Members present: David Whitaker, Jan Gilbert, Litta Adams, Linda Beja, Janet Dickinson, Bill Haggard, Jane Hall, Fred Hinson, Dianne Lynch, Jermaine Perry, John Ritchie, Lisa Scruggs, Newt Smith, Saretta Tatum, Roger Turk and Tori Ellison, recorder
The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m.
The Council was briefed on campus activities.
- Administrative Update, Chancellor Bardo
The Chancellor discussed the state’s budget situation. Predictions indicate a $1.1 billion deficit next year, but the Chancellor expects it to be more in the neighborhood of $1.6 billion. This could result in a significant tuition increase.
- Student Government Update, Jermaine Perry
- The WCU/SGA Discount Cards are now available.
- SGA is seeking feedback on the campus shuttle service to determine the best route.
- Staff Forum, John Ritchie
The Staff Forum is making progress in planning the Campus Beautification Day. They have a list of possible projects from Roger Turk and Andy Degrove. The next step will be to determine the best time of year for this event. The date will be set by the March Staff Forum meeting.
Election Procedures
David Whitaker, Newt Smith, Chloe Little and Litta Adams proposed the following election procedures.
UAC Election ProceduresFinal Draft
- Beginning the first week in April, qualified persons will be asked to consider whether or not they are willing to serve as an Officer or Committee Chair. The Executive Committee will sort through all interested persons and recommends placement based on expertise and experience. In addition, nominees should reflect diversity from the various constituent groups. A slate is formed from the list of persons willing and qualified to serve, but of course, nominations will be taken from the floor at the elections meeting. Voting is permitted by newly appointed members, serving members, and the Chair by secret ballot. The UAC Secretary will coordinate the voting effort and tally votes. Proxy votes are allowed and should be submitted in writing to the UAC Secretary before the election meeting begins.
- If needed, the latest version of Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, will serve as a guideline for the process.
Final approval of these procedures will be sought during the March 19th UAC meeting.
Student Academic Appeals Procedure
The Faculty Senate adopted the following procedure at its January 16th meeting.
Undergraduate students who wish to appeal an assigned grade should follow, in order, the academic appeal procedure: 1) appeal verbally to the instructor; 2) appeal in writing to the instructor's department head; 3) appeal in writing to the dean of the instructor's college; 4) appeal in writing to the Academic Problems Committee as outlined below. Any request by a student for a change must be submitted to the instructor within thirty-five days after the end of final exams.Undergraduate students who have other problems related to instruction are encouraged to discuss those problems and possible solutions with the instructor or student's academic advisor. If this is not possible, the student should talk to the department head or appropriate dean.
Student Academic Suspension Policy
The Faculty Senate will review the proposed Student Academic Suspension Policy at the February 14th meeting.
For a copy of the policy with the UAC suggested changes, please see the January 8, 2002 minutes.
Campus Parking and Shuttle Service
Fred Hinson encouraged the UAC to promote the campus shuttle service. Due to construction activities, several parking lots are now restricted and most parking is limited to perimeter lots. Bill Haggard provided a map outlining the shuttle route and schedule. Members of the UAC will help promote that the shuttle is for faculty and staff, as well as students.
Health Benefits Event
This event will take place in April (exact date TBD). All local legislators have been contacted. Lisa Scruggs and Keith Styles are creating a brochure to promote the event. Vice Chancellor Chuck Wooten has contacted Ron Penny about attending. More details to come.
Leadership Committee Update
Jan Gilbert reported on the Strategic Planning Workshop for Leadership Activities at Western, which took place on February 5th. Please see attached for a detailed summary.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
Next meetings…
Executive Committee, February 27th at 3:30 p.m. in 401 HFR
Full Council, March 19th at 3:30 p.m. in the Catamount Room
