January 20, 2015 A&S Faculty Meeting Minutes

Arts and Sciences Faculty Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

4:00 p.m.

Dean Kathleen Skerrett called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. in the Brown-Alley Room, Weinstein Hall. Bill Ross moved approval of Academic Council Actions from January 20, 2015. Louis Schwartz seconded the motion and the faculty voted to approve.

Arts and Sciences Website Redesign

Dean Skerrett introduced Andrea Almoite, Arts and Sciences Content Coordinator, University Communications.  The Dean reminded the faculty that Andrea works specifically with A&S, but she is part of the Office of Communications.  Andrea presented information on the Arts and Sciences website redesign that is underway.  She thanked the faculty and departments who have served as early partners in shaping the redesign.  New emphases include the creation of stories that can be shared across the university’s website, along with improved faculty highlights, alumni testimonials and features about current faculty-student research. Much of the content remains the same, with the addition of enhanced visual components.  Andrea also described changes with the Arts and Sciences division website and demonstrated unique websites for both internal and external information.

After Andrea completed her presentation, Dean Skerrett opened the floor to questions. Jan French asked about alumni testimonials and who would be responsible for developing them.  Andrea replied that Communications can assist with the interview design and production.  Maya White asked if student work can be used and recognized on a department website, especially visual work, such as in Theatre and Dance.  Andrea commented that they are working on capturing visuals and creating descriptions.  Eugene Wu asked about the ability to highlight research and provide a description. Bill Myers made the suggestion to include information about joint appointments and affiliations with the faculty profiles. Jon Dattlebaum encouraged the addition of information from the A&S Faculty Research Committee.  The faculty also shared ideas of how to highlight the different divisions of Arts and Sciences.

Program Based Budget Process

Dean Skerrett presented information on this year’s program based budget process (PBB).  This process has focused on developing ways that department heads can create proposals in a consistent way for faculty leaders. The overall goal is shared governance. Now in its third year, a routine and tested process is emerging. The Dean emphasized that part of shared governance is to report out to others and she would like to share the current outcomes with the faculty.  She reiterated that the Dean is responsible for making final budget approvals, but there is room for divergent views.

Dean Skerrett noted that Jon Dattelbaum has served as the first faculty chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council (DAC), a new role for faculty.  She explained that Jon is administering the meetings and facilitating the discussions.

Through the use of PowerPoint slides, Dean Skerrett reviewed the PBB Process, including the solicitation of requests, preparation of documents and the review of documents by the DAC. The Dean explained the use of the surplus budget and the study of how to reallocate.  DAC approves the reallocation of the surplus and makes recommendations.  The Dean then makes the final decision on the reallocation and specific funding requests for Planning and Priorities.

Dean Skerrett highlighted that five departments asked for an increase in funding enhancements for operating budgets and seven departments asked for one time, non-continuing funds. Position requests emerged as the largest budget request.  At this time, DAC received seven tenure-stream positions and one director position.  Five of the requests were approved.

The Dean also noted that increases to student employment budgets are received each year, but she handles these requests through the Dean’s office and reallocations from other A&S departments that are underspent.

The Dean ended the discussion on PBB with her plan to report out to various departments and faculty groups.

Tze Loo asked about the current search and title for the NEH Assistant Professor of Chinese Studies.  Dean Skerrett explained that is was funded with seed money form NEH.  This position represents an area that is both emerging and underdeveloped at this time

Jon Dattlebaum offered reflections on the role of DAC Chair.  He commented that it is an insightful way to review the overall requests and needs.   He presented a visual timeline for DAC, outlining the proposals submissions and decision dates.  The timeline will be posted on the A&S website.

Dean Skerrett reiterated the importance of building a structure and process of shared faculty governance with the budget process.  She continues to be open to questions and suggestions. 

Tze Loo reported that UFC is working on the transition to Faculty Senate and encouraged all faculty to attend the UFC meeting on Feb. 9 at 3 p.m.

Dean Skerrett thanked the faculty for their attendance and the meeting adjourned at 5:01 p.m.

The next A&S faculty meeting will be held on February 12, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. in the Brown Alley Room, Weinstein Hall.