Meeting Minutes: November 2, 2023

Minutes   

The Faculty Senate met on Thursday, November 2, 2023, in French 130D and via Zoom. Sixty-two (62) senators were present with twenty-eight (28) absent and thirteen (13) non-voting members present. The meeting was called to order by the Senate Chair, Eric Shelden at 4:02 pm.

Guest Presentation: from Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, Leslie Brunelli regarding the University Budget, and Finance Review (PDF).

• Concern: Library Committee Inquiry regarding the 2% budget accommodated to this area. -G. Taub
• Response: Follow-up on this exact 2% budget amount can be provided as requested. -L. Brunelli
• Concern: Incentivizing a revenue growth model that makes sense for colleges and departments. -A. Meredith
• Response: A Responsibility Center Management model is important to implement the creativity associated with this model. Follow up will be forthcoming. -L. Brunelli

1. Call to Order at 4:04pm
2. Approval of minutes from the October 19, 2023 faculty senate meeting (PDF).
   1. No Concerns
3. Announcements
   1. Information Items
      1. The faculty senate executive officers met with President Schulz and Provost Chilton on October 31, 2023.
      2. The Faculty Senate Chair, Eric Shelden will present to the Board of Regents on Friday, November 17th.
      3. (Item #2023.11.02_358_Catalog) Minor Change Bulletin No. 4 (Exhibit 358A).
4. Reports
   1. Remarks by Faculty Senate Chair Eric Shelden
      1. Faculty Senate Concerns and Activities Table (PDF).
         1. Considerations for reduced tuition for online classes and (RCW 28B.15.558).
         2. 360 Review of Administration and progress is underway to reinstate this process after the lapse from COVID-19.
         3. Institutional support from traditionally underrepresented minority groups. A response is forthcoming in coordination with Lisa Guerrero, Associate Vice Provost for Equity, and Inclusive Excellence.
         4. Athletic Program and litigation information pending.
         5. A request for feedback regarding from faculty with Institutional Technology and Cybersecurity concerns are pending next step resolutions.  
         6. Graduate Student Unionization feedback will be presented during the January 18^th Faculty Senate meeting.
   2. Remarks by Faculty Senate Executive Secretary, Matthew Hudelson
      1. Faculty Senate Legislative Representative Update (webpage).
5. Additions or changes to the agenda
   1. Motion from Faculty Senator, Heiko Jansen to move discussion item 6 (Item #2023.11.02_364_CoC) to become action item 4. Faculty Senator, Jennifer Miller seconded.
      1. Approved. 55 approved; 1 rejected.
6. Agenda Items
   1. Action Items
      1. (Item #2023.10.19_353_GSC) Recommended approval to Extend the Doctor in Education Leadership to WSU Everett (Exhibit 353A 353B 353C 353D).
         1. Approved; 56 approved; 0 rejected
      2. (Item #2023.10.19_355_CoC) Graduate Studies Committee three-year term vacancy recommendation (Exhibit 355A).
         1. Approved; 56 approved; 0 rejected
      3. (Item #2023.10.19_357_RAC) Proposal to establish the WSU Center for Research and Innovation in Special Education (Exhibit 357A 357B).
         1. Approved; 55 approved; 0 approved
      4. (Item #2023.11.02_364_CoC) Research and Arts Committee three-year term vacancy recommendation (Exhibit 364A).
         1. Approved; 55 approved; 0 rejected.
   2. Discussion Items
      1. (Item #2023.11.02_359_AAC) Undergraduate and Professional Major Change Bulletin No. 3 Requirements (Exhibit 359A).
         1. Concern: Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Credit Hours. -J. Schneider
            1. Response: Feedback will be provided by the program sponsor as requested. -B. Bitter and K. Meier
      2. (Item #2023.11.02_360_CRP) Graduate Major Change Bulletin No. 2 Courses (Exhibit 360A).
      3. (Item #2023.11.02_361_CRP) Professional Health Sciences Major Change Bulletin No. 2 Courses (361A).
      4. (Item #2023.11.02_362_CRP) Undergraduate Major Change Bulletin No. 2 Courses (Exhibit 362A).
      5. (Item #2023.11.02_363_FAC) Additions to the Function of the Faculty Affairs Committee Guidelines (Exhibit 363A 363B).
         1. Concern: Request for background and context regarding the Equity Lens tool and the inclusion of this tool? -B. Tanner
            1. Response: The Equity Lens tool is a common tool used by various universities country wide. The expectation for use is to include this tool in a general sense for reference in decision making. -J. McDonald
7. Constituent Concerns
   1. Concern: Request re: the course of action / position that the faculty senate and university might have relating to the course of action and threats of violence against specific groups during the war in the Middle East. -J. Bonzo
      1. Response: The University is an international community and diverse viewpoints are recognized on this matter. Members of the WSU community are encouraged to review the WSU President’s statement in the WSU Insider regarding this topic on October 17^th: Caring for Cougs in times of crisis.
8. Meeting Adjourned. 4:31pm

Respectfully submitted,

Matt Hudelson, Executive Secretary