Misty Roberts

The meeting included discussions on leadership reports regarding federal research funding, athletics, and enrollment. Key topics included updates on strategic planning, equity studies, and course curricular changes across multiple colleges, including the BFA in Art and Engineering Science programs. Administrative updates were provided on academic policies such as withdrawal deadlines, GPA requirements for admissions, and initiatives to increase research expenditures to $50 million by 2031. Additionally, the senate reviewed midterm grading, course alerts, and feedback practices to improve student success.

The Faculty Senate meeting covered several key topics, including a briefing on state budget appropriations and their potential impact on university operations and online course offerings. Discussions also addressed federal financial aid regulations regarding course program of study, faculty committee compositions, and updates on campus facility utilization. Furthermore, the senate reviewed and approved numerous proposals concerning new courses and program revisions across the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the College of Education, the Richards College of Business, and the School of Communication, Film, and Media. Finally, the senate updated internal policies regarding personnel actions, tenure review, voluntary resignations, and the Faculty Senate Chair election procedures.

The Faculty Senate discussed several initiatives, including encouragement for faculty participation in Winter West, enrollment updates related to graduation, and monitoring the status of the federal Department of Education. The Provost shared updates on student-centric course scheduling experiments, upcoming administrative hiring, budgetary processes, and the strategic importance of experiential learning and research. Additionally, various committee reports were presented, resulting in the approval of new courses, revisions to existing degree tracks, and deletions of redundant programs. A focused discussion on faculty research expectations, accountability, and the impact of institutional changes on the balance between teaching, research, and service was also conducted.

The meeting featured discussions with leadership regarding faculty and staff vacancies, university advocacy efforts, and strategies for student success through programs like dual enrollment and three-year degree pathways. The Provost provided updates on faculty hiring, professional development funds, and performance evaluation guidelines. Committee reports included various curriculum changes, such as course additions and revisions across multiple departments, and an update on undergraduate GPA requirements. A major focus was a presentation on the impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace, emphasizing the need to equip students with critical thinking, communication, and basic AI-literacy skills rather than just technical coding expertise.

The meeting included discussions on current campus weather adjustments and ongoing state legislative impacts on higher education. Enrollment updates and professional development funding were addressed alongside strategic planning and syllabi publication policies. New programs were proposed, including an Ed.D. in Learning Design and Educational Technology and an Ed.D. in Special Education. The Faculty Senate also approved the creation of a principal lecturer position to provide a career path for non-tenure track faculty. Furthermore, the committee explored regional connections, workforce alignment, and the enhancement of internship and community engagement opportunities.