APPROVED MINUTES FOR THE 1st REGULAR MEETING
OF THE FACULTY SENATE
FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES-CAMDEN
September 18, 2007
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 12:20 p.m. in room 121 Armitage Hall, Dr. William Saidel, President, presiding.
Dr. Saidel welcomed everyone to the September 18th meeting, stating that last year’s President, Dr. Jarrett, asked him to continue with any past (and present) issues being addressed by the Faculty Senate.
1. The minutes from the April 17th, 2007 and September 18th meetings will be presented for approval at the October 16th meeting.
2. Dr. Saidel initiated a discussion regarding faculty laptop/desktop administrative access and restrictions. He stated that in January 2007, the Assistant Director of Information Technology, Harold Winshel, and his office became the sole administrators of FAS desktop and laptop computers. According to Winshel, this was a proactive, preventative measure, which was the result of a computer hacker accessing social security numbers on the Newark campus. Winshel convinced the Administration that it would be best to remove the faculty’s administrative access to avoid a similar situation from occurring in Camden. Although there is no written policy, faculty are now prevented from downloading software on their office computers without the assistance of CIT. Dr. Saidel discussed the matter with Acting Dean Palis, who agreed on a possible solution that would satisfy both CIT and faculty who wish to maintain administrative access to their laptop or desktop computers. However, before a policy can be established a number of questions must be addressed:
a. Will faculty with administrative access be responsible for correcting any damages to a computer caused by a hacker or virus?
b. Will faculty members have access to software for reinstallation in the event an their individual systems are attacked by a virus?
c. Would faculty be legally liable as the administrator if a hacker happened to get SS numbers off his or her computer?
A motion was made that the Faculty Senate send Dr. Saidel’s proposal to the chair of the Information Services Committee for further consideration. The senators APPROVED, VOICE VOTE.
3. Dr. Saidel initiated a discussion regarding issues of classroom space. At present, there are at least three classes are over enrolled for the size of the classroom (e.g., 44 chairs with 51 students enrolled). One Senator commented that in the Fine Arts Building chairs are being moved from room to room to accommodate class enrollments. Last year the College Center basement was used for additional classroom space but unfortunately the classroom was located next to a noisy room. It was noted that a new classroom scheduling officer just came on board and that in all fairness she should be given a chance to get acclimated. A recommendation was made by the senators that faculty with inadequate space should contact the Registrar’s Office ASAP. As in the past, the registrar’s office should continue posting signs outside of classrooms directing students to new classroom locations. This was not done this year.
4. Dr. Saidel initiated a discussion regarding faculty issues with the bookstore. Several senators indicated that their departments have been inconvenienced by
incorrect textbooks being placed on the shelves at the bookstore. One Senator stated that he has never had a problem in 27 years. It was suggested that a survey be taken to determine who buys their books on line. For many, persistent problems has forced faculty to implement the following:
a. Use Xerox notes rather than textbooks;
b. In smaller classes, instructors buy books and sell to students in class;
c. Some instructors use older editions of textbooks to defray high cost at bookstore;
d. Students are buying textbooks online at reduced rates.
5. Dr. Saidel announced the need of a third person for the Faculty Senate Steering Committee. Since there were no immediate volunteers, it was suggested that a candidate be chosen from the pool of Senators who did not attend the meeting.
6. Dr. Saidel initiated a discussion on the new bill passed in the state legislature in which community college students with 60 credits are automatically accepted to a four-year school. According to the guidelines, which Dr. Saidel will post online, the goal is to provide a seamless transition from a community college to a fouryear
school. It appears that this procedure takes the transfer of credits out of our hands. Do we still have authority to make our standard college requirements? Please send any positive ideas as to how to address this issue to Dr. Roberta Tarbell. It was suggested that the Faculty Senate make a charge to the Academic Policy Committee to clarify the University’s policy on this issue.
The meeting ended at 1:20 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Saidel, Tarbell, Schiavo, Sill, Lees, Fitter, Ledoux, Maslen, McIlroy, J. Smith, Bezrukova, Espiritu, Karel, Herrera, Johann, Duffy, Still, Goertzel
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Valone, Tan, Rushing, VanderVen, H. Li, Burrell, Chao, Shienbaum, Marmorstein
MEMBERS EXCUSED:
Gurfinkiel, VanTil, Meloy
Submitted by:
Joseph C. Schiavo, Secretary
Faculty Senate (2007-2008)