Minutes of the AAUP Executive Committee Meeting of December 10, 2008
Present: C. Smith (Chapter President), J. Calhoun, M. Crichton, E. Chudacoff, E. Chudacoff, K. Kearfott, R. Lomax, T. Moore, G. Poe, M. Thouless, J. Lee (State AAUP Director)
C. Smith called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m.
Agenda. The proposed agenda was adopted by unanimous consent.
Announcements: C. Smith announced that the 2008 Davis-Markert-Nickerson Lecture on December 4 was a major success with an overflow audience and significant positive feedback by attendees. As well, there was a large attendance of students. The Lecture will also be broadcast throughout the upcoming year, in addition to being on the AAUP website by the first of the year.
Minutes. The minutes of the November 26, 2008 meeting were adopted by unanimous consent.
Treasurer's Report. M. Crichton reported that the prior balance at the November 26, 2008 meeting was $1,377.52. Recent receipts in the checking account included $241.20 payroll deduction dues. No expenditures were incurred. The resulting current balance in the Chapter's checking account is $1,618.72. The Treasurer's Report was adopted by unanimous consent. A brief discussion followed regarding the initiation of a fundraising campaign by early February.
Active Cases. Currently there is one active case that needs additional follow-up prior to next steps being completed. C. Smith also provided an update on the current plans regarding the revision of the University's Grievance Procedures. He has been appointed to the committee overseeing the process, and Theodore J. St. Antoine will chair the committee.
Faculty Governance. G. Poe reported that the last SACUA meeting was focused on the Athletic Performance Committee. At question was whether there was a potential conflict of interest for members of the Committee attending bowl games with subsidy. Various motions were presented but not acted on, therefore the topic was tabled for additional discussion at the January meeting. J. Lee also reported that the recent AAUP request for health coverage codes for UM employees had been rejected. The intent was to obtain the codes for determining how the proposed benefit system will impact all employee levels in relation to the sliding scale proportional tax. However, it was determined that an appeal could potentially be made. C. Smith and J. Lee will obtain additional information from the President's office regarding what can be done to proceed in meeting the needs for all employees equitably. J. Lee also announced that there is a new national AAUP General Secretary, Gary Rhodes from Arizona.
Planning for the 2008-2009 Academic Year. C. Smith noted that planning for the annual meeting and the speakers for such will have to be initiated early next term.
No reports were submitted regarding either the State Conference or National Headquarters developments. The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith G. Calhoun
Chapter Secretary