Faculty Senate Minutes

October 13, 2006

Senators present: LeeDon Martin, Brandon Tate, Connie Nichols, Stan Stallings, Jane Hellinghausen, Theresa Evans, Robbie Rogers, Kathryn Keen, and Jeff Schwende

Absent: Sandy Graves, Bill Neff

Meeting called to order at 1:46 pm

President’s report

            President LeeDon Martin advised of his “state of the college” meeting with Dr. Gipson. Items discussed included clarification of the Senates’ mission, grade distribution reports (GDR), cafeteria hours, bookstore issues, and the possibility of a bi – monthly paycheck schedule. GDRs are used to keep faculty and administration attentive to faculty performance. Developmental class grades are not figured into the final GDR reports.

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The cafeteria will not open any earlier, but once the new coffee shop on campus opens, faculty and staff will be able to purchase earl morning coffee.

Because OC’s funding comes in monthly, faculty is also paid on a monthly schedule.

            The president reminded Senators of the faculty luncheon on Wednesday, October 19. He invited Senate participation in a pumpkin judging contest. Theresa Evans said she would represent the Senate. Rep. Buddy West will be on campus on October 18 at 2 p.m. in the Community Room and Senators and their constituents are strongly encouraged to drop by.

The president summarized the recent Executive Committee meeting with Dr. Alred concerning errors in calculating overloads in September.

Flu shots should be available to faculty and staff in about two weeks. 

Committee Reports

            Tenure – LeeDon advised that the tenure committee includes Michael White, Brent McAfee, James Jordan, Beverly Forsyth and himself. Senators and their constituents are encouraged to consider making application. Interested individuals should contact LeeDon. Packets are available to anyone interested.

            Evaluation – committee met last week and finalized an evaluation instrument to go on – line immediately. OC will begin using it this fall. 

            Web – has not met yet.

Old Business

            Summer pay for full-time faculty.  James Jordan and Theresa Evans described the history of this issue and the subsequent decisions made in previous senate meetings.  No action was taken on this item.

            Adjunct pay. The study so far indicates that of 14 Community Colleges and UTPB who have provided information regarding what they pay adjuncts for lecture and lab classes, one-third pay adjuncts less and two-thirds pay adjuncts more than does Odessa College.  Senators discussed the problem of retaining good adjuncts to neighboring schools if we can’t compete with adjunct pay. 

            Senators again discussed benefits to full and part – time employees to be gained by allowing employees to take courses for free.

New Business

            Connie Nichols discussed problems related to the recent gas leak and evacuation of Sedate Hall. She and LeeDon will meet with Amy Hendrick to discuss OC policies.

            James Jordan made a motion to adjourn meeting. Kathryn Keen seconded that motion. Meeting was adjourned at 3:10 pm.

Submitted by:

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Jane Hellinghausen