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Attendance:
S. Christ, J. Nesbitt, T. Eicker, A. Hasan, M. Marcus, J. McCormick, T. Moore, S. Stelly, J. Rodney, C. Heydl-Cortinez, C. Gaston, S. Staton-Taiwo, J. St. Claire-Christman, H. Darling, S. Shaffer, L. Brewster, F. Haag, M. Jarrett, R. Bacha, C. Creagh, L. Berkowitz, M. Casteel, A. Henne, T. Getz, R. Farrell, N. Sloboda, J. McCormick, S. Ruch, J. Figueroa, H. Hartman, and K. Magni

  1. Minutes
    1. Minutes from the March 3 meeting were approved without comment.
  2. Communications from administration, faculty, and committees
    1. Chancellor, Dr. Joel Rodney
      1. reported on a meeting of the Academic Leadership Council as well as a meeting of campus chancellors; noted that the former body discussed the negative impact of the current economy on The Campaign for the Future; indicated adjustments to the timeline were being considered.
      2. marked his intention to develop a plan to reduce energy costs by working with Holly Gumke.
      3. shared that Dr. Romano said the University was investigating the feasibility of additional residence halls on campuses currently without them.
      4. noted the status of the campus moving to independent college status depends upon the economy; stated the University is not currently considering proposals that might expose it to additional financial liability.
      5. reported that stimulus-package initiatives will most likely impact the
        University favorably because states must restore cuts to higher education to receive stimulus money; observed that additional stimulus-package dollars will be available for NIH and NHF research.
      6. shared that the campus would again begin to participate in the “Go 60” program; argued that the program should be carefully regulated to ensure individuals do not take advantage of it.
    2. DAA, Dr. Joe McCormick
      1. shared that the Grants Review Subcommittee had made its recommendations and that they would be made public in May, after a presentation to the Advisory Board; thanked Subcommittee members Dr. Richard Bacha, Dr. Marshall Coyle, Ann Fetterman, Dr. Karl Knapp, and Dr. Dixie Winters.
      2. Reported that the Grants Review Subcommittee will meet next week to review Pullo Grant applications; anticipated being able to share recommendations within two weeks.
      3. stated that the P-3 proposal to discontinue the baccalaureate degree in American Studies had been forwarded to Dr. Romano’s office; reported that Associate Dean for Academic Programs Nancy Herron had said “The American Studies P-3 has been reviewed and approved. A cover letter of support from John Romano has been added and we sent the packet on today to the Office of Undergraduate Ed.”
      4. congratulated Dr. Peter Catina on winning a national power lifting competition with the Penn State York campus club.
      5. noted that all faculty needed to submit blue Scantron Faculty Activity Reports to his office by close of business tomorrow, April 3.
    3. Announcements from University Senators
      1. Dr. Leonard Berkowitz shared the development of a strategic plan draft noted that applications to Penn State are up by 5 percent over last year, which was a record year.
      2. Dr. Leonard Berkowtiz reported a change on final exam policies related to the process for determining “exceptions” to guidelines.
      3. Dr. Leonard Berkowitz remarked upon the availability of several University Senate reports on: good practices for supporting new faculty; retirement options; and wellness initiatives.
    4. Faculty Council Representative, Dr. Abdul Siddiqu
      1. was not present to report on Faculty Council business.
    5. Announcements from Faculty
      1. Dr. Noel Sloboda asked everyone to congratulate the winner of the 2009 James H. Burness Teaching Award, Dr. Mark Casteel.
    6. Announcements from Staff
      1. Loren Brewster reported on the March 3rd IPAS meeting; asked if faculty would prefer to apply scanning software themselves or to have a scan conducted en masse; discussion ensued about faculty rights, IT procedures, and liability.
      2. Dr. Christ announced that Scott Simonds will be leaving Penn State York to begin work at HACC Gettysburg; stated that his last day will be April 10.
      3. Sue Ruch announced that the new rate for overnight stays at State College will be $70 per night (including tax) for business transacted on or after April 1.
      4. Sue Ruch reminded everyone that individuals needed to “submit” reports when using ERS for reimbursement; indicated detailed instructions would be forthcoming in an e-mail.
      5. Sue Ruch urged faculty to submit all expense reports in a timely manner, in order to ensure that business is completed during the appropriate budget year.
      6. Todd Eicker announced that on April 18 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) an Offer Reception would be held.
    7. Student Government representatives
      1. Student Jonathan Figueroa, chair of the “Student Body for Unity Week,” presented a PowerPoint presentation on upcoming events running from April 13 to April 17.
    8. Senate Chair, Dr. Bob Farrell
      1. announced the formation of a nominating committee to identify a chair-elect, secretary, ombudsman, and Faculty Council representative, with membership of Dr. Robert Farrell, Dr. Jennifer Nesbitt, Dr. Noel Sloboda, and Deirdre Folkers.
      2. announced that the last meeting of the Senate will take place on April 30.
      3. stated that “S” designations now appear on all “FYE” courses; urged faculty to get word out to students on the FYS-to-FYE transition and changes in the “S” designation.
    9. Chair-Elect, Dr. Jennifer Nesbitt
      1. thanked every committee in advance for selecting an 2009 -10 chair; noted chairs are typically chosen from current membership.
      2. noted that the FYE committee had met and would be going ahead with “faculty interest sessions” this summer.
      3. anticipated a motion on hires, on behalf of Dr. Peter Catina, for the final Senate meeting of the year.
    10. Senate Committee Chairs
      1. reported no new business
  3. Unfinished Business
    1. No unfinished business was conducted.
  4. New Business
    1. No new business was conducted.
  5. Forensic Business: Reports from Standing Committees
    1. No forensic business was conducted.
  6. Adjournment
    1. Motion to adjourn was approved at 1:14 p.m.