Meeting,
approved 9/8/05
|
Members
Present: |
E.
Ametsbichler, D. Beck, F. Cardozo-Palaez, J.
Carter, J. Crepeau, A. Delaney, D. Doyle, S. Derry, P. Dietrick,
L. Gillison, C. Johnston, S. Justman, B. Knowles, C. Loisel,
D. Potts, L. Putnam, R. Skelton, J.
Sommers-Flanagan, A. Ware, S. Yoshimura |
|
Ex-Officio
Present: |
Associate
Registrar Carlyon, Associate Provost Staub |
Chair Crepeau
called the meeting to order at
Communications:
Chair’s Report
§
Blackboard use for the Senate
Chair Crepeau has had a positive response to using Blackboard
for communication in his classes and thought this might be something senators
may wish to use as an alternative to mass emailings. Rather than the discussion taking place via
email, senators who wish to participate may post threads for a discussion on
the forum function. All announcements
will still be sent via email as well as posted to Blackboard. The technology is
not intended to increase the work required of senators, but rather offers an
additional means for communication and exchanges of ideas on issues.
Chair Crepeau explained the login screen (courseware.umt.edu). Senator’s user names are their SCAUID that
can be found via Cyber Bear. After logging in go to personal information, then
Standard UM-M Computer Access ID.
Senator’s initial password is their extension.
The announcement, discussion board and calendar functions
can be useful. Chair Crepeau described the steps to start or add to threads of
a discussion in a forum. Only senators
will have access to the forum and items posted on Blackboard. This will be particularly useful for the
Senate’s review of the evaluation of the administration. The administration voiced concerns regarding
the procedure of posting the results to the website and only providing the url to senators. Blackboard offers additional security for
sensitive information.
Senator Dietrich asked why this was a good idea.
Chair Crepeau responded that communication in general is a
good idea.
Senator Dietrich indicated that not all senators use
Blackboard and this could result in a portion of senators not being informed.
There was concern that Senate meetings are required to be
open to the public and the discussions on Blackboard are closed. This could be a question for Legal Council.
Senator Gillison stated that there are often discussions on
issues between meetings anyway. This function just allows more senators to be
aware of these discussions.
Senator Justman expressed concern that the technology not be
used as a pretext to limit debate in the Senate.
Chair Crepeau hopes that Senators will try Blackboard as a
means of disseminating information.
Senators will in no way be required to use the technology, but it will
be available if there is an interest.
§
Possible Social Event
Senator Crepeau asked whether there would be an interest in a social event
after the first meeting on September 8th. He has a meeting with the President next week
and will need to ask for funds to purchase alcohol for the event.
Senator Gillison commented that if you feed them they will come.
[After the meeting it was suggested that the Senate host the Friday social on
September 9th.]
New Business:
Associate
Provost Staub presented the corrected spring 2004
graduation list and the summer graduation list for the Senates approval. The lists were approved unanimously.
Good and Welfare:
Senator
Derry announced that the Dean D’Andraia has taken a position in
Senator
Putnam-Center for Environmental Health informed the Senate that there will be a
Conference on Asbestos July 28 and 29th. The Conference will include
presentations by national experts on current research on cell damage and
matrixes.
It was
asked whether the contract was ratified.
Senator Justman heard that the faculty vote was overwhelming to pass the
contract, 309 in favor and 34 opposed.
Chair Crepeau stated that the labor agreement is on the Board of Regents agenda
for today.
Senator
Knowles asked Associate Provost Staub about the
series of retreats planned by the Provost’s Office. He is concerned about the potential
disruption of classes.
Associate
Provost Staub responded that the retreats are still
in the planning process and all the details have yet to be worked out. The possibility of canceling classes has been
discussed.
The meeting
was adjourned at