University Executive Committee Meeting Notes

May 22, 2008

Rollin Richmond

Ken Ayoob

Steve Butler

Rob Gunsalus

Denice Helwig

Jim Howard

Nancy Hurlbut

Anna Kircher

Sue MacConnie

Bob Snyder

Carol Terry

Ray Wang

Patty Lindley, Staff Support

Guests:

Colleen Mullery

Frank Whitlatch

President’s Report

President Richmond reported:

  • that he recently joined other fans to celebrate the HSU softball team who won the 2008 NCAA Division II championship. A proclamation recognizing the team was issued by the City of Arcata at their May 21 meeting. HSU athletes are currently competing at the NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships.
  • that he convened a meeting of the Native American Advisory Council (NAAC) on May 21 hosted by the Wiyot Tribe. One of the topics discussed included the creation of a Native American Alumni Association.
  • that Professor Amy Sprowles, Biological Sciences, will lead HSU’s involvement in the CIRM (California Institute for Regenerative Medicine) initiative.
  • that he, after consultation with others, has signed an advertisement in support of Mendocino Redwood Company’s purchase of Pacific Lumber Company and urging bondholders to cease litigation.
  • that he, along with Chief Dewey, met with Arcata City Council and police representatives to discuss concerns about the use of illegal drugs in the community.

Delta Airlines

Carol Terry reported that the university has committed $75,000 to Delta Airlines for airline travel and HSU employees are encouraged to use Delta whenever possible. Giselle’s Travel is prepared to charge HSU’s Delta credit card directly and this is the recommended method of reserving air travel for HSU business. The vice president’s offices will also be issued the HSU Delta credit card number. Carol noted that if employees are going to personally pay part of their flight expense, the entire cost would be charged to the Delta credit card (Giselle’s Travel) and the employee would attach a personal check to the Travel Expense Claim for their portion. More information will be shared with the campus shortly.

Other Reports

Vice President Gunsalus reported:

  • that details regarding the Osher Foundations $1M endowment to HSU are being determined.
  • there are two new members of the Advancement Foundation Board: Professor Mary Glenn and Judy Dvorak.
  • that his office continues to be busy with Public Records Act requests.

Suggested Agenda Items for Academic Senate

President Richmond and others noted the following as possible topics for Academic Senate consideration next year:

  • changes in the timing of the election of senate officers
  • review of UFPC membership
  • curriculum oversight
  • GE review
  • academic advising
  • role of Senate in prioritization process
  • revision of program review policy
  • more diversity in Senate membership
  • encouragement of colleagues to be involved in faculty and staff recruitments
  • definition of shared governance and how to improve it

Rollin will share a draft summary (in priority order) with the University Executive Committee prior to submitting it to the Academic Senate.

Commencement Review

Colleen Mullery and Frank Whitlatch attended the meeting to provide, as well as receive, suggested changes to HSU’s commencement ceremony:

  • speeches should have a specific purpose (i.e. “welcome” from the provost, “faculty recognition” from the dean…) to prevent duplication; more guidance needed
  • too many speeches; ceremony is too slow and too long
  • improved signaling between the processional and music conductor – possible change in orchestra location
  • reading of names only; 2 readers
  • select name readers based on voice clarity
  • delay in students proceeding to stage
  • move graduates along at a faster pace in processional
  • improved guidance for marshals on the field
  • provide scripts in advance
  • faculty attendance is poor
  • include regalia description in program
  • review timing of name reading, handshake, presenting of diploma (diploma after handshake?); too many people on the stage
  • recognize retiring faculty
  • Gil Cline (orchestra conductor) needs to be included in program proofreading
  • A different speaker for each ceremony; ideas from deans

Frank will attend a University Executive Committee during Fall Semester to suggest changes.

Information Security Audit

Anna Kircher distributed some of the required documentation in preparing for the CSU Information Security Audit. This will greatly impact the workload of HSU's ITC's. It was requested that the deans and directors be notified of the additional tasks being asked of the ITC's.