Members absent:  Chamra, Chen, Cole, Eis, Free, Guessous, Hightower, Jackson, Mili, Moran, Penprase, Polis, Schweitzer, Southward, Switzer, Tanniru, Walters

Summary of Actions:

1.    Informational Item: 

       OU Infrastructure/Parking Update—Mr. Beaghan

       Graduate Education Update—Ms. Awbrey

       Research Update—Mr. Yih

       2010 Calendar Update—Mr. Shablin                     

2.    Approval of minutes of 1-14-10 as amended (Russi removed from roll call, reclassified as guest).  Ms. Miller, Ms. Piskulich.  Approved.

3.    Motion from Graduate Council regarding use of title “Dr.” in OU media.  Ms. Jackson, Mr. Moran. Second reading.  Approved.  One absention.

4.    Motion from School of Education and Human Services to approve revised Constitution.  Ms. Osborne, Mr. Latcha.  First reading.

5.     Motion to endorse resolution to support a Statement on Academic Freedom.  Mr. Grimm, Mr. Latcha.  First reading. 

6.    Procedural motion to staff Senate standing committee. Ms. Miller, Mr. Grimm.  Approved.

Calling the meeting to order at 3:15 Mr. Moudgil invited Mr. Beaghan, Vice President for Finance and Administration, to share an update on plans  for campus infrastructure and parking.  Noting that the material in his presentation was discussed with the Senate Campus Development and Environment Committee and also with Student Congress, he began with an update on the plans for the new Human Health Building (HHB), a $62 million project, with $40 coming from the state through the capital outlay process, and $22 through a bond issuance last November.  An additional $2.7 geothermal Department of Energy grant looks likely, and will bring the total to $65 million.    Slides illustrated plans for the placement of the building on the NW corner of campus at Squirrel and Walton Roads, along with a projected wish for three additional buildings in the future that would comprise a medical/health complex: buildings for research, medical education, and parking.  Groundbreaking for the HHB is scheduled for April 12, with construction to get underway in May.  At 160,000sf, the building will house the Schools of Nursing and Health Sciences, and will contain ten general-purpose classrooms.  Mr. Beaghan addressed parking, noting that about 20 spots will be lost, but that 30-35 were added recently.  During construction about 150 spaces will be taken up with staging of construction equipment.  He then pointed out an area where 200 geothermal wells to support the geothermal heating and cooling systems will be drilled under P1 during the summer.

Ms. Miller asked about the configuration of classrooms, to which Mr. Beaghan replied that the classroom sizes will vary, holding between 50 to 250 seats, but will total approximately 1000 seats.  Mr. Moudgil added that scheduling preference will be given to the Schools of Nursing and Health Sciences, but will be available for other schools/departments.  Referring to his handout, Mr. Beaghan spoke about an $11 million infrastructure project presented to the Finance, Audit and Investment Committee of the Board last July.  The components of the project include replacing the north loop of the high temp/hot water tunnel, UTS upgrades, and replacing the glass exterior wall of ODH.  He showed pictures of the curtain wall problem in ODH, including broken glass, framing problems, moisture/mold issues in the windows, ceiling, carpet, and other types of water infiltration problems.   He also mentioned other projects that will take place over summer ’10, including repairs of elevators, sidewalks, roofing, and light fixtures.

Mr. Grimm inquired why the UTS server was being moved to O’Dowd.  Ms. Rowe clarified that the upcoming work would not replace the Dodge Hall location, but that the communications center in ODH, which acts as a central data traffic hub (switch central) for all campus communications is dated and will not meet needs arising from future growth.   In talking with researchers on campus, she believes that a strong, reliable network that can grow is essential for the future of the university.  The new facility will house bigger and better network equipment, but not replace what is currently in Dodge Hall.

Mr. Beaghan then turned to campus parking, and referred Senators to a ten-year history of OU parking included in his handout.  He noted that the rate of enrollment growth has been about 24%, while the rate of increase in parking has been 28%.  He directed attention to a survey carried out by the OUPD during the first two weeks of every semester which tracks available parking four times during the day.  P11 and P29 (the parking garage) were always available, with at least 150 spots available in P11.  He continued with diagrams and statistics about various parking areas, and then outlined plans for expansion, indicating where additional spots will be made available.  Thirteen projects will take place over S’10 that will yield an additional 468 spots.  In addition, he addressed traffic flow at the Squirrel Road entrances, noting that a deceleration lane and an acceleration lane would yield two lanes out, one lane in.  An additional activity over the summer will be the city’s repaving of Squirrel Road from Walton Boulevard to Featherstone Drive; the project is still in the bidding process.  Mr. Beaghan observed that the traffic flow at Library Drive and Pioneer is problematic.  The addition of a stop sign on Pioneer will rotate traffic that currently isn’t moving efficiently. 

Ms. Osborne wondered whether a traffic light could be placed at Pioneer Drive and Squirrel Road.  Mr. Beaghan expressed his wish for such a light, but remarked that the city of Auburn Hills has repeatedly rejected the idea.  He added that there is a light signal slightly south, at Cross Creek, but that the city will not move it or install an additional light at Pioneer.   Mr. Tracy asked why the light is only on the southbound side.  Mr. Stollsteimer explained that the city sees it as a problem of the number of lights, the timing between lights, and traffic flow; money is not the issue.  The same problem exists at the entrance to P1. 

Mr. Moudgil then asked Mr. Beaghan whether he could elaborate on the $7 million renovations to Meadow Brook Hall.  Mr. Beaghan explained that the Wilson Fund provided the funding, and that the work entailed renovations to the infrastructure.  Ms. Chopin inquired about the possibility of designated areas for staff parking, noting that she often carries 50 kilos of field equipment to her office.  Mr. Beaghan asked whether using an unloading spot would be helpful; Mr. Chopin responded that trucks frequently use that zone.  Ms. Chopin wondered whether it may be time to readdress the open and free parking philosophy at OU.  Mr. Moudgil suggested that perhaps a special pass could be available for colleagues with research equipment, and Mr. Beaghan agreed that it could be a good short-term solution.  Mr. Lucido asked how long it takes for unloading; Ms. Chopin replied that generally it can take up to an hour and that she has to park illegally (in disabled parking spots).

Mr. Tracy remarked that OU has come a long way in the last decade in maintaining infrastructure, with improvements in a multitude of areas – sidewalks, roads, and parking lots.  His concern, however, is the size of the infrastructure.  Classroom utilization is extremely high and a shortage of classrooms is severe.  Parking will continue to be an issue as enrollment grows, particularly within the context of the goal of reaching 25,000 students in 2020.  Mr. Beaghan noted that he recognizes the issue, and further observed that the president has insisted on general-purpose classrooms with every new building on campus.   In addition, parking and traffic flow improvements are being planned with the intent of looking ahead to greater expansion.  The master plan, according to Mr. Beaghan, includes a second (just south of SEB) and a third parking structure (in P1).  The difficulty with putting parking structures on top of parking lots is that the cost is extremely high with a relatively small net gain – about 500 additional spots that cost between 10-20 million dollars.  The same number of spaces could be created for about 2 million.   Mr. Tracy inquired whether a bond issue has been considered for a new classroom building.  Both Mssrs. Beaghan and Moudgil acknowledged that conversations on the issue have taken place.   Mr. Moudgil then asked about meetings with campus groups on the infrastructure plans, to which Mr. Beaghan responded that he met with the Senate Campus Development and Environment Committee on December 7 and also with Student Congress and student leadership on the subject of parking.

Mr. Pedroni asked why only students have been looking into the possibility of a shuttle bus, adding that the idea of shuttle buses circulating regularly to more remote parking areas should be supported by everyone on campus. Mr. Beaghan said that there is broad support, as we are buying two vans and encouraging the testing of the service.  He explained that the students were excited by the concept and wanted to lead the charge.   Mr. Pedroni remarked that frequency of the buses would be key, as running too infrequently would not yield an accurate reflection of the interest in the service.  Mr. Beaghan said that the idea was not to commit too much money to the project until it is known whether the project has a chance of success. 

Ms. Awbrey then presented an update on Graduate Education.  She began by outlining eight goals used as indicators of progress in graduate education:  developing new programs; increasing the number of graduate degrees awarded; increasing minority student enrollment; improving service to graduate students; improving graduate student retention; increasing overall enrollment in graduate programs; developing a strategic vision for graduate education; and improving operations in Graduate Study.   Several statistics were highlighted in the PowerPoint presentation that provided a sense of the accomplishments made in graduate education as well as barriers and areas that need improvement.  As of W’10 graduate enrollment was up 8% over its target, and 5% above W’09.  New graduate enrollment is also up.  Overall, doctoral enrollments are up in all units, particularly in the clinical doctoral programs in Nursing and Health Sciences.  Enrollment in masters’ programs, however, needs improvement.  While enrollments are moving upward in SON and SHS, those in SBA and SECS have decreased, largely because of fewer employer-paid tuition opportunities.   Enrollment in SEHS provides nearly 50% of our masters’ students, which suggests that we need to diversify.  She noted that the College of Arts and Sciences is the unit where development of masters programs makes sense.  51% of the faculty resides in CAS and 12% of our masters’ students, so the capacity is there for growth. Overall enrollment strategies, according to Ms. Awbrey, include finding new markets (domestic and foreign), creating new degrees, diversifying programs, and involving units in recruitment. 

Ms. Awbrey noted several current activities of Graduate Study:  the hiring of a full-time director for marketing and recruitment; holding meetings with each dean regarding the vision for graduate education in their respective units; reviewing programs going down in enrollment; determining which recruitment efforts yield the highest return; piloting the use of graduate assistantships as a recruiting tool; hiring a consultant to do a pricing study; and instituting a TOEFL exemption for applicants under certain circumstances.  Moreover, a strategic vision for graduate study is under development, along with a communication plan. Lastly, improving operations in Graduate Study is a primary goal. 

Ms. Thompson-Adams clarified that graduate programs in Nursing will grow, and looks for the Clinical Nurse Leader program to be approved soon by Senate.  Hospitals are changing significantly, and the need for individuals for leadership skills will increase.  The School of Nursing is supporting growth in the areas that will meet the needs of the industry.

The next informational item was presented by T.C. Yih, Vice Provost for Research.  His update on Research at OU included an articulation of the goals of his office, as well as the strengths, challenges and opportunities in promoting research. The latter include continued faculty involvement, opportunities for product-oriented applied research, maintaining strength in basic research, promoting graduate research, and forging a long-term institutional strategy for research development.  Addressing current initiatives he noted that since last semester nine meetings have been held with assistant professors to provide help in maximizing research resources.  Mr. Yih also mentioned that he is working with Sue Goepp, Vice President of Development, to look for ways to increase the research endowment.  He also observed that electronic submission and management systems are being improved.  Other issues addressed:  publication of OU Research Guidelines, the OU Research magazine, and a faculty profile for the Center for Biomedical Research.  Ongoing efforts include the support of UG and grad student research awards, the OU-Beaumont Multidisciplinary Research awards, securing stimulus package grants (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act) totaling 7.6 million dollars, and the Nano-Tech Research and Development Institute.

Mr. Yih then noted that total research expenditures have increased significantly, from $26 million in FY’06 to $33 million in FY’09.  External research funding has reached fluctuated in the past two years from $10-13 million; internal support has moved from about $15 to $25 million.  He thanked the president and provost for promoting research initiatives.  Mr. Moudgil clarified that the OU-Beaumont multidisciplinary research awards are separate from the School of Medicine; they involve OU basic science faculty and Beaumont physicians independent of the SOM.  Mr. Giblin observed that the collaborations between ERI faculty and Beaumont physicians has a history going back to 1985. 

Mr. Shablin then provided the final informational item regarding the Fall 2010 calendar.  He noted that changes have been made to conform to the AAUP contract and that the corrections are now posted on the OU website. 

After the secretary took roll call, the minutes of the January meeting  were approved with the following amendment: noting Mr. Russi’s attendance as a guest rather than a member of the Senate.  The motion to approve was made by Ms. Miller and duly seconded by Ms. Piskulich.

Old Business

Ms. Miller read the motion, with a second provided by Mr. Grimm.

               MOVED that the use of the title “Dr.” on Oakland University print and electronic media shall be under the exclusive purview of the faculty of the associated academic discipline.

Mr. Kruk voiced his objection to the idea of Communications and Marketing having any say in an academic matter.  A vote was taken and the motion was approved with one abstention (Mr. Kruk).

New Business

A motion to approve a  revised Constitution  in the School of Education and Human Services was read by Ms. Osborne and seconded by Mr. Latcha.
 

              MOVED that the Senate recommend to the President and the Board of Trustees approval of the

              new Constitution of the School of Education and Human Services.

Note:  Because of the Secretary’s early departure from the meeting the remainder of the proceedings were recorded by Mr. Grimm. 

Mr. Cipielewski presented the Constitution for the School of Education and Human Services for a first reading.   This new constitution is designed to better reflect the growth and changes that have occurred in the School over the last several years.  Mr. Grimm asked for a clarification of the wording in Article 3.1.3, regarding student membership in the Assembly.   Mr. Cipielewski explained that Mr. Grimm's confusion was likely the result of the failure of Mr. Grimm's printer to clearly print language highlighted in yellow.  Mr. Grimm thanked Mr. Cipielewski for the clarification.  Mr. Moudgil thanked Mr. Cipielewski for his presentation and complimented him and his colleagues for their hard work in producing the revised constitution.

Mr. Moudgil then moved to the second item of new business, a resolution supporting a Statement on Academic Freedom.  Before formally moving the resolution, Mr. Grimm noted that a portion of one paragraph should be deleted from the statement.  The penultimate paragraph in the statement, headed "Academic freedom and disciplining faculty members," contains material based on the system at the University of Michigan and not relevant at OU.  Mr. Grimm therefore stipulated that the remainder of the paragraph following the phrase "freedom is impermissible" be deleted.  As so edited, Mr. Grimm

         MOVED that the Senate support the  Statement on Academic Freedom  at Oakland University.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Latcha.  This was a first reading; no discussion ensued.

Mr. Moudgil then turned to item three of new business, a procedural motion moved by Ms. Miller and seconded by Mr. Grimm:

MOVED that Charles McGlothlin (SHS) be appointed to the Senate standing committee, the University Committee on Undergraduate Instruction.

The motion was unanimously approved.

Mr. Moudgil then turned to Good and Welfare.  Mr. Larrabee reminded us that in March 2008 the Senate passed a resolution urging Oakland University to adopt policies that included LGBTQ faculty, staff, and students in the OU community.   He then noted that he and Joi Cunningham (Director of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives) would jointly address the BOT at their next meeting on March 2 and urge the BOT to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies university-wide.   Prior to that meeting there is an awareness campaign to encourage members of the OU community to show support.  Mr. Larrabee noted that buttons and postcards expressing support for LGBTQ members of the OU community were available at this meeting.  Buttons could be worn to the March 2 BOT meeting, and postcards sent to the BOT via campus mail.  Mr. Moudgil thanked Mr. Larrabee and noted that the administration had held a long and informative meeting with representatives of the LGBTQ community and that proposals were being reviewed through all available channels.

Upon Ms. Thompson's motion, the Senate adjourned at 4:56 p.m

Respectfully submitted,

Tamara Machmut-Jhashi

Secretary to the University Senate