University Executive Committee Meeting Notes

June 14, 2007

Rollin Richmond

Jim Howard (for Rick Vrem)

Rob Gunsalus

Anna Kircher

Denice Helwig

Carol Terry

Steve Butler

Mark Larson

Patty Lindley, Staff Support

Guests:

Dave Bugbee

Jená Burges

Tom Dewey

Lynne Soderberg

Emergency Response Alert Notification

Chief Dewey, Lieutenant Soderberg, and Anna Kircher shared proposed methods for alerting the campus community of emergency situations. (The CSU is looking at software to be used system-wide). Some of the preliminary suggestions include:

  • ringing of the clock tower bells (in an unusual manner)
  • voice announcement from the clock tower
  • signage
  • KHSU
  • information line (826-info [4636])
  • text messaging (emergency messages only) to cell phones (a free program)
  • emergency fact sheet incorporated into course syllabus

In all cases, people would be referred to the HSU website to view the most current information. Testing will be performed early in the fall semester. A press release outlining the emergency notification procedure will be distributed prior to the fall semester starting.

President’s Report

President Richmond:

  • distributed copies of an article, “Fuzzy Understandings of FERPA.” He requested that Vice President Butler discuss this item at an upcoming University Executive Committee, providing an update and explaining how it relates to HSU.
  • provided information relating to his attendance at an NCORE (National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in American Higher Education) conference in San Francisco on May 29.
  • distributed copies of “The Education Conservancy” relating to a new approach to rankings of colleges and universities compiled by U.S. News and World Report. This item will be placed on a future University Executive Committee agenda.
  • Distributed copies of a Fortune magazine article, “Manage” Us? Puh-leeze

Class Schedule Issues

Jená Burges presented a proposed Class Schedule Task Force which would develop recommended policies and processes to shape the course schedule to maximize FTEs by minimizing course conflicts. The University Executive Committee approved the proposed task force, including Mark Larson’s request that Academic Senate participation be incorporated.

Jená also outlined the WASC process and the need to raise awareness of WASC, its importance, and its relevance within each unit.

International Insurance Proposal

Dave Bugbee reviewed a recommendation that HSU provide Foreign Travel Liability Insurance coverage for employees participating in University-sponsored international travel. The University Executive Committee recommended that Dave and Carol Terry attend a Provost’s Council, as most of the travel falls within the academic arena, and asked that Provost Vrem bring a recommendation back to the Executive Committee. Dave will also ascertain the possible need for coverage by those individuals who travel internationally while on sabbatical leave.

Other Reports

Mark Larson reported:

  • that informational and action items are being accumulated for possible Senate attention in 2007-08.
  • that Sue MacConnie will attend University Executive Committee meetings in his absence.

Carol Terry reported:

  • that it is important for university employees to understand that they are not authorized to sign contracts (only Carl Coffey and Dave Bugbee may sign contracts). This does not apply to 501 (c) (3) entities, such as the Sponsored Programs Foundation, Associated Students, and University Advancement.

Steve Butler reported:

  • Humboldt Orientation for freshmen, transfer students, and their parents takes place next week. It has come to his attention that students are committing to multiple institutions, which may explain the less-than-expected turnout for HOP. Anna Kircher noted that the CSU system is working together to create a system-wide unique identifier for students that would make it possible to track how many CSU campuses prospective students have applied to.
  • It is important that only individuals who have been designated to speak on behalf of the university issue statements to the news media. Vice President Gunsalus noted that a media policy will be issued at the beginning of the fall semester.
  • The TRIO (Upward Bound) grant has been approved for five years (usually a four-year grant, however due to HSU’s grant receiving the maximum evaluation points, it was increased to five years). A director will be hired and office space identified.
  • The Director of Financial Aid search is nearing completion.
  • Searches to fill police officer vacancies are taking place.
  • They are taking measures to assist students locate housing http://www.humboldt.edu/~housing/offcampus/
  • The search for a campus physician has been completed.

Ann Kircher reported:

  • that the MPP searches in her area have been completed.

Vice President Gunsalus reported:

  • that HSU is hosting the CSU alumni directors and association presidents on June 21 and 22.
  • four associate vice president candidates will be invited to campus.