Mark E Arant

The Faculty Senate meeting covered several committee reports including the realignment of the Faculty Attitude Survey, updates on the Faculty Handbook, and ongoing elections. Key actions included the dissolution of inactive ad hoc committees and the creation of an AAUP Advisory and Alignment Committee. Significant discussion occurred regarding compliance with Louisiana Open Meetings Law, transparency and communication issues during program closures, and the status of university committee updates. Additionally, the Senate addressed faculty concerns regarding the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research grant deadlines, Canvas-based tenure and promotion workflow issues, the search for a new College of Pharmacy Dean, and the coordination of student listening sessions.

This five-year strategic plan for the University of Louisiana at Monroe is dedicated to transforming lives and fostering an environment of equality, inclusiveness, and opportunity. The plan focuses on two primary goals: increasing opportunities for student access and enhancing student success. Key strategies include boosting enrollment, improving accessibility and affordability, recruiting a diverse student body, and ensuring high retention and graduation rates for all students, including baccalaureate, graduate, adult undergraduate, and underrepresented minority populations.

The meeting commenced with a unanimous approval to modify the agenda, removing unfinished business. Key discussions involved reviewing participation guidelines. Committee reports covered the Academic Standards Committee planning to elect a chair, the Constitution and Bylaws Committee awaiting guidance on Open Meetings Law compliance for subcommittees, and the Elections Committee preparing for upcoming March elections where nearly half the senators will face re-election or renewal. The Faculty Handbook committee is awaiting administrative guidance on proposed revisions after discussions with the Provost. Regarding new business, the Senate received a policy reminder about Emeritus nominations (prohibiting self-nomination), discussed collaboration with the Staff Senate on a university-wide administrative performance survey, and noted the Staff Senate's planned Q&A session with the President, with the possibility of the Faculty Senate requesting a separate session. Updates were also provided on the Dean Search for the College of Pharmacy, noting that on-site interviews are anticipated mid-spring.

The meeting was called to order amidst significant technical difficulties related to room audio, requiring the meeting to proceed with online participants being communicated verbally to in-person attendees. Committee reports included discussions regarding chairs for various committees, support for a senator serving on the faculty handbook committee, and reassessment of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee chair due to increased workload. The Fiscal Affairs Committee charge, focusing on budget review and administration meetings, was confirmed. Unfinished business involved forwarding discussions on the University of Louisiana System Faculty Advisory Council participation and the purpose of the faculty senate statement to the Constitution & Bylaws Committee. Updates were provided on the faculty senate webpage and CopyLeaks training submission. An overview of the Commission of Public Higher Education (CPHE) as a potential accrediting body was presented. A significant portion of the meeting involved a detailed presentation on the Louisiana Open Meetings Law, covering topics such as potential fines, voting requirements, executive session procedures, and public posting requirements for recordings and minutes. Concerns were raised regarding compliance scope for various university committees. The final agenda item regarding concerns over the President and Provost was tabled until the January meeting due to time constraints and the risk of losing quorum.

The meeting included a group picture and the selection of individuals for available senate seats and president-elect & secretary-elect positions. Proposed changes to the senate's constitution & bylaws were discussed with Provost McEacharn, including adding the Provost/VPAA as ex-officio, changing to fully open meetings, and incorporating how the University Council faculty senate members will be selected. The need to continue 2024-25 senate projects was evaluated, and committee assignments were addressed. Additionally, the policy review regarding emeritus re-nominations, the senate president communications title survey, and CANVAS and ULM senate website changes were discussed.