November 28, 2001, 1:15 pm, Rose Room
Present: Dan Jacoby, Carole Kubota, Ray Lou, Linda Watts, Kathleen Martin, Pete Nye, Patricia Kelley, Kelvin Sung, Chuck Jackels, Kevin Laverty, Jack Meszaros, Mary Abrums
Guests: Steve Olswang - Vice Provost of UW; Cheryl Cameron - Associate Vice Provost; Lea Vaughn - Secretary of the Faculty,
Policy on Competitive Offers
The Vice Provost, Steve Olswang and the Secretary of the Faculty, Lea Vaughn discussed competitive offer and related policies. Budget cuts (between 5 and 10%) will impact the UW's ability to make competitive offers this year. Steve Olswang noted that in 1998/99 new rules regarding salary and salary allocations policy were added to the Faculty Code. Among these was the requirement that every two years faculty in each unit (dept/program) are to adopt a policy spelling out the level of faculty involvement when a unit responds to competitive offers.
In discussing competitive offers, Steve Olswang noted that unit responses can include adjustments in salary and other conditions. Changes of status, however--as from a senior lecturer to a tenure track position--must follow rules specified in faculty code. Although all required steps would be followed, the UW can expedite or waive some procedures to retain the faculty member. For example promotions to a new rank might be expedited. Waivers from searches can be granted in three circumstances.
National searches and waivers for national searches.
Vice Provost Steve Olswang stated that the University's basic policy is that we do not fill a tenure track position without a national search, but "there are always exceptions." One exception may occur in targeting the recruitment of a very senior leader. Second, exceptions may be made for special targets of opportunity such as spousal/partner hires or recruitment of under-represented groups (women or minorities).
Professor Jacoby asked whether there is a university waiver policy, and whether it is the program faculty who should request a waiver?
Steve Olswang clarified the situation saying that if the unit has the authority to do a search, request for a waiver would go through the chancellor's office and to Dr. Remick's office. The Provost's office, with Dr. Remick will then decide on a waiver. Changes in status from non-professorial ranks to those professorial lines are considered new hires. The code has four professorial ranks: instructor (seldom or never used) except for "acting" instructor, assistant professor, associate professor and full professor, everything else is a title. Waivers are institutional decisions, requiring approval of the Chancellor. Secretary Vaughn noted that consultation with faculty, though not always required, is generally beneficial. Secretary Vaughn also gave Professor Kubota copies of the revised document on faculty rights and responsibilities.
Professor Jacoby distributed a draft he prepared of a possible statement for the EC to distribute to the faculty. This will be discussed at a future meeting.
Faculty Council on Faculty Affairs
Professor Jacoby distributed a draft of a preliminary report and statement of principles concerning lecturer status prepared by Chip Haley.
Professor Kubota distributed a list from the University Handbook of definitions of various faculty positions.
Computing and Software Systems Self-Sustaining Degree Program
Professor Jackels, Program Director of CSS, gave a brief summary of events over the past two years regarding the above degree program. Last year, program members decided to go ahead with the degree on a probationary basis for two years, and if it was then decided that the program wished to end the degree, an additional year would be allowed. This year the program decided to form a distance-learning committee to look at the long range plans.
Professor Jacoby suggested that the CSS committee look at distance learning legislations passed by the Faculty Senate.
Tri Campus Council
Professor Kubota reported that the council has met twice; summaries of the minutes from those meetings were distributed as well as a document explaining differences between Class A, B and C legislation.
Enabling Legislation
Professor Jacoby informed the EC that the Faculty Senate is proposing enabling legislation for collective bargaining. Enabling legislation would give faculty rights to form a union, which it does not presently possess. Enabling legislation does not require or mandate a union. Under the proposed legislation, the three campuses would be considered one bargaining unit. He urged the EC members to inquire at program meetings whether this single unit approach was acceptable.
Memo of Understanding between UWB and Cascadia Community College will be drafted.
It was decided to postpone discussion of this issue until December 12th.
Minutes submitted by Barbara Van Sant.
