University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Faculty Association Minutes

Nov. 7, 2006

Signed in as Present: Sean Kelley (president), L. McElroy, J. Mather, S. Brickman, K. Crow, P. Thomas, D. Wan, N. Osborn, D. Reigh, M. Mather, K. Bohannon, S. Kao, R. Cha-Yu-King, V. Ferguson, N. Warden, D. Hanson, B. Brown, J. Knapp, K. Lamar, T. Sullivan, J. McMahan, C. Walker, N. Hector, J. Miller, J. Hanson, R. Newbrough, S. Weber, T. Winn, M. Vliet, J. Long, C. Elder, J. Johnson, A. Bellemain, I. Shafer, A. Todd, J. Bruce, E. Guzik, S. MacDonald, S. Thomason

1. Call to order

2. Approval of Minutes—action was tabled until the next meeting due to illness of secretary Lee Hester

3. Treasurer’s Report—Balance of $496.24 reported by treasurer Ken Bohannon

4. Committee reports—Appointments to faculty association committees have been made and distributed. No committees have met yet. Mike Mather asked faculty members to let the faculty handbook committee know if any issues need to be addressed. Vicki Ferguson suggested a handbook for new faculty members, similar to education division’s adjunct instructor handbook

5. Old business

Anna Marie Pratt addressed the faculty members about course evaluations. She stated that they are printing new forms, and that the old ones should no longer be used. She invited faculty to the Staff Association luncheon next week . Check emails or contact Anna Marie for more information.

Hiring update for new faculty.—Sean Kelley described administration’s goal to hire five new faculty members for next fall. Job announcements are being developed. Discussion followed of process of priorities in new faculty positions.

Accreditation Committees for North Central have been formed and announcements have been sent to faculty members.

6. New business

Sean Kelley provided a report on a Faculty Assembly Meeting with interim chancellor Phil Moss. All Oklahoma higher education institutions were involved, and Sean represented USAO. Topics from the Assembly included (1) discussion of changes in high school curriculum that will impact the students we will be getting in the future, (2) Regents’ webpage, including a faculty forum, (3) OHLAP—40% of Oklahoma families qualify for this tuition support, (4) discussion of faculty salaries and health insurance costs, (5) a legislative proposal to require a program where students could rent college textbooks, (6) EDGE—an economic development group trying to stop the “Brain Drain” of students leaving Oklahoma, (7) discussion of transfer guidelines.

John Johnson provided a report on his research projects on computer artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, with current work on a vehicle that will negotiate urban terrains. John is working through SoftThought, Inc, with on-going research and potential site visits.

Annick Bellemain discussed proposed language programs. She discussed possibilities of a minor in French or Spanish. She asked for faculty input on a needs assessment of what we would like to have, and she requested that we email her with ideas.

7. Announcements

A. Lee Hester surgery today (T. Winn)

B. Esta is recuperating (I. Shafer, N. Osborn)

C. "Science Opera" The Quantum Field Trip in Te Ata Memorial Auditorium 1:00 Thursday, Nov. 9 and 7:30 pm Friday, Nov. 10 (K. Bohannon)

D. Art Department Museum Trip to Dallas on Friday, and Sr. BFA Art Show on display (J. Knapp)

E. Concert Choir Fall Concert, USAO Chapel, Thurs., Nov. 16, 7:30 pm (J. Hanson)

F. Concert Band & Keyboard Ensemble Concert, Te Ata Memorial Auditorium, Mon. Nov. 20, 7:30 pm (D. Hanson)

G. Emerson Weir Symposium on Liberal Arts Education, April 10, including student research projects (contact D. Reigh for information)

8. Meeting was adjourned

Respectfully submitted,

Linda McElroy on behalf of Lee Hester