Behrend Faculty Council Meeting Minutes

December 9, 2024, 12:15 p.m., Zoom

  1. Call to order (Jason Bennett) 
  2. Approval of Minutes 
    1. Motion to approve the minutes from the October council meeting was initiated. Motion: David Dieteman, Seconded: Elisa Beshero-Bondar
  3. Updates from Leadership (Ralph Ford) 
    1. Weather-Related Decisions 
      1. Ralph acknowledged the challenges faced last week due to unusual weather conditions.
      2. Decisions were made not to start classes until Wednesday after Thanksgiving due to unplowed roads.
      3. Emphasized the importance of safety and the process involving Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and University Police in decision-making.
      4. Ralph highlighted the difficulty in predicting weather patterns, especially snow bands, and the reluctance to cancel classes 24 hours in advance unless absolutely necessary.
    2. Budget Updates 
      1. Ralph received the university budget just before Thanksgiving.
      2. The budget for fiscal year 26 is $50.3 million, with a $10 million subvention from the university.
        1. $5 million from the Vice President's office.
        2. $5 million from the President's office.
      3. Despite the subvention, there is a 2% to 3% reduction in the operating budget for next year, approximately $1 million.
      4. Ralph expressed relief that the situation is not as dire as initially feared but acknowledged the need for strategic adjustments.
    3. Budget Context and Comparisons
      1. Previous budget was approximately $60 million, now reduced due to reallocation of services like IT and HR.
      2. Ralph believes a budget in the low to mid-50s million range is reasonable for current operations.
      3. The budget model predicts $40.3 million, which Ralph argues is too low.
    4. Potential for Additional Subvention
      1. Discussions with the Provost's office are ongoing to explore additional subvention funds.
      2. Ralph emphasized the importance of research funding and the unique needs of Behrend.
    5. Future Budget Considerations 
      1. The fiscal year 27 budget model is under development, with potential changes that could favor Behrend.
        1. Adjustments in headcount calculations for residential students.
        2. Changes in tuition dollar weightings.
        3. Consideration of world campus undergraduate programs.
      2. Ralph remains optimistic about future budget adjustments benefiting Behrend.
    6. Questions and Discussions 
      1. Budget Transparency and Model Concerns 
        1. Concerns were raised about the transparency of budget allocations and the use of spreadsheets for budget modeling.
        2. Ralph acknowledged the potential for errors in spreadsheet-based models and the need for more robust systems.
      2. Inter-Campus Budget Dynamics 
        1. Discussion on how budget model changes could impact other campuses, potentially creating competition for resources.
        2. Ralph noted the importance of continued feedback to address these issues.
    7. Non-Renewals for NTLs 
      1. Decision-Making Process 
        1. Funding and Capacity: The decision on non-renewals for NTLs is primarily driven by available funding and course capacity. Adjustments are made based on where there is capacity and where there is less capacity in other areas and programs.
        2. Factors Considered: The direction of programs and credit hours are among the factors considered in the decision-making process.
          1. School-Level Recommendations 
            1. Role of Schools: Each school and its directors examine NTLs and make recommendations based on course and enrollment data. This process is similar to scheduling and is driven at the school level.
            2. Final Decision: Recommendations from schools are reviewed, and a final decision is made after back-and-forth discussions with school directors.
          2. Enrollment Data Consideration 
            1. Timing of Enrollment Data: Enrollment numbers, particularly for the fall, are considered in NTL renewal decisions. School directors monitor these numbers, although the exact timing of when they impact decisions is not specified.
    8. Budget and Enrollment Updates 
      1. Fiscal Year 27 Budget Model 
        1. Enrollment Picture: The enrollment outlook for the next fall, particularly with incoming students, is positive. Weekly reports indicate that current numbers are tracking well compared to the previous year, which is crucial for long-term success.
  4. Proposed Constitution Changes 
    1. Structure and Flexibility 
      1. Current Constitution: The existing Constitution is challenging to change and adapt.
      2. Proposed Changes: The proposal includes moving towards a structure with a constitution, bylaws, and standing rules. This allows for more flexibility, as standing rules are easier to change than the main Constitution.
    2. Voting and Discussion 
      1. Next Steps: The council needs a two-thirds vote to move the proposal to the faculty. This vote is not for approval but to proceed to the next step.
      2. Committee Structure: Discussions have been ongoing about the committee structure, and a middle ground has been found, particularly in conversations with IT.
    3. Quorum and Attendance 
      1. Quorum Requirements 
        1. The new model requires a 40% quorum for decision-making, compared to the previous 10%.
        2. The aim is to increase participation by setting a higher quorum percentage, despite having fewer senators actively participating.
      2. Encouraging Attendance 
        1. There is an expectation for senators to be more involved due to increased business activity.
        2. Attendance is tracked at both committee and general meeting levels, with notifications sent to units if senators fail to fulfill responsibilities.
        3. If a senator misses meetings, units may consider disciplinary actions or not re-electing them.
    4. Senate Structure and Accountability 
      1. Senate Size and Structure 
        1. A committee was formed to analyze the size of the Senate and propose a proportional model.
        2. The goal is to create a more responsive, active, and accountable Senate, modeled after other campuses.
      2. Accountability Measures 
        1. Attendance records will be published to ensure accountability.
        2. Senators can send a substitute if unable to attend meetings, ensuring quorum is met.
    5. Elections and Committee Service 
      1. Election Process 
        1. Elections are held annually, with half the positions up for election each year due to two-year terms.
        2. The undergraduate curriculum committee may have more frequent elections due to its size.
      2. Committee Service Opportunities 
        1. Concerns were raised about reducing opportunities for faculty and staff to serve on committees, which could impact promotion processes.
        2. The focus is on creating meaningful service opportunities through subcommittees and task forces.
    6. Legislative Jurisdiction 
      1. Clarification of Legislative Functions 
        1. The Senate does not have legislative jurisdiction but participates in legislative functions as part of the university system.
        2. Language in the proposed constitution will be updated to reflect this accurately.
    7. Voting Process and Outcomes 
      1. Voting Procedure 
        1. The committee discussed the voting process, deciding to vote out loud due to the lack of a secret ballot option.
        2. A roll call was conducted to ensure accurate vote counting, with votes received via email from absent members Emily and Martin.
      2. Voting Results 
        1. A total of 10 members voted "yes," meeting the required two-thirds majority of those present. 1 member abstained. There were no votes opposed to it.
        2. Non-voting members included Lena, as a past chair, and the parliamentarian.
    8. Next Steps for Document Approval 
      1. An updated document will be posted on the Canvas site and sent to faculty for discussion.
      2. The plan includes discussing the document at the upcoming faculty senate meeting and holding open forums before and after the break.
      3. A vote is planned before the semester starts, requiring 51% of full-time faculty approval (approximately 125 votes).
  5. Faculty Senate Updates 
    1. Senate Decisions 
      1. The Senate voted to explore a proportional model for its size.
      2. Faculty performance evaluations will now align the teaching review with the five-year review.
      3. Changes to AC 61 were approved, adjusting language and practices related to faculty appointments.
    2. Committee Initiatives 
      1. Committees are examining the definition of shared governance and considering more seven-week courses for struggling students.
      2. Education is revising world campus courses, and a survey on faculty professional engagement funding is being developed.
    3. Faculty Benefits and Partnerships 
      1. A study on pay disparity focused on University Park, with a call for broader campus inclusion.
      2. University partnerships with India have been halted, but potential student and faculty exchanges with Universities may continue.
    4. Graduate Study Leave Policy 
      1. Policy Review 
        1. A proposal to discontinue the graduate study leave of absence policy is under review.
        2. The policy change suggests employees pursue graduate studies online with a tuition discount through World Campus and University Park.
    5. Compliance and HR Discussions 
      1. Compliance Criteria 
        1. The committee discussed the value compliance criteria and sought information from HR on non-compliance issues.
        2. Concerns were raised about the weight of compliance in evaluations and the lack of complete information on policy implementation.
      2. HR Policy Implementation 
        1. Questions were raised about whether the university followed procedures and practices from other institutions when implementing compliance policies.
  6. Information Gathering and Committee Actions 
    1. Preparation for Kathy Bieschke
      1. A list of questions is being prepared for Kathy Bieschke to gather more information.
      2. The committee is actively working on compiling relevant information.
    2. Faculty Affairs and IRC Involvement
      1. Faculty Affairs has taken up the issue, with the Chair passing it to specific committees.
        1. The IRC is involved due to its relevance across various campuses.
        2. The committee is working towards an informational report for the Senate, which may include recommendations or criteria removal.
    3. Committee Reactions
      1. The Commonwealth Campus showed minimal reaction to the letter.
        1. The Commonwealth Caucus expressed mild sympathy.
        2. The committee discussed the equity of the situation, especially concerning outliers.
        3. There was a strong sentiment within the committee that the situation seemed unreasonable and warranted action.
  7. Updates and Miscellaneous 
    1. Laptop Battery Chargers
      1. Ten laptop battery chargers are available but underutilized.
      2. Discussion on whether to expand visibility and usage of these chargers.
    2. Academic Computing and Laptops
      1. Potential meeting during finals week to discuss laptops and related issues.
      2. Follow-up needed with Matt and possibly Academic Computing.
  8. Adjournment
    1. Motion to adjourn was made by Elisa Beshero-Bondar and seconded by Matt Swinarski

Meeting adjourned