The University Budget—The executive committee, in response to faculty comments and budget concerns, invited Dr. Brockway, Interim Provost, to discuss this year’s budget process. He reported that President Alexander is working with the CPE on establishing guidelines on new formula funding to include quality indicators, such as, graduation rates. Retention has been the focus of this administration and this is hoped to turn into higher graduation rates in the future. The Kentucky Higher Education Scholarship Fund should provide increased growth for the state’s institutions. The university has to have those programs that these students want and need. Dr. Brockway is optimistic about future funding. Any additional funds from the state (above the announced 2.8%), would be added to the collegiate budgets. He assured faculty that there are no across the board cuts in next year’s budget. Deans were asked in some cases to shift some funds to offer increased salaries, above the 2.8%; i.e., $450,000. The board and the President have noted faculty salaries as their number 1 priority in all discussions. The administration asked deans to look at their current expenditures and identify vacant salary lines not critical to operation of their college. The administration then looked at those lines for additional salary money. Dr. Brockway noted that budget problems are not restricted to MSU. Some larger institutions have more flexibility in numbers and ability to generate additional revenue.

The communications position advertised by the President’s Office has been struck from the budget, as has the kiosk at Kentucky Oaks Mall and the billboard off of the WK Parkway. Funding for next year will be used to enhance faculty development initiatives both on campus and with web based courses with the virtual university initiative by the state and for full professor promotions. Dr. Brockway then responded to questions.

Each college will have merit money and will be distributed based on each college’s merit system. It is the intent to provide a little more to full professors to bring them up in rankings. The university generates $26 million in fixed tuition (34%). According to Dr. Brockway, we do not lose money on each student. We do provide more incentives than the other regionals.

The budgeting shift has no major impact on programs. Dr. Brockway also referred to a proposal to recognize work of faculty in the residential college system. Regent Rudolph asked if the regents’ teaching award had been discussed. Dr. Alexander has looked at adding the award to a person’s base salary. He must identify funding for that. The provost would support that; the award is currently a one-time cash award. Regent Rudolph also referred to the handbook stipulation of a three- percent cost of living increase before merit is considered.

Vice President Call asked if in the event the formula rewards academic success rather than increased enrollment, the university would consider shifting scholarships from need based to academic success.

Dr. Brockway noted the administration continues to study scholarships and will have to look at how the new state program will impact our programs.

Senators addressed concerns regarding enrollments and hiring of adjuncts to cover larger classes.

Dr. Brockway said that the new formula would determine how we strategize.

Board of Regents—Regent Rudolph noted that the board had approved the university audit. Even though the state has not approved additional funding for fire safety, the university is funding sprinklers for all the dorms. He noted that the governmental affairs committee of the senate is still exploring the legislative side of this issue. The board approved $5.5 million for safety and deferred maintenance. Regent Rudolph commended the President for his work on formula funding; noting that the original proposal from the state would have been detrimental to us while other institutions would have seen significant increases. Regent Rudolph emphasized quality and performance based funding.

The board will meet on April 16 to address the capital giving campaign. The May meeting is postponed until June 18.

In relation to the budget, he noted that increased merit percentages are being pushed across the state.

Senators expressed concerns that the diversity of programs being encouraged may harm quality of programs.

Academic Policies—Chair Gray reported that the committee is identifying important aspects of academics at MSU that the senate needs to be addressing.

Finance—No report.

Governmental Affairs—A draft of a proposal encouraging optional retirement plans will be forwarded to COSFL. President Landini commended the committee for its work.

Handbook & Personnel—Chair Elwell presented the following handbook changes:

1. Standard appointment of faculty be changed from a 10 month contract to a nine month contract proposed by the Research Policy Committee BUT AMENDED by the senate. {Note page 1 of the recommendation, February 1999}

2. Revisions to 2.9.2, Code of Professional Ethics {Professional Ethics}

Addition of Section 2.9.2.1, Code of Professional Ethics

Students

3. Revision to Section 2.1.2.3, Adjunct Faculty/Part-time Faculty
4. Revision to Section 2.3, Appointment of Faculty
5. Revision to Section 2.16.1, Salary Policy
6. Revision to Section 1.6.4.3, MSU Institutional Review Board
7. Revision to Section 2.13.3, Research Use of Human Subjects

All proposals for revision were approved. One major change is to recommend that ten-month teaching appointments become nine-month; rationale to increase grant monies. This came from the Research Policy Committee, an advisory committee to the Provost, and was presented to the senate by Dr. John Crofton.

A synopsis is available from the senate.

Rules, Elections, & Bylaws—Vice President Call reported that administrative assessments would continue to be accepted through tomorrow. Senators affirmed that faculty response was affected by comments made by the regents last year. VP Call emphasized the importance of faculty opinion. President Landini noted, historically, board members look at these.

Nominations for university governance positions will be accepted through today. The senate will elect faculty senate representatives to the academic council at the May meeting.

Insurance & Benefits—Chair Jacobs reported that the committee is continuing work on an employee sick leave bank. The committee will meet on April 16 to add language suggested by the administration. Bids for dental coverage will also be considered. Several companies are willing to provide employee paid premium coverage.

Graduate Studies--Chair Muscio reported that there were no issues of general university importance before the committee.

Committee to Review Academic Structure—Chair Muscio reported that the committee meets every Monday. The next meeting is April 12 and is open. A general consensus is to not increase the number of colleges. A report is targeted for the May senate meeting.

Executive—President Landini reported that the executive committee was sent a proposal by the residential college heads. The committee unanimously approved a motion to discourage adoption of that particular procedure. A copy of the proposal is available.

The executive committee has appointed a nominating committee for 1999-2000 senate officers; Senators Jacobs, Maddox, and Janice Morgan. The committee is asked to forward a report to the executive committee seeking broad input from senate members. She reminded the senate that this is the last meeting of this year’s senate. Senator Richerson asked if there was any way to change the date of the May meeting noting that it always falls during finals. If outgoing senators wish to vote at the May meeting, they will need a written proxy.

The executive committee discussed public dissemination of the administrative assessments. There is no public disclosure of what they reveal. The executive committee has asked the Rules, Elections, & Bylaws Committee to revisit this point of procedure. No changes can be made this year; materials sent to administrators state confidentiality of procedure.

President Landini and Vice President Call will meet with Dr. Alexander next week. Dr. Alexander spent most of the time in their March meeting discussing formula funding. Since that meeting, there has been definite improvement to the formula.

The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.