13 April 2009

 Announcements

 I begin by thanking everyone who stepped up and helped the Elections Committee find enough nominees to provide the faculty with a competitive slate for the upcoming round of committee elections.  Sometimes—maybe even most times—serving on these committees seems like thankless work.  And perhaps in the past that has too often been the case.  One of the goals of the current senate leadership is to continue the process of reinvigorating these committees to make their work worthwhile and heeded.  To make both the Senate and these committees more than tokens of shared governance, the preponderance of our community must set aside cynicism. In doing so, we can move towards shaping a university and community to be proud of.

 The next Senate sponsored Open Forum is this coming Monday, April 20, at 3:00 p.m., in the Connecticut Dining Room of Memorial Hall.   President Miller will present information on the current status of the state’s financial picture and its impact on the University budget.  Provost Lovitt will discuss progress with the University’s plans to improve student advising and to promote student success. This is an important opportunity for the university community for jointly addressing issues and concerns on these two issues—as well as any others you might want to raise.

 I’m disappointed to announce that Guy Crundwell has resigned his position as Vice-President of the Senate.  Neil Glagovich’s Elections Committee update will include plans for electing Guy’s replacement.

 Finally, today’s meeting promises to be rather short.  Paul Karpuk is ill and has had to postpone his report until our next meeting.  Therefore, I want to take a few minutes, so you can provide me with some information for the Guide for Senators that I’m preparing.  We’re passing around index cards.  On them, please jot down two pieces of information: (1) Looking back, what do you wish you’d known about our Faculty Senate when you were first elected a senator? (2) What information should every senator know in order to serve their departments most effectively?