Abstract of Feb. 6, 2012, Faculty Senate meeting

Karen Stout, Western Washington University Faculty Senate president, called the meeting of the 2011-2012 Faculty Senate to order at 4:04 p.m. Senators accepted the senate minutes of Jan. 23, 2012, and the standing committee minutes.

President Stout reported that 1) the next “Humans vs. Zombies” game will take place on the weekend of Feb. 18 and 19; 2) Stout will be going on “good will” tours in meetings with governance committees; 3) email surveys regarding administrative review will go out shortly and will provide an option if faculty only have minimal interaction with the administrator. Response data is entirely controlled by the senate.

President Bruce Shepard reported that 1) budget issues are still somewhat murky; 2) in recent discussions he assured senators that he is no longer considering program eliminations or major reductions in the near future regardless of budget cuts; 3) he has received many emails in which faculty students and parents responded compassionately to the recent student suicide.

Steve Garfinkle, United Faculty of Western Washington president, reported that collective bargaining agreement negotiations have begun, and he expressed appreciation to the hard work of the 10-member faculty bargaining team.

Fabiola Arvizu, Associated Students vice president for academics, reported that 1) Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville attended a recent workshop for women interested in elective campaigning; 2) the AS is preparing a resolution regarding the recent marriage equality bill; 3) a second resolution is planned to seek support in opposing Arizona’s decision to eliminate Mexican-American studies programs from its schools.

Senators heard Vicki Hamblin, director of the Center for International Studies, report on her efforts to turn Western’s mission statement into actions, including 1) simplify the process for transfer credit and transcript issues; 2) build stronger international partnerships; 3) make opportunities known with a plan and process for recruiting international students; 4) internationalize the curriculum. Hamblin reported on the need to review and organize the international choices currently available and focus attention on programs which are both cost effective and beneficial to students in the academic programs in which they are enrolled.

Senators heard Francis Halle discuss future planning in light of major capital requests currently being considered. Included in a 10-year to 15-year plan is the possibility of having all of the Fine and Performing Arts centrally located on High Street; a new interdisciplinary sciences building within the central campus, reconsideration of some of the current science buildings for less stressful usage; updating the wireless LAN; consolidation within Wilson Library; and updating certain portions of Old Main. Senators urged continued dialogue with faculty members and architects at the earliest phases of planning.

Senators discussed the possibility of establishing a functioning Faculty Club, including a no-pay option and a discrete community space available only to faculty that provided a place for work or thoughtful dialogue with colleagues, and that was open all day to faculty across disciplines.

Constituent concerns: Senators requested that Blackboard be stabilized; it was upgraded one day during the weekend but was not functioning for a much longer period of time.

Senators were reminded that the Senate would meet next Monday, February 14 in lieu of the following Monday which is the President’s Day holiday.

Senators adjourned at 5:42 p.m. without caucus.

Appointments and Elections: Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, 2011-12 Officer

• VACANCIES: Academic Technology Committee (ATC) and Senate Library Committee (SLC) - 1 Senator to serve on each
• Appointed to the Campus Dining Committee: Jacquelyn Baker-Sennett through 2014.