University Executive Committee Meeting Notes
September 11, 2008

Rollin Richmond
Ken Ayoob
Steve Butler
Carl Coffey
Rob Gunsalus
Denice Helwig
Jim Howard
Anna Kircher
Sue MacConnie (for Nancy Hurlbut)
John Powell (for Saeed Mortazavi)
Bob Snyder
Carol Terry
Patty Lindley, Staff Support

Guests:
Tammy Curtis
Scott Hagg
Chris Hopper
Colleen Mullery
Mike Reilly
Carol Terry
Frank Whitlatch

President’s Report:

President Richmond:

  • distributed copies of an article from the Chronicle of Higher Education, “A Helping Hand for Young Faculty Members.” Provost Snyder noted that mentoring of new faculty is already being done at HSU, however the program is probably uneven in application and there is no mechanism to measure effectiveness.
  • distributed copies of the notes taken at July 2, 2008 retreat.
  • discussed the recent visit by Keeling and Associates -- a report is anticipated which will be shared broadly on campus.
  • recently met with Staff Council who expressed concern about the lack of communication and the sharing of information on campus.
  • distributed copies of the June 3, 2008 University Executive Committee communication to the Academic Senate proposing agenda items for Senate action during the 2008/09 academic year. He also distributed copies of the Senate’s September 2 list of agenda items. John Powell reported that the Senate is aware that their list is inadequate and it will be refined. Provost Snyder noted that the list may need further review, focusing attention on the major tasks required to meet WASC-related issues.
  • inquired whether there is an exit interview process for faculty who are leaving HSU (following up on comments made at the September 9 Senate meeting). Provost Snyder confirmed that an exit interview process, probably administered by Academic Personnel Services, is needed.
  • reviewed the budget timeline based on the hoc Budget Review Committee report. He plans to discuss the UBC (University Budget Committee) process on an ongoing basis with the University Executive Committee.


Other Reports:

CIO Anna Kircher reported:

  • the new e-mail system, Zimbra, begins on October 20 and more information will be forthcoming.

Vice President Gunsalus reported:

  • a September 13 event is planned on the Coral Sea involving Advancement Foundation Board members and their guests.
  • a $100,000 grant has been received from the Osher Foundation (http://www.osherfoundation.org/)
  • $115,000 has been received from the Patricia D. and William B. Smullin Foundation as this year’s contribution to the Smullin Scholarship Trust Fund; the University is grateful for their ongoing gifts which now total $1,000,000.

Vice President Coffey reported:

  • bids have been received for construction of the new Schatz research facility, with construction (west of the BSS building) starting near the end of the year.

John Powell (proxy for the Academic Senate Chair) reported:

  • elections to fill vacancies are taking place.

Recommendations for 2009 Trustees’ Legislative Program

The CSU request for suggestions for next year’s Trustees’ Legislative Program was reviewed. Some of the topics noted for consideration included: space for scholarship; revision of the definition of faculty workload to include research; and change in the authority for property acquisition (currently handled by the Department of General Services). Frank Whitlatch will work with President Richmond to prepare a submittal prior to the October 15 deadline.

1) Decline in Graduation Enrollment 2) Enrollment Update

Mike Reilly and Scott Hagg reviewed Fall enrollment to date. Even though this year is the third year in a row with the largest Freshmen class, it is anticipated that HSU may not meet it’s enrollment target. They noted that there are 130 more undergraduate level students enrolled this Fall, compared to last Fall, however post-baccalaureate and masters student enrollments are down by nearly 100 headcount. The early application closure mandated by the Chancellor’s Office also impacted HSU’s enrollment, as did the reduction in summer course offerings.

Chris Hopper discussed graduate student enrollment. He suggested that increased revenue to hire graduate students would result in HSU being more competitive. Dean Howard noted that if additional graduate students came to HSU, there would be a need to hire additional faculty. He suggested that other types of master’s programs (non-thesis) be considered. Scott Hagg mentioned that Admissions will be sending recruitment material to graduate students beginning next year and departments should notify them if they want to be included.

University Background Check Policy

A draft Fingerprint and Background Check Policy, prepared as a result of a CSU directive, was reviewed. It was recommended that the policy be expanded to also include appropriate faculty groups at the discretion of the vice president. It was suggested that the conditional job offer letter include “softening” language and additional information explaining why HSU requires fingerprinting. Carol Terry, Tammy Curtis and Colleen Mullery will revise the draft policy for review by the University Executive Committee. This policy will be revisited in one year.

MPP Evaluations

A draft Administrative Review Process for vice presidents and possibly others, as well as a Perception Survey, were distributed and discussed. This will be discussed further at the September 18 University Executive Committee meeting.