Florida A&M University
Faculty Senate
Faculty Senate of Florida A&M University
Minutes, Tuesday, May 1, 2001
The meeting of the Faculty Senate of Florida A&M University was held on Tuesday, May 1, 2001, in Lee Hall Auditorium at 3:00 p.m. Dr. Ada Puryear Burnette, President of the Faculty Senate, presided over the meeting.
I. Attendance
Faculty Senators and others in attendance were asked to sign the attendance roster. The following persons were in attendance, as indicated by the attendance roster:
Officers
Dr. Ada Puryear Burnette, President
Dr. Dreamal Worthen, Vice President
Dr. Adeline L. Evans, Secretary
Dr. William Hudson, Parliamentarian (excused)
Dr. Clyde Ashley, Asst. Parliamentarian
Dr. Beulah Hemmingway, Immediate Past President (5th President)
Members
Dr. Gloria Aguilar
Dr. Alphonso Baldwin
Dr. Doris Ballard-Ferguson
Dr. Jacquelyn Bolden
Dr. Clyde Brown
Dr. Emma Fenceroy
Dr. Shawnta Friday
Dr. Michael Hubbard
Dr. Jeffrey Jacques
Dr. Elijah Johnson
Mrs. Odies Knight
Dr. Merlin Langley
Dr. Lekan Latinwo
Dr. Valencia Matthews
Dr. Larry Mengelkoch
Dr. Yvonne McIntosh
Dr. Abigail Mobley
Dr. Wendell Motter
Dr. Ebenezer Oriaku
Dr. Donald Palm
Dr. Manuel Pescador
Dr. Marian Smith
Dr. Melinda Smith
Dr. Keith Tucker
Dr. Luther Wells
Mr. Roosevelt Wilson
Others
Voting Ex-Officio Senators
Dr. Arthur Washington
SGA (Voting)
Mr. Charles Fitzpatrick (excused)
Ms. R. Jai Howard (excused)
Non-voting Ex-officio Officers
Dr. Angela Emanueal
Dr. Henry Lewis II
Additional Faculty and University Officials
Dr. Margaret Lewis
II. Correspondence
President Burnette called on Dr. Evans, Secretary, to read a news article by the Commissioner of Education, Mr. Charlie Crist, entitled “Desecration 101”, printed in the Editorial of the Tallahassee Democrat and circulated to the Executive Council of Florida A&M University. It read as follows:
You can imagine my confusion, then, when a few weeks later a Palm Beach Post staff writer praised Florida Atlantic University for funding an event that desecrates the accepted image of Jesus Christ. FAU sponsored a play called “Corpus Christi”, in which Jesus is depicted as a homosexual who surrounds himself with a cast of lecherous and profane disciples.
How can administrators at FAU have shown such poor judgment in spending taxpayers’ money for this purpose? Reflectively, they cite academic freedom as the rationale. Of course ‘academic freedom’ is the final refuge in which professors hide when confronted with the absurdity and arrogance of their decisions. It is a wasteland entirely unmoved from standards, where any activity can be justified if it exceeds our ‘comfort level’ by challenging our preconceptions (emphasis added).
Perhaps these leaders should have considered who would not sponsor the play before they decided to enfold it in the cloak of academic freedom.
If this bit of hypocrisy were not enough, the Palm Beach Post then rails against the Florida Legislature for threatening to withhold money from FAU in response to ‘Corpus Christi.’ Apparently the newspaper hasn’t heard of ‘legislative prerogative.’ It’s a phrase that acknowledges the Legislature’s ability to take almost any action without fear of limitation or consequence. In that sense, it’s a lot like academic freedom.
Maybe FAU had a point after all. The second notice that Dr. Evans read was a letter from the Tallahassee Democrat announcing that the Sunday, June 17, 2001 issue will be a salute to Dr. Frederick S. Humphries. The notice also requests that FAMU and friends should advertise in this special issue. Contact Ms. Lori Jackson at 850/599-2228, for additional information.
III. Dr. Ammons Remarks
President Burnette presented Dr. James H. Ammons, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and asked for his remarks.
Dr. Ammons said the following:
a. Thank you for allowing me to address the Faculty Senate.
b. The last six years at FAMU have been very memorable.
c. All of us are anxious about what the future holds for FAMU in leadership. FAMU is going to be just fine.
d. Most of you may not know that I started out as a faculty member and had an opportunity to go into administration.
e. I will leave to be the Chancellor of North Carolina Central University; however, FAMU will always be a special place for me.
f. In the six years, we started twenty-three (23) new programs, which include eight (8) doctoral programs, and more as a result of the Center of Excellence in Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Technology. When these become doctorates, we will be closer to a Doctoral Level II institution.
g. We have the law school back and we have support from many individuals who want to be a part of our law school. The building of the College of Law is enormous, fundraising is going well, and things look bright for us.
h. We are still leading in African American baccalaureates in teaching, and nearly top in health sciences.
i. If ever there was a time to leave, it is now. Thank you for your support and friendship. People in other places have respect for what we do.
j. One cannot have a great university without a great faculty, and it has been great being a part of this faculty. I came here in 1970 as a student and have had a chance to work with those of you who taught me. I hold you in high regard.
k. When history is written, this period will be seen as the golden years for FAMU. All of the accolades that the University has received are associated with the quality of the programs here. You make my job easier. Sometimes we have had our differences, but that is to be expected.
l. I want to say something about Dr. Humphries’ leadership and his love for the University. You will not find anyone who will work harder for the University. As he works, his pace is the same as it was when he began. I thank him for allowing me to stay in administration. I will be forever grateful for his goodness to me during this phase of my life. It has been a great time.
m. I will miss you all and God has a plan for all of us. His plan is for me to go to North Carolina Central to do the best job that I can. This is my second home and it has given me a solid background upon which I will build and strengthen to advance. Do not let anyone fool you into believing that we have not done great deeds here, as we have top rated academics. Stay the course and continue to work as hard as you can for the students. I wish all of you well.
President Burnette thanked Dr. Ammons for coming to the Faculty Senate meeting.
Dr. Wendell Motter asked about the five or six pages of positions advertised for FAMU. Dr. Ammons said that since he has been criticized for not advertising early, he is doing so with hopes that the University can employ all the persons. Further, Dr. Ammons said that if we have the funding from the Legislature, we would fill the positions.
IV. Board of Trustees
President Burnette read the functions/responsibilities of the Board of Trustees (BOT).
President Burnette said that newly elected Senators would be sworn in next year in September; however, she asked that they sit in the side aisles.
Dr. Clyde Ashley asked if any decisions have been made on how the BOT terms will be staggered. President Burnette said that she believes that the Legislative language does spell this out.
(The meeting has a quorum.)
President Burnette asked the Senators to nominate BOT candidates in addition to those names received as nominees from the Governor’s office. She also asked the Senators to select eleven of the list by encircling the candidates’ names.
Dr. Latinwo asked if we could get information on the prospective BOT. President Burnette said that she would let others say something about the credentials of the candidates as she had planned to do.
Dr. Motter asked if we could have seven to ten days to think about the candidates of the BOT.
Dr. Ashley said that we must recognize that this is urgent and must be done today.
President Burnette reminded the group that the list was passed out in the last meeting and no requests for information had been received.
Dr. Evans asked if a faculty member should be considered for the BOT.
Dr. Palm asked if the Black Caucus of FAMU has considered the list.
Dr. Henry Lewis asked if the prospective names on the list of BOT have agreed to serve. President Burnette said that she did not know. Dr. Henry asked if the President of the Alumni Association had been nominated. The answer was yes.
Dr. Latinwo said that faculty needed to know the background of the prospective BOT. President Burnette said that we do not have the academic background on all the BOT candidates. Furthermore, she said that the BOR would make a selection of an Interim President who in turn will select the Interim Provost. Perhaps, she said we should get behind some of the nominees and they will listen. She added, “Note what happened at the University of Florida.”
Dr. Washington said that money and diversity must be considered in selection of the Board of Trustees.
President Burnette asked for additional names. She proceeded to read the nominees and to give information on each or to allow members of the audience to do so, such as Dean Henry Lewis, Dr. Beulah Hemmingway and others. The ballots were collected, counted, and the results given.
Dean Lewis presented President Burnette a trophy for being a member of the Dean of the Law School Search and Screen Committee. He also announced that Dr. Donald Palm was selected as one of the Advanced Teachers of the Year.
Dr. Evans asked for the names of the Teacher of the Year awardees. The names are Dr. Arnold Bell (Allied Health), Dr. Tim Beard (Allied Health), Mr. Marty Robinson (Music Department), Dr. Sharon Williams (Department of Social Work), and Dr. Li Ping Zhang (Department of Visual Arts, Humanities, and Theatre). The Advanced Teacher of the Year was awarded to Dr. Donald Palm (College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences) and Dr. Augustine Agho (Allied Health).
Dr. Evans asked what were the names of the Advisers of the Year. President Burnette said that there were none.
V. Reorganization and Law Status
Dr. Jacquelyn Bolden reported on the college/school reports, recommended by the Senate in the last meeting. She said that since most of the information suggested for the report is already in existence, the colleges/schools should be asked to write a SWOT report (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) by June 1, 2001. Furthermore, she said that faculty in the unit should complete this by Friday, June 1, 2001.
Dr. Bolden moved that her report be accepted and adopted. The motion was carried.
Dr. Evans asked for clarification on the action that the Senators must take as a result of the motion. President Burnette said the following:
1. Develop a summary from each college/school to send to the Faculty Senate.
2. Develop a SWOT report for each college/school and submit a report to the Faculty Senate office by June1, 2001.
VI. Curriculum Report
Dr. Burnette announced that Dr. Nnaji agreed to meet one time during the summer to consider emergency curriculum matters. Dr. Burnette said that all materials for consideration must be submitted to the Faculty Senate office by June 1, 2001. She also said that she sent the new forms to each college/school.
VII. Library Committee
President Burnette said that the Library Committee has no report because Mrs. Minnie Crump is recuperating from a house fire. In addition, President Burnette said that those who want to make a contribution could make it through the Faculty Senate office, as Mrs. Crump is now living at her sister’s house.
VIII. Tenure and Promotion Ad Hoc Committee
President Burnette called Dr. Evans, Chair, to report on the Tenure and Promotion Ad Hoc Committee.
Dr. Evans distributed copies of the “suggested criteria for tenure”. She said that the major changes on the document distributed earlier were the reduction of the description of the advising criterion. Further, she said that committee members do not want to change the wording of “or dean” to “and dean”. She said that the rationale for keeping the approval to “or dean” is that even excellent faculty may find difficulty in having everyone’s approval before the tenure application reaches the University –wide committee.
Dr. Evans moved that her report be adopted. The motion was seconded and carried. (President Burnette suggested that “suggested” be removed from the criteria and the approval date be listed at the bottom of the report.)
IX. Strategic Planning Committee
President Burnette asked Dr. Ballard-Ferguson, Chair, if she had a report on the Strategic Planning Committee.
Dr. Ballard-Ferguson said that her Committee should hold off on the strategy to see if the mission and policies of the University should change as a result of the new Board of Trustees, President, and Provost.
Dr. Burnette indicated that the Strategic Plan and Annual Report should have been done.
Dr. Evans asked if the Faculty Senate has a document confirming the maintenance f “Academic Freedom”, “Tenure and Promotion”, “UFF”, and the “Faculty Senate”. President Burnette said that the letter the Senate sent opposing the reorganization of Higher Education sets forth the position of the Faculty Senate.
X. Faculty Senate Release Time
President Burnette asked Dr. Emma Fenceroy to report on the release time for Faculty Senate participation.
Dr. Fenceroy presented the rationale and recommendations for Faculty Senate participation with an Assignment of Responsibility form. Her recommendations are as follows:
1. On line H, University Governance, of the Assignment of Responsibility Form, ten (10) percent should be the designated effort for Faculty Senate Officers (President excluded since already handled) and Chairs of Faculty Senate Standing Committees.
2. On line H, University Governance, of the Assignment of Responsibility Form, five (5) percent should be the designated effort for Senators, not referenced in item #1 above. The same effort should be assigned to non-Senators who chair Faculty Senate non-Standing Committees.
3. Where it is not the case that a Senator’s Assignment of Responsibility is designated using the Form referred to in the two items immediately above, the spirit of this recommendation is put forth, as appropriate.
Dr. Fenceroy moved that her report be adopted.
Mr. Roosevelt Wilson asked where will the 5-10 percent come from. Dr. Fenceroy said that in math they are assigned 20% for advisement, which could be redistributed to include the release percent.
Dr. Jacquelyn Bolden said that members should be given more credit for non-Standing Committees because some take as much or more than Standing Committees.
Dr. Doris Ballard-Ferguson said that if a non-Standing Committee takes as much time as Standing Committees, then the same time allowance should be offered. She ended by saying that the recommendation is not fair.
The motion on Dr. Fenceroy’s report was carried.
XI. Technology Recommendation
President Burnette presented a recommendation from the Technology Committee. It read as follows:
RATIONAL: The distribution of computers and technology was perceived to have been unfair and not directed by programmatic concerns during the past year. To make for more equitable and fair distribution of computers and other technology, the following motion is being offered after consultation with Technology Committee Chair, Dhyana Zeigler.
MOTION: In distributing computers and other technology to the faculty, a plan should be devised by faculty members, departments, and deans under the auspices of the Faculty Senate Technology Committee in consultation with the Office of Planning and Analysis. Prior to putting the plan in operation, the Faculty Senate must approve the plan. The voice of the academic community will receive highest priority should a conflict exist.
Discussion on the recommendation included the following:
Are there data to show that the rationale is correct? Have the computers been awarded unfairly? Is there documentation to show who received the computers? Is there a plan for allocating the computers?
The approved recommendation by vote is as follows:
In distributing computers and other technology to the faculty, faculty members, departments and deans should devise a plan under the auspices of the Faculty Senate Technology Committee in consultation with the Office of Planning and Analysis.
Mr. Roosevelt Wilson asked about the disposal of motions made in the Faculty Senate. Dr. Evans responded that the President of the Faculty Senate follows up on all business approved during meetings.
XII. Parking Fees
President Burnette said that the proposed high parking fees for gated areas have come to her attention.
Dr. Clyde Ashley moved that we express our displeasure with the proposed increase in parking fees for gated areas. The motion was seconded and carried.
XIII. Graduate Teacher of the Year
A senator asked about the Graduate Teacher of the Year award. President Burnette said that the information was lost by Mr. Sparks who was handling the matter with the Committee Chair. No awards were made.
XIV. Motion Rescinded
President Burnette reminded the assembly that the motion to conduct a petition drive to have President Humphries stay until a new President of the University is appointed must be rescinded because of the circumstances. The motion to rescind was made and passed. (The President of the University has been allowed to remain as President until August 2001).
XV. Corrections in the Minutes
Dr. Yvonne McIntosh made the following correction:
The Programs proposed by Foreign Language submitted to the Curriculum Committee were the B.A. in French with certification and a B.A. in Spanish with certification.
Professor Wilson said that the statement on page nine (9) attributed to him should read:
Professor Wilson said that we should have faculty who will take the time to find out what is happening.
Dr. Motter said that the statement attributed to him on page nine (9) should read:
Dr. Motter said that he took the Faculty Senate position letter, which was previously sent to the legislators, to Senator Al Lawson, who has worked on behalf of FAMU and State workers. He continued to say that the Senate Education Reorganization Bill was Senate Bill 2108.
XV. Adjournment
President Burnette declared the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Adeline Evans
Secretary of the Faculty Senate
Ms. Breda Platt
Graduate Assistant of the Faculty Senate
NEXT MEETINGS / DEADLINES
The first meeting of the Steering Committee of the Faculty Senate will be held on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 12 noon in the Curriculum Lab/Robert H. Anderson Educational Leadership Library (204 Gore Education Center).
The first meeting of the Faculty Senate and the Installation of New Senators will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2001, at 3:00pm in Lee Hall Auditorium.
Call meetings of the Faculty Senate may be held during the summer months, since many internal and external changes may necessitate such action.