UNIVERSITY HOUSTON FACULTY SENATE MINUTES – April 15, 2009

President Wells called the April 15, 2009 Faculty Senate meeting to order in the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion of the M. D. Anderson Library at 12:15 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  [36]

MEMBERS ABSENT:  [17]

VISITORS: 

MINUTES:  The minutes for the March 25, 2009 Senate meeting were approved.

REPORT FROM AND DISCUSSION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM CHANCELLOR AND UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON PRESIDENT:  Renu Khator 

Dr. Khator stated that she was supposed to testify in Austin again today, but the legislature agreed to accept her original testimony so she could attend this Faculty Senate meeting and talk about the Strategic Action Group (SAG) initiatives.  She reported that UH is one of seven emerging research universities in Texas.  In June of 2008, the Board of Regents met in retreat and adopted six goals for the University of Houston, including:  National Competitiveness, Student Success, Community Advancement, Local, National and Worldwide Recognition; and Resource Competitiveness.  Each goal has a number of measures that track UH's advancement toward Top Tier.  These measures make up a Progress Card.  Dr. Khator's detailed presentation is on-line at http://www.uh.edu/fs/Dr_Khator_Presentation_041509.pdf.   

In response to questions, Dr. Khator said that (1) Dan Gardner and Libby Barlow were collecting the data for the report. (2) The SAG was drafting the plan and would make recommendations that will provide a blueprint for the Provost and Vice President for Research.  A lot depends on the resources.  (3) Any time line would have to be tied to resources.  (4) Any priority list that might be generated would have to be flexible.

REPORT FROM AND DISCUSSION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM SENIOR VICE CHANCELLOR AND UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PROVOST:  John Antel

The Provost said he wanted to update the Senate on:  (1) Tuition and Fees.  The committee met and last week held two public hearings that were well attended.  The agreement is to increase tuition on a sliding scale of 0 to 5% based on the funding provided by the legislature.  The Board of Regents will make the final decision.  (2) Student Success continues to be a priority. The ACE conference, at UH Downtown was a great success.  Dr. Antel added that the Board of Regents are aware of the faculty’s commitment to student success.  (3) UH has received an anonymous gift of $7 million for scholarships with a focus on undergraduates.  The administration is working with Development to create a matching fund.  (4) A national search has begun for a new Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management. UH wants someone experienced in best practices for student success.  (5)   

Three deans searches are currently underway including Pharmacy, which is hosting campus visits; Architecture; and CLASS, which just formed its committee.  (6) The Governor’s Higher Education Reform Initiatives have involved an extraordinary process:  Governor called a mandatory meeting of the Boards of Regents at which the seven breakthrough solutions were presented.  That has changed into these initiatives, which Dr. Antel and Dan Gardner have been trying to implement.  The Provost has been working with the Governor’s Office to determine how some of these items can be done.  For example, the original request wanted syllabuses posted prior to registration.  That would mean posting a syllabus in April for a class in the Fall.  However, the Governor’s Office has agreed to UH putting up a database with the past two or three years worth of syllabuses for each course, so students can get a general sense of what will be expected.  Another sensitive issue is awarding faculty bonuses based solely on student evaluations.  UH has a rigorous process for selecting Teaching Excellence Awards and the Governor’s staff person was amenable to assuring that students participate in awards selection process.

REPORT ON PARKING:  Emily Messa, Assistant Vice President For University Services

Ms. Messa said that Dr. Carlucci had asked her to report on the issue of parking on campus, which will be increasing for FY10 & FY11.  Ms. Messa stated that the Transportation & Parking Committee (TPAC) faced a daunting task in trying to resolve the University's parking needs.  Driving forces behind the change include (1) estimates that over the next decade, daily visits to the campus will increase 28%;  (2) new construction in the interior of the campus will eliminate lots; and (3) the Metro Light Rail Line that will take away roughly 1800 parking spaces, the equivalent of one-third of faculty/staff parking.  The solution is to reduce demand and increase supply. 

To help reduce demand, UH will be partnering with Metro to increase the use of mass transit and UH will consider adding a free vanpool service.  To increase supply, two garages are being built for a net gain of 1,900 spaces.  Parking is an Auxiliary Service; it has to raise its own budget.  Each parking garage costs around $18 million.  In looking at the budget, TPAC found that $8 million would be needed in 2010 and $9 million in 2011. 

In response to questions, Ms. Messa said that (1) UH is working to get stimulus package funding and federal funding.  (2) Parking at UH is still a bargain.  (3) There are economy lots.  (4) UH is working on increasing security in outlying lots and in the garages. (5) As retail outlets have to break even, it was decided not to add retail space to the new Eastside Garage. (6) TPAC is looking at ways to improve signage on campus.  (7) TPAC members need to improve their communication with constituents.  (8) TPAC recommendations are available on-line at http://www.uh.edu/af/docs/TPAC/TPAC_RecommendationFY10.pdf.

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ESTABLISHING A UH CHAPTER OF PHI BETA KAPPA

Sen. Clarke moved: 

Whereas, the honor society Phi Beta Kappa:

• Is one of the Nation's oldest and most widely known Academic Honor Societies,

• Celebrates and advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences,

• Is a resource for students seeking information about liberal arts and sciences,

• Facilitates interdisciplinary scholarly activities,

• Sponsors lectures, seminars and conversations that facilitate further the development of the liberally educated student,

• Provides social and cultural opportunities for the members.

Sen. Mazella seconded the motion and the Senate enthusiastically approved it by unanimous vote.

RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED HANDGUN LEGISLATION

Sen. McHenry introduced the resolution that was approved by a majority vote of the Faculty Affairs Committee on March 26, 2009 and the Executive Committee on April 1, 2009:

Whereas, Current law recognizes that the conditions at educational institutions, including universities, require a different balancing than in society at large with respect to weapons possession.  Section 46.03(a) of the Texas Penal Code currently makes it a third degree felony to carry a "firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05(a): (1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution, whether the school or educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution." The current statute (section 46.03(f) further states that it is not a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor possessed a handgun and was licensed to carry a concealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code.

Whereas, College campuses are often crowded places of considerable tension where diverse students, faculty and staff are placed together in high-stakes environment.

Whereas, Students from diverse backgrounds are placed together in often crowded dormitories where tensions over a variety of matters may manifest.

Whereas, Many on college campuses are young and, notwithstanding the technical ability to handle firearms or other dangerous weapons, may lack the emotional maturity and coping skills needed to use them responsibly. Students’  futures are affected or perceived to be affected by faculty practices.

Whereas, Many faculty have dealt with irate students; some have been assaulted by them. Serious disputes among faculty or faculty and staff are not unknown. The introduction of deadly weapons into those scenarios would heighten the risk of serious injury or death.

Whereas, Bringing weapons onto college campuses challenges the ability of educational institutions to be places of scholarly reflection. While there are, regrettably, far too many acts of violence already occurring on college campuses, and while these acts themselves can disrupt the ability of the community to reflect thoughtfully on issues of scientific and human interest, the situation is not presently so grave as to warrant further corruption of the ideal of a scholarly community. The Faculty Senate believes the open discussion amongst highly diverse students and faculty of contemporary issues of controversy such as abortion, affirmative action, evolution, or the Middle East would be placed gravely at risk if it were known that some in the conversation were lawfully carrying concealed weapons and that they might be under significant stress at the time.

Whereas, There are alternative measures that universities have and can take to reduce the risk of violence. Some of these measures such as warning sirens and electronic alerts diminish the risk of a Virginia Tech or Columbine situation recurring with similar severity.  Others involve creative use of patrol techniques such as placing police on bicycles or greater use of security cameras. Universities can, pursuant to existing laws, authorize persons with particular needs, such as researchers working late at night, to carry defensive weapons on campus.  And individuals can carry non-lethal weaponry such as tasers and mace to deter many attacks.  While these measures are imperfect, they pose far fewer risks to students, staff and faculty than the legalized introduction of handguns and other lethal weapons.

Whereas, The empirical evidence on which set of risks is greater is in its early stages and is of contested quality. Policies that may work well in some university communities may not work well in others.  It is the sense of the Faculty Senate, however, who must, after all live every day under the rules regarding weapons possession, that they are at this time likely to be safer under existing laws, coupled with vigorous law enforcement and other deterrence measures, than under laws that would enlarge the scope of lawful weapons possession on Texas college campuses.

Whereas, Bills are about to be filed that would alter the treatment of universities and allow individuals with permits to carry concealed handguns on campus.

Therefore be it resolved that the University of Houston Faculty Senate believes that the balancing of competing concerns weighs strongly against significant expansion of the ability to carry firearms and other weapons on to university campuses.

Discussion in favor of the resolution included:  (1) faculty need to make a reasoned decision about which system will be safer for them.  Faculty don't want to worry about a student having a gun when s/he is discussing sensitive topics.  (2) the Texas Council of Faculty Senates (TCoFS) adopted a similar resolution.  The vote was almost unanimous with one vote opposing due to concern for infringement of individual rights. (3) how does one tell who has a license to carry a gun? (4) allowing guns on campus is allowing guns in the dorms and that changes the environment.

Discussion opposing the resolution included:  this is not a terrible idea.  This law will affect people who get licenses, an overwhelming number of which are law abiding citizens.  Look at the low rate of licenses revoked.  There are studies that support the idea that where citizens may carry concealed weapons, crime rates declines.  The fears are overstated.

The Senate passed the resolution by a majority voice vote.

RESOLUTION ON HIGHER EDUCATION REFORMS INITITATIVE

The Higher Education Reforms Resolution was moved by Sen. Chin, who noted that the Faculty Senates at the other universities in UH System have passed similar motions.  A number of concerns have been raised about the initiatives which originated from a request that came from the Governor to the Board of Regents.  The Provost has been working with the Governor’s Office, but the faculty would like to form a Task Force to work on these matters with the Provost.  Dr. Antel spoke briefly, saying he would welcome the assistance of the faculty.  Discussion resulted in the Senate voting to table discussion of the resolution until its next meeting on May 13. 

PRESENTATION ON CALHOUN LOFTS:  Teeba Rose, Residential Life and Housing Marketing Manager

Mr. Rose showed a brief video on what Calhoun Lofts has to offer.  The lofts are intended for graduate and professional students with approximately 744 units with 984 beds.  There are furnished efficiencies ($830/month), one bedroom ($1,120/month) and two bedroom ($821/month) lofts.  The price includes a utility package.  Amenities include: a mini-market, a Barnes and Noble, a day spa and a dry cleaners.  On the 9^th floor there is a sky terrace with a view of downtown, the galleria and the medical center.  There will also be a movie theatre showcasing current movies.  There will be various programs made available such as salsa lessons, yoga and Pilates and Cooking 101.  The first 500 residents will receive free laundry service for a year.  Currently, the lofts are at 25% occupancy.  Each resident must sign a one year lease.  The official open date is August 2009.  More details are on-line at http://www.housing.uh.edu/calhounlofts/.

 
 The meeting adjourned at 1:54 p.m.