Georgia Southern University

The meeting featured reports from the University President and Provost, including budget updates, enrollment statistics, and international partnership developments. Key discussion topics included updates on the Faculty Welfare Committee regarding FAR and SRI changes, election updates for Senate Officers, a presentation on accessibility training, and responses to RFIs concerning campus initiatives like GS Cares and accessibility requirements. The Senate also voted to approve a revised Office Hours policy.

The meeting agenda included several reports and discussions. The Faculty Senate Executive Committee (SEC) report covered updates on the transition of the University Bookstore to Barnes & Noble, scheduled for closure between April 7-11, and an overview of the SACSCOC on-site visit planned for March 10-13, focusing on re-accreditation and the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), 'Ready Day One Connect.' Enrollment figures showed a projected record spring enrollment and positive trends for Fall 2025 applications and admissions. The President provided an update on federal guidelines following a Dear Colleague Letter, confirming current compliance with anti-discrimination policies and monitoring SB120 related to DEI programs. The President also discussed the Provost search, budget hearing outcomes emphasizing institutional efficiency, and plans for salary equity studies. The Provost reported on the system audit of post-tenure review procedures and ongoing Dean searches. Furthermore, a motion was introduced to establish a 15-minute time limit for informational presentations to ensure meeting efficiency. Committee reports provided updates on faculty service award allocations, review of research versus service proposals, and discussions regarding budget challenges in Athletics (NIL, increased fees) and the financial status of the Armstrong Student Union.

Key discussions during the meeting included the transition of the University Bookstore to management by Barnes & Noble, effective starting the spring semester, with a transition closure scheduled for early April. An update was provided on the upcoming SACSCOC on-site re-accreditation visit in March, focusing heavily on the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) titled 'Ready Day 1 Connect,' designed to improve student articulation of career-readiness skills. Enrollment figures were reported as positive, anticipating a record spring enrollment and increases in fall applications and SOAR registrations, alongside updates on the Vice President of Enrollment search. The President provided an update on new federal guidelines, noting that current USG policies align with expectations, and discussed the financial implications of NIH F&A reduction, confirming that institutional trajectory toward R1 status remains intact. Further updates covered the ongoing Provost search, the status of Dean searches, and an audit of post-tenure review procedures.

The meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the November 2024 session. Key discussions included the Faculty Senate Executive Committee (SEC) report regarding a Request for Information (RFI) on locking classroom doors, where Facilities Services selected a standard locking mechanism aligning with Virginia Tech standards; UPD and Facility Services are collaborating on implementation. A comprehensive review of USG/BOR policy updates and revisions was conducted, covering areas such as Equal Opportunity in Admissions, Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment, Faculty Evaluation criteria, and prohibitions on political activities for institutions and employees. Updates were provided on federal grant funding, noting that a recent funding freeze memo had been rescinded. Enrollment, Marketing, Student Success, and Provost Search updates indicated positive spring enrollment figures, strong fall application numbers, and scheduled on-campus interviews for Provost candidates. The University President reported on the SACSCOC reaffirmation process, the upcoming Board of Regents meetings, and the legislative outlook regarding state funding and infrastructure. The Provost detailed updates on SACSCOC QEP submission, approval of a new PhD in Materials Science, ongoing dean searches across multiple colleges (WCHP, Engineering, Business), and strategic investment fund allocation to meet course staffing demands. Finally, the ad hoc AI committee announced recruitment for faculty listening sessions.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda and the Librarian's Report. The Faculty Senate Executive Committee (SEC) report covered an update from the USG Faculty Council regarding accrediting bodies and merit raise policies, details on the 'Philanthropy In Action' event seeking volunteers, and ongoing recruitment for SEC committee vacancies. A motion to approve bylaw changes for a new consolidated structure passed. Significant time was dedicated to RFI 1 concerning merit raise clarification, addressing concerns about evaluation scores (specifically the reliance on '5' scores) and salary market equity. RFI 2 addressed the ownership and continuity of faculty-created course materials in Folio, particularly concerning departing faculty and AI training uses. The Provost's Report detailed updates on the University Strategic Plan, future goals (including enrollment targets and R1 classification), and new Board of Regents instructions for publicly posting syllabi and faculty CVs. The Provost also reported on progress in Dean searches for PCOB, AEPCOC, and COGS. The University President provided updates on recent events, the GSU-EGSC consolidation progress (including adding new sports teams), the upcoming budget submission focusing on faculty support, and Georgia Southern University's participation in the pilot program for the new accrediting body, the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE). The Enrollment Vice President shared positive YTD enrollment growth, particularly at EGSC, while noting challenges related to the return of test score requirements for graduate applications and the ongoing website migration.