Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Faculty Senate Minutes (Draft)

Alabama A&M University

Faculty Senate

______

AAMU Faculty Senate Meeting – 17 April 2014

The Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Faculty Senate met on Thursday, April 17, 2014, in room 322 Carter/Chambers Hall. Faculty Senate President Jeanette Jones called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. with the establishment of a quorum. She also thanked members for adjusting their schedules during hectic activities for closing the semester, senior finals, etc.

Senators Present: Dr. Jeanette Jones; Dr. William Stone; Dr. Joshua Herring; Dr. Jacob Oluwoye; Dr. Maurice Dawson; Dr. Eric Ohene-Nyako; Dr. Emeka Dunu; Major Tina Hill-Miller; Ms. Esther Phillips-Ross; Dr. Mira Kruja; Ms. Marjorie Battle; Dr. Susan Brown; Dr. Thelma Townsend; Dr. Marius Schamshula; Dr. Kamala Bhat; Ms. Rhonda Lang; Dr. Jay R. Gangasani; Mr. Gerald Vines

Alternate Senator Present:

Dr. Toure Thompson

Reading of the Agenda

Motion: Approval of the agenda Vice President Dr. Joshua Herring

Action: Seconded: Dr. Mira Kruja; the agenda was approved. The motion was carried with majority vote.

Meditation: Vice President Joshua Herring: “Gratitude.” Although paying state and federal taxes can be burdensome, we are thankful that we have jobs and can earn enough to meet many of our needs.”

Reading of the Minutes

Tabled for the next meeting: Approval of the minutes was postponed

President’s Report/Updates

The Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Faculty Senate President Jeanette Jones provided brief updates concerning the AAMU Board of Trustees (BOT). (1) There were major turnovers/changes for the BOT. During the week of April 30-May 2, the list of new trustees would be sent. (2) The posthumous professor emeritus status for Dr. Mostafa Dokhanian was approved by the committee and submitted to Provost Wims for approval. (3) Senators could have seats at the Black Tie Gala because a table had been purchased to help raise money for scholarships. Tickets were $50.00. (4) Senate President Jones also reminded members of the naming ceremony for the Health and Wellness Center so that a representative number of Senators and Alternates could be present. (5) Promotion and Tenure letters have been sent.

Discussion

The discussion centered on the established of a three to five year academic rather than a year to year one.

Vice President Herring reported on faculty order for May graduation and the holding room number for rest before the ceremony.

A retreat was needed to discuss the mentoring and incentive plan with invitations to the provost and vice president of business and finance. A draft of this mentoring plan was developed by Senator Corine Williams.

The publication guidelines for tenure and promotion should be revisited.

Grades are due on Monday May 5, 2013.

A close-out luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Senator Major Tina Hill-Miller is leaving for Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Election of Officers

Senator Rhonda Lang, Chair, Nominating Committee 2014 gave a report with the list of candidates for AAMU Faculty Senate offices (2014-2015).

She reported that as of April 11th, the following candidates were nominated:

Dr. Jeanette Jones – President

Dr. Joshua Herring – Vice President

Dr. Thelma Townsend – Secretary

Ms. Esther Phillips-Ross – Assistant Secretary

There were no other reported nominations. The floor was opened for nominations.

Major Tina Hill-Miller moved to accept the report from Chairperson Lang. Dr. Susan Brown seconded. The report was accepted.

Dr. Susan Brown moved to accept the nominees by unanimous acclamation.

The motion was seconded by Vice President Dr. Joshua Herring.

The motion was passed by majority vote with no dissensions.

The officers for 2014-2015 are noted as follows: Dr. Jeanette Jones, President; Dr. Joshua Herring, Vice President; Dr. T. Townsend, Secretary; and Ms. Esther Phillips-Ross, Assistant Secretary.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 1:50 p.m.

Thelma Townsend, Ph.D., Faculty Senate Secretary, Recorder