Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes

September 14, 2006

Senators Present:

James Jordan, Becky Hand (for Nichole Jackson), Claudia Philpott, Lynnette Schillo, Jane Hellinghausen, Tammy Patni, Melissa Elliott, Sandy Graves,

Senators Absent:

Stan Stallings, Michael Samp, Geoff Schwende, Robbie Rogers

Meeting was called to order at 2:17 pm

President’s report:

President Jordan advised that he had just received a letter from Amy Hendrick, Dean of HR. Excerpts from that letter follow:

1) “A representative to serve with other organization representatives on a committee to develop the standards for and participate n the selection of a third party that will perform a compensation study of Odessa College positions. The dollars and general concept have been approved in the current fiscal year budget. Though I do not anticipate the study will result in any significant changes for Faculty, I believe that their input, participation and understanding of the process is important to the success and acceptance of such a study.”

2) “Representative(s) that are interested in the format and distribution of our policy and procedures. While the Board Policy and Procedure outline the operations of the College, there are a variety of policies and procedures at the departmental level that may not required Board approval. The policies and procedures are important to the performance and processes that impact everyone on campus. I would like to develop an interdisciplinary group that would meet to discuss the current policy accessibility, its strengths and weaknesses; identify the policy processes that are confusing, incorrect or not available and recommend some solutions. Once the ideas are provided then options would be developed. The group’s role would then be to ensure policy information is clear, concise and assessable to everyone on campus. Unless individuals are interested, I would not expect this group to perform any of the legwork but to serve in an advisory role.”

President Jordan asked that the senate review these comments, talk with their constituents, and discuss them at the next meeting.

President Jordan was able to meet all presidential candidates and thanked Senators for attending the welcome sessions for each candidate. The OC board meets on September 26th and is expected to make its final decision regarding the new OC president.

Committee Reports:

Senator Hellinghausen inquired about the new Student Advising Task force. President Jordan believes the group will convene once the new VP of Student Serves has had a chance to settle in to his duties at OC.

Senator Hellinghausen inquired about activities of the Web Committee. President Jordan advised that minutes could be obtained from the Faculty Senate web site and that any web related issues should be taken to Dave Carson who will take them before the committee.

Old Business:

Payment of overloads – Senator Elliott reported that a constituent had inquired about the late payment of these. President Jordan explained the bureaucratic processes involved and reasons for payment schedule.

Senator Nichole Jackson is unable to continue to serve on the Senate this year due to her teaching schedule. Senator Hellinghausen will distribute a ballot to Biology/Chemistry/Geology/Physics departments for a replacement.

Meeting adjourned at 2:59 pm.

Submitted by:

________________

Jane Hellinghausen