Present: S. Davis, N. Werner-Burke, L. Iseri, J. Bosworth, D. Monkiewicz, C. Hoy, L. Labuski-Brown, M. Lockwood, S. Stein, A. Ghods, J. Sim, D. Mason, M. Robarge, L. Hammann, J. Rothermel, J. Harris, P. Savoye (U.P.), A. Walters, S. Brown, L. Schankman, P. Richmond

I.    Call to order: S. Davis called the meeting to order: 4:03

II.    Announcements

A.    President Loeschke has approved all curricular actions recommended by the Senate at the February 5, 2009 meeting.

B.    Rebecca Bair made a plea for faculty contributions in a presentation regarding the state of the MU Foundation Scholarship Fund.  

III.    Approval of University Senate minutes of February 5, 2009

Approved   (Evans)

IV.    Treasurer’s report – (L. Iseri)

A.  Dues Report – current balance is $210; we need $290 to meet our obligation for the current semester.

Encourage colleagues to contribute.

V.    Committee / Other Reports

A.   Academic Affairs (J. Bosworth)

Motion made to table the Memo to the PDE regarding their changing demands on the Education and Special Education Department.

Passed

B.   Academic Planning

David Wetzel will replace M. Moore, who is on leave. They are continuing their review of dismissal/readmit policy.
 

C.   Administrative Affairs/Elections (Verno)

Needs four more nominations from non-teaching faculty to serve as alternates for the Promotion/Tenure/Sabbatical Committee. Elections will go live as soon as possible. 

D.   Student Affairs/Admissions

No report.

E.    Information Technology (L. Schankman for R. Dodson-Webster)

Highlights:

o   The CT WebTeam has a new survey tool/software, SurveyGizmo available for use - contact Suzanne Murphy.

o   CT Network Team is working on an expansion of wireless in Academic Buildings that will be more pervasive in classrooms and offices, expected to be completed over the summer.  The N standard allows for a faster transmission rate than the current G technology.

o   Modeling to move Voice over IP to Belknap/Retan, Grant Science and Elliott complete.  South Hall VOIP has been running smoothly for 9 months, GS is underway.  Belknap, Retan and Elliott are expected to be completed over the summer.

o   installation of Music and Art software for  eARTS workshop for April 6 complete.

o   Reminder: those who have software (including CD’s) that need to be loaded on lab computers for Fall: Now is the time to ask!  CT does not FUND new software, requests for funding are due to the Provost office by April 1.  New versions – not requiring funding- should be sent to Loren McNett along with the specific room numbers of labs where the software will be placed. 

o   A survey distributed to faculty regarding use and faculty opinions on Blackboard.

Discussion:

Wireless connection to internet doesn’t seem to work (even with help from IT, connection has not worked for some). 

F.    Library Advisory  - no report

G.   First Year Experience (K. Verno)

Working on schedule for opening weekend, Fall 09. Escape from Slavery is the common reading for UNV. All instructors on campus can receive a copy of the book by contacting K. Verno.

H.   Provost – no report

VI.    Remarks for the Good of the Order

B. Timko reported that Gov. Rendell’s remarks had been misconstrued. Apparently, he had told PSU students that they should feel fortunate to have the resources available at their school, since schools like Mansfield aren’t as well-equipped and need to be helped out.

A. Ghods asked about ideas on internships. J. Bosworth reported that AAC is still working on it.

VII.    Adjournment: 5:01

Senate Secretary of the day - Linda Iseri