Melissa Rhodes

The meeting encompassed several reports and updates, notably a comprehensive AAUP review of the faculty handbook highlighting concerns regarding tenure, termination procedural standards, and workload policies. Other discussions included the transition to a zero-based budgeting model, the College of Pharmacy Dean search and scholarship funding, and ongoing efforts to improve accessibility compliance. The Faculty Senate also reviewed the year-in-review accomplishments, addressed the need for an overhaul of university committee structures, and discussed student awareness of program discontinuations following an SGA town hall.

The meeting focused on technical audio difficulties, committee leadership and membership assignments, and updates on the Fiscal Affairs Committee. Discussions included potential constitutional and bylaw amendments, specifically regarding University of Louisiana System Faculty Advisory Council participation and the purpose of the Faculty Senate statement. Additionally, there was a review of CPHE as a potential alternative accrediting body and a comprehensive presentation on Louisiana Open Meetings Law requirements for public bodies, including subcommittees. A sensitive agenda item concerning the President and Provost was tabled until the January meeting due to time constraints and the potential loss of a quorum.

The meeting includes committee reports and updates on the faculty senate webpage. Key discussion items involve potential amendments to the constitution and bylaws regarding the ULS Faculty Advisory Council, status updates on Commission for Public Higher Education accreditation, and adherence to the Louisiana open meetings law as requested by the Provost. The senate will also address concerns regarding shared governance and transparency, review university committee assignments for faculty senators, and hold an open forum for questions and comments.

The meeting included an agenda modification and a review of participation guidelines. Committee reports were presented regarding the Academic Standards, Constitution and Bylaws, Elections, Faculty Handbook, and Faculty Welfare committees, including updates on upcoming elections and administrative guidance. The Senate addressed the need for committee chairs, noted policies for Emeritus nominations, discussed potential collaboration with the Staff Senate on a performance survey, coordinated on a planned Q&A session with the President, and provided an update on the College of Pharmacy Dean search process.

The meeting included reports from various committees, including the dissolution of inactive ad hoc committees and the creation of an AAUP Advisory/Alignment Committee. The Faculty Senate discussed compliance with Louisiana Open Meetings Law, specifically regarding public notice and meeting recordings. Faculty raised significant concerns regarding administrative transparency, communication failures during program closures, and issues with the Office of Sponsored Programs & Research grant processes. Other discussion items involved technical issues with the tenure and promotion workflow, updates on the College of Pharmacy dean search, and planning for student listening sessions.