Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Faculty Senate Minutes (DRAFT)

Alabama A&M University Faculty Senate

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AAMU Faculty Senate Meeting – 21 November 2013 The Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Faculty Senate met on November 21, 2013, in the Dean’s Conference Room Carter Hall. The meeting was called to order at approximately 12:40 p.m. with Dr. Jeanette Jones, president, presiding.

Senators present: Dr. Jeanette Jones, Dr. William Stone, Dr. Jacob Oluwoye, Dr. Halima Quershi, Dr.Eric Ohene-Nyako, Dr. Emeka Dunu, Dr. Nareatha Studdard, Major Tina Hill-Miller, Dr. Rosanna Chang, Ms. Esther Phillips-Ross, Dr. Mira Kruja, Ms. Marjorie Battle, Dr. Lynne Edmondson, Dr. Delores Price, Dr. Thelma Townsend, Dr. Mostafa Dokhanian, Dr. Kamala Bhat, Ms. Rhonda Lang

Alternate senators present: Dr. George Vizcarra, Dr. Adnan Elkhaldy, Mr. Joseph Ezeibe, Dr. Muhammad Ghanbari

Reading of the Agenda Motion: To approve the agenda for November 21, 2013 Motion: Dr. Delores Price Seconded: Ms. Rhonda Lang Vote: Motion Carried

Meditation Chaplain Dr. Delores Price

Reading of the Minutes Motion: To approve the minutes for October 22, 2013 with necessary corrections Motion: Ms. Rhonda Lang Second: Dr. Mira Kruja Vote: Motion Carried

Meditation Chaplain Dr. Delores Price

Business

President Jones presented a report to the senate which included the following: updates on the October 25th Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Board of Trustees meeting in Birmingham and the University Foundation Meeting; other updates included her presentation to the Board concerning raises and salary adjustments, the need to get back to the original agreement by the Board in terms of the 85% SREB agreement; possible input by the faculty on setting a percentage for the next raise increase. She also provided information concerning the search for a vice president of business and finance. In addition, discussion centered on the University Club/Faculty Club and establishment of a committee for possible names of the facility as a social, educational, and cultural center and the partnering or collaboration with Aramark for services.

OTHER BUSINESS A. Faculty Handbook Committee Several items were discussed in this area.  Revisiting of course loads and student credit hours as faculty concerns at both the graduate and undergraduate levels  An examination of the 300 student credit hours  The new impending faculty evaluation instrument

B. Academic Standards Committee Credentialing of Faculty  Report: Faculty must have proper credentials to teach a course. Improper credentials may result in dismissals. The senate should review the SACS requirements for credentialing of faculty and see if our guidelines align with SACS.  Assignment: Dr. Lynne Edmondson was asked to provide language to the body for priority in class assignments. While this issue is addressed in the handbook, further clarification may be needed.

C. Summer School  Assignment: The Business and Finance Committee will investigate the following:  The rate of faculty remuneration for summer sessions last year  Chairs’ course assignments in summer and the negative impact on faculty summer employment if any  The appropriate length of time that summer school is in session (eight weeks, ten weeks, or more)  Four or five day weeks in summer session  Clarification of summer hours  Separate contracts for summer  On site office hours for online courses

Assignment: Dr. Jones asked that a copy of the SACS credentialing document for faculty to be provided to all senators and alternates.

The next meeting will be held at 1:00 p.m. on December 12, 2013, at the VIP Room, Foster

The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m. Thelma Townsend, Ph. D., Secretary and Recorder