These minutes reflect discussion and debate at a meeting of a committee of the University of Minnesota Senate; none of the comments, conclusions, or actions reported in these minutes represents the views of, nor are they binding on, the Senate, the Administration, or the Board of Regents.

Minutes

Faculty Consultative Committee

Thursday, March 3, 2006

12 – 2 pm

12 Morrill Hall

Present:

Jean Bauer (chair), Nancy Carpenter, Carol Chomsky, Barbara Elliott, Dan Feeney, Megan Gunnar, Kathleen Krichbaum (Lois Heller), Morris Kleiner, Scott Lanyon, Judith Martin, Richard McCormick, Terry Roe, Steven Ruggles, John Sullivan, Jennifer Windsor

Absent:

Gary Balas, Marvin Marshak, Fred Morrison, Martin Sampson

Guests:

Provost E. Thomas Sullivan

Other:

Kate Stuckert

[In these minutes: (1) Committee Business; (2) Provost Sullivan]

 Professor Bauer convened the meeting at 12:15 pm.

1. Committee Business

 
 The committee discussed nominations for the Nominating Committee, nominations for the Advisory Committee on Athletics, nominations for the Faculty Academic Oversight Committee on Athletics, and nominations for the Conflict Resolution Advisory Committee. Professor Bauer asked people to forward to her other names for consideration, and said she would move forward with inviting people to serve on these committees.
 
 The committee discussed tuition benefits for faculty. Professor Kleiner said that there were varying numbers on the actual cost of the benefits, and he reported that the Senate Committee on Faculty Affairs (SCFA) was still working with Vice President Carol Carrier, Office of Human Resources, on the issue. He noted that the resolution had passed twice in the Faculty Senate but had not moved forward. Professor Lanyon pointed out that it was easy to see the cost of the benefit, but it was more difficult to quantify its benefits, adding that it was also a retention issue. Professor Kleiner said that it was also a small number of faculty who benefit, and that it was easier to push an issue in which everyone benefits and noted that other major universities have this as a benefit. The committee discussed the issues, comparisons to other institutions, and how it affects the University of Minnesota being a Top 3 institution.
 
 Professor Chomsky raised the issue of selecting a vice-chair for the Senate, noting that FCC makes recommendations for the position and the Faculty Senate then elects the vice-chair.  The vice-chair also sits on the FCC.   Professor Chomsky proposed Professor Mary Jo Kane to be vice-chair and asked for other suggestions.  The Committee endorsed the nomination of Professor Kane, and Professor Chomsky said she would move forward in extending the invitation.  The election will be placed on an upcoming Senate agenda, probably in April.
 
 Professor Bauer began a discussion regarding the Strategic Positioning Task Force reports. She indicated that two were out, Metric and Measurements and Administrative Services. There would also be a group of reports forthcoming from the Academic Health Center, Research and CLA. She asked the committee members for their thoughts as to how to proceed. The committee discussed the disposition of the task force reports and FCC's role in how to address the attendant issues as the initiatives emerge. It was agreed to look at the reports, then asked the chairs of the task forces to join the meetings if necessary. Professor Martin suggested that FCC may wish to think about how to address the reports that are due out in May, as not many people will be around. 
 

2. Provost Sullivan

Provost Sullivan joined the meeting to discuss various issues around strategic planning.

Professor Bauer adjourned the meeting at 2 pm.

--Mary Jo Pehl

University of Minnesota