The University of Oklahoma
(Norman campus)
Regular session - November 11, 2002 - 3:30 p.m. - Jacobson Faculty Hall 102
office: Jacobson Faculty Hall 206
phone: 325-6789 FAX: 325-6782
e-mail: facsen@ou.edu web site: http://www.ou.edu/admin/facsen/
The
Faculty Senate was called to order by Professor Ed Cline, Chair.
PRESENT: Abraham, Beach, Bozorgi, Bradford, Brady,
Cline, Devenport, Ferreira, Fincke, Frech, Gensler, Gottesman, Havlicek,
Henderson, Huseman, Kauffman, Knapp, London, Magid, Maiden, McInerney, Milton,
Newman, Pender, Ransom, Robertson, Rodriguez, Rupp-Serrano, Russell, Scherman,
Sievers, Striz, Taylor, Thulasiraman, Wheeler, Wieder, Willinger, Wyckoff
Provost's office
representative: Mergler
ISA representatives: Lauterbach
UOSA representatives: Haigh, McFayden
ABSENT: Baldwin, Carnevale, Cuccia, Davis,
Dhall, Hanson, Hart, Hartel, Lee, Madland, Morrissey, Tarhule, Vale, Whitely
________________________________________________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Announcements:
Status of issues for 2002-03
Nepotism policy
Remarks by Athletic Director Joe Castiglione
Senate Chair's Report:
Student retention
President Boren's letter
concerning the budget
Computer policies
Research compliance policy
Computer policies
________________________________________________________________________________
The
Senate Journal for the regular session of October 14, 2002 was approved.
The
status of issues brought to the Faculty Senate for 2002-03 is attached (Appendix I). Prof. Cline noted that the issues of
research compliance, student retention, and computer policies were nearing completion. A task force will be formed to review
revisions in the regents policy manual (see 10/02 Senate Journal) and will be
composed of three faculty from the HSC and four from the Norman campus. Prof. Cline pointed out that the revisions
could generate some changes in the Faculty Handbook, such as the matter of
renewable term faculty. Research
issues, such as start-up funding and contracting for laboratory renovations,
are under discussion by the Senate Executive Committee.
President
Boren approved the revisions in the nepotism policy approved by the Faculty
Senate at its October 14, 2002 meeting (see 10/02 Senate Journal).
Athletic
Director Joe Castiglione distributed a few copies of the Athletic Department
annual report and student athlete handbook (available by e-mailing Mr.
Castiglione). He said all the OU
coaches want to raise the bar each year athletically and academically and do
things with class and integrity. Mr.
Castiglione said it was his first opportunity to address the Faculty
Senate. He has met with the Faculty
Senate Executive Committee every year, and he meets with the HSC Faculty Senate
once a year.
He
commented that academic support and the quality of academic life for student
athletes are priorities. Referring to
the annual report of graduation rates, he pointed out that student athletes
continue to perform better and better in the classroom. The cumulative GPA for nearly 500 students
is 2.96. Over 80 percent of the student
athletes graduate who remain here throughout their years of eligibility. A large percentage of those who do not have
taken a professional opportunity.
However, the Athletic Department works hard to get those students back
to campus to finish their degrees. The
graduation rate usually averages 46-49 percent; this year’s rate was
significantly lower. It is reflective
of a tumultuous time in athletics here.
Most of the freshmen who came that particular year did not stay here,
and that was generally attributable to the changes in coaches. Next year’s rates will significantly exceed
the student body graduation rate, mostly because of more stability in
coaches. The rate will go from 36
percent to 74 percent in one year.
Another small downturn will occur after that, then the rate will be back
on track.
The
Athletic Department is very concerned about a particular change in NCAA initial
eligibility rules. The NCAA voted to
increase continuing eligibility standards but in essence lowered the initial
eligibility standards. In other words,
it will be easier to get in but harder to stay in. The NCAA will allow its members to ignore test scores, and it
increased the number of core courses.
Mr. Castiglione said he was concerned that secondary schools will be
pressed to give high profile high school student athletes certain grades in
core courses, and that will lead to grade inflation.
The
cost of intercollegiate athletics continues to go up. It is vitally important to the athletic director and to his staff
to be fiscally responsible. When he
arrived, the athletic budget was $26 million; however, the revenue picture was
only $22.5 million. For the third
straight fiscal year, the Athletic Department has balanced its budget, which is
now $36 million. No tax dollars go to
the Athletic Department. All operations
and projects are privately funded. In
the 1990s, the department had accrued a great deal of debt, around $12 million,
which the university had carried. Mr.
Castiglione worked with the university administration to establish a repayment
plan. He wants to get to a point where
the Athletic Department is cash flowing and handling its entire fiscal
operation. Last year, the department
was scheduled to pay back $100,000 but actually paid $647,000. He would like to get the debt repaid as soon
as possible. The repayments are
scheduled to increase over time.
Athletics is just one part of the overall mission of the university. The department will continue to strengthen
or create partnerships with academic units, such as the programs with the
library, College of Business, and College of Engineering.
Mr.
Castiglione said the department has an exciting vision for intercollegiate
athletics at OU. Its mission statement
is “Inspiring champions today.
Preparing leaders for tomorrow.”
The department wants student athletes to feel that they can be champions
in anything they attempt while they are on campus and to be champions in the
classroom and in life. The capital
campaign goal of $100 million was surpassed in two years and is still
going. The Athletic Department mission
is what is making great things happen.
The department has had incredible support from the people on campus. Many of the coaches and student athletes are
stepping forward to represent this university in the way they should.
Prof.
Magid asked how long it would take to repay the loan. Mr. Castiglione said the $12 million would be repaid over 20
years, and the payments would increase.
It is a graduated payment plan because it was developed when the
Athletic Department was getting itself in position financially. The department is no longer depending on the
university to cash flow operation and now has a formal way to repay the campus. Prof. Magid asked about the source of the
loan money. Mr. Castiglione said the
money came from general operating dollars generated by auxiliary operations,
not from state appropriated funds.
When
asked about the current status and future plans for Title IX compliance, Mr.
Castiglione said the university had been following a gender equity plan since
the 1990s. The institution is allowed
to meet one of the three prongs allowed under Title IX, and that is a sports
program that reflects the interests and abilities of students on this
campus. Another prong is a formula for
showing continuing progress in sports sponsorship. More and more campuses are moving toward proportionality since
most of the court cases have been argued over that point. Right now, we are in compliance, and it is
monitored throughout the year.
Prof.
Watts asked for more information about the recent ruling on eligibility. Mr. Castiglione said he supports the
philosophy behind academic reform. The
concern centers around the fact that graduation rates have not risen as hoped
since the NCAA increased the initial eligibility standard. A disincentive clause would impose some sort
of penalty on schools that do not have appropriate graduation rates. One issue being discussed is the calculation
of graduation rates. Often times a
student’s athletic participation or lack thereof leads him to transfer
somewhere else, and the original school never gets credit if he graduates. Dr. Gerald Gurney, Associate Athletic
Director of Academic Affairs, added that the NCAA reform program would open the
front door by permitting a student with a low SAT score to be admitted if he
had a high grade point average.
However, with the changes on continuing eligibility, a student would
have to pass a larger percentage of degree requirements each year—40 percent
after two years, 60 percent after three years, and 80 percent to be eligible
for a fifth year of eligibility.
Beginning with fall 2003, there will be significant changes in
eligibility rules.
Prof.
Henderson noted that a growing number of student athletes are pursuing
post-baccalaureate degrees, and that seldom shows up anywhere. Mr. Castiglione said that was correct, but
professional opportunities are more numerous than they have ever been in the
U.S. and overseas. Some may come back
and graduate but outside the window for which the department gets the credit.
Prof.
Knapp asked about the number of coaches and assistant or associate athletic
directors. Mr. Castiglione said there
were 16 head coaches, seven assistant/associate athletic directors, and
generally two assistant coaches for each sport. The department has a total of 188 employees. He pointed out that the Athletic Department
owns and operates three residence halls and dining halls, which adds quite a
few employees.
Mr.
Castiglione said he appreciated the opportunity to speak to the Faculty
Senate. He said he thought the Athletic
Department mission reflected what Oklahomans want for their athletic
program. He promised that the
commitment to integrity is strong.
Prof.
Cline reported that President Boren’s mother passed away last Thursday and told
the group where memorial contributions could be made.
Last
year a task force was formed to study student retention. The task force was composed of three faculty
members: Roger Harrison, chair, Mike
McInerney, and Jack Kasulis. Their
report was distributed at the meeting (Appendix II). One positive aspect is the steady increase
in graduation rates between 1990 and 1995.
The task force made four recommendations. The report has been forwarded to the president's task force and
to the Norman campus deans. Prof. Cline
thanked the task force for its work on this important issue and said any
questions could be e-mailed to him.
Copies
of President Boren's letter about the budget crisis was distributed at the
meeting (see http://www.ou.edu/admin/facsen/-Current Issues). Prof. Cline said the letter presented a
strong case for tuition deregulation and, in particular, why we need tuition
increases in excess of the currently mandated seven percent. Last year, the average tuition increase in
the Big 12 was 14 percent; OU’s was 7 percent.
If we continue to have increases at seven percent a year, we will dig a
deeper hole for ourselves relative to the schools in the Big 12. He encouraged the faculty to circulate the
letter. The OU regents approved the fee
increases, which will add some revenue, but it does not come close to solving
the problem.
Two
computer policies, Information Systems Security and Acceptable Use of
Information Resources, will be considered by the Faculty Senate at this
meeting. Other less critical policies
will be proposed later on. Both of the
proposed policies have undergone extensive revision and may be further
revised. These policies are critical
enough that they need to be put in place as soon as possible as interim
policies. If any problems are found
later, the Faculty Senate can address them.
He asked the senators to circulate the policies widely and to get
feedback. Further discussion will take
place at the next meeting.
A
research compliance policy was approved by the OU regents 1/9/02 -- http://www.ouhsc.edu/compliance/ (Compliance Program). Prof. Cline explained that the proposed revisions
discussed last month (http://www.ou.edu/admin/facsen/compliance.htm)
were a result of a collaboration between Chief Counsel Joe Harroz, Compliance
Director Cori Loomis, and a task force chaired by Prof. Mike McInerney.
Prof.
Wieder asked about the actions the Senate was being asked to take. Prof. McInerney said an interim policy was
approved by the regents in order to comply with federal regulations. Prof. Cline added that the document the
Senate approved would go to the regents for action. Prof. Wieder said he did not know how the Senate was competent to
make judgments about some of the areas, such as billing and coding practices
and the policies concerning gifts and self-referrals. Mr. Harroz said the document was legally adequate. The question was whether it was acceptable
to the Faculty Senate. Ms. Loomis noted
that the task force appointed by the Faculty Senate had people with expertise
in each of the areas. Furthermore, she
talked to the HSC Faculty Senate about the billing and coding issues. Prof. McInerney said the task force had
representatives from the Tulsa medical school and HSC.
Ms.
Loomis summarized some corrections that had been made in the document:
1.02
should read: It was revised on December 3, 2002 [replaces
"2003"].
Reason for change: typo.
6.08.3
should read: … in accordance with all applicable laws and institutional
policies.
Reason for change: "laws"
inadvertently deleted from the text given to the Faculty Senate.
Last
sentence of 7.03 should read:
Mandatory training and/or counseling will be the preferred corrective action
and will be used whenever appropriate.
[Replaces the sentence that read:
For more information regarding correction action, see Section 3.2 of the
Faculty Policies and Information contained in the Faculty Handbook.]
Reason for change: The sentence was
deleted because it duplicates language included in the revisions to the Faculty
Handbook and may modify the relationship between the university and staff. The
Compliance Program applies to both faculty and staff, so we have to be careful
not to state things in the Compliance Program that only applies to
faculty.
Section
8.01 should read:
… University officers, department chairs and other management personnel will be
involved in the educational process by (i) identifying areas that require training;
and (ii) supporting the training process.
The Director of Compliance will be actively involved in the design and
implementation of training and educational programs. A Training Program relating to the areas covered by this Program
will be developed and incorporated into this Program by reference the training
process.
Reason for change: Some words inadvertently deleted from the text given to
the Faculty Senate.
Exhibit B, third sentence now reads:
Such policies reflect [replaces "include"] the University's
commitment to adhere to all applicable statues and regulations.
Reason for change: improve readability.
Prof.
Wieder asked why this policy had the scope it did. Prof. McInerney replied that all universities are required to
have a comprehensive compliance document to be eligible for federal
funding. Ms. Loomis explained that the
six areas were picked because they are high risk areas that have been targets
for other universities. Mr. Harroz said
these were the largest areas of exposure for the university. Ms. Loomis noted that some areas, like
athletic compliance, were already being addressed. Prof. Cline remarked that if we did not have a reasonable policy,
the federal government could shut down all research. Mr. Harroz pointed out that if something happened on one campus,
the government could shut down research on all three campuses. Myriad federal agencies are involved. Prof. Beach moved to approve the revised
policy (Appendix
III). The motion was approved on a
voice vote.
Proposed
interim policies on Information Systems Security and Acceptable Use of
Information Resources were distributed at the meeting and are available at http://www.ou.edu/admin/facsen/minutes/sec&accuse.htm. See also the comments made in the chair's
report. Prof. Cline said the policies
address issues that have come up recently, such as when someone outside the
university took control of a computer, and give Information Technology the
ability to intervene when something like that happens. The security document describes when the
university would feel free to monitor activities. Monitoring would involve monitoring large traffic patterns and
only rarely would involve reading e-mail.
Mainly, it would be monitoring traffic patterns and whether the traffic
is occurring outside. It sets out
situations where the university would monitor activity and accounts. The disclaimer says "the university
assumes no liability for loss or damage to materials or data." Originally, the statement said "the
user assumes all risk of loss or damage to materials or data.” The acceptable use policy describes what a
person should do to behave as a good citizen on the Internet. It gives examples of what is unacceptable
and what enforcement options are available.
The policies have undergone a number of revisions. The Senate will discuss the documents at the
next meeting.
The
meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. The next
regular session of the Senate will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9,
2002, in Jacobson Faculty Hall 102.
____________________________________
Sonya Fallgatter, Administrative Coordinator
____________________________________
Valerie Watts Secretary