Faculty Meeting Minutes February 12, 2004

President Thomforde called the meeting to order at 11:33 a.m. and Pastor Bruce Benson provided the opening blessing.  

Approval of the Minutes of the December 2003 Faculty Meeting. 

Moved and approved. 

President's Remarks 

President Thomforde welcomed everyone back from terms and interims abroad.  He talked about the course he taught during January and encouraged administrators to teach from time to time.   On January 14, the administration of the college was reduced in size by ten positions.  He appreciates the support given to those individuals.   

Athletic Committee 

Wes Pearson, on behalf of the Athletic Committee, moved for approval of the Spring Sports Schedule 2004.  Moved and approved. 

Dean's Remarks  

Jim May, Provost and Dean of the College, also welcomed everyone back, and he thanked all colleagues who made it possible for him to go with the Great Conversation students.   He spoke briefly on the value of travel in education. 

The General Education task force has been meeting and a report is due in September.  Mary Cisar is chairing the task force.    Dean May reported on the status of the tenure track searches:  we began with eight and have completed six; hiring all of our first choices.  He reminded all of the Peace Prize Forum and the Honorary Degree on Friday, February 20, for Gro Harlem Brundtland.    Jim Farrell added that registration is now closed and student volunteers are needed for the weekend.

Dean May reminded the faculty of the importance of using the continuous reporting system, and they should contact Steve McKelvey with any concerns or questions.  He also reminded the faculty not to use Chapel time for classes or meetings.   

Announcements 

David Booth announced that last year he, as chair of CEPC, and Bryn Geffert, chair of RPC, assisted in forming a Community Time task force.   The task force has submitted a report to be discussed at the March faculty meeting. 

Barb Lundberg, Vice President and Dean of Enrollment, provided an update on Admissions.  She reminded all of Junior Days scheduled for 2/16 and 2/28 and of Scholars Day scheduled for Saturday, March 13.   

Jim Farrell announced that the Regents will be on Campus Thursday and Friday.   

Open Agenda 

Karen Cherewatuk asked about the status of the "rumor" that the bookstore may be outsourced.  President Thomforde stated that the college is looking at everything it buys or sells, but he knows of no serious effort to outsource the bookstore.   He did mention that areas needing the most consideration are:  purchase of travel, Bon Appetit, and printing costs.   Cathy Chadwick is the "main questioner" in the process looking into the various considerations.   

Kathy Shea, on behalf of the Faculty Development Committee, announced the upcoming Melby Lecture by Amy Kolan scheduled for Thursday, February 26.  She also announced that Proposals for summer and curriculum development grants are due at Noon on February 27. 

Elizabeth Hutchins announced the possible availability of summer grants to faculty for information literacy. 

Mary Carlson reminded everyone that Tom Williamson speaks on "Globalization and Social Responsibility" on Thursday, February 19. 

Meeting Adjourned at 12:13. 

Mary Sue Lovett
Faculty Secretary