MINUTES

UAF GOVERNANCE COORDINATING COMMITTEE #53

Tuesday, October 8, 2002

Chancellor’s Conference Room, 330 Signers’ Hall

I Derek Miller called the meeting to order at 2:11 p.m.

A. Roll Call

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chukwu, G.

Ledlow, L.

Miller, D.

Pinney, P.

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Anderson B.

Bird, R.

O'Neill, R.

OTHERS PRESENT:

Layral, S.

Washington, L.

Derek Miller indicated that Brodie Anderson would be the second ASUAF member on the Governance Coordinating Committee. A question was asked about Roy Bird's membership on the Coordinating Committee. The Committee is composed of the three governance body's leadership and the GCC committee chairs. Roy Bird is the chair of the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee.

B. Approval of the agenda. Derek Miller indicated that he had two discussion items: 1) the tuition increase, and 2) diversity on campus. The motion to approve the 2003-2004 Academic Calendar was also added. The agenda as stated was approved.

C. Minutes from Meeting #52 (April 3, 2002) were not available for approval. They will be approved at the next meeting.

II NEW BUSINESS

A. Discussion: Tuition Increase

Derek Miller spoke on the proposed tuition increase. At the last Board of Regents' meeting there was a discussion of a 10% tuition increase. Derek Miller spoke for the Coalition of Student Leaders and asked where the tuition increase would go. A survey was distributed amongst the three MAU's. Students at this time are not willing to pay for a 10% increase. Personally, he does not disagree with the increase. There are some fact sheets going around which explain what the increase will do for students. He hopes for more open dialogue with students to answer their questions. He is encouraging open forums at each of the campuses.

Larry Ledlow asked about the downside of the tuition increase. Derek Miller indicated that it might hamper non-traditional students, either part-time or rural campus students. It will affect students in a variety of different ways, so it is hard to give a general statement.

Godwin Chukwu asked how student comments would impact the Board of Regents. Derek Miller indicated that it would impact some members and not others. The vote to approve a tuition increase will be a simple majority.

President Hamilton is stressing the quality of education and the value students receive from the university.

The tuition increase will be discussed at the upcoming Faculty Alliance retreat with President Hamilton.

B. Discussion: Diversity & Tolerance

Larry Ledlow indicated that the Staff Council is looking at ways to promote diversity and tolerance on campus. This affects all of our groups. Staff Council has formed an ad hoc committee. He was hoping it would grow into a joint effort. The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Staff Council will continue to sponsor discussion forums on institutional climate. The question is where to go from here? And what can we do amongst our groups to promote these ideals that we were addressing in our motions. Larry Ledlow indicated that Staff Council adopted a motion similar to the Faculty Senate motion.

Pete Pinney indicated that an item on the Faculty Alliance is how to resolve issues through the different levels. If the Board is not receptive to changes in policy, the different units can make internal proclamations. The Office of Multicultural Affairs is looking at a Mardi Gras where the clubs that represent diversity on campus get together. There are other things that we can do to promote diversity.

Larry Ledlow spoke about mandatory training. Godwin Chukwu asked if the other MAUs were considering this issue. If other MAUs were involved it could be brought up though the Systemwide Governance Council. Derek Miller indicated that the students did not pass a motion.

The next forum on Institutional Climate is schedule for Thursday, October 17th. Larry Ledlow encouraged everyone to attend. Maybe we can find a common thread to address diversity issues.

Larry Ledlow asked about a UAF policy. It was suggested that Chancellor Lind be invited to the next meeting. It was also suggested that Dr. LuJuana Williams be invited as well.

C. Motion to approve Academic Calendars for 2003-2004

Sheri Layral gave some background information on the proposed academic calendar. The Governance Coordinating Committee met last year and approved the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 academic calendar. Chancellor Lind approved only the 2002-2003 calendar. Questions were raised from Carla Kirts office about All Campus Day and the study day. Derek Miller indicated that the students wished to continue All Campus Day. The study day between the last day of classes and finals is required by Faculty Senate policy.

The motion passed with unanimous approval. Sheri Layral indicated that the Senate Curricular Affairs Committee is looking at future calendars. Once they approve it, they will come before the Governance Coordinating Committee.

MOTION PASSED (unanimous)

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The UAF Governance Coordinating Committee moves to approve the 2003-2004 Academic Calendars:

EFFECTIVE: Upon Chancellor's Approval

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UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

2003-2004

Labor Day September 1, 2003

Fall-1^st day of instruction September 4, 2003

Last day to register September 12, 2003

Thanksgiving holidays November 20-23, 2003

Last day of classes December 12, 2003

Final exams December 15-18, 2003

Martin Luther King / AK Civil Rights Day January 19, 2004

Spring-1^st day of instruction January 15, 2004

Last day to register January 23, 2004

Spring Break March 15-21, 2004*

All Campus Day April 23, 2004

Last day of classes May 3, 2004

Final exams May 5-8, 2004

Commencement May 9, 2004

*To be coordinated with the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

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III SCHEDULE NEXT MEETING DATE

The next meeting will be held during the second week of November. Lynette Washington will check with the Chancellor and Dr. Williams to see when they can attend. The exact date to be determined via email.

Godwin Chukwu spoke about a motion from UAS concerning revisions to their bylaws. It was reviewed by General Counsel and they agreed with most of the modifications. The major difference between them was the authority to introduce new curriculum. The Counsel wanted to reserve the right of the administration to introduce new curriculum with or without faculty approval. Godwin Chukwu has discussed this with Paul Reichardt. Reichardt has responded to the President's Office as a Commissioner of the NW accrediting body stating that introduction of new curriculum without faculty approval was out of their authority to do. Faculty have the full right of approving curriculum.

Godwin Chukwu indicated that another issue came up in August. The President forwarded a request to the Board of Regents a proposal that introduced History of Alaska as a core course at all the MAUs as a requirement for graduation. Eventually the motion was defeated. The proposal was not supported by the Faculty Alliance. The new Academic Liaison, Eva Kopacz, was able to defend the faculty's position.

V The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

A tape of this Governance Coordinating Committee meeting is available in the Governance Office, 312 Signers' Hall, if anyone wishes to listen to the complete tape. Submitted by Sheri Layral and Lynette Washington, Governance Coordinating Committee Secretary.