Call to Order and Announcements

The University Senate was called to order at 3:50 p.m., in Room 111, Harrison Hall, Oxford Campus, on Monday, October 8, 2018. Members absent:  Juan Carlos Albarrán, Rodney Coates, Bradley Davis, Dawn Fahner, Annika Fowler, Austin Hall, Cole Hankins, Terry Nixon, Molly O’Donnell, Steven Tuck, Cheryl Young, and Madeline Zinkl.

1. Announcements and Remarks by the Chair of University Senate, Phyllis Callahan

   1. The President’s reception for Senators will be held on October 22, 2018, immediately following the Senate meeting.

   2. The Mental Health Forum will be held on October 16, 2018 at 6:30 p.m., in the Wilks Theatre.

   3. Benjamin Harrison and University Distinguished Professor nominations are due November 1, 2018.

Approval of University Senate Minutes

2. A motion was received, seconded, and carried to approve the August 27, 2018 and the September 24, 2018, minutes of University Senate.

Consent Calendar

3. The following items were received on the Consent Calendar without debate: 

• Graduate Council Minutes – August 30, 2018
• Curriculum Consent

New Business

4. HLC/ODHE Compliance Issues Carolyn Haynes, Associate Provost

   1. Associate Provost Haynes provided updates on the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as well as the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). Miami has to be in good standing with both agencies in order to receive federal financial aid and state subsidy.

   2. The HLC did a multi-location review at the Voice of America Learning Center and the Upper Arlington locations in September. Miami is in year four of the ten year accreditation cycle. During this year, online assurance filing is done. Assessment of degree programs and majors is ongoing. The last review determined that better quality control is needed regarding assessment reports.

   3. The HLC also looks at faculty qualifications to ensure we’re hiring appropriately. Tested experience criteria can be used for non-continuing faculty teaching in highly technical fields

   4. Several of the key initiatives with ODHE include Affordability and Efficiency Reporting (collaboration with UC, Cincinnati State, and Southern State), Transfer & Career Technical Assurance Guides, revision of the Ohio Transfer Module (Miami is one of the pilot groups), Transfer to Degree Guaranteed Pathways, and College Credit Plus (currently 700 students enrolled). ;

   5. More Information regarding these initiatives is available on the Provost’s website.

5. Senators’ Discussion of Survey Results – Terri Barr, Chair, Senate Executive Committee

   1. Senator Barr did a content analysis of the survey results from the senators. The responses fit into four categories:  faculty-related, budgetary, curriculum, and diversity and inclusion. In reviewing the responses alongside the recommendations made in the Fiscal Priorities Annual Report, there are similarities in the two. Curriculum issues/concerns, which are the purview of Senate, were prevalent in both. A comment was made that every curricular decision is budgetary and there is a lack of understanding of budget amongst faculty. Provost Callahan and Sr. Vice President Creamer will hold the annual budget presentation on November 5.

   2. Concerns were voiced that not all survey responses were represented in the four categories. Senators would like to see all responses. Terri will be posting this on the Canvas site. It was also noted that some of the issues listed are already being addressed by other committees.

   3. A Senator raised a question regarding whether there are changes to next year’s health insurance premium. There are changes that will be addressed in a statement from the Benefit’s Committee, which will be on the consent calendar for the October 22, 2018, meeting.

Report

6. Report by the Chair of the Executive Committee of University Senate, Terri Barr

   1. A summary of the October 1, 2018, Senate Executive Committee meeting was given. It was also mentioned that the Ohio Faculty Council is currently working on a white paper on teaching effectiveness. Miami has sent information that will be included.

   2. Senator Ucci addressed the issue of minute taking. Comprehensive minutes are not possible. It was decided that minutes would be amended as needed. Amendments would be sent to the Recording Secretary in writing for inclusion in the revised minutes.

 Adjournment

7. A motion was received, seconded, and carried to adjourn the Regular Session of University Senate.