Faculty Senate diversity committee report for March 18, 2011
x / Michihiro Ama / x / Gabe Garcia, Health Sciences / x / Natasa Masanovic, Languages, 1st Co-Chairx / Yong Cao, Business / x / Songho Ha, History / E / Susan Modlin, Nursing
x / Ping-Tung Chang, Math (Matsu) / x / Hiroko Harada,
Languages / x / Sudarsan Rangarajan, Languages
E / Robert Crosman, English / x / Helena Jermalovic, Nursing / x / Rena Spieker, College of Health and Social Welfare
x / Herminia Din, Art Education / x / Sun-il Kim,
Computer System Engineering / E / Mary Weiss, Nursing
(Bethel)
x / Patricia Fagan, Languages, 2nd Co-Chair and Secretary / E / Paul Landen,
Psychology
(Kenai)
--- / Nancy Furlow, Director of Alaska Native Studies / E / Sean Licka, Art History
Consultants and Representatives
x: Marva Watson, Director, Campus Diversity & Compliance Office
* x=Present *E=Excused *---=Not Present
I. Agenda for March 18, 2011: The entire meeting was dedicated to the Junior-Senior Faculty Mentorship Association Open House, held from 3:00-4:45 p.m. in ADMIN 148. The committee is able to report that the endeavor was a huge success. Prior to Spring Break, and with strong administrative support from the UAA Office of Campus Diversity and Compliance, printed and electronic invitations were sent to all new AY 2010-11 faculty members—ranks ranging from Full-Time Instructor to Assistant Professor—from all campuses, including main and extended. A total of 21 invited faculty members attended the open house who were hosted by fourteen FSDC members and an additional three tenured faculty members in support of the committee’s mentorship project. Highlights of the event are as follows:
ü Introduction to FSDC by Co-Chairs, Drs. Masanovic and Fagan—Mission, Goals, and Members.
ü Presentation of Guest Faculty Members in Attendance.
ü Welcome Speech from newly-appointed UAA Chancellor, Tom Case.
ü UAA Workload Overview by Union Representatives, Drs. Nelta Edwards (UNAC) and Trish Jenkins (UAFT): Standard Practice, Contract Legalities, Conflict Resolution Support, and Healthcare Benefits.
ü Informational Session regarding services offered through the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFÉ) by Dr. Lynn Koshiyama, Director.
ü Portfolio Sharing: Sample Tripartite and Bipartite Portfolio Binders made available.
ü Sabbatical Leave: Distribution of “Planning and Proposal Preparation Guide” drafted by FSDC member, Yong Cao.
ü Senior-Junior Faculty Pairing.
ü International Faculty Association Initiation Caucus.
ü General Question and Answer Forum. Inquiries regarding the following issues were received from guests in attendance:
o Identification of helpful UAA Website Pages for New Faculty Members.
o Publication criteria for Tripartite Faculty Members.
o Evaluation Review Time-line.
o Incorporation of Collegial Letters of Support in Retention Portfolio prior to Tenure Review.
o Selection and Participation on Community or Advisory Boards.
o Parameters for Volunteer Service and Required Documentation.
o Length and Scope of Self-Evaluation contained within Portfolio.
o Individual Faculty Response to Institutional Mission and Strategic Plans.
o Suggestions for Improvement in existing Research Infrastructure: Office of Sponsored Programs/Grants and Contracts.
It was decided that during the next FSDC meeting in April the members would review what transpired during the Open House and strategize plans to take the next step toward the permanent establishment of a faculty mentorship program, such as training, regular meeting schedule between paired mentors/mentees, and guidelines.
II. Final Meeting Scheduled for Spring Semester 2011
April 15
Respectfully submitted by Patricia Fagan
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