The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College

Academic Senate Minutes

September 24, 2004

I. Call to Order

Ms. Cantu called the September 24, 2004 meeting of the Academic Senate to order at 1:10 p.m. in SETB 2.548.

Members of the Senate in attendance included: Mr. Steve Benton (s), Ms. Ethel Cantu (*), Mr. Roberto Cortina (s), Dr. Charles Dameron, Dr. William C. Davis (s), Mr. Doug Ferrier, Ms. Linda Fossen, Mr. Victor Fuhro, Dr. Therese Gallegos (s), Mr. Bill Harris (ex-officio), Ms. Mabel Hockaday (s), Dr. Gerald Hollier (s), Dr. Edward Hymson (*), Mr. Joe Lacher (s), Dr. Charles Lackey, Ms. Julie Larson (*), Dr. Emir Macari, Dr. Jose Martin, Mr. Domingo Molina (s), Dr. Rafael Otero (s), Dr. Gerson Peltz (s), Ms. Cheryl Phelps (s), Mr. Jay Phillips, Dr. Ruth Ann Ragland, Mr. Mahandran Rajasuriar (s), Dr. John Ronnau, Dr. Renee Rubin (s), Dr. Carl Stockton, Ms. Thelma Sullivan (s), Dr. John Sutterby (s), Mr. Tom Welther (*), and Dr. Paul-Hermann Zieschang (s).

Visitors included: Dr. Jeffrey Coleman, Ms. Carol Collinsworth, Mr. Joe Colunga, Dr. Elizabeth Heise, Dr. Marty Lewis, Dr. Rey Ramirez, and Dr. John Storebeck.

II. Review and Approval of the Minutes from the August 20, 2004 Academic

Senate Meeting

Ms. Cantu called for review of the minutes from the August 20, 2004 Academic Senate meeting. Mr. Welther pointed out one correction: on page six, paragraph one, the minutes read, “Ms. Phelps, with a friendly amendment from Dr. Hymson, moved that any lots designated for faculty be secure by gates…” The word, “secure” should be corrected to “secured”. Noting this correction, Ms. Cantu asked for further corrections. Hearing no further corrections, the minutes were approved as corrected.

III. Presentation and Discussion: Faculty Salaries/Formulas for Academic and

Academic and Technical Rank

Ms. Cantu invited Mr. Fuhro, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (AVPAA) to address the Senate on the formula used to determine salary adjustments in both academic and technical rank.

Mr. Fuhro began his presentation by identifying the peer institutions used in academic rank and the peer institutions used in technical rank. He said the peer institutions for academic rank are: UT-Tyler, UT-Permian Basin, UT-San Antonio, UT-El Paso, and UT-Pan American. He said the peer institutions used for technical rank are: Austin Community College, Alamo Community College District, College of the Mainland, Brazosport Community College, and the Tarrant County Community College District. Mr. Fuhro said that he begins the peer institution review be obtaining the budget books from the institutions used for academic rank comparison and the salary scales of the above community colleges for technical rank comparison. He then compares the academic peer institutions to UTB academic faculty by rank (professor, associate professor, assistant professor, instructor and lecturer) and subject. He puts this information on a spreadsheet and makes the comparison. He looks to see if the UTB faculty member is below 85% of what the salary is for his/her peers. He then adds any merit, exceptional merit, promotion, etc. into the mix and if the UTB faculty member is still below 85% then a salary adjustment is given. He also looks at department by subject, if the department is below 90%, then he figures out how much it would take to bring the department up to 90% and that money is divided between tenured and tenure-track faculty in the department.

Mr. Fuhro said that the comparison for technical rank is very different. He was asked to look at salary scales at the community colleges mentioned above and make the comparison. If a technically ranked faculty member was below the salary on the scales used for comparison an adjustment was made. Mr. Fuhro said that every year we look for another way to make salary adjustments at the technical rank. Mr. Fuhro said that if the Senate decides on another model, he would look at it. But he also said that the most we can afford to pay is 90%.

Mr. Fuhro then answered questions. Dr. Peltz asked why the 90% figure. Dr. Martin replied that the goal is 120%- the agreement is to bring to everyone on the faculty to parity. Dr. Martin said there are huge disparities in department and the 90% figure represents a percentage that would at least bring up salaries. Dr. Martin said we don’t have the money for 100% parity but we are making progress. Mr. Benton wondered if administration was tied to the department is salary comparison. Mr. Fuhro responded that no administrator’s salary was included. Dr. Otero asked if the comparison could be done by field rather than department. Mr. Fuhro said that if Dr Otero could figure out how to do that, he would accept it. Dr. Martin said that he is open to suggestions, any model the Senate may consider he would be happy to look at it. Ms. Cantu said that this is an issue that the Welfare Committee may want to consider. Mr. Fuhro said that the problem occurs because the method of collecting data has changed and the method now used doesn’t account for hours above the Master’s as it had in the past. Ms. Cantu thanked Mr. Fuhro for his presentation.

IV. Senate President’s Report

Ms. Cantu had seven items in her report.

• TSC Board of Trustees Workshop August 21, 2004- Administrators and representatives from the Academic Senate, Staff Senate, and Student Government Association joined the TSC Board members at this workshop held from 8-3 at the Cueto Building on August 21, 2004. Rafael Otero and I attended as representatives of the Academic Senate. 3DI presented the Facilities Master Plan with dollar figures attached to the proposed expansion. Montgomery & Associates presented the results of a survey of 451 voters on the potential bond issue that included respondents’ attitudes towards specific components of a bond proposal. First Southwest Company presented various scenarios for structuring the bond proposal ranging from $67 to $95 million. When I raised the issue of faculty salaries, I was told that these bonds can be used for construction only. Trustee Compirano added that the maintenance and operation tax rate could be increased in a separate referendum. The money that is above what is needed for upkeep of the physical facilities could then be used for salaries and equipment. Provost Martin added that these increases in the tax rate could be subject to rollback. Although there was support for faculty salary increases, the sentiment was that the proposal was not the vehicle to achieve that. Since this workshop was informative, no action was taken.

• TSC Board Meeting August 26, 2004- The first hour and half of this meeting was devoted to public comments on the bond issue. Several faculty, staff, and community members spoke in favor of the bond. They cited the need to expand educational opportunities by providing additional infrastructure to relieve overcrowding and plan for increased enrollment. One community member spoke against it because of the increased tax burden. The Board then passed a resolution calling for bond election for $68 million on November 2. After hearing a recommendation from VPAP Ronnau recommending a decrease in the ad valorem tax rate, the Board set the date for a public hearing on the tax rate for September 7 at 5:30. The Board discussed and then passed a resolution to freeze the ad valorem tax rate for homeowners who are 65 or older and for those who are disabled. The Board then heard a presentation by Dr. Daniel Provenzano on the Center for Biomedical Studies and its programs of research and education. The Board accepted substantial completion on the Orive Technical Training Center, approved insurance policies for educators liability and automotive, and passed budget amendments to allow for increased expenditures for insurance and commencement. The Board reelected their officers so Chester Gonzalez is President, Rosemary Breedlove is Vice President and Eduardo Campirano is Secretary. The Board then heard reports on institutional effectiveness, financial and investments, and construction. The Board then met in executive session to evaluate UTB/TSC President Garcia and to consider real estate purchases. When the Board reconvened in open session, the members lauded President Garcia for her commitment. leadership, and service. The Board then approved the purchase of two Ft. Brown Villas Condos. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is September 16.

• TSC Board Meeting September 16, 2004- Pat Wade presented the Academic Senate Environmental Responsibility Report to the Board. See details of that presentation in the next action. The Board voted to set the ad valorem tax rate at $0.016957 for debt service. The Board then approved budget amendments to provide funds for renovation of the Commandant’s Quarters and Building M-1. The Commandant’s Quarters will be restored under the supervision of Larry Lof with the Historical Restoration specialization within the Building Trades program. Chairman Gonzalez then announced the reorganization of the Partnership Committees: Academic Affairs co-chair Mary Rose Cardenas, member Rosemary Breedlove; Business Affairs co-chair Eduardo Campirano, member David Oliveira; Institutional Effectiveness co-chair Rosemary Breedlove, member Dolly Zimmerman; Student Affairs co-chair Dolly Zimmerman, member Roberto Robles; Partnership Advisory Committee, TSC Board Chair Chester Gonzalez; TSC Board Vice Chair Rosemary Breedlove, and TSC Board Member Mary Rose Cardenas. The Board then adopted the UTB/TSC Master Plan developed by 3DI. That plan is now posted on the UTB/TSC website and is also available at the library. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is October 14. The Partnership Advisory Committee meets on October 18.

• Environmental Responsibility Report Presented at TSC Board Meeting September 16, 2004- Pat Wade, Chair of the Academic Senate Environmental Responsibility Committee, presented the committee’s report on the Naturally Sustainable Campus to the TSC Board of Trustees at the September 16 meeting. I gave the background on the process so that the Board understood that this was a faculty generated issue. The resolution that the committee prepared was passed by the Academic Senate and by the faculty at the fall general meeting. Pat Wade gave a PowerPoint presentation that gave the highlights of the committee’s work and their recommendations. Pat is to be congratulated for his personable and professional presentation. The Board members asked questions that showed their interest and support. Trustee Breedlove recommended that the Environmental Responsibility report back to the Board in 90 days their recommendations for implementation, and further that they prepare a resolution for the Board to consider.

• New Academic Senate Committees- The following committees will address the issues raised at Academic Senate and General Faculty meetings;

1. Memorial Fund, chaired by Steve Benton, Senator, College of Science,

Math, and Technology. This committee will consist of 6-8 people from

the campus community from each of the colleges and schools as well as

academic professional staff. The committee is charged with:

investigating how to receive voluntary contributions (not

university funds) towards a memorial fund for deceased faculty, staff,

and administrators; recommending to the administration how to establish

a memorial fund for deceased faculty, staff, and administrators;

developing criteria for memorial eligibility for faculty, staff, and

administrators; and work with the Staff Senate to develop a

Memorial Fund and criteria for remembrance. The committee will

give a brief progress report at the October 22 Academic Senate

meeting.

2. Guidance for Personnel Committees, chaired by David Pearson,

Professor, Behavioral Sciences, College of Liberal Arts. This committee

will consist of 6-8 people from the campus community from each of the

colleges and schools as well as academic professional staff. The

committee is charged with: developing appropriate guidelines for

personnel committees to assist them in ensuring fair treatment and

compliance with UTB/TSC, UT System, state and federal standard; and

reviewing HOOP policies pertaining to personnel committees and make

recommendations for appropriate revisions. The committee will give

a brief progress report at the October 22 Academic Senate meeting.

3. Faculty Rank, Title, & Standards- chaired by Therese Gallegos, Senator,

College of Liberal Arts. This committee will consist of 6-8 people from

the campus community from each of the colleges and schools as well as

academic professional staff. This committee is charged with: investigating

hires of master’s degree tenure-track faculty at technical rank to teach lower

division courses; clarifying policies regarding mix of reaching and research/

creative activities; and investigating the possibility of creating two tracks for

faculty: teaching or research/creative. This committee will give a brief

progress report at the October 22 Academic Senate meeting.

4. Non-Traditional Workload- co-chaired by Renee Rubin and John Sutterby,

Senators, School of Education. This committee is charged with:

investigating summer teaching as part of workload to allow flexible

scheduling; and developing a pilot project in the School of Education. This

committee will give a brief progress report at the October 22 Academic

Senate meeting.

Please refer the names of faculty and academic staff who are interested in

serving on these committees to the chairs.

• Social Committee &Chair- Committee members and a chair are sought to plan social events, including the Holiday Social. The Holiday Social is planned jointly with the Staff Senate. This year’s event will be held near the end of the fall semester at the Gran Salon of the Student Union.

• Letter to President Garcia, Provost and VPAA Jose Martin and VPBA Rosemary Martinez from Academic Senate President Ethel Cantu- I sent the following letter to President Garcia, Provost and VPAA Jose Martin and VPBA Rosemary Martinez regarding parking.

I write this letter to express the views of the Academic Senate regarding parking and parking lots on campus. At the August 20 meeting, the Academic Senate responded to concerns raised by the faculty at the general faculty meeting on August 18 and passed three motions related to parking. The first motion expressed a very strong sense that UTB/TSC continue to keep faculty lots or sections of lots at the current level or above and provide faculty lots or sections of lots around new buildings at a level sufficient for the reasonable needs of the faculty and staff. The feeling on this issue was so strong that the Academic Senate directed me to send a letter to this effect to you.

The second motion was to require that all parking permit holders provide proof of insurance at the time of permit pick-up. The third motion was to provide enforcement of parking in lots designated for faculty by gates or other means of enforcement.

The UTB/TSC parking committee has also been notified of these actions by the Academic Senate. It is the desire of the Academic Senate that you accommodate these strong feelings of the Academic Senate and the faculty at large as you deliberate issues of parking on campus.

V. Faculty Advisory Council (FAC) Report

Mr. Welther reported on information discussed at the June 3-4 Faculty Advisory Council meeting. Several items of interest included:

• A professor at UTEP was terminated after it was determined that he/she had child pornography on his/her work computer. A committee was put together to address these concerns on campuses. If computers are state property, then they can be controlled. Policies state that you can not use state property to do things that impede work or cost money (such as making personal long distance calls). Time spent viewing pornographic websites or other non-work related websites (i.e. eBay) can not interfere with work productivity.

• Three resolutions passed by FAC. First resolution: “Be It Resolved that the FAC

recommends that in all components within the UT System where part of the compensation of a faculty member is at risk, such components must clearly identify by policy and contract, with concurrence for the recognized faculty governance organization, what portion of a faculty member’s compensation is protected and what portion of a faculty member’s compensation be at risk. “At risk” compensation may include amounts derived from contracts, patient care, grants, gifts, bequests, endowments, etc, and be it further resolved that any reduction in ‘Total’ annual compensation by reduction of the ‘at risk’ portion must be fully justified, reviewed, and approved by established due process.”

Second resolution: “Be It Resolved that all faculty teaching in the UT System Telecampus go through the same hiring and review process as comparable faculty at the respective institution. Furthermore, all course development in the UT System Telecampus must go through the usual curricula approval process.” Third resolution: “Be It Resolved that each UT System institution be required to solicit faculty participation through the faculty governance organization when selecting the targeted performance measure as reported in the Accountability and Performance Review.”

VI. Academic Standards and Student Records Committee Report

Mr. Welther provided the Senate with the following report from the Academic Standards and Student Records Committee.

• During its last meeting, the committee discussed the probation and suspension policy outlined in the UTB Undergraduate Catalog. Because many suspension appeals are apparently being granted and because many students that are on academic probation are showing that they are making “conditional” progress, the committee felt that a time constraint should be introduced to give students an incentive for improvement. Conditional progress allows students to continue their study; however, since they don’t need to perform at a GPA of 2.0 or higher to be considered making conditional progress, they may never be able to graduate if they are stuck at that progress level for a long time.

• The committee continued its discussion of the current ESL situation at UTB/TSC. In the Language Institute, efforts are underway to expand the course offerings by including advanced ESL classes. In addition, the Developmental Committee in the English Department has been meeting to include an ESL writing class below the two remedial writing classed currently being offered. Hopefully, these two curricular additions will improve the articulation rate between the Language Institute and the English Department and allow students to move into regular academic classes more smoothly.

VII. Partnership Committee Reports

A. Business Affairs Partnership Committee- Dr. Hymson reported that the Business Affairs Partnership Committee met and approved the juggling of several fund accounts.

B. Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Committee- Mr. Harris reported that the Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Committee met. He said the committee continues to look at indicators of effectiveness like graduation, student life, number of community members serving on UTB/TSC committees. Mr. Harris also said that the committee is looking at a fact book- one for internal use and one for external use. The book for external use would be aimed at different audience. Mr. Harris also said that TSC Board of Trustees Vice Chair Rosemary Breedlove and TSC Board of Trustees member Dolly Zimmerman were recently appointed to sit on this committee.

VIII. Election of Welfare Committee

Ms. Cantu asked the senators from the various colleges and schools to caucus and elect one member to represent that college or school on the Academic Senate Welfare Committee. The following senators were elected to the Welfare Committee:

A. College of Liberal Arts- Dr. Therese Gallegos

B. College of Science, Math, and Technology- Dr. Gerson Peltz

C. School of Business- Dr. Rafael Otero

D. School of Education- Dr. John Sutterby

E. School of Health Sciences- Mr. Joe Lacher

F. Professional Staff- Ms. Thelma Sullivan

XI. HOOP Policies

Five HOOP policies appeared on the agenda for the Senate’s consideration.

· HOOP 7.5.4-“Procedure for the Selection of an Academic Dean”- This was the first reading of HOOP 7.5.4- “Procedure for the Selection of an Academic Dean” before the Academic Senate. The purpose of this policy is to “establish the procedures for selecting academic deans.” There were several substantive changes made to the policy for the Senate’s consideration: under “B1a” the words, “college shall” and “from their department” were added and the words, “the faculty representatives in turn select one department chair from within the school” were deleted; “B1b” was added- it reads “the Department Chairs within the school/college shall elect one Department Chair from within the school/college”; “B1d” now reads, “In addition, the VPAA may appoint up to two additional members to serve on the committee as voting members”; under “B11, “B12” “B13’, the number five was deleted; and under “C” the words, “by the Vice President for Academic Affairs” was added.

After reviewing the policy, a discussion followed. Mr. Welther asked if we need a minimum number of recommendations. Mr. Benton wondered about the size of the committee and Dr. Hymson asked about the sentence that says, “in addition, the VPAA may appoint up to two additional members to serve as the committee as voting member.” There were also several editing changes: under “B1c” the words, “Texas Southmost College” and “Student Government Association” should be added and under “B1d” the word “college” should be added.

Dr. Hymson moved to approve the first reading of this policy. Mr. Welther seconded the motion. The motion carried. This policy will appear before the Senate for a second reading.

· HOOP 5.1.8- “Purpose and Responsibilities/Provost”- This was the first reading of HOOP 5.1.8- “Purpose and Responsibilities/Provost” before the Academic Senate. The purpose of this policy is to “generally describe the purpose and responsibilities of the office of Provost”.

Upon review of the policy, a discussion followed. Dr. Davis suggested that the policy reflect that the Provost should come from Vice President of Academic Affairs and not any vice president position. He said that the Office of the Provost is tied directly to Academic Affairs and the Provost should have a background in Academic Affairs. Mr. Harris pointed out that currently the Provost is also the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Ms. Larson said there is a problem with the wording in “B1”- it reads “when the President is unavailable or unable”. This seems incomplete- suggested change “”when the President is unavailable or unable to attend to the duties of the Office of the President”. Dr. Sutterby suggested that “B3 and B4” be changed to “will be responsible for developing, administrating, and coordinating…” Mr. Cortina suggested that “B3” be changed to “shall supervise, coordinate and develop” and “B4” be changed to ‘will supervise and submit…”

Dr. Hymson moved to approve the first reading of HOOP 5.1.8 with the suggested corrections. Ms. Phelps seconded the motion. The motion carried. This policy will appear before the Senate for a second read.

· HOOP Policies 5.2.11- “Graduate Committee” and 7.2.2- “Graduate Faculty” were distributed in the Senate for information only. They will appear before the Senate as a first read at a future date.

· Excerpt of Academic Senate Constitution 7.3.7- “Academic Senate Constitution Article VII, Section 1B Graduate Committee Membership”- This was the first reading of an excerpt of the Academic Senate Constitution 7.37.- “Academic Senate Constitution Article VII, Section 1B Graduate Committee Membership” before the Academic Senate. This was a request by the Graduate Committee to change what the Senate Constitution says about Graduate Committee membership. It is really an amendment to the Senate Constitution as Mr. Benton pointed out. Ms. Cantu then looked up the procedure for dealing with an amendment to the Senate Constitution- it says that the amendment must be discussed at least two times (at least two meetings) and requires a two-thirds vote. Dr. Lackey presented the revision. It reads as follows:

“Faculty members shall be selected from those qualified to teach graduate courses and shall be recommended by the graduate faculty of the School or College. The Executive Committee of the Academic Senate shall present nominees to the Academic Senate for confirmation or rejection. The Academic Senate shall approve or reject the nominees. Each college and school offering graduate programs shall be represented on the Graduate Committee. The Administrative membership shall include the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of Instructional Support, the Dean of Graduate Studies, and two other deans (one from a college in the arts and sciences and one from a professional school) as recommended by the Vice President for Academic Affairs”.

Italics and underline are revisions to the way the original excerpt was written.

Dr. Hymson moved to approve first reading of the revised excerpt of the Academic Senate Constitution7.3.7. Dr. Sutterby seconded the motion. A hand vote was taken- the result were 12 for, 0 against, and 0 abstentions. This will appear before the Senate for a second read.

X. New Business

There were four items of “New Business”.

• Mr. Welther reported that the Office of the Chancellor has some money for mini-grants to be used for collaboration with other universities. Each min-grant could be $500.00. Mr. Welther said he was asked to find out if the Senate wanted large sums of money and fewer grants or more grants and less money.

Dr. Hymson said that is not enough money to cover collaborations between UTB and other universities. It would hardly pay for the gas.

• Mr. Welther brought to the Senate a cartoon that appeared in the September 20, 2004 edition of the Collegian. This cartoon had to do with the smoking situation at UTB/TSC which is what Mr. Welther said he is concerned with. He said the rules on smoking are not being enforced. He said either take down the rules and allow smoking or enforce the smoking policy. Mr. Welther said that smoking is really bad outside the second floor of the South Building where there are air intake pipes. He said this brings smoke into the building and faculty offices. He said he must play police officers and ask smokers not to smoke there. Mr. Welther then made a motion that regulations pertaining to smoking on the UTB/TSC campus will be enforced by campus police. Dr. Hymson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

• Dr. Otero brought up an issue concerning personnel committees in the School of Business. He said that only tenured faculty members can serve on a personnel committee. He said that in the Accounting Department there is nobody from the department who can serve on the committee. Dr. Otero asked the Senate if it would consider allowing Dr. Joe Zavaletta who now serves as Director of Civic Engagement to serve on the committee even though he is not currently a faculty member. Dr. Otero said according to HOOP 7.4.2, Dr. Zavaletta is allowed to serve because he is considered a faculty member.

Mr. Benton said that this issue is not pertinent to the Senate. Mr. Harris said that it is appropriate for the Senate to decide whether or not the person being considered is a faculty member or an administrator. Mr. Phillips said that administrators who hold tenure in a department but not a direct administrative reporting line have served on personnel committees. Ms. Colllinsworth said they are asking for a waiver from the Senate to allow Dr. Zavaletta to serve on the committee. Mr. Benton said that Senate can’t grant a waiver. Dr. Stockton said that perhaps the department could consult with the dean, and the dean could consult the Provost. Dr. Otero said the dean is going through personnel action herself. Mr. Harris cautioned the Senate in endorsing this procedure. Ultimately, no action was taken by the Senate on this issue.

· Dr. Hollier said he was asked to bring up the issue that the gym is closed on weekends due to budget constraints. What can be done about it?

XI. Provost’s Report

Dr. Martin had seven items in his report.

· Dr. Martin reported that enrollment is 11,500, an increase of about 6 %. Dr. Martin thanked everyone involved in the enrollment effort.

· Dr. Martin that we are working with the Coordinating Board in new program development. Possible programs include a Master’s in Science and Math and Public Policy. He also said that the university has talked to the Coordinating Board about offering doctoral degrees.

· Dr. Martin reported that Industrial Technology has moved to ITEC. The official opening of ITEC is next week.

· Dr. Martin reported that the university has activities planned for Hispanic Heritage Month. Dr. Martin thanked Dr. Javier Martinez and Dr. Mari Fuentes-Martin for their work in planning the month’s events.

· Dr. Martin reported that the UTB Music Faculty will present a concert for Hispanic Heritage Month.

· Dr. Martin reported that the bond election is going forward. Mr. Martin thanked Ms. Cantu for serving as faculty chair.

· Dr. Martin said that voter registration is underway. Dr. Martin encouraged people to register and vote.

XII. Announcements

There were eight announcements.

· Ms. Cantu announced that the Grand Opening of the ITEC Campus is Thursday, September 30 at 5:30 p.m.

· Ms. Cantu announced that Campus Forums to provide information and answer questions about the bond proposal will be held in the Gorgas Board Room on the following dates: Thurs Sept. 30 12:30-1:30, Tues. Oct. 5 12:30-1:30, Mon. Oct. 18 5:30-6:30, Tues. Oct. 26 5:30- 6:30. and Thurs. Oct. 28 5:30-6:30. A light lunch will be served at the midday forums.

· Ms. Cantu announced that the last day to register to vote in the November 2 elections is October 4. There are several places on campus to register, including the library and the Info Shop in the Tandy lobby.

· Ms. Cantu announced that the next Academic Senate meeting is at 1 p.m. on October 22 in the SETB 3^rd Floor Conference Room.

· Ms. Cantu announced that Julie Larson will attend the fall meeting of the Texas Council of Faculty Senates. Tom Welther and Ethel Cantu will attend the fall Faculty Advisory Council meeting.

· Ms. Cantu announced that the Campus Compact of the UT System component institutions are available at http:// www. utsystem.edu/new/wag

· Dr. Ronnau announced that the Provost’s Council has proposed a Transportation Task Force to look at possible strategies to improve parking. He said that the task force will be composed of students, faculty, staff, campus police, and members of the Parking Committee. He said the task force will start its work in November and prepare a final report with recommendations in March, 2005. Anyone interested in serving on the task force should contact him.

· Mr. Harris announced that he and Dr. Mar invite anyone who is interested to participate in the annual Thanksgiving pilgrimage (no pun intended) to San Miguel de Allende. More information will be forthcoming.

VIII. Adjournment

The meeting stood adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Julie Ann Larson

Academic Senate Secretary