Statements of Faculty Council Members and Ex-Officios:

The Co-chair recognized the excellent representation of faculty members Jamie Kelsch, Sharon Kimble, and Doug Smyth on the College Council. Under the new governance structure, the College Council will be reformed.
The work of Ingrid Tucker as the Recorder for Faculty Council minutes was also noted and appreciation expressed. Ingrid has a new job that has made it impossible for her to continue in the capacity of Recorder.

Benedict Nmah asked that the Council set aside time at a future meeting to dialogue about the most important tasks facing the College and the Council in the immediate years.

Bert Pooth asked that all faculty members be invited to that dialogue. Time at the June 11, 2004 meeting of the Council will be devoted to that item.

Jim Salt reported on proposed release time for faculty members who serve on governance councils. What is likely to be adopted is one class (~.25 FTE) release time per term for Governance Council chairs, and one class (~.25 FTE) release time for Governance Council membership (not chairing) per year; with the exception that faculty members serving on the College Council would receive one class release time per term whether they serve as the chairperson or not. Release time for Faculty Council Co-chairs would be the same release time as chairs of Governance Councils.

David Leung reported the FRA received over 100 nominations for faculty recognition awards for spring term.

Report on the status of the electronic evaluation of instruction: Dave Shellabarger
The electronic collection method will continue at least through fall term for non-probationary faculty. Return rates increased from 11% for fall term to 28% for winter term. The returns have yet to be analyzed from a statistical standpoint for sampling error and reduction in sources of bias.
The Faculty Council will schedule a more extensive discussion concerning evaluation of instruction and collection methods during fall term.
Suggestions included adding more questions by individual faculty member, and getting feedback to instructors in a more timely manner by opening the electronic evaluation access to students in mid-term.

Summary Report on Strategic Planning Work 2003-2004: Ann McGrail
Ann provided a written report which she summarized.

3 to 4 Credit Conversion Impact on Lane Degrees: Mary Brau
Mary provided a handout with detailed analysis of impact of credit conversion on degree course and credit distributions. For the AAS degree a recommendation under review would retain 12 credits of distribution requirements but eliminate the requirement for an additional 3-credit class to realize the goal of 12 credits.
The DRRC (Degree Requirements Review Committee) will take up the above and additional recommendations for the AAS degree in the fall term. The DRRC will also need to review the statewide JBAC recommendations for modifications in the AAOT.
Mary also reported on the adoption of approval to accept 15 credits in the group distribution General Education requirements this spring term by the University of Oregon Faculty Senate for transfer students.

Progress Report on the Instructional Technology Strategic Planning Process: Ken Zimmerman
Ken reported that the committee is currently focused on IT planning in four areas:

Ken noted that a goal being discussed in the IT Planning Process is for Lane to see itself in the national leadership role of use of instructional technology.

Action Item: The By-law for procedures on selection of Faculty Council Members was formally adopted.

Action Item: Procedures on selection of Governance Council representatives by the Faculty Council
After discussion on the procedures for selection of Governance Council representatives of the Faculty Council, it was adopted that should there be a request to identify members for the governance councils before the end of spring term, Faculty Council members would be requested to serve as interim members through summer so that a thorough nomination and election process can be held early in fall term.

Discussion item: Input from faculty members who attend forums for the VP for OISS position.
Feedback, either on the rating forms provided at the forums or otherwise, will be viewed in the same light as reference checks by the Selection Committee. This is a means of providing involvement of concerned faculty and staff to the selection process while concurrently maintaining the integrity of the process.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:58 p.m.