Scott Gilreath

Key actions taken during the meeting included forwarding a proposal for a B.A. Special Education Program for review by the Curriculum Committee, and advancing an Occupational Endorsement proposal for Mine Mechanic for review. Discussions also covered workforce credentials, noting that the University President delegated authority to Chancellors for direct approval of some credentials, bypassing Faculty Senate action. The Senate provided input on representation, role, and function for the TLTR advisory committee, particularly concerning the Blackboard transition. Further discussions addressed drafting a resolution regarding changing the grading deadline from Tuesday to Friday after finals week. Faculty Handbook final draft review resulted in suggestions for language changes and a plan for the current committee to tighten the language before the next Senate meeting. The Senate also addressed appointing a Chair and committee for the Presidential Task Force on Student Evaluations, nominations for the Research Committee, reappointment for the Sustainability ad hoc committee, and the date/agenda for a Faculty Senate Retreat. A motion to delete the Communications Committee was entertained but not forwarded.

The meeting addressed the proposal for a new K-5 mathematics education graduate certificate, an 18-credit program intended to increase enrollment and support a future State of Alaska teacher endorsement. The Senate approved the program after discussion regarding the curriculum review process and catalog placement. Other key items included an announcement regarding open enrollment for health care, an update indicating that legislative funding for the Honors Program at UAS appears unlikely for the current year, and an announcement of the election results for the new Faculty Senate President Elect. The Senate also discussed proposed constitutional changes regarding standing committees. Significant time was dedicated to reviewing and planning the process for updating the Faculty Handbook, which had not seen a representative approval since 2003, with a plan established for faculty review of a draft document. The Sabbatical Review Process language, now included in the handbook, was discussed, focusing on resource allocation and peer review recommendations. Finally, suggestions for Convocation agenda items for the upcoming academic year were gathered, covering topics like intellectual property, faculty retention costs, and budget process influence.

Key discussions included announcements regarding the upcoming Board of Regents meeting, deadlines for faculty comprehensive review binders, and positive feedback on Convocation despite pandemic limitations. The Interim UA President provided an overview of budget reductions resulting from the state compact, emphasizing the need to identify and stabilize core programs. The President's report highlighted updates on COVID-19 incident management, a discussion on new Title IX rules allowing advisors for both parties, and efforts to address student mental health. The Interim Vice Provost provided updates on accreditation, program reviews, and CARES Act funds potentially assisting students. IT reported on Blackboard updates and an upcoming required security change for Zoom meetings. Old Business covered the critical need for growth in Dual Enrollment programs, with plans to retool the associated task force to better address logistical issues. New Business involved establishing guidance for reviewing and updating the Six-Year Course Sequence and discussing a potential bylaw revision to simplify elections for President Elect due to persistent difficulty in securing a second candidate.

Key discussions during the meeting included the proposed Medical Assistant Certificate New Program, which involves collaboration with the math department and library, and Occupational Endorsements in Fisheries Technology under a Department of Labor grant. The Senate reviewed draft language for the Academic Integrity section of the Faculty Handbook and accepted the concept of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) as a tool to potentially increase enrollment, leading to the establishment of a CPL working group. Discussions also covered reactivating the Faculty Senate Communications Committee, faculty evaluation of administrators, and generating revenue through marketing online degrees via an Adult Degree Completion Ad Hoc Committee. The schedule for Faculty Senate meetings was confirmed to be the third Friday of the month as needed. The Senate reviewed a proposed bylaws amendment to create an executive council, deferring the final determination to the next meeting, and discussed amendments related to the Research and Creative Activity Committee and Faculty Member Committee Assignments. The Senate also addressed opposition to State Bill 176/House Bill 335 concerning guns on campus and began the election process for At-Large Senators.

The meeting agenda was approved. Key discussions centered on the President's report, which highlighted concerns about the loss of Alaska Native and Indigenous faculty, the process for developing a statewide teacher education program with potential governance concerns, union issues including financial transparency, and the work of the Common Calendar Committee. The Provost reported on the need for faculty participation in the Canvas Learning Management System pilot project. The IT report provided updates on power system upgrades and the Blackboard migration project. The CELT report announced the purchase of Magna Commons and Twenty Minute Mentor subscriptions and assistance provided to faculty adapting to online teaching. Undergraduate Curriculum Committee actions included initial review approval for several course proposals (ART S105, ART S181, ART S201, EDSE S402, EDSE S481) while excluding one pending Social Science faculty review (ED S122), and initial review approval for updates to the Interdisciplinary Studies, B.L.A. degree program. An exception was made to allow a Term Education faculty member to serve on the Graduate Curriculum Committee. The Sustainability Committee welcomed participation from all campuses. Old business included discussion on forming an ad hoc Faculty Senate committee to oversee the Six Year Sequence Plan update process, and review of the Dual Enrollment Work Group Charter. New business involved requests for faculty to serve on the Administrative Review Committee to streamline the administrative structure, discussion on revising the UAS Mission Statement to ensure measurability for accreditation, revisions to the Course Completion Contract, changes to election bylaws concerning the president-elect selection, discussion of a proposal for an Accelerated Master's Initiative, and a call for faculty to review and update outdated course catalogue descriptions for decolonization efforts.