Senators present: S. Ayres, T. Bellon, C. Chastain, F. Corotto, E. Dickens, B. Friedman, R. Fuller, A. Ghafarian, M. Gilbert, W. Gordon, E. Hummel, S. Irwin, C. Jespersen, D. Morris, G. Olsen, J. O'Neal, B. Reiselt, L. Roberts-Betsch, A. Schaffer, S. Smith, J. Woods.
Senators absent: M. Miñambres, M. Stone, D. Suranie.
Senators
excused: S. Batchelder, K. Biddy, E. Combier, N. Hansford, E.
Lewis, K. Mace, A. Sumners.
Visitors: B. Lowell (SGA Academic and Judiciary Committee Chair)
CEO R. Fuller noted the presence of a quorum and called the meeting to order at 12:30pm. Motion to accept the October 14, 2004 minutes made by B. Reiselt and seconded by S. Smith. The motion carried with no discussion and no corrections.
President’s Report:
President Hansford was unable to attend.
Old
Business
The Academic Advisement Committee was not prepared to continue discussion of issues raised at the October 14 Faculty Senate meeting. Two motions relating to academic advisement that were postponed from the October 14 Faculty Senate meeting were withdrawn: The motion pertaining to plans of study was withdrawn by A. Schaffer and the motion pertaining to assessing advisement was withdrawn by F. Corotto. The Academic Advisement Committee plans to present new proposals in January.
The Committee on Committees (CoC) presented its current membership. Faculty elected at large: T. Barnett and B. Orwig. Senators elected by the Faculty Senate: B. Friedman and J. O’Neal. J. Bryant, VP Student Affairs, is a non-voting member.
The CoC needs to fill some vacancies on other committees. The CoC has nominees, but these nominations must by confirmed by a Faculty Senate vote. Nominees are:
Student Life Committee: C. Chastain and M. Stone
Academic Review Committee: B. Teal
Minority Achievement Committee: S. Ghosh
Military Advisement Committee: R. Sinn
Graduate Council: G. Mann
This motion from a standing committee passes unanimously
R. Fuller suggests the appointment of an ad hoc committee to review the Faculty Senate Bylaws and make recommendations for any needed changes. For instance, there is a rule that requires 10-days advance notice for speaking privileges. This notice requirement predates e-mail and may need to be updated. In addition, there is no provision in the Bylaws to remove a Senator. Fuller recommends the following individuals to serve on the ad hoc committee: G. Olsen, Chair, L. Berneking, K. Cate, F. Corotto, and M. Merritt.
Motion to appoint an ad hoc committee with the above-named individuals by J. O’Neal, and seconded by B. Reiselt. No discussion. Motion carries unanimously.
The Strategic Planning Committee recently approved a shortened and slightly revised mission statement. This change was initiated when the Chancellor recently allowed all USG institutions to review and possibly modify their mission statements. The Strategic Planning Committee seeks endorsement of the changes from the Faculty Senate.
Motion to endorse the revised mission statement made by M. Gilbert and seconded by F. Carotto.
Discussion: Several grammar edits were suggested. L. Roberts-Betsch read several suggestions that were e-mailed to her. There was discussion about use of the word “develops” versus “educates”. Several Senators expressed the need to keep our theme as a “teaching University” rather than a research focus. All agreed that D. Gessell should review the new mission statement and correct any grammar problems. After discussion, the following draft was put to a vote:
North
Georgia College & State University
Mission Statement
North Georgia College & State
University develops and educates leaders through strong liberal arts,
pre-professional, professional, and graduate programs. North Georgia College & State University
is proud to be designated by the Board of Regents of the University System of
Georgia as the Senior Military College of Georgia as well as the Leadership
Institution of Georgia.
North Georgia College & State
University provides an environment of academic excellence that develops leaders
who respect all people, maintain high ethical standards, continue intellectual
and personal growth, and serve the community, the state, the nation, and the
world.
This mission is founded upon the
following core values:
Courage – demonstrating
the individual and institutional character required to translate thought into
action under adverse or challenging conditions
Integrity
–cultivating in ourselves and in others
the willingness and steadfastness to act honestly and ethically
Loyalty
– being faithful to the mission of the
university
Respect
– acknowledging the dignity and worth of
all beings and preserving the richness of our cultures and ecology
Service
– giving of oneself to enhance the life
and richness of the university and all of its members, as well as the larger
community
Truth
– honoring and searching for truth as it
relates to academics, individuals, self, and society
Wisdom
– making sound decisions in complex or
ambiguous situations based on accumulated knowledge and experiences
With the understanding that there will be editorial review by D. Gessell, the motion passes unanimously.
R. Fuller thanked President Hansford for his long-standing support of the Faculty Senate and the concept of shared governance. Former CEO J. Woods echoed the sentiment.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:25pm.
Respectfully submitted by A. Schaffer