President's Report

President Stacey Thompson gave her report on the following activities:

• August 15/16 Reading of Comptroller's Draft Report-This report was a collection of the findings of the Comptroller's review. Recommendations will accompany the final report in November. The report outlines numerous problems and underscores the strained relationship between the administration and the faculty. The report also acknowledged the lack of shared governance between Dr. Fonte and the faculty as well as between Dr. Fonte and the Board of Trustees.
• August 14 Administrative Services Council-Several Administrative Rules will be coming from this council that will have an important impact on the faculty. A committee from the Senate will help draft the rule on termination of full time faculty. The AR on Forms Management was passed contingent upon the approval of this body after a review from the Policy and Procedures Committee.
• Committee Assignments-These assignments have generally been filled according to faculty requests. Thanks to all who returned the request form. We might want to consider making these appointments in April '03 for the following year in order to get the committees and councils underway in a timely manner. Please remember that when appointed, you represent the Senate and need to report to us with items of concern.
• August 22 Announcement from Dr. Fonte-Dr. Fonte called the evening before the General Assembly to report on his decision to retire from ACC at the end of his contract in December of 2004.

The Senate discussed the following agenda items:

Committee Membership List

Faculty were generally accommodated in their committee service. A motion was made, seconded and passed that the listed individuals would be the Faculty Senate's representatives on the Senate Committees.

Datatel Issues

A Senator reported on difficulties which occurred this summer with grade reports. These problems must be addressed as faculty will be expected to turn in grade electronically this fall.

Master Syllabus/Course Documents

After a long discussion on the merits of such a document, the lack of a distinction between a syllabus and other course documents which govern class management, and the infringement of the instructor's academic freedom, the Senate passed the following resolution:

The faculty shall have the latitude, within the parameters set by their specific disciplines, to develop the structure and content of their courses. The department will determine the format and content of the syllabus.

Tax ReferendumThe Senate held a lengthy discussion of the idea of a tax referendum, which has been set for May 2003. Various positions were presented, and many points of view were exchanged. While we were in agreement that our students are our top priority, we are not taking a position on the tax referendum at this time.

We were adjourned. All of the Senators were present as well as other full time faculty members.