Oakland University Senate

Fifth Meeting
Thursday, 15 February 1996

Minutes

Members present: Andrews, Benson, Briggs-Bunting, Bryant, Buffard-O'Shea, Caradonna, Christina, Dahlgren, Dillon, Downing, Finucane, Frankie, Garfinkle, Gilroy, Graham, Hahn, Hansen, Haskell, Hildebrand, Jackson, Jarksi, Kazarian, Keane, Kleckner, Lilliston, Long, Meehan, Meuser, Miller, Moore, Moran, Nesbary, Perry, Reynolds, Rice, Rohde, Rozek, Russi, Sahu, Schochetman, Sevilla, Slywka, Talbert, Tower, Wharton

Members absent: Cole, Connellan, Fliedner, Gordon, Hovanesian, Kheir, Liboff, Olson, Otto, Papazian, Pipan, Polis, Reddy, Reynolds, Riley, Schwartz, Speer

Summary of actions:

1.    Approval of January 11, 1996 Senate minutes. (Mr. Andrews, Ms.Gilroy)
2.    Motion to recommend to the President and the Board approval of the new Constitution of the College of Arts and Sciences. (Mr. Downing, Mr. Andrews)
3.     Motion to recommend to the President and the Board the establishment of a program in Accounting leading to the Master of Accounting (M.Acc.) degree. (Mr. Dahlgren, Mr. Tower)

Calling the meeting to order at approximately 3:15 p.m. Mr. Russi turned first to the minutes of the January 11th  meeting which were quickly approved without correction; moved by Mr. Andrews, seconded by Ms. Gilroy.

Information Items
Mr. Russi reported that the admissions figures for the fall are encouraging, that we are 3% above last year's figures with some variations between units.   The Governor has released his projected budget which proposes a 4% across-the-board increase for higher education with some adjustments for different kinds of institutions.   For OU this would be a 4% increase and a new classroon3/School of Business Administration building.  However, this is only the executive proposal; the legislative process begins this Saturday and should be finalized by the end of June and may result in adjustments to these initial allocations.

Reminding the group that a feature of this year's budget was an allocation for technology enhancements, Mr. Russi proceeded to itemize for the Senate the allocations that have been made to date through a grant process:

School of Educational and Human Services $208,000 (technology enrichment)
College of Arts and Sciences $150,000 (technology enrichment)
School of Health Sciences $65,000 (technology in PT program)
Computer Center $162,000 (campus infrastructure)
CAS faculty grant $2,360 (distance learning)
SBA $2,000 (geographic info system)

New Business:

There being no old business, Mr. Russi called on Mr. Downing to present the first item of new business.  On behalf of the College of Arts and Sciences, Mr. Downing moved, seconded by Mr. Andrews, that the Senate recommend to the President and the Board approval of the new Constitution of the College of Arts and Sciences.  Mr. Downing asked that the following "sense of the Assembly" be read into the record since it served as a foundation for the discussions regarding the selection of chairpersons.

It is understood that the proposed language in Article I.iv. I.e. is not meant to diminish in any way the deans' prerogatives in the appointment of chairs. The dean has the responsibility and duty to lead the college and the selection of chairs is an important aspect of that leadership. The language of the amendment is designed to encourage the dean of the college to recommend someone who has the majority support of the department. It does not suggest or support the election of chairs. The dean may choose to find whether his choice is supported by a majority by consultation with individual faculty in the department or by other methods. The last sentence in Article I.vi. I.e is operative only if the dean contemplates recommending someone who he or she finds doesn't have majority support at the time of his interviewing and requires that the Executive Committee and other chairs be consulted for advice but not consent.

Mr. Downing noted that the changes to the constitution fell into two categories, updating the language and the more substantive changes regarding the appointment of chairpersons. With no discussion forthcoming, Mr. Russi noted that the motion would be advanced to second reading.

The second items of business, a motion that the Senate recommend to the President and the Board the establishment of a program in Accounting leading to the Master of Accounting (M.Acc.) degree, was moved by Mr. Dahlgren, seconded by Mr. Tower.  Speaking on behalf of the Senate Planning Review Committee, Mr. Andrews reported that the SPRC supports the proposal, noting that it meets the needs of the community we serve and is consistent with the Strategic Plan.  Mr. Kleckner, representing the Budget Review Committee, referenced the accompanying memo wherein the SBRC indicated its support.   He added that the proposal was reviewed extensively and pointed out that the income is a function of enrollment; however, even if enrollments don't meet the projections the program will still be financially viable. Ms. Peacock, speaking on behalf of the proposal, stated that there is a market for a graduate program in accounting.   In addition there is a pending change regarding the requirements for those wishing to enter the profession and this program will position Oakland to meet the needs of the students when the requirement is changed.  Ms. Jackson brought up a concern she had previously expressed regarding this proposal, specifically a commitment to recruiting minority students. Ms. Peacock replied that this had been addressed and distributed to the Senate an addendum detailing the SBA commitment.   Mr. Downing asked if the program would be on or off campus. Mr. Tower replied that it would be primarily an on-campus program although some of the courses might be taken off site.  Mr. Tower also spoke in favor of the program, noting that accounting is one of our strongest programs.  We are one of only 112 separately accredited (for accounting) institutions in the country and one of only three in the state.  This program will enhance the university and school and help keep us competitive.  And the degree itself will give our students a leg up in the competitive world of accounting.

Mr. Russi asked for further discussion and hearing none, entertained a motion to adjourn which was supplied by Mr. Andrews. The meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m., not quite a record for short meetings but close.

Submitted by,
Linda L. Hildebrand
Secretary to the University Senate