Cephas Archie

The meeting covered several administrative and academic affairs. Key discussion points under the President's report included identification of Commencement speakers, campus updates on the Laker food drive competition, and invitations for SA-VP candidates to present. Updates on enrollment noted a spring goal of 6,070, and student affairs outlined end-of-semester events like 'Destress Fest' and 'CRAM JAM / Midnight Breakfast'. ITS alerted attendees that devices running Windows 10 will be blocked after December 19, 2025. Under the Provost's report, discussions focused on Board of Regents (BoR) items, including a course modality study report and the PTR report, alongside committee work on various policy revisions, such as the posthumous degree policy update and a new requirement for faculty participation in commencement ceremonies starting in Fall 2026. A demonstration of the Digital Measures system was conducted. The USG Faculty Council update covered topics like merit raises, salary compression, and concerns regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) use.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates from the President, Dr. Georj Lewis, regarding Fall enrollment targets and upcoming recruitment events, as well as challenges with Chromebook access for dual enrollment students using Respondus. The Provost, Dr. Jill Drake, provided updates on the USG micro-credential guide release, H-1B entry restrictions affecting faculty travel abroad, renaming of RACs to Advisory Groups, updates on non-standard faculty credentialing policy review, NISS implementation phase, and academic complaint policy review. IT reported on the transition away from Windows 10 and cybersecurity training completion rates. The Athletics department discussed a legislative proposal to extend eligibility. Advancement noted the launch of the Faculty/Staff Fund Drive. Guest presentations covered federal grant writing proposal language restrictions concerning DEI references and promotion of Center for Academic Success resources. Action items included IT work on Chromebook access, review of credentialing policies, and updates to administrative review timelines.

The meeting included remarks and a Q&A session with the University President, covering a 4.76% increase in enrollment, current club athletics performance, and updates regarding cybersecurity training deadlines, endpoint management audits, and the licensing of Microsoft End-User Privilege Management. The President also introduced the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) pilot program, featuring an onsite clinician. The Provost addressed facility maintenance delays, outlined compliance requirements for posting syllabi and CVs per Policy 2.8.2, and discussed adjustments to the faculty administrator review timeline. Discussions also centered on navigating administrative guidance concerning DEI terminology in grant applications versus federal compliance constraints. Guest presentations covered the upcoming 'Forensics Meets the Wild' Summit, the introduction of Acentra Health's onsite counseling services, and updates on Internship Week programming.

Key discussions during the Senate meeting included campus updates from the President regarding commencement speakers, student speakers, the Laker Food Drive competition, the status of the SA-VP search, and a strategic plan update meeting. Enrollment goals for the Spring semester and website updates were reviewed, alongside updates on student affairs events like the GACE career fair and First Gen week. The Athletics department reported on soccer playoffs and Cross Country regional competition. The IT department mandated that all faculty update computers to Windows 11 by a specified deadline. The Faculty & Staff Fund Drive reported a 52.6% participation rate, and Good News highlighted the nursing program ranking and a Deloitte Consulting Case Competition win. The Provost provided updates on Academic Affairs, including discussions on accelerated degrees and micro-credentials, and faculty evaluation (PTR) success rates, noting concerns about external scrutiny and the need to evidence higher education value. Discussions also covered the use of AI agents and government relations planning. Standing Committee reports addressed updates on the posthumous policy, the development of a policy for Double Majors, and the Faculty Affairs PTR working document. The Ad Hoc Bylaws Committee presented survey results regarding participation concerns.

The Faculty Senate meeting included remarks from the President regarding the review survey for the President, the status of the SA-VP search, and updates on enrollment headcount and credit hours, which are trending upward, alongside retention rates that need further improvement. Discussions also covered student affairs, including Club Football security measures and First-Gen celebration week. Athletics updates mentioned NCAA legislative changes concerning athlete eligibility timeframes. The ITS department reported a 96% completion rate for the cybersecurity training. The Provost provided updates on Academic Affairs, noting progress on the Academic Dean search profile, compliance requirements for public syllabi and faculty profiles using the Simple Syllabus platform, and guidance on H-1B visa sponsorship due to new fee requirements. Committee reports included sending out a faculty bylaws survey and revisions to the Posthumous Policy, which was sent back to the Academic Policy Committee for alignment improvements.