UTMB Faculty Senate

November 8, 2010

4:00 – 6:00 pm

MINUTES

 

Present:  Drs. C. Utsey, Chair, C. Cooper, S. Croisant, L. Farmer, C. Houston, C. Jansen, J. LeDuc, L. Massey, H. Pine, D. Powell, E. Protas, T. Riall, P. Singh, E. Smith, H. Spratt, A. Torres, P. Watson, C. Wiggs, D. Wild and C. Wisnewski

 

Absent:  Drs. K. Beal, I. Boldogh, B. Bryant, P. Crane, Y. Davila, S Gerik, S. Higgs, N. Mendias, M. O’Keefe, D. Solanki and C. St. John

 

I.      The meeting was called to order by Dr. Carolyn Utsey, Faculty Senate Chair.

 

II.    The Approval of Minutes of October 11, 2010.  The Minutes of October 11, 2010 were voted on and approved.

 

III.  VP and Dean’s Report

 

Dean, School of Nursing (SON) and Vice President for Education – reports provided by Dr. Watson

Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) – report provided by Dr. Cooper.             

Dean, School of Health Professions (SHP) – report provided by Dr. Protas.   

 

Discussion regarding infrastructure came up when Dr. LeDuc asked how we are accommodating the students since the increase of enrollment in the schools.  Dr. Protas stated that the enrollment was State mandated and stated that Dr. Callender and Dr. Anderson are currently reviewing this matter.

 

IV. SECC – Dr. Protas, 2010 State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) Chair

 

Dr. Protas spoke briefly about the 2010 SECC, which is under way and continues through November 30.  The goal this year is $550,000.  Last year, we had 23% participation and this year they are striving for 50% participation.  The UTMB community has always been generous in many ways, and the SECC is one important way we serve and help others.  Dr. Protas encourages us to give and for those who have taken the time to give, she extended her heartfelt gratitude.  Dr. Wisnewski asked how they plan to achieve 50% participation.  Dr. Torres recalled from the past and suggested to get the Department Chairs involved.  Dr. Protas stated that in addition to the University’s SECC kick off, the SHP had a weekly raffle and several other events.  Dr. Protas will send out a reminder to everyone. 

 

V.  What Your CVB Can Do For You – Allison Vasquez, National Association Sales Manager, Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

Ms. Vasquez gave a PowerPoint presentation and asked the Senate that if they have any annual meetings that they attend to consider having their meetings in Galveston.  They can help you locate meeting space, hotel availability, can assist with coordinating with speaker assistance and airport pickup, and advance the economic vitality of tourism on Galveston Island.  Her office is located at 601 Tremont and telephone number is (409) 797-5128.   

 

VI.  Frequently Asked Questions on Background Checks – Carolee King, JD, VP Chief Legal & Regulatory Affairs, Legal Office

 

Ms. King stated that the Administration is still working out the details and stated they have questions as well, of who will hold the records, disposal of records after a certain time frame, who will have access to the files, which should be limited access, will we have a committee to review, if so, would probably consist of herself and law enforcement, who will know the codes.  They would be discreet and handle case-by-case.  Questions or statements from the Senators include:  Dr. Farmer asked if the DEA licensing would work for the background checks?  Dr. Pine asked about the cost.  Dr. Edward Smith stated that people having common names like himself, get mixed up with others with the same name.  Dr. Wiggs asked about correlation with TDCJ?  They have extensive background checks on their employees.  Dr. Massey stated basic level was not enough if you work for correctional managed care and asked on the background check date?  Dr. Wisnewski asked when this would happen?  Ms. King said by the end of this fiscal year.  Currently the Administration is looking at other UT System Institutions, as they have already completed background check on their employees.  Ms. King stated that she would provide more information as it comes in and she would speak to the Faculty Senate when this will be rolled out.  You want to feel secure with the people you office next to.

 

VII. Reports by Faculty Senate Executive Committee

·      Dr. Utsey reported on their monthly meeting with Dr. Callender and they addressed the resolution from the Faculty Quality committee concerning defining the governing body in the exigency plan as the Faculty Senate. Dr. Callender did not voice any concerns with this resolution. They also discussed the work on the IHOP, and clarification on enrollment goals with concerns from faculty members in the SHP and SON (space and faculty shortages). Dr. Utsey reported from their monthly meeting with Dr. Callender concerns of what is being discussed with the Legislation and THECB. These two entities are looking at all Texas higher education resources and thinking that we should be utilizing our classrooms into the evening hours and weekends; to be more productive.  What does our data show? Data is taken from using classroom reservations?  Dr. LeDuc stated that we need to be responsive to this.  Dr. Jansen asked how was the productivity measured?  Dr. Utsey also followed up from the last meeting and stated that the Faculty Senate Bylaws, Section 5, regarding the number of members for the IHOP is five members.  Dr. Watson has heard from Dr. Sierpina and that a person has shown interest in the Ombudsman position and had some questions regarding responsibilities, which the applicant is researching on his own.

·      Dr. Jansen received a request from Dr. Baker to have the Faculty Senate review Enrollment services application processing for prospective students.  Enrollment services has issues from the increased enrollment, but they are trying to get them worked out.  Dr. Utsey mentioned that Dr. Callender stated that (due to the increased enrollment) they would not move ahead unless we are sure of our resources.  We need to take prompt action in the next 10 years or we lose accreditation with the Legislation.  They are looking at the resources of the shortage of health care providers.  Dr. Torres asked if the Presidential awards, which are given to two students, could be decreased in amount but provided to additional students.

·      Dr. Wisnewski stated that a newspaper article had talked about the $20 billion budget shortfall and their survey resulted with the cuts should target higher education.  (Source Houston chronicle, by Peggy Fikac, dated October 28.)

·      Dr. Powell updated the Senate on the Governance committee.

 

 

5:50 pm, the meeting was adjourned.  The Committees met following the general meeting.