Faculty present: 22

R Timko called assembly to order: 4:01

3 items for discussion:

1. Guenther/Thorne: New language for WIG committee to replace current language in appendix to constitution reflecting not several sub-committees, but just 1, under AAC.

   WIG Committee: 7 members:

   (a) WIG Committee Chair (appointed by the Academic Affairs Committee, not elected by the committee members)

   (b) Director of Writing/Composition

   (c) The five remaining members are selected from interested faculty who respond to a call from AAC to serve on committee.

   (d) No more than one person per academic department may serve on the committee.

   Discussion: Since this is to replace existing language, it must be advertised and voted on by the assembly at large. We cannot implant until FA07.

   Thorne: Can be put out to faculty at the same time as the runoff election.

   Keeth: why appointed rather than elected? An election may be beneficial for new faculty.

   Thorne: W appointed, I elected, G elected - when combined they chose one (there has not been hot competition). WIG does not have to be tenured, but do have to be on tenure track (members of faculty assembly).

   Timko: 1 year appointments and part-time are part of assembly.

   Suggestion: new language be presented at next senate meeting under new business.

2. Section VII.C. 2 of constitution: “Any member of the Senate or its committees failing to attend any three meetings during the academic year will be considered for removal by the Executive Committee. The Committee will consider removal and present its decisions for ratification to the Senate at the first meeting following a member's third absence.”
   
   Discussion: Timko: historically this has not been enforced. Each committee has different meeting time rules. The rule of 3 absences applies to entire year.
   Question: does assembly consider “committee” to include sub-committees?
   Question: how do we count absences?     
   Thorne: an absence is an absence. If someone has that many excuses, they should resign voluntarily.
   This doesn’t necessarily mean someone is kicked out, it is not automatic removal, just considered by senate exec for possible removal, if one of the committees presents this to exec committee.
   Keeth: does this include alternates? Or is someone covered by an alternate.
   Timko: according to the language an alternate would not excuse         presence/absence. This does not cover administration (admin can send a designee). This DOES include student reps (but not administrator).
   J. Murphy: Senate exec. presents the problem to Senate, senate votes yea or nay.
   Launius: not a serious problem. Committees seem to decide for themselves; many committees are flexible and a contributing member may be contributing through emails.
   Timko: If a committee does not report a problem, it is not.

   Wording of issue: if this is an amendment to constitution, wording must be   changed for this “rule” to include sub-committees.

   McEvoy: moves to bring this new wording up to senate “any member of senate or its committees and it’s committees and sub-committees failing to attend…”  to be voted on in September.

   Vote in favor of amending the constitution:
   MOTION CARRIES

3. Young: contract negotiations – APSCUF letter stated there is currently a stalemate.

Other items:

Faculty assembly is the highest governing body and has the right to review and direct the senate. Assembly can take up any matters directly with the board of trustees.

Assembly adjourned 4:30 (Keeth/Blanco)