UTMB Faculty Senate Minutes
Monday, March 11, 2024
Teams Virtual Meeting
4:30PM-6PM

Open Senate Meeting:

  1. Call to Order – Shannan Rossi, PhD, MBA, Faculty Senate Chair

  2. Attendance “Roll Call” & Establishing Quorum
    1. GSBS – Dr. Ananth Kumar Kammala
    2. JSSOM – Dr. Kelly Carmichael
    3. SHP – Dr. Crystal Douglas
    4. SPPH – Dr. Monique Pappadis
    5. SON – Dr. Rebeka Watson-Campbell
  3. Agenda Adoption
    1. Consent Agenda Adoption – Approved 
  4. Review & Approval of Minutes– February minutes are approved.

  5. Guest Speakers
    1. Dr. Rossi introduces Susan Chubinskaya, PhD, Vice President and Executive Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development.
    2. Dr. Ananth Kammala presents “Proposal for (Electric Vehicles) EV Charging Stations at UTMB”
      1. EV Charging stations play a pivotal role in reducing our environmental footprint by promoting clean, emissions-free transportation.
      2. They contribute significantly to a greener future, lowering harmful emissions and fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment for all.
    3. Implementation Plan
      1. Objective: Initiate a pilot project to install EV charging stations in one of UTMB’s parking garages, with an initial deployment of 12 charging stations.
      2. Compatibility and Cost: Consulted with a renowned EV company and opted for universal wall connectors priced at approximately $595.00 each, ensuring compatibility with all North American EV’s.
      3. Strategic Location: Carefully select a parking garage strategically positioned to serve a significant portion of our faculty, staff and students, maximizing accessibility and promoting EV adoption.
    4. Cost
      1. Varies from $11,900.00 - $70,400 depending on needs.
    5. Return on Investment
      1. Average Yearly Revenue Over 15 years $77,599.00
      2. Payback period: 2.4 years 
  6. Unfinished Business & General Orders
    1. None currently.
  7. New Business
    1. None Currently.
  8. Committee Reports
    • Dr. Rebeka Watson-Campbell motions to move into executive session, Dr. Claudia Hilton provides a second.
    1. University: Dr. Sreeram Parupudi- The committee distributed a survey to the Faculty Senate inquiring about what faculty issues/topics have the most interest and need to be discussed in further detail., 14 responses were received. The committee discussed a newsletter being developed but trying to find the most effective way of distributing it to the faculty.
    2. Research: Dr. Robert Abbott- The committee is interested in Research PI’s and knowing about the money and money management process, including post award money along with access to know how much money is left on different grants and how updated this information is kept. Other expressed concerns include reimbursements and the guidelines for processing reimbursements, access to equipment, knowledge of existing equipment. The committee further discussed faculty retention and the process of staying competitive in accordance with the market. The committee intends to create and distribute a survey related to money management, post award grant funding and other pertinent issues with the intent of having data as a point of reference.
    3. Education: Dr. Brian Downer- Continued discussions on Generative AI and its influence on education. Academic Affairs is reviewing the IHOP policies on academic misconduct considering AI usage and will be advising the schools on how to navigate this dilemma accordingly. The committee is also working to develop a resource list for faculty.
    4. Clinical: Dr. Karren Lewis-The committee shared a survey requesting feedback on RVU’s and the RVU system. The committee expressed interest in having someone speak with the Senate about “MyPower” and the RVU information found in the database.
  9. Announcements: None

  10. Adjournment