Soo Lee Bruce-Smith

Key discussions during the meeting included the review of a proposed new syllabus template spearheaded by E-learning services, aimed at ensuring ADA compliance and consistency for an upcoming accreditation visit. Feedback was solicited regarding the template's flexibility. The Senate also discussed establishing a FirstGen Forward Committee to enhance support for first-generation students, requesting nominations for two faculty members. Furthermore, the Senate voted to recommend the addition of the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society to the graduation regalia policy based on academic achievement (top 20% of degree program). Finally, substantial discussion occurred regarding the potential name change of LC State from 'college' to 'university,' weighing perceived benefits such as differentiation from community colleges against concerns regarding workload, intimidation for CTE students, and public perception. Old business included tabling the discussion regarding renaming a General Education category from 'Global Perspectives' to 'Perspectives' after receiving pushback from the Student Government representative.

Key discussions during the meeting included reports on the SBOE meeting and the recent NWCCU accreditation visit, emphasizing faculty agency in driving the Faculty Senate agenda. Enrollment figures were reviewed, noting increases but remaining below pre-pandemic levels, alongside concerns regarding faculty numbers and classroom capacity. The upcoming RRF process opening date was announced, and faculty were encouraged to promote the annual student survey. Significant discussion centered on anticipated state budget holdbacks and their potential impact, particularly on adjunct budgets. Further debate focused on new stringent travel restrictions and the conflicting information received across divisions regarding the Travel Request Pre-Approval Form, which the Chair agreed to clarify with the administration. The committee also discussed feedback on the SPRC policy language review, noting confusing language and potential state-level changes regarding tenure and promotion. New business covered the administration's communication push supporting the institution's name change. Committee reports covered updates on curriculum proposal timelines, faculty sabbatical recommendations, and the ongoing development of a new disruptive student policy. Finally, faculty shared challenges regarding technology and logistics with mixed modality (Section 80) courses and discussed replacing the Student Response Team with the See Tell Now app. A request was made to pursue a 2-day fall break in October for future academic calendar consideration.

The Faculty Senate meeting addressed several critical items, including the reorganization of CTE/BTS structure and representation within the Senate, which involved extensive discussion on potential at-large positions or 'voice without a vote' options before forwarding recommendations to the Faculty Association. The Senate unanimously renewed terms for a Hearing Board Alternate and a member of the Student Petitions Committee. New business included a discussion regarding the grading scale, specifically concerning the impact of the absence of +/- grades on dual credit GPAs and transfer students, and a discussion on potentially allowing remaining 1-6 credits to be completed in the Fall term instead of only the Summer term for students walking in May commencement.

The Faculty Senate meeting included several committee reports and action items. The Library expressed concern over rising journal and database costs, and the Senate brainstormed ideas for an 'Honors College' as a recruitment tool. The Curriculum Committee reported progress on proposals, including adjustments to the Master's in Nursing Leadership. The Faculty Affairs Committee provided updates on ranking faculty development grant proposals and sabbatical applications. Old Business involved finalizing edits to the Student Petitions Committee Policy and approving revisions to the Sabbatical Policy (Policy 2.114), including adjusting point allocations for scoring applications. New Business involved the approval of two curriculum proposals: NU-BABS Health Studies and NU-MSN Nursing Leadership in Healthcare.

Key discussions included updates from the President regarding the status of the CEC final approval, which requires ensuring equity in faculty lines relative to CUPA comparatives, and a detailed review of enrollment numbers. Enrollment is down based on the 3-year historical average, although non-degree seeking opportunities are slightly increasing enrollment. The high proportion of dual enrollment students (one-third of the population) compared to peer institutions was noted, alongside concerns about the impact of the current EWA formula on state allocations. The Senate was encouraged to support a funding formula that weights the value-added small college experience. The Vice President provided updates on ensuring faculty contact information is current, refining the Promotion/Tenure process for a potential digital transition in the fall, and budgeting to reinstate promotion and sabbaticals contingent on enrollment. New business included the approval of Krista Harwick to the Hearing Board and discussions regarding the format for next year's meetings, considering a hybrid approach of Zoom and in-person sessions. Committee reports noted several curriculum changes, including suspensions and name changes for various programs, which do not currently require Senate action.