improvements to the implementation and operation of the policy. 

b.       Academic Convocations – Questions were raised regarding the reasons for discontinuing the Fall convocation, and a desire to re-establish the event as an indicator of, and initiation of new students into the academic and intellectual culture of the University.  The Provost summarized the reasons for not holding Fall Convocation in 2021 and 2022, and the objectives to be met in reestablishing the event.  Senate Leadership will continue a conversation with the Provost and faculty about reestablishing the event and opportunities for faculty to engage in the process.  Additionally, the topic of Spring convocation and faculty recognition was raised.

c.       Faculty Salary – Questions were raised about the status of faculty salaries in relation to the current approved Strategic Plan for the University, progress toward the Plan’s goals, and the operational plans or strategies to achieve the stated goals.  Senate Leadership is working with the Provost and Budget Director to attend a future Senate meeting for a more detailed discussion of the current budget structure and status, as well as faculty salaries within the budget and plans for systematic progress on salaries. 

 VIII.            Public Comment

IX.            Adjourn: 4:24 pm